Confused on when/where to modify mash/sparge water

This may be a dumb question but I've always been a bit confused about when and where I should be modifying my water chemistry. I think I have a pretty good handle on what additions do what and why but I am just a confused as to when to add things.

For my mash water adjustments would I add everything to the water as I heat it prior to mixing with the grain? Would you add say gypsum differently than epsom salt? For my spare water adjustments would I add everything during the boil or again to the water I'm heating for the actual sparge?

I usually throw the mash additions in with my crushed grain and mix prior to putting the grain in the tun -- I put my boil additions in the kettle prior to starting my boil.

I don't know how much (if any) difference it makes wether your add the salts in the MLT water prior to adding the grain, but i've heard it mixes better if added to the dry grain first -- maybe someone can confirm or debunk that.

Mash adjustments to the mash, the rest in the boil.

Bobby_M said:

Mash adjustments to the mash, the rest in the boil.

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Unless one fly-sparges and the water pH is high. Then I'd want to bring the pH down of the sparge water (with an acid) to reduce the risk of tannin extraction.