shock level with solid cover when closing?

[CarlD]

If the pool is uncovered, the snow and ice shouldn't be a problem. If you're going to keep it uncovered, and are worried about detritus setting off an algae bloom, I'd wait for the WATER temp to get to 60 or just above to close it. Below 60 inhibits algae growth.

Personally, I'd keep it very clean as the temp goes down, keep the FC at or near shock level, then when I'm ready to close, I'd add a 1/2 to a full quart of Polyquat 60%, wait 48 hours (FC will drop precipitously), raise FC back to shock level, then close.

[Watermom]

I don't cover but I keep my pump hooked up for awhile yet so that I can add some chlorine every now and then if needed. If you close too early, you are more likely to have a green pool in the spring. I actually don't take my pump off til we start having freezing night time temps which is usually late October or early November for us. Snow in the pool is not an issue

[CarlD]

Watermom is a better source than I am because she regularly closes an uncovered pool. I, instead, use a safety mesh, but not this year as I'm in re-build mode.

[rajung]

thanks folks for the replies.
Starting to feel a little more comfortable about attempting the no cover winterization.
so what is the main reason for using a solid or mesh cover? leaves?
If I have no trees close, and do remove any leaves that get in there up until the water freezes that would be so great compared to what I have been doing as far as scooping snow out and having a fairly tight cover around perimeter.

[CarlD]

I use a safety cover to prevent living creatures, especially human, from falling in to icy water, which can be deadly. I use a safety mesh to (hopefully) keep water from collecting on the cover to be pumped off.

[JimK]

A solid cover will help block dirt from accumulating for an easier spring cleanup. It will also completely block out light, allowing you to close the pool when you want rather than having to waiting until water temp stays below 60 degrees, or in spring, open once water temp reaches 60 degrees. If you tend to get a lot of rain over the winter (we do) and have to keep an eye on water level (pumping water out as needed), it will also prevent the chems in the pool from being diluted.

As Carl mentioned though, a mesh safety cover is the only true safety cover.

[CarlD]

Actually, safety covers come in both mesh and solid. I prefer mesh. I find the amount of detritus accumulation in the spring isn't bad. I usually just run my robot vac 3 or 4 times and it's clear.

Personally, I think, from many years here, that PROPER fall preparation for closing and for the type of cover you are using is more important than the cover choice (or lack of cover). People here have success with no cover, a standard water-bag cover (IG), a standard AG cover, solid safety and mesh safety covers. And it all comes back to preparation and through-the-winter maintenance.