Thanks for the info. I do have vinyl and have added the 2.5 pounds the box said to increase the ph. I will add even more. I can not bypass the pump, unless I disconnect it and find buy the fittings and tubing to replace it. It may be worth tracking that down.

I am concerned about adding more bleach without circulation. Will it do anything? Assuming it is OK to add bleach without the pump circulating, my plan is this

1. re-test
2. add more ph+
3. add more bleach
4. let it work for a day b/c I hope it will be enough to see the bottom again!
5. vacuum to waste
6. take apart filter and soak fingers
7. add DE and start filtering again

If it is not clear, I will be doing steps 1-4 with added step of refilling from hose until it is clear enough that I want to take the filter apart. I'm only doing that ONCE. It has been pouring around here (5+ inches so far) and is supposed to continue for a few days, so vacuuming to waste is not quite a pain as it could be, since I don't have to re-fill.

I see the small 0-ring through the bump handle, so I'll replace that while I have the thing apart. Thanks for the advice.

- betty