Vacuum is belly up?

First of all--a thousand thank yous for this site! We just bought a home in AZ with a pool after moving from out of state and I am totally clueless about what to do. We have a Hayward vacuum, which has been rebuilt by the pool store, but every time we try to use it, the little guy flips over on his back like a helpless turtle. In the meantime, we are vacuuming by hand...not a lot of fun. Not sure what info you need. It is a kidney shaped play pool, approx 16 x 32, about 4' at each end and 6' in the center. Pebble tech? At least that's what the realtor said. Before we moved in apparently the bank had someone taking care of it, but we are on our own now. After a bad dust storm it was icky, so I took a sample into to the pool store and he recommended super shocking it. The guy said there was tons of stabilizer and chlorine was not even registering. It still sparkles and smells ok...they have been very nice to us at the store as newbies. Any recommendations would be helpful.

We can help with the chemistry. No problem. Helping with the vac may be another issue. Maybe someone else may have the same type you have and can offer a suggestion that might help you.

Regarding chemistry ----

You really need a good drops-based test. The test kit that we think is by far the best is the Taylor K2006 or 2006C (better buy). Not available locally but you can get it through this link that takes you to Amazon: http://pool9.net/tk/

But, in the meantime, go to Walmart and see if they have the HTH 6-Way drops-based kit (no test strips!) and get that. If they don't, get an OTO/Phenol Red kit (yellow and red drops) instead. Use it to test and then post your numbers. Also while you are at WallyWorld, get several jugs of their generic 8.25% bleach, a gallon of distilled water and couple of boxes of 20 Mule Team Borax (laundry aisle).

Also, tell us exactly what all you have added to the pool meaning ingredients and not just product names like 'shock.'

Though we typically don't trust pool store testing, give us the numbers they gave you. Do you know how they did their testing?

Repost with requested info and then someone here can try and help you.

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