I kinda figured out the Bulb thingie after I posted. (sight glass). I was thinking that when it's on filter it didn't matter. I guess just the gauge not working had me puzzled about that too. But hey, the somewhat good news.

I mean this pool was SOOOOOO green! Pondscum green. I loaded it with 10 bags of shock today and ran the filter, backwashing every hour or so. It's already starting to clear up some. Earlier I couldn't see the 2nd step going into the pool, now I can faintly make out the 3rd.

I've gotta go read some on the killing algae part of the forum to figure out exactly what I need to do to get it good and clear. Any tips? What do you guys do at the first of the year when it's really rreally bad?