Makes Springtime Opening Easier

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► Winter Pool Cover Choice?

I have a new 16' X 36" inground vinyl pool.  I live in upstate NY and will soon have to decide on a cover.  I am undecided between a solid cover or a mesh cover.  Help pointing out advantages would be helpful.  Thanks a lot.

Ralph, NY, 7/6/2008

A solid cover can be made from a variety of materials and can be anchored in place or held in place with water filled bags.  The anchored covers can provide greater safety, but both are designed to keep water and debris out.  Mesh covers are anchored in place, provide great safety, but allow water to pass through.  Some solid covers have draining features built in.  Other types combine the benefits of a solid cover with a mesh cover.  In the final analysis, you have to decide on your needs and which type of product best fits your budget.  Consider the ease with which the pool can be covered, if you are planning on doing the work yourself.  Good luck and I hope that I have helped with the decision.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 7/7/2008

► Need A Pillow?

Is a pillow absolutely necessary under the winter cover in an above ground pool?

Amy K., 10/6/2003

I wouldn't put it into the "death and taxes" category, but I think it is a good idea.  Without the pillow, rain or snow will accumulate like water in a saucer.  You will have to use a cover pump to keep the water level, in the cover, manageable.  Freezing could present a problem.  With the pillow in place, most of the water simply runs off.  Given the modest cost, I think a pillow is worthwhile.  I hope that I have been helpful.  Enjoy the winter.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 10/7/2003

► Self Draining Winter Pool Cover?

I am buying my first pool and the salesman has sold me a winter cover that is self draining.  No little submersible pump needed!  He also said I do not use a pillow with this cover since the water will not accumulate on top.  I remember my father saying that a pillow is needed to protect the sides of the pool from ice that freezes under the cover.   Can I use this cover without a pillow or am I in for trouble?

Steven E., 10/14/2009

It is called progress and you're not in trouble.  At least not this kind of trouble!  The pillows are used on above ground pools to raise the cover up, so that water will run off.  Some water will accumulate around the perimeter and help keep the cover in place.  In your case a pillow would serve no function, as the cover is designed to drain any accumulations of water.  Have a good winter.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 10/14/2009

► To Cover Or Not To Cover Pool?

Hi Alan , thank you for the helpful information you're providing us with.  I live in Montreal Quebec" the freezer" I had an in ground pool 80k liters built last year with vinyl liner and the installer carried out the closing last winter. He blew out the return lines and plugged them, blew out the skimmer line, plugged it and installed a foam kit that acts as ice compensator in the skimmer.  He lowered the water level and drained the sand filter and the pump.  He advised not to cover the pool during winter, did not remove the pump just left the plugs open  and did not mention any thing about liner protection and air pillow.   When I opened the pool last summer every thing went well.  Now it is my turn to close the pool this season.  What would you suggest to do?  Is the pool cover essential and what is its purpose?  What would I use as ice compensator? Thank you in advance for your answer.

Khaled L., Montreal, Quebec, 10/4/2003

► Pool Covering Dilemma?

We purchased a home that has a 27 ft. above ground pool.  The pool is completely surrounded by a wooden deck..  We have yet to find a good way to cover the pool for the winter season.  Apparently the deck was built around the pool and sits too low to fit a pool tarp over the edges of the pool.  We have tried, to no avail, to secure many a pool cover to the deck.  The wind is too strong and rips the tarp every single year.  The previous owner said that he couldn't come up with a good idea to cover the pool either, so he just left it uncovered.  We really don't like that idea, though, because we have put in a new liner.  Also, we have tried water bags and they didn't seem to help.  Could you give us a suggestion?  We are running out of ideas.  Any help will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks! 

Teresa D., 8/30/2005

Thank you for getting back to me so quickly.  I'm wondering if you could elaborate just a bit more about your suggestions.  Are you referring to tarps such as safety covers that lie flat across the top of your pool and deck?  And if so, what purpose do the foam noodles serve?  I guess I don't understand how to use the foam noodles in the closing of the pool.  And with your second suggestion, if you get the oversized cover, where do the water bags get placed?  Last year, we tried them on top of the cover at the edge of the water itself, but the wind pushed them right to the middle of the pool.  So then, we put them on the top edge of the decking surrounding the entire pool and, you guessed it, they got blown in on top of the cover anyway.  Maybe a larger ball in the center of the pool and water bags at the edge of the water with an oversized cover?  That sounds promising except I'm not sure yet how to keep the wind out from under the cover if the edges of the oversized cover remain unsecured.  At any rate, thank you so very much for taking the time to consider this situation and make suggestions.  We so appreciate your opinion and think your information base is superb.  Have a great day.

Teresa/ 8/31/2005

► Winterizing With A Safety Cover?

Our pool is a 16' X 36' and we had it built with the intention of adding an automatic safety pool cover in the future.  My question is can the safety pool cover be used as winter cover?  Thanks for the help.

