Is a Gizmo really needed?

[Mom2Czars]

If you have any chance of water in your skimmer a Gizmo isn't a bad idea. I do NOT use one because
a) I use an AquaDor cover over the skimmer
b) I lower the water below the skimmer
c) I remove the pipe going to the skimmer so the bottom of it is open to drain.

Only once have I found any ice there, and immediately poured in hot water to clear it.

So, to clarify...for an AGP, if I lower the water below the skimmer and remove the pipe, I should still use one of those skimmer covers? And do you leave the skimmer cover on or not? I was told by one person to take it off as accumulated ice/snow weight would be bad. I suppose having it fill with ice/snow would also be bad.

[CarlD]

So, to clarify...for an AGP, if I lower the water below the skimmer and remove the pipe, I should still use one of those skimmer covers? And do you leave the skimmer cover on or not? I was told by one person to take it off as accumulated ice/snow weight would be bad. I suppose having it fill with ice/snow would also be bad.

The Aquador covers the skimmer port inside the pool. It looks like a Tupperware cover that snaps on.

[savdoc2]

I guess I still don't see the purpose with an AG pool.

Even IF the water level comes up enough to spill into the skimmer, any water that spills through will immediately drain out of the hole in the bottom. I actually see a greater risk of damage with a Gizmo in place - allowing the water to stay in the skimmer box to freeze.

Maybe I am relying on gravity too much!?!

[NWMNMom]

I think others here have posted in past threads that they do not put anything in the AG skimmers, just leave it open and take hoses/pipes off so the water "drops" out - I'll probably follow that advice as well, but check periodically anyways to be sure it hasn't filled with misc debris that can result in ice buildup (misc leaves and sticks still drop all winter here)

[waste]

Just a quick suggestion, if you leave the skimmer 'ungizzmoed' take the hose off of the bottom - an open hose is an open invitation to mice, chipmonks etc, some of their nesting material could block the hose and result in water in the skimmer, which could freeze and burst the skimmer. (it happens)

[savdoc2]

We put all the hoses in the basement with the pump. A rodent would have to jump 4 feet to block the skimmer opening.

[Mom2Czars]

We put all the hoses in the basement with the pump. A rodent would have to jump 4 feet to block the skimmer opening.

I say if he makes the jump, he should get to stay.