CYA and closing

[Jkmccoy]

I had a heck of a time this year opening the pool due to off the chart CYA. We ended up having to drain the pool almost 3/4 of the way and refill and it took weeks to get the pool up and running and that was with a CYA of 70. We had a great and easy season using the TFP method. Now it's time for closing and I don't know what to do about the chemicals. I have a service close the pool and they add winter chemicals. What should I have them not add so that my CYA doesn't go up? I really don't want to go through the opening I did this season.

Thanks,
Jenn

 

[jblizzle]

Only things you should add are liquid chlorine (up to SLAM level) and maybe Polyquat 60 algeacide.

No other potions.

 

[Donldson]

The easiest option might be to see if they will do a closing without adding chemicals to the water. Then before they arrive you can bring your FC to SLAM and add polyquat if desired. I would be more worried of them adding copper algaecide to the pool than anything else.

 

[mrntlagnt]

I'm pretty new as well, and I was going to attempt the closing myself. Every since I have been following TFP, I haven't expended any problems. But just so I'm clear, I have read that your pool/liner can stain over the winter, and I was considering a closing kit from Intheswim for my size pool. Bringing the pool to SLAM level does what exactly over the winter? And, you suggested Polyquat algaecide, is that something to fit algae; even though I read algae doesn't grow in colder Temps?

Just trying to get clarity.

 

[AftonJeeper]

I have read that your pool/liner can strain over the winter,

I'm not sure what you mean by this?

I wouldn't waste my money on a closing kit, they look like pre packaged marketing stuff to me. Since you are following TFP you know that we don't suggest adding anything to your pool unless you know the effects of it. Many algaecides have copper in them, not good for your pool, clothing or hair. Polyquat 60 does not have copper in it so it is a recommended algaecide here at TFP. It does inhibit the growth of algae, which can grow at colder temps it just grows slower.

By bringing the pool to slam level 2 days prior to closing you will kill any algae in the pool. Adding the algaecide is the extra insurance, not necessary, but many do it.

Jkmccory, I too have a service that closes my pool, I spoke with them and asked them not to add the algaecide they recommend and they agreed not to add any chems to my pool. He then mentioned they may need to use antifreeze, but not to worry because it was "all natural". Now I'm worried it may not work.

 

[mrntlagnt]

My apologies, I corrected that Affton, I meant i read that your liner can stain.

 

[Donldson]

The closing kits from InTheSwim have literally nothing you need to winterize your pool. Their winter algaecide has copper in it. You don't need stain inhibitor or oil absorber or some winter pill clarifier enzyme thingy. And then there is all the chlorine-free shock. I don't get that at all, since when does anybody need a bunch of chlorine-free shock in their pool over the winter?

I close in mid-October, bring my pH to 7.2 and my FC to SLAM level. Circulate for a while, lower the water level, and cover. I prefer not to use algaecide. When I go to open in early May the water is clear and I almost always still have FC in the water. For less than 1/4 the cost of their Super Closing Kit.

 

[Kiss4aFrog]

Only things you should add are liquid chlorine (up to SLAM level) and maybe Polyquat 60 algeacide.

No other potions.

 

[mrntlagnt]

The closing kits from InTheSwim have literally nothing you need to winterize your pool. Their winter algaecide has copper in it. You don't need stain inhibitor or oil absorber or some winter pill clarifier enzyme thingy. And then there is all the chlorine-free shock. I don't get that at all, since when does anybody need a bunch of chlorine-free shock in their pool over the winter?

I close in mid-October, bring my pH to 7.2 and my FC to SLAM level. Circulate for a while, lower the water level, and cover. I prefer not to use algaecide. When I go to open in early May the water is clear and I almost always still have FC in the water. For less than 1/4 the cost of their Super Closing Kit.

I noticed you are in Ohio, what type of cover do you recommend, or what have you had success with?

 

[Donldson]

I actually bought my current cover from In the Swim, but they don't carry it any more. Here is a similar, if not the same cover at Leslie's: Easy Dome 86386 Typhoon 27 ft Round Above Ground Winter Cover, 7-Year Warranty (31 ft actual cover size) Not that I endorse buying anything from Leslie's

Very heavy duty, which is why I got it after losing 2 covers in 3 years. Reinforced straps that I connect with bungee cords to ground stakes, pockets for small sandbags to help hold it, and the extra weight of the quality material helps prevent it whipping around in a strong wind. Has lasted me 4 or 5 years and still looks good. Might be one or two small holes but those are probably from us dragging it across the deck. It's not cheap, but it isn't built cheap either.

 

[mrntlagnt]

Thank you