New to pool care and need help understanding

We purchased a used 15x30 lomart abg pool complete w/pump,filter,reel, and heater. We bought a new liner and a new bubble cover for the reel. It took all last summer to put it up due to not having all of the parts and no directions. I did get it filled just in time to close it up. So we have it up and we love it. When we had a little round 3 ft pool I could just do the hth test strips and test it and add what it told me too. I feel overwhelmed with this pool. We had concrete sand placed under the pool and there was still some around the pool that has blown into the pool. For the life of me I cannot get that sand out of there. The water is clear and I have a "Total Poolcare DPD Test Kit" and used it for the first time.
Questions:
How to get fine sand vacuumed out of pool, the sand tends to blow back in the pool from the filter and pump?
p.s. I did add 18 cups of ZeoFiber that was supposed to help hold onto the sand in the filter. Didn't work.
How to read test kit, does red mean Bright Red or kind of pink red?
If I read my test kit right then I have .5 to 0 free chlorine and same for total available chlorine. Water PH 7.8 and 200 Total Alkalinity. 20-10 CYA and Calcium Hardness 23-24.
I would really like to be able to print off what each of these mean and what I need to do to maintain a balanced pool.
What does PPM mean?
Ok so that is probably enough questions for now. Gotta love newbies. :)
Thanks Amy

Does your test kit not have color matching? What size is your pump and what size is your sand filter? Do you have a waste setting on your filter where you can bypass the filter and just vacuum straight out of the discharge line?

Who makes your testkit? Is it from Leslies?

My filter is actually a cartridge filter. Yes the test kit has color matching so I did just match the color.
Yes the test kit is from Leslies. I had already bought it when I found this website.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ahale30

My filter is actually a cartridge filter.
If sand is blowing back in the pool first make sure the cart is the correct one for your filter, if it is inspect it for any rips or tears or broken bands and if needed replace it. My guess is a damaged cart.


Yes the test kit has color matching so I did just match the color.
Yes the test kit is from Leslies. I had already bought it when I found this website.

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Is this the kit you have?
http://www.lesliespool.com/lesliespo...arge/81330.jpg

IF not please post the kit mumber on the box so we know exactly what you can test and how. IF it is you have a rebranded K-2005 and all you really need to do to have the same kit as the recommended K-2006 is add the Taylor K-1515 so you have the FAS-DPD chlorine test.
Taylor K-1515 FAS-DPD -- ~$19 delivered

http://goo.gl/FcAMR

This Taylor kit provides ONLY the FAS-DPD test method, and can be used to supplement a Taylor K-2005. It's usually sold by Amato.

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Yes that is the kit I have. I will get the Taylor kit. I will check the cartridge. I know that even when I vacuum with a hose and a bag instead of using the pump and filter the sand blows out of the bag. It doesn't blow out of holes or seams it just kind of melts out. You can see the dingy brown cloud when I vacuum over the really fine concrete sand. I have to Emphasize
"REALLY FINE" concrete sand. It seems like it is just so fine that nothing wants to catch it. I have to say I love having the pool but this sand is kicking my butt. :) I have cleaned the cartridge 3 - 4 times just to make sure that it isnt full of sand. The first time I cleaned the cartridge there was a ton of sand in the bottom of the tank. I had to scoop it out. But since that first time it just seems to send it back into the pool. You can see the light brown shoot back into the water.
Thank you for all of the help and future advice.
Amy

It's possible that your pump is overdriving your filter--what size pump do you have?

also--when you try vac'ing with a hose and bag, try putting a handful of cottonballs in the bag--sometimes that will help trap some of the smaller stuff.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ahale30

We purchased a used 15x30 lomart abg pool complete w/pump,filter,reel, and heater. It took all last summer to put it up due to not having all of the parts and no directions.

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I've heard this sort of thing, a LOT, this year. I'm pretty much to the point of telling folks that, if they need to ask, they should NOT get a used pool! I'm glad you finally got yours up, though.

Also -- go feel that sand. That is, swim down to it, and touch it. I'm guessing it may be blown in dust OR dead algae. In that case, to remove it, you'd need

• a skimmer (does your pool have one?)
• a manual vacuum set (links below) & probably
• an upgraded cartridge for your filter (I'll need EXACT model and make to help)

You can get this at Amazon, or something like it, locally:

Poolmaster 27514 Classic Full View Triangular Vinyl Liner Vacuum
Hydro Tools 8365 8- to 16-Foot Adjustable Fluted Premium Fluted Telescopic Pool Pole, White
Poolmaster 33430 Premium Vacuum Hose with Swivel Cuff, 30-Feet by 1-1/2-Inch