ICE Level getting too close! HELP

[waste]

Joe, you've gotten good advice from 3/4 of the moderators (Watermom didn't 'chime in') - listen to it! If you closed the pool, as advocateded here, which you said you did, you shouldn't have any problems. I do want to point out that ~10" of snow = 1" of water, so don't drain too much water out of your pool (you've got a mesh cover, so try to keep it out of the pool water.) If you want to drain some, you can use calcium flakes (~77%) to melt a hole in the ice into which you could put a 'sump pump' to drain some of the water out of the pool, but I doubt it's needed, perhaps there are some pools that need constant attention over the winter, but I doubt that yours needs that sort of scrutiny.

We've met before, and I'd hope you would trust me, but I think your pool will be fine come spring.
You are right to trust the good folks here, and I hope you continiue to do so!

[Watermom]

I'm here! I just figured the other three had everything under control -- but I'm here, too! Waiting anxiously for everything to thaw out!

[jmjbj_h]

Thank all of you so much for the timely advice. I was wondering if the block of ice may ruin my returns, stairs, etc. if I drained it too much. I think my plan will be to run an get a sump and some 1/2" hose in case I have to move quickly, only drain a small amount at a time, and hope that I don't have to use either! I will update this with my results.

[tonyl]

I also have the permeable mesh cover and try to keep the water level just below the cover, about mid skimmer level with some foam stuffed in the skimmer opening.

Keeping the water level up will allow the cover to sag onto the surface of the water (or ice in this case) in times of heavy snow and ice.

I have several bent springs I replaced before I learned a higher water level is a supporting surface and helps prevent wear and tear on the cover.

Hope this helps, Tony