shut pool for three weeks

[len]

I want to cover my pool and shut the pump and filter down for the three weeks i'm away to save electricity and not have someone care for it. Its an 18' round above ground pool and I'm in NJ. I figure I can shock it, put some algea control in it and put the winter cover on it and shut the filter down. It will be the last three weeks in August. Any suggestions?

[muss08]

You will definitely return home to a swamp. The water underneath the cover will heat up very quickly making the chlorine less effective and you need filtration. If you have a timer or someone who can run the pump for you, you should run it at least a few hours during the day. Also leaving some pucks in floaters will help but still be prepared for a mess when you return.

[len]

Thanks for the reply. What if I leave the cover off and not run the pump? Or should I leave the cover off and just run the pump 2 hours per day?