re: Homebrewing: Supplies/ Starter Kits

Yes adding the wort to the cold water will cool it down very fast. This is not an option in AG brewing which is why you have to have a chiller to cool it down.

Its sometimes a good idea to add to the cold water AND place it in an ice bath or add the pot to the ice bath before adding to the water. You want the wort to cool down as fast as possible.