As in many situations like us who are in those moderate-warm climates, we can let the pool stay open. Once the colder temps hit, the water will get chilly and drop to about 60 or below. Mine has gotten down to the high 30s-low 40s. No chance of freezing like up north. When the water gets below 60, chlorine demand comes to a crawl. You'll see. If your FC is 6 on Monday, you may not add bleach until Friday. Just depends on how cold the water is and if any junk got in the water that ate chlorine. Most other chemical levels will slow down as well unless you have some heavy winter rains. Last winter was an odd one across the south. Many areas took some hits with freezing damage never seen before. So if you do stay open, think ahead about wraps, blankets, lights for heat, etc that you may need to use to keep the pump and/or plumbing above ground at the equipment pad from freezing. You'll find there won't be much else to do with the pool during the winter except check to ensure any junk gets scooped out.

I never even removed my SWG. Changed the pump to run mostly at night and checked the FC every couple of days. As the temps got cooler the SWG stopped functioning and I would put a few PPM in every couple of days. If there was a freeze warning, I would set the pump to run continuously for the day. Didn't even cover it. Just dipped out whatever leaves or sticks fell in. No big deal. Things might be different with the new pool if I ever get it installed...but I doubt it.

Thank you for this thread! Your situations are pretty much exactly like mine. I use a leaf net until the leaves are finished, then pull it off and enjoy looking at the water during the winter. Looks great when there is snow! Last year was a disaster (first time owner) so now with TFP I feel alot better heading into this off-season.