With the proper test kit, you can use Tri-Chlor tabs. I recommend testing FC and pH everyday and adjusting if needed. Even if you have a floater full of tabs, if your FC is low you can pour in bleach (just not on the floater!) If you have an OTO/Phenol kit you can use that instead daily.

Once a week, in adding to checking FC and pH, check CC, T/A, and CYA (stabilizer).

If your pool is masonry, check CH as well. If it is vinyl, check CH at the beginning of the season and if it's low, check again mid-season, but don't waste time before.
Don't bother with acid and base demand.

Tri-Chor is VERY acidic and add 6ppm of CYA for every 10 of FC. But if you follow my recommendation, you'll be able to switch to bleach as soon as the CYA gets as high as you like. And you'll know if the pH is low immediately and can add Borax or Washing Soda to bring it up.