I've got an inground 16x36 pool with no heater and a SWG and a barracuda cleaner.

What do I do to "close" the pool? I just bought a solar cover but haven't put it on yet.

Do I still run the pool 4-6 hours a day?
Should I put the solar cover on or leave it off until I'm trying to heat it up?
Do I still need to keep the pH in check in the winter?

Any advice would be appreciated. Since I have no heater I probably won't be using it until next summer.