I used pillows last year, 4 of them. One went flat within a week of pool closing, a second went flat around march or so. Also the pillows need to be secured so that they stay centered........ one of my lines snapped over the winter and the pillows moved off to one side allowing water to collect in the deep end. I'm considering going with a mesh or solid cover for this season's closing, though I havent yet decided as cost and other factors need to get sorted out. With the tarp I also used a leaf net, this helped out greatly with keeping the tarp leaf free.

Pump motors I've always stored indoors, though I'm sure a good cover will be just as sufficient.

Pool company always left water at mid skimmer and used Gizmos. I plan to close pool this year. I will lower water below skimmers and install Gizmos.

-Rob