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.