Winter Cover for IG pool.

Hello from the great white north!!!

I am a noob on the site, but not to pools. I have had 2 IG pools at different houses. My questions are about the ugly backyard eyesore.... the winter cover. I have a 20x40 pool, quite old but in good shape. The PO of the house had the pool installed and had the pool equipment installed in the basement of the house. I just replaced the original sand filter, it was 40 years old. I would not recommend this... but it is where it is. I think the equipment has lasted as long as it has because it is warm and dry in the winter.

So my question, has anyone ever not used a winter cover? and what are the disadvantages (besides dirt and leaves) of not covering.
I am not interested in the heavy duty mesh covers due to cost, looks and drilling holes for anchors in my flagstone deck. I was thinking about a leaf net type cover to keep most of the crap out. Any comments?

Thanks

JT

Wow...all I hear is crickets in here...Lol

Using a winter cover is optional. You MAY want to use it to keep detritus out of your pool. Or not because it's a hassle.