Alison,

I'd really, really encourage you to abandon the idea of an "ideal" or "perfect" order of things. We've found that, when people pursue pool perfection they almost always end with over-testing or over-treating their pools. What you want is 'good enough', not perfect.

The whole idea of a "perfect way to operate your pool" assumes that we know far more about pools and water chemistry then we actually do! If your water is clear and comfortable, and not damaging your pool, or costing too much time or money . . . that's optimal!