Thanks for the advice, DE is in, pool is up to shock level and filter is running, now I just have to wait. As for the skimmer sock, I learned a trick from this forum to use womens nylon stockings - which I have been, and I too am suprised from all the stuff it catches pre-filter, my wife is also suprised on her diminishing nylon drawer - I did not know there were "good ones". I'm learning more than I thought.