Closing Question - Aqua Cover(skimmer)

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Originally Posted by Watermom

Lowering the water level below the skimmer will not hurt the liner. And, if you have to lower the water level below the skimmer to install the thing, then you don't need it because once the water level is below the skimmer, your skimmer is not in danger of being damaged anyways. Damage occurs whenever there is water in the skimmer that freezes.

Is this cover something that is installed every fall and then removed every spring? If it were me, I'd take it back and save my money. Just lowering the water level below the skimmer and returns is sufficient to keep anything from being damaged. Just my opinion.

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Watermom, In an AGP(don't know if they make one for IGP?)situation the Aquador prevents you from wasting 4-6 inches of treated water every fall and having to replace it with untreated water in the spring. Depending on the size of the pool that could amount to hundreds of gallons of water. If the cover did seep it still would cause no damage b/c the hose to the filter is removed and the water would drip out the bottom of the skimmer. Lowering the water level would be a one time deal to install the new face plate. After that you would no longer need to drop the level. Once spring comes, hook up filter, remove cover and plug from return inlet and turn on filter, add some chemicals and you are ready to swim:) It really is a great little item, IMO.

Joe

I am looking at the Gizzmo online (http://gizzmo.net/index2.html) and it says that they are only supposed to be used for one season - I have had the same one for 20 years. What is the consensus here? And is the ultra gizzmo with the blow-out tube worth getting? Thanks -

I get page no display when I try that Gizzmo link. Anyway, maybe when they say 1 year they mean if it's actually done it's intended job and collapsed?

Try http://gizzmo.net
We use teflon tape every year on the threads - Doggie's comment on single-use-when-it's-done its-job is in line with my thinking. I do check it every year to see if its seams are sound - no air leaking when I squeeze it and hold it under water.
BTW, ours is an 18/36 inground pool too.

Kirsten, I've always reused gizzmos if they haven't 'failed' , holding them under water and squeezing is a good method but if one has failed, it will have water in it.
Here's a link to something I wrote yesterday that is applicable to both this thread and the other onehttp://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?p=37406

I bought an AquaDoor last year. I had trouble getting my face plate on with the water up. Admittedly I was trying to do it hanging upside down from my AG deck but still... The water seemed to keep it from sealing.

So I drained it below the vacuum port. I still had to use a rubber mallet to get it to go on. I didn't know about using lubricant.

I just didn't get the point of having the door if I had to lower the water level anyway. With no water and having removed the hose from the skimmer I couldn't see the point of a gizmo either. But someone on the forum once mentioned using styrofoam balls so I did that although logically it didn't make sense either.

Lest you all think I'm odd, since I'm not all that comfortable with the care and keeping of such a huge investment, I tend to over compensate I guess.

This spring I couldn't get the thing off. I finally had to use a screw driver and prayed that my hand was steady, I didn't ram it through the pool wall or drop the thing into the liner bed.

I'm gonna get an ulcer yet trying to do everything "right".

CoffeeBean

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Originally Posted by CoffeeBean

I bought an AquaDoor last year. I had trouble getting my face plate on with the water up. Admittedly I was trying to do it hanging upside down from my AG deck but still... The water seemed to keep it from sealing.

So I drained it below the vacuum port. I still had to use a rubber mallet to get it to go on. I didn't know about using lubricant.

I just didn't get the point of having the door if I had to lower the water level anyway. With no water and having removed the hose from the skimmer I couldn't see the point of a gizmo either. But someone on the forum once mentioned using styrofoam balls so I did that although logically it didn't make sense either.

Lest you all think I'm odd, since I'm not all that comfortable with the care and keeping of such a huge investment, I tend to over compensate I guess.

This spring I couldn't get the thing off. I finally had to use a screw driver and prayed that my hand was steady, I didn't ram it through the pool wall or drop the thing into the liner bed.

I'm gonna get an ulcer yet trying to do everything "right".

CoffeeBean

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Might want to try some silicone lubricant or water proof grease. I will admit it does take some effort to get it on but I really haven't found it to be a problem. I wonder if there are different manufacturers or types?

I recall the pool installer talking about this - I think he said he used a kitchen rolling pin to help get the cover on - start at the bottom and roll upward.

Peter