Thanks for the thoughts. Never considered the water getting between although I would think that since the cover is pretty water permiable most would come out while pumping the excess off.

As far as securing it I was thinking of using the large spring clips. Lowes has them for about a 99 cents each. I have the same problem with the deck. It can be done but is a pain.

I had a lot of trees a few years back and didn't cover the pool. I wouldn't recommend it. Even the mess under the cover has got to be better than that 1st. year when I left it open.

Good luck and thanks, I think i'll try it and see how it goes.