Unfortunately, your swamp was just too much to turn around in a few days. I will say you have helped me by being another data point that will help me have a better idea when to tell a new person, "look the SLAM could work in time, but you know what, in this exact situation, you may have better odds having a pool for your party if you do a siphon vac/sub pump/trash pump and throw away your bottom 12-48 inches of water and refill, then SLAM as diligently as humanly possible - every hour counts, so wither SLAM asap or drain asap then slam - either way, no one in the world can guarantee this will be enough time to guarantee a sanitary pool, too many variables."
I hope the silver lining is that you see the value in maintaining the correct FC for your current CYA and preventing green from every troubling you again and having to use the pool store magic potions - even the ones that seemed very helpful in the past - if their expenses and risks can be avoided now, why not right? The pictures prove you're on the right track, no doubt at all. You might want to print them and show your guests how the water is improving everyday, and you are assured victory, and it will be crystal for the next party! In the mean time - I wish you the best in your party prep, delicious food, good conversation, and good times.
Kudos for getting the pool not losing much FC in 4 hours, that's a major improvement! You'll see the color improve faster and faster!
