Putting up pool, need all the advice I can get!

[CarlD]

Pea gravel in the sand filter? Never heard of that! If the manufacturer doesn't call for it, it will probably void the warranty. Don't do it! You don't need it. However, I will defer to OUR experts on it (but nobody else's).
I am continually surprised by all the nonsense pool store guys come up with. He'll probably tell you that you need calcium in your water, too. You don't.
You don't need to worry about sun on the filter.

Closing: The better you maintain the pool throughout the season the easier closing will be. And since you are in Iowa, your winters are cold enough so a properly closed pool will be pretty easy to open in the spring.

Carl

[Watermom]

Carl ---- Ben did tell me that some filters do have gravel at the bottom. I'm not sure which do and which don't, though. My sand filter doesn't.

Vickeybear -- as far as your sand filter needing shelter from the sun, it isn't required. Mine has never been sheltered and it is doing just fine after 10 years. Of course, it wouldn't hurt it to cover it, but not needed. By the way, welcome to the forum!