Quote Originally Posted by robbym70 View Post
I've got an above ground so my situation is different but some things are universal I would guess.

I have a solid cover as well. I've been using the BBB method since I bought the house with the pool, about three years now. The first year I opened it we had an algae bloom that lasted for 2 or 3 weeks. Since then we've had smooth sailing.

I keep it simple. I add a bottle of polyquat algaecide and 3 or 4 gallons of bleach. Put the air pillow on then the winter cover. I check the water clarity every 2 or 3 weeks until the surface is frozen and then again in the spring. I open early...late April to Mid May and I close late...usually 2nd week in October. That's it. Sometimes I wonder..."what am I missing that those $$ winterizer kits have that I don't"...but the proof is in the pudding.
I've been using a closing kit since 2004 that worked well. Last year I finally took a closer look to see what was in it; polyquat, stain inhibitor, phosphate remover, and borax. I've learned here that I don't need the phosphate remover, I already have polyquat and stain inhibitor on hand, and I already keep borates in the pool, so this year I'll forgo the kit and simplify the closing process.

Gotta love this forum!