Hi Joe and welcome to the Pool Forum.
I think you and your girlfriend have to compromise on this one. Scoop out as much debris as you can and then let the pump/filter do the rest of the work.
Do you have a good test kit? If not, you need one. Click on the Amazon link in my signature to see the one we recommend. The Taylor K-2006 or 2006C (same kit with 2-oz. vs. 0.75 oz bottles). If the seller listed is not Amato Industries. wait a day or so until they restock before ordering. With major algae like you describe, you'll have to run high chlorine levels which other kits won't be able to read. Order one ASAP (like today) if at all possible.
Also, go to Walmart and stock up on plain, household bleach. Load up your buggy and ignore the funny looks you'll get from other people. If they ask, tell them you have really dirty clothes!
While you are there, also pick up a couple boxes of 20 Mule Team Borax (laundry aisle) and also a cheap OTO/Phenol Red kit (yellow and red drops.)
Scoop out as much debris as is possible. Then, fill the pool up and hook up the equipment and start it up. Use the OTO kit and test pH for now. Post the reading.
Tell us the volume of the pool and we'll suggest an amount of bleach to add to the pool. Also, tell us what kind of filter you have.
We'll help you get this pool going!
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