pool balance before closing?

[CarlD]

I'm not really up on this thread but under no circumstances let the pool store add ANY algaecide other than Polyquat 60%!

If it says "poly [oxyethylene (dimethyliminio) ethylene (dimethyliminio) ethylene dichloride] 60%" and no other active ingredients, that's the stuff, regardless of the brand or what they label it (Black algaecide, Mustard algaecide, Algae Prevent 60, etc).
ANYTHING ELSE IS LIKELY TO MESS UP YOUR POOL!

Unless they measure the stabilizer (CYA--Cyanuric Acid) level, shocking the pool is probably not going to be effective, because the CORRECT shock level is determined by the stabilizer level:
See our Best Guess table:
http://www.poolsolutions.com/gd/best...ine-chart.html

Here's how I close:
1) Get all test levels to ideal levels
2) Vacuum, brush and backwash to keep it as clean as possible.
3) Turn off all heaters, remove solar cover. Let water chill down to 60deg F
4) Add bleach to raise chlorine level to proper shock level
5) Add 1 quart of Polyquat 60%
6) Wait 48 hours (run pump 24/7) Chlorine level will drop precipitously. This is normal.
7) Add bleach again to shock level.
8) Turn off pump and physically close the pool. (blow out and plug lines, add non-toxic antifreeze to lines as needed, drain filter, drain pump, remove and store pump if possible, etc)

[FNC1962]

New numbers, FC 4.5, cc 0, pH 7.1, TA 90,CH 160, CYA<30.
I have only used tablets so far. I am going to use Borax and Baking Soda. Would like to know how much I need to add. Is Cal-hypo a powder? How much do I need to add to bring to a safe level? How do I add it? Anything else? I will check on poly quat 60. Thanks

[Watermom]

You don't need baking soda. TA of 90 is fine. To bring your pH up, use some Borax. Start with about a fourth of the box added slowly to the skimmer while the pump is running, breaking up any clumps. Wait a few hours and redose until your pH is where you want it.