Hi Mike;

Sorry about the budget issue -- I understand all too well. 2011 was the first Christmas in five years, where I haven't had worry too much about having to declare bankruptcy in February or March.

I agree, it appears that your filters are OK. However it's an unforunate fact that I'd have to either examine them personally OR have macro-photographs of the filter media to be sure.

That said, if you can dump DE in, do so. Let it run till the filter pressure rises 5 lbs and then clean the filter.

I'm checking with Chem_Geek and others about another possible explanation of what's going on with your pool. If I'm right, it primarily affects AG pool owners with sand filters. Again, if I'm correct, the solution might be a bit different than what you've been doing. But FIRST, you have to hold chlorine levels overnight, without significant loss.

SECOND, I'd need to know if you have a vac pole, vac head, and vac hose?