Thanks to all for the good advice!
I tried creating a diagram of my pump and filter but found my drawing skills to be just a notch or two behind my pool maintenance skills so I just uploaded a regular photo of my setup to
My biggest concern right now is the fact that everything now seems "backwards". I spoke with the pool guy who claims he didn't touch anything, but he "also thought it was strange that just the spa was running when he was here".
To reiterate, when the timer for the filter kicks off, the spa starts gurgling, but the waterfall from the spa doesn't start and the kreepy-krawley in the pool does not start. The spa does not get hot. If I then push the spa button, the kreepy does kick on, and the waterfall starts. Also the heater kicks on, but the spa still doesn't get warm!
Anyway, here are specific answers to some of your questions:
I live in Southern California (Inland Empire).
I think the consensus is to drain the pool. I believe I do live in a high (calcium?) area, as I do have quite a bit of white buildup on the pool walls and even the patio around the pool.
I was told that the pool could come out of the ground and if I was going to drain it to do so before the "rainy season". That must be about now, 'cause we got about an inch of rain in the last couple weeks. However, I will probably wait until March or so now before I drain.
It is a plaster pool and I have probably three or four stains on the bottom, each about 2x3 foot in size. Not real bad, I was just thinking if I was going to drain it anyway, that might be something to take care of.
Again, my immediate concern is getting the timer back on track with filtering. My kids swear they didn't touch anything, so I still believe the pool guy changed one of the levers back there thinking he was helping. If anyone could help out with identifying the levers I'd much appreciate. I've put comments on what I know about the pump on the web page.
Thanks again for everyone's input!
WEZ