Most people run their pump 8-10 hours per day. Only vaccuum when it is dirty. Regarding brushing the sides --- to be honest, I rarely do mine. As long as you maintain proper chlorine levels and don't let an algae bloom start, the sides shouldn't get slimy. But, since you have recently had an algae bloom, I'd probably brush the sides every few days until you get the water cleared up. I'll let someone else talk to you about cleaning your cartridge filter. (I assume that is what you have.)