Have you tested your cya or does your test kit have that test in it? If not, let a pool store test it for you. Just don't let them load up your car with unnecessary stuff, though!

Stabilizer can be purchased separately. We normally all use granular CYA but we are hearing about a liquid conditioner which has the advantage of not taking a week to dissolve like the granules do. Of course, the liquid is apparently about twice as expensive though. (BTW -- stabilizer, conditioner, cyanuric or isocyanuric acid are the same product.) Before you add any stabilizer, post your cya reading.
If it turns out that you do need stabilizer and if your ph is still high, you might want to consider using the trichlor tabs for a bit. They will add chlorine, add cya, lower your pH since they are quite acidic. UNLESS they have copper in them like some of the tabs do. If they do, do NOT use them. You do NOT want copper in your pool. (Copper is what turns hair green, by the way. Not high chlorine like most people think.) Post your cya reading when you get it and at that time, we'll help you decide what is the best way for you to add cya to your pool based on the current readings at that time.

Regarding the algae ---- you got it! Sustained high chlorine, runnng the pump 24/7 while trying to clear the water and brushing the pool. Do those things consistently and it will rid your pool of the algae. But, you must sustain the high chlorine reading. Don't let it yo-yo up and down. Try and test at least twice (and 3x is better) per day and each time, add enough bleach to get back to shock level. Again, we need to know that cya reading to know what the appropriate shock level is for your pool.

Finally, thank you for your well wishes. At this time, we *think* I am in remission after battling this for over 2 years now. I go back to MD Anderson Cancer Center in July for another appointment with my oncologist there and more PET/CT scans. I am praying that those scans still show all clear. I appreciate your kind words, Kelly.


EDIT -- I see that while I was typing Janet also posted for you.