Union Cover for Hayward Super Pump VS. ?????

Its Closing Time, I was going to close the pool myself but since i referred someone to my PB he is doing my closing for free. My question is last year when they removed the my super pumps last year for storage they put duct tape over the pipe, i am assuming so nothing goes in. when i opened the pool in April duct tape left residue they took me forever to remove. i don't want any issues with seal, so i was thinking maybe if i can buy female adapters like this so even if they do put duct tape its on adapter. what you guys think ? anything else I can use?
attached pic of pump