Well, I finally took the cover off today. I had pre-filled the pool to just at skimmer level, and it did actually make it easier to pull the cover off with minimal cover water spillage.

My pool was not as clear as I first thought. I have some green soup, but still able to see the bottom.

I didn't run a test yet as it was too dark, but I did pour in two and a half Wal-Mart bottles of 6% bleach. I let the pump run with it on high for a couple hours to mix it all in, and then I stuck the bug in the pool.

I'll let the bug vacuum up the bottom over night, and in the morning I'll backwash and add another jug of bleach and let the pump run on low all day.

Tomorrow evening when I get home I'll do a full test and see where it stands. I'll post pics of my water later to track my progress.

I didn't throw the thermometer in yet, but the water feels a bit cold for swimming. We'll see how it goes in the next few days once I get the chemicals right.