pool closing

[heyjudect]

Hello again Carl, My name is Judy from CT. My first post was Sept 2nd. As I said before, I have AG 19,000 gallon pool with sand filter. My water is crystal clear and has been all summer. I have been using your methods and love the money savings in using bleach, baking soda, etc. Pool has never looked better.
I am looking to close now and I am new to using my test kit, Taylor K2006. I tested my water and then took a sample to pool store to have them test as a doublecheck.
Results are:
FC=5
pH=7.5
CYA=40
TA=100

I think it is perfect,no? My next question is do I shock and with how much? What shock level do I want to achieve to close???? And then I assume I wait 24 hrs and add 1 quart polyquat. Am I correct?
The funny thing is...the pool people tested for phosphates and said they test at 300 and that I should buy something called phos free and add it because the phosphates are what algae feeds on. Is that hogwash? I hate to add stuff if unnecessary. I know they r trying to make a buck. Any help will be greatly appreciated. The pool looks so good I just want to close it properly so I do not have a nightmare in the spring. Thanks!

[BigDave]

Since your water is clear, the chlorine is controlling the algae. No need to buy Phos-Free.

[CarlD]

Hi Judy.
Here's what I would do:
Wait till the water is between 60-65 degrees if possible. Lower if fine, higher...well, risky.
I would run the pool up to FC=15ppm. Every 121oz jug of 8.25% bleach will add about 4.1ppm of FC, so 2 1/2 jugs will get you to FC=15.
Once you are there (because it's obvious that your pool is FINE) I'd add 1 quart of Polyquat 60%.
Wait 48 hours (run your pool as usual) and test FC again.
Add sufficient bleach to get FC back to 15ppm and close.

BTW, BigDave's advice about NOT using phosphate removers is sound.

[heyjudect]

Thanks so much guys!!!!