We just moved into a new house with an inground pool. We've never owned pools, and this is all new to us. I've done a fair amount of research and reading online (including the Pool School), but I have a question. I am sure it is the first of many!

The previous owner drained the pool below the skimmers, turned off the pump, and covered the pool back in August before we moved in. From what I've read, this was way too early. By now, of course, the pool has already begun to grow algae - I did a quick test that showed no FC and other levels off as well. So...

From what I can tell, my only restorative option, at this point, would be to fill the pool, shock it, restore levels, then properly close it. However, that seems like a lot of work and expense that I could simply do next spring instead. Do I need to do this now, or should I simply let it go until spring and do it all then?

Any advice would be welcome.

The chances are I would suggest leaving it til next season but that answer may be tempered by the city and state in which you live. (climate)

We live in East Freetown, MA. About 45 miles south of Boston.

Yeah, I would think you are finished with the season up there so I would just leave it until next Spring.

It will take more chlorine probably but nothing that can't be dealt with and that'll give you the winter to read all of Pool School so you can shock the pool properly when it's time.

As long as the PH isn't wildly out of range, I would leave it till next spring. In the spring, open the pool relatively early, while the water is still in the 50s, and cleaning up the algae will be relatively simple (algae grows more slowly when the water is cold).