Dawn & Jim, Fayetteville, NC, 6/3/2003

In many areas a safety pool cover can be used as a winter cover.  However, the procedures for winterizing are different.  The water level must be dropped below the returns, the lines blown out, openings sealed off and ice compensators or winter plugs, added to the skimmers.  Afterwards, the water level is raised so that it will help support the cover, in case of major accumulations during the winter.  It is still possible to use a conventional winter cover on top, in order to completely seal off the pool for the winter months.  A lot depends upon where in the country you are and the type of winter conditions.  Your dealer or installer should be able to provide you with specific instructions for your needs.  I hope that I have been helpful.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 6/3/2003

► Uncovered Pool?

Dear Alan, I have a vinyl  inground pool with strong grey, I think it is made of  fiberglass, liner support construction. It was professionally closed. I do not use a cover though. I enjoy looking at the water or ice. They put a float in the skimmer box last year and it cracked. They filled it with special putty. It worked ok over the summer, but this winter with the first freeze the putty popped out and made bigger holes. Pool water drained totally out of the basket into behind the pool. The cement on that side of the pool froze and lifted. It did not crack. Now for the questions:

#1- How low can I keep the pool water so I do not have to keep pumping it out?

#2-Can the skimmer box be repaired again?

#3-If so what is the best way so this does not happen again?

#4-If not,  how much  do you think it would  be  to replace it?

#5-Does the liner need to be replaced too when a new box is put in?

Thanks,

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 2/21/2004

► Above Ground Cover Woes?

I have read how pillows keep the pool cover up so that rainwater will not settle on top of the pool and run off. This is not the case with our above ground pool (36X18 oval). The rain settles all around the edges of the pool and gets so filled at the cover gets pulled in on the side. We were told that when you use a pool cover pump it also sucks the water out.  The pool as well.  This is really a big problem for us and we were wondering why bother with the pillow since the rainwater does not run off anyway. What would happen if we did not use the pillow? Any suggestions on how to keep the cover from pulling off on the sides?  Thanks for your advice,

The G. Family, NJ, 11/8/2004.

It sounds like the water level in the pool is too low.  If you use a skimmer plate, to cover the skimmer opening, you can keep more water in the pool.  That way there is less area for rainwater to accumulate in.  The only way the pump can remove water from the pool is if there is a hole in the cover.  That would seem to be the case, based on your description.  As long as the cover sits on the surface the leak will add water to the top of the cover.  You might need a new cover or more than one pillow.  I hope that I have been of some help.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 11/18/2004

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 1/9/2004

Thanks Alan for your quick response. I did close the pool for the first time myself, in the 3 yrs of having this pool and feel that I did it the right way. After going to your web site and reading it for about 5 hours, I got more help from you and your site than I did trying to talk to the people at 2 pool stores. This spring I will also open it myself for the first time and save money on opening and closing.  The noodle idea is a good one.  I will do that next year. Also, I heard different stories on draining the pool below the skimmer, some say you should and some say you don't have to. What do you think?  Thanks.

Kevin G., 1/10/2004

Draining the water level below the skimmer means more, if the cover is solid.  In your case, water will get in.  The important thing is that the skimmers be sealed off and that there be an ice compensator in each one.  That way if the water rises above skimmer level, you should be protected. Stay warm!

Alan, 1/10/2004

► To Winterize Or Not To Winterize?

Dear Alan, Oh why didn't I run across your website @ the beginning of the summer season?  I have been reading your archives since 9pm.  It is now 12am!  It was so interesting and informative.  I inherited my pool this year, when I bought the house.  It is a 25k gal, vinyl liner with a sand filter.  I didn't have a clue as to the care and maintenance of it, but I am happy to say that I learned from the pool dealers that installed it and I had a very enjoyable summer w/o too much trouble.  I am writing you because I want to know about closing it for the winter.  I live in Atlanta, GA.  They say I don't have to cover it, it is up to me (As if I know what I want or what is best!)  What do you say?  Also, one of those solar heater pads was left, can and is it used as a cover? As far as draining filters, covering ports and all that, I know I am going to need them to come and show me how as I am clueless as to where and how!  One more question, how do I decide what brand of product to use?  If I can just cross this last hurdle (Learning about opening and closing the pool) I think I may even feel confident that I actually know what I am doing! (smile)  By the way, the pool is only 1.5 yrs young.  You really know your pool/chemical stuff and I thank you for all the knowledge that I gained tonight and any help you can give me concerning opening and closing it.  P.S. I am throwing away my OTO test kit and getting one of the ones that you suggested!  Did I mention that it is an in ground?

Debra R., Atlanta GA, 9/26/2003

Thank you for the kind comments in your email. If I was living in your area, I would certainly cover my pool with a winter cover.  To do otherwise, will leave you with a much bigger cleanup problem next spring. The solar cover cannot be used for winterizing and should be removed, cleaned and stored indoors for the winter. So far as choosing a brand, I suggest that you go with the brand that has your trust. There are dedicated Winterizing Chemicals Kits that are complete and easy to use. Proper winterizing will make springtime opening easier, save time and money. Many in your area take winterizing for granted and that is a mistake. You should take the necessary steps to protect your investment. The archives contain information on winterizing. If you are unsure about anything, I'm sure that a local pool professional will be able to help you with the finer points. I hope that I have been helpful.

