Happy to say that in just over a month my water is finally "resembling" clear pool water. I backwashed yesterday and a lot of dingy water came out so I'm pretty sure the DE is what is doing the trick now. I added more DE back (about 2 cups) Thanks again and I bet by tomorrow or the next day I'll have sparkling water again.
Would you recommend a good winter cover for an area with lots of leaves and wind so this never happens again.
Thank you all again!
Anyone reading this thread do what they say! It works! Be patient and throw away the aqua chem shock.