egles, unfortunately if you close with algae, you'll open with algae. You certainly are on a time table now though. Just a few simple reminders as you approach the deadline to close:
- CYA testing much be done with good sunlight (at your back)
- Bleach is your friend! It will kill the algae but must be maintained at the SLAM level 24/7. There are no shortcuts with that process. Also during the SLAM, the pump must be circulating water 24/7. You cannot let the pool sit dormant or you will void any SLAM progress. The bleach must be allowed to kill the algae. No amount of vacuuming alone will clear the algae/green water.
- Many stores sell winterizing kits, some of them are a waste of $$ since really an algae-free pool with some extra bleach will generally do well once the water temp is below 60. Be careful about adding the algaecide they sold you. Look first to see if it contains any metals - especially copper which is quite common. You don't want copper in the water.
- During the SLAM, let the filter do its part and simply backwash afterwards. Your latest pic shows green water, but we've seen much worse, so let the bleach do it's job.
It would be best if you could hang in there just a bit longer with the SLAM until you pass the 3 SLAM criteria. That way you would be confident to open to a nice pool in the spring. Good luck!