Do I need to do the SLAM process if my FC is stable before closing?

[bluefire_xl]

I am preparing to close my pool this weekend and due to the cold weather we are having lately I notice that my fc level is not dropping at all. Is this normal on close to zero temps? I was wondering if I still need to do the SLAM process before closing?

 

[jblizzle]

The point of the SLAM at closing is to ensure there is nothing in the water to start with. If the FC is stable, then should be no need. You can do the Overnight Chlorine Loss Test to confirm if you like.
With cold water, not much can grow.

 

[Catanzaro]

I am preparing to close my pool this weekend and due to the cold weather we are having lately I notice that my fc level is not dropping at all. Is this normal on close to zero temps? I was wondering if I still need to do the SLAM process before closing?

In my closing thread, I do not recommend SLAM'ing the pool, but bringing up the pool to SLAM level or near SLAM level and allowing the levels to drift down until closing, and adding Poly60. You can skip the algaecide all together and just close at the SLAM level, but not both.

Bringing up the pool to SLAM is designed to keep chlorine in the pool until the real cold weather hits, and to stall algae until the spring, nothing more.

 

[domct203]

Once my water is maintaining 60F, I raise FC to shock level, hold it for 24-48 hours, then close the pool.

 

[Gigyb]

May be a dumb question.
why to add all these chemical when closing? we need to slam anyway after opening.
In spite of slamming last fall it was deep green when I opened.
I am planning to maintain PH and close .
Any thoughts?

 

[jblizzle]

If you properly close when the water is colder than 60 and open before the water raises above 60, then the water will not likely be green in the spring.

 

[Catanzaro]

May be a dumb question. why to add all these chemical when closing? we need to slam anyway after opening. In spite of slamming last fall it was deep green when I opened. I am planning to maintain PH and close . Any thoughts?

You will need to be a little more specific.

When exactly did you close?
When exactly did you open?
What exactly were your levels when you closed?
What type of cover do you have?
What did you add to your pool (algaecide's, etc.) upon closing?

There is a logical reason why you opened green!

 

[domct203]

May be a dumb question.
why to add all these chemical when closing? we need to slam anyway after opening.
In spite of slamming last fall it was deep green when I opened.
I am planning to maintain PH and close .
Any thoughts?

I open to a clear pool that does not need a SLAM, fourth season now.

As mentioned, close cold, open cold.