Algaecide and closing

[Lablover1211]

Hello all

so I’m wondering... do I need an algae prevention when I close my AG pool? And if so, I have about three different ones I have accumulated however none have polyquat type products. Unless it’s under “other ingredients”.
I’m closing a bit early. I have scrubbed, vacuumed and slammed my pool. Placed cover on while warm out yesterday. I’m still going to run pump and check levels until temp is below 60. However, I wasn’t sure if I need this algae prevention.
P.S.- this is my first year using TFP, so sadly I just always bought the closing kit and don’t know if it was included ever.

thanks so much!!
Peggy

 

[cowboycasey]

Peggy,

You really want to use the polyquat ones as they work and the others do not.... As to the "have to" no you do not, it is just an added measure to keep your pool from turning green, with it there is a chance it will still turn green but it is a slimmer chance than without...

I go a little further, I wait to close till my water is at 50 degrees or below and take it to SLAM levels before I close... I do this because I do not want a green pool but even if it is green in the spring you have the tools to get it clear in not time

 

[Lablover1211]

Thank you so much! Exactly what I was looking for. I am patiently waiting for temps to drop. I have covered and am keeping my FC level managed while waiting to slam.
I should add the polyquat when I slam correct?
Thanks again!
Peggy

 

[Pauls234]

Peggy, if you do not have the polyquat already on hand, and are using a solid (not mesh) cover, I would just skip it.

I am in your same area and 8 consecutive seasons I have closed with TFP guidance of water temps under 60 and raising to SLAM level. When I open in the spring water is always clear and usually with a FC reading of 4-6.

 

[Lablover1211]

Nice! Sounds good. I appreciate that so much!
Another question for you, if you don’t mind, how far down below skimmer do you usually drain, if you do drain?

I think I use to drain too much and my sidewalls seemed weaker this year. I went about 3” below skimmer. Adrian I’ll drain too much. Only have the one pillow in this year

 

[Pauls234]

That sounds about right, my return is slightly below my skimmer so I usually go about 3-4" below that, per TFP guidance.