Update: After the algae was conquered, the pool took a long time to clear (even with vacuuming to waste). Putting some DE in the skimmer last weekend really helped (a tip I found on this site). I am happy to report that almost 2 months to the day after I bought the house and inherited this pool, I can finally see the drain. The pool store is closing my pool on Monday. I am looking forward to eventually doing that myself, along with doing the opening. But, I want to see it done first (I learn better that way). Thanks for your help.