Closing Question - Aqua Cover(skimmer)

[jrv331]

I read in a few threads where people use a skimmer cover but still drain below the skimmer. The threads were closed so I cant ask there, but isnt the idea of using the skimmer cover so you dont have to drain below it? I have used one for the past 3 years and never drained my pool at all with no problems.

Thanks
John

[JEFF_R]

If you are using the Aqua cover you don't need to lower your water level.....What I would suggest is that you put some of that grease/lube for o rings on the plastic where you snap it on. It helps the seal and comes off easier in the spring.

Good luck...

[KirstenHW]

If you are using the Aqua cover you don't need to lower your water level.....

But I thought that if there's water in the skimmer, when it freezes you're SOL. Can you use a gizmo AND a skimmer cover? I've only ever used gizmos/draining method. If using the cover in addition is a good thing, I'll def get a set.

[poolrx]

But I thought that if there's water in the skimmer, when it freezes you're SOL. Can you use a gizmo AND a skimmer cover? I've only ever used gizmos/draining method. If using the cover in addition is a good thing, I'll def get a set.

The cover(Aquador) goes on the inside of the pool. You would have to change your skimmer face plate to use it. May be best to do in the spring since your water level is below the skimmer from winterizing. Do a search under Aquador/pool. I actually raise my water level with it so that in the spring I just have to hook up the filter, remove the Aquador cover and return plug and the pool is ready to go.

[tara15]

I just bought one at the pool store myself. the pool store person told me that you lower the water below the skimmer, change the faceplate, put the cover on the skimmer and raise the water back up. That way you wont get any water in the skimmer to freeze over the winter. I havent tried it myself yet as i plan to close in a few weeks.

[Watermom]

Why would you want to raise the water level back up for closing? Why not just wait until spring? If the idea of using the cover is so you don't have to lower the water level, but you have to lower the water level to install it --- what am I missing here?

[tara15]

the reason they told me to raise the water level back up was so that i wasnt damaging the liner, but im no expert. You guys certainly have much more experience that me so im listening for suggestions.

[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.

[waste]

Good morning all. Aqua doors are nice, but not essential for most pool owners (the people who should seriously consider one are those with fill water issues - metals etc in well water or people with shallow wells that can't handle refilling the pool without running the well dry).
On installation: I would change the faceplate with the water up, draining and then refilling is silly. Watermom, the faceplate change is a one time deal, the new faceplate has a ridge on the outside edge to hold the platic Aquadooor securely in place to prevent pool water from entering the skimmer, it's the plastic door that is installed in the fall and removed in the spring.
The nice thing about an aquadoor is that the skimmer stays dry all winter, no water = no ice to expand and crack the skimmer. However, I would still use a skimmer freeze protecter (Gizzmo), just in case the door failed or water seeped in through the lid.
On the topic of Gizzmos, they make a blowthrough one that allows you to vacate the skimmer line without draining the pool (other companies make similar units, but the ones I've seen have a major flaw, they don't have a sealed tube running through the center, so, if the unit does it's job and gets crushed a thaw will allow water to enter the skimmer line and a subsequent refreeze could damage the line - similarly, some off brand Gizzmos havr a hole in the bottom of them and are subject to the same problem)
I would use an aquadoor, at least 1/2 gal antifreeze in the line, and a Gizzmo - redundant, yes, but a lot cheeper than installing a new skimmer or replacing a ruptured line. Just my $.02
EDIT This is for IG pools (mostly) - AG pools can be left open, unless there's fill water problems.

[anotherpyr]

Just lowering the water level below the skimmer and returns is sufficient to keep anything from being damaged. Just my opinion.

I think it is a function of the cover type used. If you use a mesh or semi mesh safety cover that allows water into the pool, there is always the remote chance that a really wet fall/winter could raise the water level enough. But then I tend to be overly cautious.