Couple questions. 1st year of closing AG pool.

[HollyClo]

I live in Michigan...the winters can be rough. So I want to be sure not to ruin the pool we've only had up for half a season now. Here are my couple questions:

-I was wondering if we have to take out the stairs?

-What should my FC/PH/CYA be at before closing for winter?
I won't be able to add anything during the winter because I'm sure the water will freeze rather quickly.

-Are those pool pillows necessary?

-Any other advice would be appreciated. Thanks!!!

~Holly

[Watermom]

Holly,
Take a look at the "sticky" at the top of the Fall Prep section of the forum. It will probably answer most of your questions. If not, repost and someone will try and answer the rest for you.

[HollyClo]

I already read through a bunch of them. I just didn't know for sure if we needed to take the stairs out. I seen that someone did take there's out..just wasn't sure if it was a must. And didn't see anything about pool pillows. I did get an idea about the chemicals. But my PH is only around 7.4 right now. Is that ok to close it up? I'll be pumping more bleach in there...probably today...get it up to around 8.0ppm of FC? Thanks for your time

~Holly

[PoolDoc]

+ If there is ANY steel or aluminum, or low grade stainless steel (rust stains = low grade stainless), you should take it out. The metal will deteriorate over the winter.

+ If you do NOT keep your pool clear over the winter, you should take them out, since they are likely to get difficult to remove stains from algae and gunk.

[HollyClo]

Ok...I'll have the hubby climb in there and get them out That will be a cold swim for sure!! Thanks for the help

[Watermom]

If it was my pool, I'd raise the pH higher before closing to give you some 'wiggle-room' if it drops any over the winter. Maybe up to about 7.8 or 7.9 ppm.

[HollyClo]

So how do I know how much 20 mule to add?

[PoolDoc]

Use the "TATA" method: Test, Add, Test Again.

For your pool, you can add a box of borax at a time. Add *slowly* via the skimmer, and allow the pool to circulate for at least 2 hours before testing again.