I always considered the tarp and cover to be consumables--get 2 years out of them and replace them.

I think it's a bad idea to leave an inflatable up all winter--you are just BEGGING to shorten its life.

I had a deep bed of rubble and sand when I had an inflatable, and had little trouble with stuff under the sand--I would have to wash the tarp at season's end. The plastic, though is a good idea--there's also landscaper's cloth, too.

We used an inflatable for a number of years and really enjoyed it. On a hot summer's day, the water is just as wet! Sitting in a floating lounge, with a cool drink and the radio on, it feels just as nice as a big pool!