You just been given GREAT advice by two very seasoned members of TFP. But let me make a counter-point which in no way diminishes their expert advice but speaks to the core of your pool problems.
The TFPC Method of pool care is not about "dumping X amount of stuff in the pool" and praying for a good outcome. It is a scientifically based methodology of only adding to your pool water exactly what it needs and using the most cost-effective and reliable chemicals you can to achieve that end. It starts with owning one of the
preferred test kits and learning to test your water yourself. The folks here that founded TFP believe that this community of users can provide you with all of the information and support you need to have the best looking and cleanest pool possible with the least amount of trouble.
The "Dump & Pray" methodology is what the pool stores and pool industry sells. It's based not on your needs and making your pool easy to to take care of but instead is based on selling you the most expensive chemicals possible regardless of whether or not they will work or even if they are suited to the problems you are experiencing. As long you as you hand them cash and they hand you a bottle of magic potion, they are happy to have you keep coming back for more without any accountability on their part in terms of actually fixing your problems. In short, they don't give a rat's behind about you, your pool or the cleanliness and health of the water you swim in.
So my suggestion to you is to forget about your pool for now (I know, others want you to clean it up). Instead of spending time trying to clean up a pool you probably won't use until the Spring, I would suggest you spend that time here on TFP reading all of the articles in
Pool School and perusing
the various threads, particularly the ones that deal with folks trying to clean up their green swamps (for example
here,
here and
here). Doing that will give you insight into what we teach here and will determine if you are willing to leave behind the bad advice you get at the pool stores and start along the path of taking control of your own pool.
Best wishes to you,
Matt
