some folks on this forum have never changed out their sand...and i firmly agree with them...Years ago (and before finding this forum) I was changing out 100 lbs of sand twice a season !!! (based on the pool store's reccomendation)...needless to say, those days are long gone....

My water as well, is just shy of crystal....i wrapped one of the wife's panty hose around the skimmer insert....That has always helped me in the past....