I have two large maple trees that dump an enormous amount of leaves in our yard and pool also each fall. I made the same mistake the first year we had our pool. I waited till the spring to clear all the leaves off the cover, and it was a PITA. My suggestion is opposite of that previous post. I get my cover on before the leaves fall. This, to me, is the easiest way. I usually clear the leaves off the cover as they fall, consider it part of the whole leaf blowing and raking chore that comes with having these beautiful trees in my yard. Usually, I find myself spending about 2 to 3 hrs a week during the 3 or 4 weeks of leaf shedding we get during the fall. I also purchased a small utility pump from menards for about $30. I use it in the fall, winter and spring to pump the water from the top of the cover, when its not frozen. This way, come May, opening is easy, water is clear, and no extra hassle with dirty water.