Closinq Question w/ Leaky Liner

I used to have a sunroom over my pool. We just removed the sunroom, so now it is officially an outdoor pool. We have a liner that is leaking, we did not want to replace this season since we knew the removal of the sunroom might puncture a new liner, figure we will get the new liner in the spring. However, this will not allow the water level to stay where we want it over the winter. Cannot use air pillow or anything like that...how will the winter cover support rain/snow weight over the winter? Any solutions? Should we just get new liner now?

Also, the pool equipment (pump, filter, etc) is all the basement of our house. No lines are exposed to the elements except where they come out in the pool (skimmer, return lines). I have a main drain, but it will be covered by water. My plumbing is basically a "flooded system" where the pump is below water level. Suggestions on what to do to prepare these lines for winter, if anything?

Why don't you just not cover it over the winter? I never do and haven't for years with absolutely no problems.

I'll let someone else answer your question about the pipes.

If you know where the leaks are, the cost-effective solution is to patch them. I just patched two leaks on my pool as I was closing. Then, no problem.

I would think the alternative is remove the liner now, support the walls so they cannot implode, and wait till spring.

I have already patched the liner many times throughout the last few years to extend the life. I think my last and final leak was at the bottom of the steps. This liner does not appear to be installed totally correct anyway (we bought the house w/ the pool and current liner).

The thought of not covering at all is interesting....is the general reason to cover in winter to protect the liner and keep all the leaves and crap out? I already bought the cover and will just use water bags or bricks to keep it in place...using 2x4's to keep the air pillows propped so snow/water does not weigh down the cover since the water level is so low.

Ultimately, the decisions and actions are yours. We can only make suggestions.