If you've read through the sites, you know how we feel about "guess strips", and the fact that you say your CYA fluctuates from 30-100 is just more proof--test strips simply aren't reliable! Do yourself a favor and get a good, drop-based test kit and learn to use it. That's the only way you're going to be able to get accurate, reilable test results to treat the pool with. And if you're using trichlor tabs, it is critical for you to know your CYA level, because that's what your chlorine levels are based on--and if your chlorine levels are too low, you'll spend all your time and money fighting algae!!

One more thing--take a look at the ingredient list on those tabs you bought from WalMart--if they contain copper, then it won't be long before you start having problems with staining blonde/dyed/gray hair and fingernails green--as well as pool surfaces. When people complain about green hair and nails, and when the pool surface starts to be stained green, the culprit is the copper--not the chlorine, as some people mistakenly think. If your tabs contain copper, I wouldn't use them in my pool!

Oh--and get yourself a good test kit--did I say that already? We highly recommend the K-2006 in the link below in my sig--but wait until Amato Industries is the seller, because they have the best price so far.....