Waste & Poconos,

Thanks both for your comments. I have two automatic pumps on the cover that keep it clear of rainwater at all times. I'm fastidious about keeping the cover clear of debris, as well, mostly because I enjoy looking at an immaculate cover - it's akin to looking at a clean pool (I attach an old pool brush to my extension pole each fall and regularly move the leaves and pinestraw to the edge where I then move it off, ad nauseum). No bicycles.

Water never freezes. Pump is not compromised, i.e., no leaks. Underground pipes should also be fine; they're way below sea level and I'm sure intact. Liner's 7-8 years old and very faded, although I understand the integrity of the liner should not be compromised by the wearing of the pattern.

There IS all sorts of debris on the seams on the bottom of the pool. For the life of me I can't figure out where it came from because despite copious amounts of tree debris that comes down fall/winter, nothing can get through those end-to-end water tubes. Except ants. I was wondering if maybe I didn't sprout an ant hill after I covered in early September and that's what I'm seeing, along with maybe a pin-hole leak made by same. I put cover on with 2nd person sailor/accordian style so dirty side did not touch water.

Waste: Don't understand "limp on with a patch for a season or two if there is a leak that doesn't get found until you open the pool." Poconos: that must've been somewhat horrifying - lucky save.

So water CAN evaporate even with a tight lid? Ok, I'll monitor and check in with you down the road. Stuff stops falling from newly budding trees (of which I have hundreds) first week in May and then I uncover.

Thanks guys.