Yup, that's the pool store I use. I didn't name the name because I thought I read a rule against that on the TOS when I signed up. I'll pick up some of those test strips, but I already added about 20lb of salt. Even if the store's salt reading is accurate and mine is not, I don't expect 20lb will raise it above the max level the chlorinator says is OK.

As for the board replacement, I did it myself. I don't really know anything about pools, but I do have a degree in electronics. I'm confident I installed it correctly, but I suppose it's possible it could be defective.

I need to find some kind of wooden or plastic device to try and scrape the cell as the manual suggests, I just don't have anything non metallic that can get in there, so I've just been using a hose with a jet nozzle, and the acid dip for a few minutes. Also, a few inches of the cell didn't get dipped because the manual warns not to get the part where the cord connects into the acid wash.

How long should I expect it to take before I start seeing the reading increase some after adding salt? I do have the generator switched "off" but I assume having it plugged in will allow it to refresh the reading?