Test alkalinity first, then pH, then chlorine.

Yes. Alkalinity buffering comes before chlorine because chlorine doesn’t work well in unbalanced water, and adjusting alkalinity will change pH anyway. Skipping this step means you’ll chase numbers all week.

Use a test kit (drops are more accurate than strips) to get your current alkalinity. Ideal range is 80–120 ppm. If it’s low, add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) — about 1.5 lbs per 10,000 gallons raises it by 10 ppm. If it’s high, add muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate. Wait 6 hours between adjustments, retest, then dial in pH (7.2–7.6). Only then is it worth adding chlorine.

Doing it in order saves you time and chemistry. Your pool will thank you.