So far it looks like you're doing everything right, just need to add a dose of POPP (pool owner patience and persistence! ) Don't worry about alk at this point, just keep those chlorine levels up, and keep in mind that the more consistently you can hold a shock level, the faster it will clear. Also keep in mind that it didn't get this way overnight, and the solution will work--but it's not overnight either. so...hang in there, keep the chlorine up, and keep us posted on how it's going!