Closing IG with Auto Cover

[aswetich]

When the person writes up the procedure for closing a IG vinal liner please try to include recomendations for owners with a Auto Cover. When I close my pool it has a auto cover that the water level must be up to support the cover in the winter.

Thanks

[waste]

When I've closed pools with auto covers, I've always retracted the cover fully and used a winter cover for the pool. Auto covers are not intended to be used as winter covers! (Tempted to go on, but I'll let it this stand for now)
I hope this isn't bad news for you!

[aswetich]

I just had the manufactrer repairman out this week and he indicated that it was perfectly fine to use the cover. He also indicated that with the cover rolled up it may even be harder on it...

[waste]

It's your pool and therefore your choice. The guy you talked to may well know something I don't, but I've seen auto covers wrecked by having been used as winter covers. Is he willing to give you a 100% guarantee that it can be used as a winter cover?

[aswetich]

I know what you are saying but I had no issue for the last two years. The one thing that concerns me is if I get a leak and the water level lowers. This could cause serious problems. With a 20X40 IG liner pool could I lower the water below the skimmer and outlets and there still be enough room for a 20X40 cover ?

[waste]

If you're going to use the auto cover, you may want to consider getting a blow-through gizzmo for the skimmer(s) and leave the water level where it is. The returns can be blown out and plugged with the water up (just be sure to plug them while they're bubbling). It's a 'wetter' (for whoever has to do the plugging) option, but you don't have to drain any water out.

[Spensar]

If you're going to use the auto cover, you may want to consider getting a blow-through gizzmo for the skimmer(s) and leave the water level where it is. The returns can be blown out and plugged with the water up (just be sure to plug them while they're bubbling). It's a 'wetter' (for whoever has to do the plugging) option, but you don't have to drain any water out.

Is this the kind of gizmo you are referring to?

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=5504&highlight=duck+plug

[aswetich]

1. Can I use this with the water level up in the skimmer ?
http://intheswim.com/Winter-Pool-Closing/In-Ground-Pool-Closing-Accessories/Skimmer-Guard-I-G/

2. Can I use these for the outlets ?
http://intheswim.com/Winter-Pool-Closing/In-Ground-Pool-Closing-Accessories/One-Way-Winter-Pool-Valve/

3. After blowing the lines I would add antifreeze to the return lines and blow until I saw some anti-freeze go in the pool.

4. Do I need to do something else with the skimer ? Last year I copied what the pool guy did. He blew and capped the inlet in the bottom, left the water level up and put a empty chrorine jug in the skimmer .

[waste]

1. Can I use this with the water level up in the skimmer ?
http://intheswim.com/Winter-Pool-Closing/In-Ground-Pool-Closing-Accessories/Skimmer-Guard-I-G/

2. Can I use these for the outlets ?
http://intheswim.com/Winter-Pool-Closing/In-Ground-Pool-Closing-Accessories/One-Way-Winter-Pool-Valve/

3. After blowing the lines I would add antifreeze to the return lines and blow until I saw some anti-freeze go in the pool.

4. Do I need to do something else with the skimer ? Last year I copied what the pool guy did. He blew and capped the inlet in the bottom, left the water level up and put a empty chrorine jug in the skimmer .
Spensar, I'm not familiar with those but the theory sounds sound :) Just be sure to lube the rubber 'duck bill' with a non-petrolium lube every year, to prevent dry rot (check it before you use it to insure that it hasn't gotten brittle)

aswetich,
#1 I don't think that that's a 'blow through', but the pic doesn't show the top. The only good 'blow through' gizzmo I've seen is made by Gizzmo ( it has a solid tube inside (think cross section doughnut) so if the outer wall gets crushed by ice expansion, the skimmer line doesn't fill with water - if there's a freeze/ thaw/ freeze)
#2 I'm not familiar with those either, but they look like they should do the job, as long as they stay watertight all winter. (I've seen similar ones that after a season or two will leak, but the black cover on yours should prevent that)
#3 I've never done it that way, but I believe that Al (Poconos) does. With the plugs you're looking at (as per #2) it'd be easy to do it that way - I don't because I've always used solid plugs which prevent the addition of ading antifreeze and 'reblowing'. BTW: adding antifreeze is just an extra precaution, properly evacuated lines don't have enough water in them to burst the pipes, usually the lines are run below the 'frostline' so they won't freeze anyway, but whenever I can, I'll put some antifreeze into the line JUST IN CASE ;)
#4 The guy's an idiot! Unless you are close to the equator, there's a good chance that the water in the skimmer will freeze, an empty bottle floats and therefore will not provide any protection from ice expansion! If he had ~ 1/2 filled it with pebbles or sand, it would have stayed 'neutral boyant' and been able to kep your skimmer walls from breaking. Get the "Ultra-Gizzmo" and don't sweat any problems. I'm not trying to sell anything, hell I don't even like anyone in Vermont,family excluded, but that's the only product I would trust.
I wish you well with your winterizing, and if I can be of further service - don't hesitate to ask :D

[aswetich]

To be sure I get the correct thing (Gizzmo) for the skimmer can you post a link to someplace on line that sells the one mentioned ? With the "Super Gizzmo" I assume I put teflon tape on the threads, screw it in, undo the cap, Blow the line, then place the cap back on. Since I will be leaving the water level up should I also put a closed cell foam noodle in the skimmer ?


Thanks

PS:
As far as my pool guy being a idiot you are totally correct !!

[waste]

Asw, if you use the 'noodle foam' you can do as Al says and just make a tube out of pvc to keep the top out of the water (be sure to cap or plug the pvc to prevent water from entering the line as the pool fills with rain, snow and ice), the foam will take care of 'ice expansion. The real trick is to keep the foam from from floating, it's got to be wedged in so that ice will crush the foam and not crack the skimmer body.
If you go the 'Ultra-Gizzmo' route, pry the cap off before tefloning the threads and screwing it in.