The reason we don't tell you "how long?" is really simple: we don't know!

Our metal removal process is rather imperfect. In fact the ONLY thing I like about it, is that it's apparently better than anything else you'll find. Unfortunately, being the "best available method" does NOT mean it's a good method!

Let me tell you what my concerns are, and then I'll tell you what I recommend:

1. You've added a bunch of chemicals that are incompatible with chlorine -- and I have no idea what's still floating around IN your pool.

2. If you simply raise chlorine levels, you may make a big stained mess.

3. But if you do NOT raise chlorine levels, you may start a giant swamp, filled with algae and slime.

4. Without knowing WHERE your metals (iron?) came from, I don't know what you really should be doing.

SO . . . my priority right now is to help you prevent things from getting WORSE. After that's done, THEN I can look at help you make them better.

+ Keep your pH low -- 7.0 - 7.2. That will reduce the chance of additional staining.

+ Do not add any alkalinity increaser, pH reducer, or calcium hypochlorite shock.

+ Try to find some polyquat algaecide locally; order more from Amazon if it's cheaper. Don't worry about getting too much; it keeps indefinitely, and is very helpful when you go on vacation. See http://pool9.net/polyquat/. As soon as possible, add an algae dose. On your pool, that should be about 1/2 of a quart bottle. Add 1/4 bottle follow up doses every 2 - 3 days.

+ Do not use any other clarifier or floc: polyquat is a very effective filter aid, as well as a moderately effective algaecide.

+ Chlorine pucks in the skimmer are a GOOD idea. Not only does it allow to continuously add small amounts of chlorine, the high chlorine at the filter will held 'stain the dirt' on the filter . . . so you can clean it off and wash it away.

+ Read the cartridge cleaning sticky: http://pool9.net/cartridge/ And if your cartridge is in shaky condition, get a new OEM, Filbur, or Unicel cartridge. If you'll send me your EXACT filter make / model, I'll try to help you find one.

+ If you KNOW where the iron came from, tell us. Otherwise, if the pool is filled with the same water as you use in your house, (a) check the INSIDE of a toilet tank and tell us what it looks like AND, (b) do the metals bucket test on the house water => http://pool9.net/bucket-metal/

+ If you haven't already, order a K2006 kit. Managing metals is hard enough, even when you have accurate test results. http://pool9.net/tk/

Good luck!