Closing IG with Auto Cover

[waste]

When I've closed pools with auto covers, I've always retracted the cover fully and used a winter cover for the pool. Auto covers are not intended to be used as winter covers! (Tempted to go on, but I'll let it this stand for now)
I hope this isn't bad news for you!

[aswetich]

I just had the manufactrer repairman out this week and he indicated that it was perfectly fine to use the cover. He also indicated that with the cover rolled up it may even be harder on it...

[waste]

It's your pool and therefore your choice. The guy you talked to may well know something I don't, but I've seen auto covers wrecked by having been used as winter covers. Is he willing to give you a 100% guarantee that it can be used as a winter cover?

[aswetich]

I know what you are saying but I had no issue for the last two years. The one thing that concerns me is if I get a leak and the water level lowers. This could cause serious problems. With a 20X40 IG liner pool could I lower the water below the skimmer and outlets and there still be enough room for a 20X40 cover ?

[waste]

If you're going to use the auto cover, you may want to consider getting a blow-through gizzmo for the skimmer(s) and leave the water level where it is. The returns can be blown out and plugged with the water up (just be sure to plug them while they're bubbling). It's a 'wetter' (for whoever has to do the plugging) option, but you don't have to drain any water out.

[Spensar]

If you're going to use the auto cover, you may want to consider getting a blow-through gizzmo for the skimmer(s) and leave the water level where it is. The returns can be blown out and plugged with the water up (just be sure to plug them while they're bubbling). It's a 'wetter' (for whoever has to do the plugging) option, but you don't have to drain any water out.

Is this the kind of gizmo you are referring to?

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthr...ight=duck+plug

[aswetich]

1. Can I use this with the water level up in the skimmer ?
http://intheswim.com/Winter-Pool-Clo...mer-Guard-I-G/

2. Can I use these for the outlets ?
http://intheswim.com/Winter-Pool-Clo...er-Pool-Valve/

3. After blowing the lines I would add antifreeze to the return lines and blow until I saw some anti-freeze go in the pool.

4. Do I need to do something else with the skimer ? Last year I copied what the pool guy did. He blew and capped the inlet in the bottom, left the water level up and put a empty chrorine jug in the skimmer .