Would a SLAM damage a winter cover (above ground).

[hawkinsrt]

My original winter cover bit the dust so I picked up a new one the pool store. I opted for the sturdier one ($150) but its still the standard tarp type cover. At checkout the pool guy asked if I needed a winter kit and I said no. He mentioned not to shock the pool and put the cover on or I will damage it. Is this true for SLAMing? I want to close my pool because the water will never get up to swimming temperature. Here in south jersey/Philly area the daily temps are ranging from 50 - 80. I don't want to keep losing chlorine to the sun. So I would like to cover the pool and keep the FC levels around 6ppm (CYA is around 50) until the water temp is below 60 like the TFP guide says, then do the proper close. Is this ok? What is the best (cheapest) option here. I also don't want to chance a outbreak because at 50 CYA, that is alot of FC to SLAM.

 

[Newdude]

He mentioned not to shock the pool and put the cover on or I will damage it. Is this true for SLAMing?

No. They ignore science and don't respect the well proven FC/CYA relationship. (Since the 70s) SLAM FC has a less active HOCL content than tap water with 0 CYA and 1 FC. Tap water may have up to 4 FC. So don't spray it with the hose.

But to his point, removing CYA from the equation, water with 5+ FC and no CYA would be harsh and likely bleach the cover.