Vince--

Aphids come in several different colors -- green, brown, translucent pale colors, red, and so on.

Likely, most if not all of what you are seeing on the plants are soft bodied insects, i.e., aphids and/or perhaps some whiteflies.

These can all be effectively controlled with a soap spray. GardenSafe insecticidal soap is a good, affordable brand (the key ingredient you are looking for is "potassium salts of fatty acids"). Mix according to instructions and use as directed, making sure to cover all plant surfaces. The soap spray damages/desiccates the soft body of the insect on contact, so I would recommend that you rinse the soap spray off of the plants after a couple of minutes. It can make plants photosensitive if left on, especially in a warm climate. And don't spray while direct sun is on the plants.

Spray twice a week until you have significant control over the problem, then monitor thereafter.

Here is a link that might be useful: help with ID on pests

So after applying the soap spray, wait a few minutes, then spray down the plants with pure water? I think the aphids (they're red on my plants) are serving as a vector for cucumber mosaic virus (see my other post).

I had a bout with aphids last year, and am currently battling them as well. I took some pictures of them last year. Also, there are some pics of my plants last year.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pic of Aphids and other things