And here is a semi-final list, which I need to expand:
  • Prep levels for vacation
    • Chlorine to 20% of CYA
    • Salt topped off if you have an SWCG
    • pH maximized if you are using trichlor feeder / floater
  • Use a feed system: SWCG, trichlor feeder, trichlor floater, etc.
  • Raise borates to 60+ ppm
  • Lower phosphates below 0.125 ppm
  • Dose with 6 ppm polyquat
  • Cover your pool with any cover that reduces the amount of sunlight reaching the water.
  • Minimize water temperatures (turn off solar, cool the pool if you can, etc)
  • Set up pre-measured doses of bleach, dichlor, or polyquat for your *TRAINED* neighbor / friend / relative
  • Use the HiC2 method (CYA > 100 ppm, FC > 25 ppm)
    (Best with low phosphates + 60 ppm borates)
  • Clean pool, pump, skimmer, filter
  • Make sure your pump is in self-priming state
    (So your pump doesn't burn up or fail while you are a way)
  • Increase circulation time
    (If you're using a feeder, increased circulation help. Also, a pump that runs 24/7 is less likely to lose prime)
  • Turn your pump off
    (If you're using polyquat, it tends to be removed by filtration.)