Do you secure the skimmer cover with screws when winterizing pool?

[yangcha1]

I have a question, do you secure the skimmer cover to skimmer with screws when winterizing pool? If so, is it possible to make the ice inside to crack the skimmer house in winter time? Thanks.

 

[jrguzmanr]

My pool cover sits on top of the skimmer covers so I always thought that was enough for me. As for icing, I use gizmos which not only plug the skimmer but they also protect the skimmer from the ice. You can also cut a piece of a noodle and jam it into the skimmer for added protection.

 

[Eauclaire]

The general idea is to minimize the volume which water could occupy in the skimmer body over the winter months. So you can add tightly fitting plastics ('styrofoam peanuts' in a garbage bag, pool-noodle like compressible packing materials ) right up to the skimmer cover. I would not fix the cover with screws; you may want to access it over the winter. I use horizontal plastic pieces in the skimmer throat and entry.

 

[yangcha1]

Great ideas. The poolman used to put empty antifreeze bottle in the skimmer.

Could you tell me in more details what the "horizontal plastic pieces" look like? Thanks.

 

[zimm]

You can use two partially filled RV antifreez bottles. One in the bottom, and the second wedged at an angle to hold it all down. Last year I bought a "gizmo" from amazon and it's the way to go. Cheap and works great. Plus it acts as the plug too so in the spring you don't have to reach down into the goo to pull the skimmer plug.