Thankfully the "goo" is disapearing, today there was almost nil on the skimmer.

7pm statis
flushed filter, added a total of 9 cups (72 oz) of bleach, (3 at first, tested, then 6 more)
without any problems...have not had to add metal control.
CL: 12 (if I understood shot glass method correctly, 1+1=2, 1+2=3, etc. did I do it right, after mixing pool water w/distilled, poured into test kit thingy, then added 5 drops & checked color...)
Ph: 7.2

8pm - checked again, same test results CL: 12, Ph: 7.2

will check early am & post results. The water is looking very good!