Is it ok to run filter with solid safety cover on?

[Timmy]

Thanks!

Yeah, it is still at the middle of the skimmer, I have not started draining it yet. I plan on adding the algacide tomorrow and bringing the CL up, letting it run a day or 2, then dropping the water level down for the winter.

Thanks again!

[CrisL]

Once the cover is on, you should be able to dramatically decrease the pump run time. With a solid cover very little light will get through and almost no debris. There will be nothing for the filter to do except stir the pool a little to ensure even distribution of chemicals. When I run the filter with my mesh cover on (which allows some sun and debris through) I run the filter maybe 4 hours a day, with no adverse effects.

[DONNIE]

CRIS, Does the mesh cover help with light? I cant decide which one I want.

Donnie

[CrisL]

The mesh cover allows some light and debris through. However, it is relatively easy to put on and take off. I usually do it myself or with five minutes of help from my wife or son (the whole process takes maybe 1/2 hour to an hour). In NJ, I close in late September or so (I am closing this weekend) and open the pool in late April/early May. I often open the pool, get everything going and, if the weather turns cool again (or if my spring flowering trees are too bad) put the cover back on and add a little bleach through the skimmer every few days. The one time I openned in the middle of May, I had some algae (the water looked a little green) but nothing serious.

The mesh cover does require that you scoop some leaves (and about a million worms) out in the spring and brush and vacuum as pollen and silt coat the walls and floor. I have no experience with a solid safety cover, but after having my dog go right through a regular cover and having kids, I have much more peace of mind with a safety cover.

Hope this helps with your choice.