I took out the Zeobrite because my tube and laterals came out. I drew off the excess wter (it wouldn't drain out) and then unloaded the zeo by hand. I cleaned the feed tube and laterals and placed them back in the filter and refilled with the zeo. Before I did that, I put a five gallon solution of salt water. I used ice cream salt. Four pound box was a $1. I'll back wash the salt solution this evening. Then place the valve on waste and try to vac again. The solids have resettled to the bottom. If everything goes well, I'll shock again and start running the pump on filter.
By the way, thanks for all the input. I trust you guys more than the folks at the pool store. The guys at the pool store are OK but then again, everytime you go in, it's something different. year and my experience so far, I think I'm getting the hang of it.