Is it necessary to drain winter cover/

[Poconos]

Not sure but if it were my situation I would drain it off. In NY it will be ice soon and you'll wind up with the cover frozen in ice. What has been your experience in previous years (if there were any) with snow buildup? I have a mesh loop-lock that I don't use anymore because every Spring it would be frozen in this massive ice block with the springs stretched. Think this will be the 4th Winter without a cover.
Al

[poolbee]

This is our first year with the pool so no experience. But a friend tells me she doesn't drain off the cover, but ends up putting large heavy rocks around the cover along with the water bags because it gets pulled into the pool. Maybe if it was drained this wouldn't happen? Wholly cow-it is snowing/sleeting right now! Good grief! I live near Buffalo-tons of snow every year

[brittmer]

If it is just a tarp then it should be OK. I use a tarp on mine and hold the edges down with the water filled bags and sand bags. The tarp rests on top of the water so water on the top of the tarp won't make a difference. Actually helps hold it down in the wind.

If you have a safty cover that is taunt and is not supposed to rest on top of the water, then you should drain it off or you will end up possibly damaging the springs that hold it on.

Bruce