To answer a couple more of your questions:

Yes, you can add bleach slowly into the skimmer (while the pump is running, of course,) or slowly pour it in front of a return jet (again while the pump is running).

And, also yes to running your cya on the low end knowing that you will need to use some triclor pucks while you are away. Just keep a close eye on the cya so it doesn't build up to levels higher than you want.

Welcome to the forum!