Quote Originally Posted by smallpooldad
Two thoughts.

Could it be that the type of sand is not correct for pool filters, that is why the pressure readings are so odd? The other thoughts on the filter are also strong possibilities, such as too much algae, broken laterals, etc.

Would it not be easier to just drain the pool and start from scratch?
I say stay with it! Our whole city's rooting for you Pam! It was on the news last night!
OK, not really but I'm with staying with it. What you're learning now would not happen if you just dumped it and refilled. You'll keep this experience in your head and in the not so distant future it'll be there for you, instead of having to extract it from this forum.

My US$0.02: Fix the filter. There's definitiely something wrong, but mine's a DE so I have no specifiic advice. Just fix that first.

Then, forget the Clorine until you are positive what your pH and Alk. numbers are. As has been said, high Cl will distort pH. Forget it. Let it go. Fix your pH/Alk.

Then shockshockshock (and CYA too).

C.