Hi, just getting started--cloudy pool

[PoolDoc]

As Dave noted, your pool store has just demonstrated the common pattern of selling you stuff you didn't need (baking soda) and having you use it to screw up your pool even more. This is VERY, VERY common.

Since you've put in floc and massively overdosed on bicarb, your best bet may be to turn your pump off for 36 hours, and see if the cloud will settle. (That's what flocs do . . . when they work.)

[RobynUofA]

Well, I have decided just to wait and see. I am testing my water every day, and not adding anything unless MY test results SAY the pool needs this or that--and then intentionally under-adding X or Y until I get balances correct. I can't vacuum or backwash either, since I need a new valve assembly on my Pentair filter. Apparently, I was supposed to turn the valve handle clockwise only (sorry, did not know that, pardon my ignorance).

It seems that the haziness/cloudiness will clear up. I just have to be patient; that is not my forte.

Anyway, I found a valve assembly on Amazon, and I think I can DIY.

Now to convince my husband that we don't need to go by the pool store for stuff.

Thanks for your advice and encouragement!

[PoolDoc]

You really ought to try to let the floc settle, with no circulation.

Most flocs are DESIGNED to work that way; running them through the filter can 'break' the flocced agglomerations, and cause them to work in reverse . . . KEEPING the goo in the water. I hope you haven't already gotten to that point.