The first question will be what kind of filter are you using? Cartridge? D.E.? Sand?

Cartridge

You may need to clean your filter. We do ours every three weeks.

Also, we were told to run the pump 7-8 hours a day. It takes 3.5 hrs to turn the water over once (21,000 gallons) so that the water gets filtered twice.

Thanks Florida gal. I'll check the filter, even though the pool guy told me to clean it every couple of months. Since it's new I'm sure there's a lot more dirt in there then normal. I ran the filter pump 24 hours trying to see if it would clear up, but it didn't.

Has anyone used a clarifier? Maybe that would help get the finest pieces of dirt the filter isn't catching.

I believe that these are small bubbles that are artifacts from the chlorine conversion process. Found that out on another board where the chemical discussion got... deep.

Not a problem, and they're not going away.

Well thanks to Florida gal's advice, I cracked open the filter tank for the first time. Yikes! The four filters were filthy! The filters were covered with dirt, pebbles from the pebble tech, dog hair, swim trunks...well ok, I exagerated a little on that last one. The pool guy told be I'd only clean them every 2 to 3 months, but it's only been about 6 weeks. I should have assumed (and I'd expect the PB would know too) that there'd be extra dirt and stuff because the pool is new. I'll be checking those more frequently.

Anyway, I'm going to let it run 7 to 8 hours and see if it clears up. I'm still interested in trying a clarifier. I read somewhere that Sea Klear PRS is really good. Has anyone tried that product, or something similar?

The clarifiers can be great -- they get all of the "stuff" floating in the water to bind together and fall to the floor, where it can be cleaned by your automatic cleaner (or by you brushing the pool). BUT, some clarifiers can also coat the cartridges so they won't filter as effectively afterwards. So, if you do use a clarifier, clean your cartridges afterwards, and follow the full instructions to soak it for 24 hours, etc. Don't just hose off the cartridges.

Florida_Gal, Do you have a 2HP pump and 2" plumbing? How far is the equipment from the pool? How many returns?

Seems like a fast turnover time.

Joe - Our PB cleaned the filter after one week when they turned the pool over to us and did pool school! I 'm surprised they didn't tell you to clean it after the construction (although, I've learned you never know with these PB's!). They told us to clean it monthly, a pool store told us every two weeks (which is a lot of work ) so we compromised with every three weeks.
You have 4 filters?! Thats a lot of cleaning!!

Poolguynj - yes, its 2hp and 2" pipe. I thought they said 3.5 hour turnover, I may be mistaken. Does that seem too quick?

Here is a recent photo with the landscaping gone crazy...

After our pebble tec we cleaned the filter twice a week for a few weeks, now its every 2-3 weeks. Yikes, I cant imagine why they told you 2-3 months. I would clean it again after you run it for a few days or week.

Thanks to everyone for your advice!

Lindsey - When I soak the cartridges, is there a cleaner, or some solution, that I am suppose to soak them in? Also, what do you use to soak them in? The filters are about 3 ft. long.

Florida gal - For all I know the PB may have told me to clean the filters sooner. My head was spinning when he gave me the "Pool 101" class. I'm glad I checked here. This site has been a great source of advice.
Yes, there are 4 cartridges inside the filter tank. I was actually suprised myself. I was expecting to see one large filter or something (remember, I'm a first time pool owner).
By the way, your pool looks awesome! I love the landscaping. This is the look I am going for around our pool. We haven't started planting yet, but we want a tropical look. When I figure out how, I will post some pictures.

gk - I think you are right, I should probably try cleaning it again after a few days. I imagine there's still a lot of junk in the water that still needs to be filtered. Again, I thought they said every 3 months, but I may have misunderstood (wouldn't be the first time!). They may have said every 3 weeks. The PB did a great job and seemed to know his stuff.

Thanks again to everyone for your help.