Just filled up my pool and wondering what to test first?

I have an Intex AG pool with a SWCG. It is Round 18ft x 4ft. I live in Colorado so we drained it for winter. Just refilled it Sunday and this is our 2nd year with the SWCG and we have questions related to testing and pool start up.

Is there a specific order in which to test the water? Such as do we test pH 1st or TA 1st? We have not added anything to the water yet. Last year we had issues keeping the chlorine levels up. I think we figured out that was due to low pH levels but not totally sure. Just wondering where to begin this year???

We have never talked to any "pool specialists" but I would prefer to use as few chemicals as possible.

What kind of test kit do you have? You need to get some chlorine in there pretty quick. It is amazing how fast a freshly filled pool can turn green!

Read the Super Simple Recipe guide: http://pool9.net/ssr/ . It covers a lot of what you need to know and do right away.

. . . membership updated.

We use hth brand 6-way test kit

PLEASE HELP!! I have my latest test results and already getting frustrated. My pool is green. I have an Intex SWCG and I do not know if adding bleach to get my chlorine up is safe for the generator. Pool is 18ft x 4ft. AG
Using hth brand 6-way drops
Chlorine 2.4
pH 8.6
Alkalinity 140
Hardness 70

Using bleach will not hurt your SWCG. Many people use it.

Are you going to get some dichlor and use the Start-up Recipe that PoolDoc linked above? That would be the best way for you to get your pool chemistry going. Let us know as it will influence the advice we give to you.

Your pH is way too high. You can use some muriatic acid to lower it. Please read the info at this link:> http://pool9.net/muriatic/