I don't want to use a pool cover

[matt4x4]

IMO I think the black cover would increase getting algae earlier since it would attract heat and since it is surrounded top and bottom by water, this heat would go into the water, making the water warmer, allowing algae to set in earlier.
I never used a cover yet for the same reason as you, it makes closing easier, it makes opening easier, and as Poconos allready stated, you can deal with algae if you see it, compared to it being under a cover.
Covers are cumbersome, many keep putting off the opening task because of this so it's usually a green cesspool when the time comes.
I just throw my pump on the pool when it doesn't get cold anymore and turn it on when I feel is a good time.

[Poconos]

Another comment, it's been stated on this forum many times that algae won't grow below 50F. NAH...it sure can. Didn't make notes in my log this last late Winter but I do know the water was in the 40's and there was the green stuff.
Al

[matt4x4]

you may be correct about it not "growing" below 50 degrees, however, if some grew while the water was above 50, it can still be there as stagnant or hybernating algae, but it won't "grow" per say.
Otherwise, I'd have infestations by october/november for sure since the shock level of chlorine and any residual chlorine in my pool would be long gone by october.
Besides, deep ponds have algae in them all winter, it just isn't active - like your lawn, it stops growing, however, it's still green, meaning it's still alive, just hybernating.