Bought my new cartriage filter today

[waste]

Just a thought on keeping the algae out of the cartridge.
I don't know your pump & filter set up, but is it possible to disconnect the piping from the pump to the filter and temporarily hook up a waste line to the effluent side of the pump? This could be a big headache, so I offer this- is there enough room to install a 3 way valve between pump and filter the 3rd port could be used to bypass the filter just like the 'waste' (no relation ) position on your old multiport. *
Should either of those not be feasible, you could remove the cartridge, put the filter back together, isolate 1 return (by valves if applicable or with the winterizing plugs put into any other returns) and screw in a 'Backwash fitting' (SP-1091-Z-7) attach backwash hose (vac hoses work best, but you'll be using yours to vacuum) run the end of the hose wherever you want the slime to go and start vacuuming

* If you do this DO NOT USE a Hayward SP 733 valve, they are notorious for leaking and I believe that they are being discontinued so the replacement parts you'll need almost yearly will be unavailable (use something like the ones Jandy makes). Also, put a 1 1/2" female adaptor right out of the valve, you can screw the backwash adaptor into it (or a treaded plug, if the valve ever fails)

Dave, I see that algae all the time, water is crystal clear but the bottom is covered with a nice layer of green it cleans up quickly with a leathal dose of bleach, though a good brushing just after adding the cl eases the process.

[brent.roberts]

I would strongly recommend that you physically remove everything possible before turning on the pump or adding chemicals. Fish everything possible out with a net. If you start pouring in chlorine now you'll waste a huge percentage of it just bleaching out leaves and sticks. Go slow and steady so as not to stir up the algae so you can see your progress.

When you do start to filter, take the advice above and watch your pressure like a hawk. The life of the cartridge will depend on how you manage the pressure. If the pressure builds up high the debris will get impacted deaper into the media of the filter and get harder and harder to wash out. When it gets really plugged, it's new filter expense time. For normal use a skimmer sock will help keep debris from getting to the filter in the first place, but that's no help when vacuuming.

You might also take a look at the "leaf eater" attachment from Rainbow. You can get it from the host of this site at
http://www.poolsolutions.com/cart/clean.php It's only $30. and will pick up lots of junk without even running you pump. You might find it elsewhere but Rainbow products are sometimes hard to find.

Good luck.