Winter covers are just a pain. That is why I tossed out the idea of using no cover. I haven't for years.

mroll --- I'm wondering why you say you can't go without a cover in the NE? One of the other moderators -- Poconos -- also lives in the NE and he also hasn't used a winter cover in years. He has very cold snowy winters where he lives as well and hasn't had a problem with not covering his pool.