Intex 18 x 48 Pool-Getting started!

Well, I did what other Intex users have probably done before and purchased and set up the pool, and now am worrying about how to maintain it! Totally clueless here and looking for some guidance. I first went to Walmart and picked up the HTH 6-Way test kit, plus HTH Liquid Chlorinator, HTH Super 3' Chlorinated Tablets and Floater, and HTH Super Shock n' Swim.

After the pool was filled I shocked with half the Liquid Chlorinator and turned on the pump. Two days ago I placed one of the 3' tablets in the floater after my Total Chorine was at 3ppm. After putting in the floater, a strong storm, and swimmers, my chlorine level is not staying consistent. Last reading this morning was TC .5 ppm, TA 60 and PH 7.2. So after taking that reading I put in half the Shock n' Swim. Water is crystal clear and doing well, I just want to stay on top of the chlorine issue, and after reading the Super-simple pool chemistry recipe I wish I would have started there!

So my question is where do I go from here to maintain the chlorine level in my pool? I'm thinking about ditching all the chemicals I purchased, buying the Dichlor through Amazon and updated Taylor kit, plus Borax. In the meantime, do I continue to add chlorine only at night? How much do I add until my Dichlor arrives for a 6500 gallon pool? And, once I get my Dichlor for how many nights should I add the Dichlor /Borax combo following the dosage listed? I don't want to overstabilize the pool.

Thanks!
Tracy