Sincerely, Alan Schuster, 9/26/2003

► The Best of Both?

Hi Alan.  This year for the first time I had my pool closed by a pool co. I also got a safety cover with a mesh drain in it. The pool co. did a lot of things I have never done before and am curious if they will work. First, he didn't remove the pump, blew out the pipes and put antifreeze in it. Second, he didn't lower the water in the pool below the skimmer as we have always done. He put a couple of crushed-closed bottles with a little antifreeze in them into the skimmer. Said that would protect the skimmer from freezing. Also didn't shock the pool, said all that would do was cause wear to the cover.  I live in Maryland and we had a pretty cold winter last year and I am wondering if this will protect the pipes to my pool. And we have always removed the pump and brought it inside for the winter, will it be OK to leave it out with antifreeze in it. Thanks for your help.

Rosie, Maryland, 10/25/2003

Blowing out the lines and protecting the pump with a propylene glycol-based antifreeze will do the trick.  Would it have been better to remove the pump and store it indoors?  Yes, but that would take time and reflect in the cost.  Not lowering the water level will result in water in the lines right up to the bottom of the skimmer.  This is, hopefully, below the freeze line. I would prefer lowering the water level and blowing the lines and sealing off the skimmer intakes with a, ice compensator or winter plug.  The crushed bottles will act as ice compensators and help protect the skimmers.  High chlorine levels can take a toll on the vinyl liner.  The chlorine level; may have been high enough, so that additional shock was not required.  In your situation, the mesh drain will allow the pool water level to rise over time and I am sure that an experienced company would have taken the  necessary precautions for your area.  I hope that I have been helpful.  Have a good winter.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 10/25/2003

► Repairing Holes In Winter Cover?

I had an in-ground pool put in two years ago and have used a solid winter pool cover to winterize the pool.  Last year when we opened the pool the water was very clean.  This year it was an ugly brown mess due to three holes in the cover.  The holes are about one inch long by ¾ inch wide and are very close to each other.  It seems that a 6” by 8” patch would cover all of the holes.  Is there an effective way to patch a pool cover?  Or should I spend the money on a new cover?

Kevin M., Orchard Park, NY, 5/30/2007

Boxer Adhesives makes a line of winter cover repair kits and patches that you can use.  It just might solve the problem.  A hole in the cover, not only allows dirt to get in, it makes it more difficult to drain the cover and remove the accumulation of debris.  For more information on these products go to:  www.boxeradhesives.com   I hope this information proves helpful.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 5/30/2007

► Incorrect Sizing Or  Installation?

Desperately need help!! My pool cover fell in. What should I do?  We have an above ground pool, in which we have decked fully around.  When it was time to purchase a cover, we went to a pool store and told them what we have. THEY suggested we buy what you would use for an inground pool.  So we spend close to $200 on all their products and last week the cover fell in.  They had sold us a cover with the water bags you fill up, and put all the way around the pool.  There is not much left around the edges once you cover the pool, but they were told our measurements, and said this was what we needed (oval 12x24). The little winter plug thing you put in the side of the pool where the water pumps water in, also fell into the pool.  When we called them for there help, they told us they didn't know what to do?  Help - First time pool owners.

Desperate, London, Ontario, 1/16/2005

The fact that the decking completely encircles the pool, does prevent you from covering the pool, as if it were a typical above ground pool.  From your description it sounds like the cover was too small and was not resting and being supported on the surface of the water.  Once water or snow accumulated on the cover, the weight pulled everything in.  The only other possibilities would be if water leaked out (you would see a lower water level) or the level was too low to start with.  A properly sized and positioned cover should be in contact with the water, over all but the extreme edges of the pool, and have 2-3 feet of cover lying on the deck all around the pool.  This allows for the water bags to seal off the cover and hold everything in place.   If the cover is undersized, it may not be worth retrieving it and replacing it on the pool, as the same thing could occur again.  It could be best to recover with a properly sized cover.  However, you need to confirm that the cover was really too small and not a case of being installed improperly.  I am not sure that there is anyway that I can suggest otherwise.  In the spring you can clean the pool up properly, when the weather becomes more cooperative.  Good luck.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 1/16/2005

 

► Do I Need A Pool Cover Pump?

I'm a bit leery about leaving a pump hooked up all winter.  Is it is necessary to have a cover pump?

Helen B., 9/3/2004

If you are using a "Cover Pump", it should be a pump that is specifically designed for that purpose.  That is, it must be a submersible pump.  Make sure that it is hooked up to a GFI protected outlet. The use of a cover pump is a good idea.  It helps keep the accumulations on the cover to a minimum and reduces the possibility of a collapse of the cover into the pool.  Having water accumulating on top of the pool could be an inviting hazard.  Use the pump:  you'll be better off next spring! 

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 9/3/2004

Proper water chemistry will help to better control and avoid sanitation problems and maintain more optimum bathing conditions.  More information about Pool/Spa Water Testing Products can be found in the Test Equipment Store.

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