Need MORE info than STICKY has PLEASE on closing AGpool

[CarlD]

Either way the weir and the basket come out of the skimmer. I use the Aquador myself, but I either leave the bottom of the skimmer open as I remove the flex attached to it, or put in the Gizmo as well. Poconos stuffs lots of foam rubber in his so any ice forming has expansion room.

[mroll]

WOW..You answered before I finished editing...Thanks..
Lastly...Need to also know if use only bleach and if I should buy clips for cover?? Does get mighty windy here..By water...

[CarlD]

I close pretty much the same way as Big Dave. I don't use a pillow as I use a safety mesh cover. I used to use pillows but haven't for several years with no problem--but my AG pool is more like an IG structurally and not usual SOP for MOST AGs. I also do one more thing.
I raise the pool to shock level, add 1 quart of Polyquat 60%, wait 48 hours, raise to shock level again, and close.

[BigDave]

I do use clips - sorry I forgot that step. I couldn't find a metal skimmer cover last year although I have heard about it - it seems valid and you don't have to replace the skimmer face to install it. As I understand (haven't done it) you remove every other screw from the skimmer face plate and put them through the metal cover.

I see no reason not to keep the water level and use a metal plate (with o-ring or gasket) and a sealed plug in the return. It's not how I did it but I would.

CarlD's pool is much stronger than a traditional AG and can use a mesh safety cover. On a traditional AG, a large weight (my bigness) on a cover supported only by the pool walls would probably cause the walls to fail.

All I used last year was bleach - I did close after the water was 60-55 F and opened early in April. Polyquat should give you an earlier close and later open. but... if you do go green, you know what to do

[BigDave]

Also:
There are gizmo devices for AG skimmers.
I did remove the weir and the skimmer basket.
Aquadoor requires that you remove your skimmer front plate (and your skimmer) to install which requires lowering water level below your skimmer and you run the risk of the liner slipping awat from the skimmer - Low risk but possible.
If you use a solid cover, you will need a cover pump and you wil neded to monitor / maintain the water level on the cover throughout the winter.

[mroll]

Ok guys I think I'm set in my mind what to do when I finally do it!! Will shock and use polyquat but wont run filter once polyquat in..right?..Have my son or DH put plate on so can leave level up like Brothers 3 suggested. Hayward DE filter apparently came with return plug with inside pool which we will remove eyeball and install. Have them..tie pillow to middle, put on winter cover and use wind guard 5" cover clips all around. I guess filter needs to be drained, the cloth in it cleaned, hoses disassembled. Will keep tank in garage and perhaps motor in house. I will have the 'men' check values and do all that mechanical stuff...lol...And I should be fine!!! Oh also buying a submersible cover pump...
BUT like you said Dave, if I open to green, I do know what to do!!!
THANKS

[CarlD]

Why wouldn't you run the filter after you add the polyquat? I do.

[grammy57]

We have a rectangular AG vinyl pool also. This is our first year to close. My husband wants to use a vinyl tarp to cover it, will this work? We can't find a rectangular pool cover. What is the mesh cover you are using and where did you get it? Also, do you have a skimmer? We don't but we sure do need one. Could we install one? Thanks so much.

[aylad]

Grammy, you'll have more luck getting answers to your questions if you will start a new thread with your questions rather than tack onto the end of this one, which isn't likely to get many more views....

I don't have any answers to your questions, because my climate doesn't require closing the pool, and mine is not covered...but hopefully somebody else will be able to offer you some good advice.