Winterizing after big algae issue

We just finish cleaning up a major algae issue due to a broken pump. Through much patience and a great quantity of bleach the algae is dead and the pool is now just a milky color, which I understand is normal. My question is..what would happen if we began to winterize the pool without getting it completely clear? My husband wants to get it winterized before he goes hunting this weekend he doesn't have the patience. The tempatures are getting to freezing levels. The water temp is very cold (50 and dropping) and he is concerned about freezing conditions while he is gone. Any help would be appreciated.
I posted this already but in wrong forum. Computers not my thing, teaching swimming is though :). Di