I concur. I am also in North Central New Jersey (actually I am in Central North New Jersey) but I use a solid cover. I have to thread a needle to get below returns and stay above the light while avoiding the tile trim on swim-out and steps. There is only one level that works. I close at that level and it is just the same when I open within an inch or so.

Edit: Wow, I didn't realize this thread was this old. Forgive the noob--I was just looking around and wanted to get my first post up.