I have maintained 4 pools with out giving much regard to regular testing, only addressing problems as they arose, so I am very interested in learning the chemistry and tests and testing often.
Pools are a lot easier, if you stay ahead of them. But once you get the hang of things, you won't need to -- and shouldn't -- test anything but chlorine daily. Over-testing leads to over-correction which leads to pool yo-yo.

We want you to have a kit that's accurate ENOUGH, not the most accurate, because the most accurate is expensive, slow, and subject to operator error.

We don't want you to do as little as possible on your pool, but we want you to do as little as possible AND still keep a well-maintained pool.


So . . .

1. Go get another kit like the Rainbow, to use today and as a back up. They're cheap, and OTO is reliable, if not super accurate.
2. Order the K2006 (2 sizes -- get the big one if your budget is not tight). You can use the Amazon link in my signature. Do NOT get the K2005
3. Don't wait on the SWCG fix. An SWCG is just a METHOD of adding chlorine; you can chlorinate now, with household bleach. Post your gallons, or dimensions, and someone will tell you how much.

You're in Louisiana, where your pool can get slimed even in winter, so you want to go ahead and get started. It's easier to clean up when it's colder, than when it's hot.