Hey, no worries, and we are glad to have you with us. Thanks for the kind words about the forum. It's going to be an eye opener, and a new way for you now. You really will be amazed how easy it becomes. There won't be any more guessing, or wondering if the pool is going to be ok. Never too late, and seeing people get some knowledge and control of their pool is what keeps us coming back. There really isn't any mystery to pool care, and I love helping people find that out for themselves. If we can help her through this when you can't be there, she's welcome to come on, and we'll walk her through if she needs it.
On the filter, not sure. That had to come from somewhere, but Algae won't grow inside it. See if it happens again, but no worries about it for now.