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Looking for some feedback.
I have gone through 4 winters and two covers, both were 10yr. covers and the mesh tore. I see now they make a solid cover for pools and wonder if that would be a problem with water, snow, ice piling on top. I wonder about trying to pump water all the time.
The mesh covers are really not designed for winter use - if someone told you they were, then you were misled.
They are for using during the fall (leaf dropping) season, once the leaves are down, they are to be removed with the leaves and the water will stay in your pool, you are then to cover (or not) it with a proper winter cover.
I don't like winter covers, they can damage the pool more than leaving it uncovered.
Winter covers will collect water/snow on top, this pushes the cover down into the water below - displacing the water, if you use plugs, the level will rise, if you don't, likely the water will run into your plumbing if you leave it connected and give you problems. AG pools can collapse from too much weight on the cover - walls will get pulled in.
I leave mine open without plumbing connected, water level rises, if it's liquid it'll run out and away from the pool using an angled board placed under the return opening, if it's snow that's building up, it'll run out when it melts.
You really don't collect much crap after the leaves come down for the remaining winter months - maybe some dust/dirt, it's less work for me to toss in the vac for 2-3 days in the spring then it is to deal with putting the winter cover on, securing it, saving the pool from nasty winds getting under a cover etc and removing all the stuff come springtime.
Pool tends to be clean and clear come spring - outside of the dust on the floor which vacs up nicely.
AND, as a bonus, if it gets warm fast and there's no real time to open the pool, I can always throw in bleach to hold back algae where with the cover on it's a pain to do.....
I live in Chicagoland and the mesh type I refered to is a 12x12weave material everyone uses here. I just now noticed a new cover on the net which is basically solid tarp. I place a large truck innertube in the center, cover the pool and wait till April to uncover it. In winter the pool collects at least 2 feet of snow, and for 4 years now I only drop water down to return, leave no tubing to the scupper, place a plastic shampoo bottle in the scupper for expansion.
I was only worried about the same thing, loads of weight and trying to pump in winter.
I have the Arctic Armor that looks solid but lets the water drop through and IS meant for use with areas of ice and snow. The other "mesh" is really a leaf net type cover as Matt said. Mine did not tear or shred, works just fine and I do not have to have an inner tube or pillow in the center - I do not have to pump water off the top.
Is this the type you are refering to?
I thought the use of a tube helps keep the load away from the center.
http://www.backyardcitypools.com/poo...s-AA-AG-10.htm
Nope, mine is the one that LOOKS solid but is just finely woven so the water falls through.