We have a 16X32 52"-6.5' AG pool but it's surrounded totally by decking so looks IG. We live in western PA where the winters can be wicked. Covering for the winters has been a challenge.

When I used the usual black woven tarp type cover I invariably opened to pea soup. I thought there had to be a better way so I bought one of those solid covers and used it last winter. It's supposed to lay on the water and be anchored by pins in the deck. I've been hesitating to drill holes in the composite decking to anchor it (not sure if the composite would hold up to the strain) so used concrete blocks which left some stains on the decking.

The good news was when I opened I had crystal clear water but...only half a pool full. Apparently the ice, snow and water load had sunk into the pool and forced the water out and over the rim. It busted the skimmer cover into little pieces. I think we were lucky last winter but I'm afraid that the walls will buckle if it does it again.

I contacted the cover maker who just said that the snow, ice, water, etc., must be removed from the cover to avoid that happening. Hello. Water I can pump, the rest I can't remove until it *turns* to water. "Because of liability issues" he couldn't suggest any other solution.

Does anyone have any experience with solid covers and if so, what do you do? It was really expensive so I'd like to not have to trash it in favor of another black mesher.

Thanks.

CoffeeBean