Blocking the box

[synapsid]

Hi there,

First time closing my AGP. It has rained like crazy for the last 4 weekends so I'm a little late to the game. I read the sticky post and many more forum posts on the process.

My cover is an EZ-Drain cover. It's an otherwise solid cover with a plastic drain set in the center. That drain goes to a hose that converts the return jet into a drainage port. Rainwater on top of the cover supposedly drains off continually, and never builds up.

The instructions give two options for dealing with the skimmer: (1) leave the water at normal level and cover with a stainless steel "ice guard" plate, or (2) lower it below the skimmer box and install an "all seasons" frame and plate kit similar to an aquador. Both of these are "sold separately." Now they tell me!!!

My question: If I lower the water below the skimmer box, do I even need to cover the skimmer entrance at all? If so, why?

Thank you!

 

[Texas Splash]

My question: If I lower the water below the skimmer box, do I even need to cover the skimmer entrance at all? If so, why?

Ideally probably not. And if you were to remove the suction hose from the bottom of the skimmer, theoretically no water should be able to accumulate at all. But weird things happen and a skimmer mouth cover is insurance to try and keep it relatively dry. I suppose something could go wrong with the cover and allow water into the pool. If you don't get a mouth guard/plate, at least put some cut-up pool noodles in there as insurance should water make its way in so there is room for expansion during a freeze.

 

[synapsid]

Thanks! When you say cut up pool noodles, I am envisioning several 6-inch lengths of noodle, packed vertically in the skimmer, friction fit so they are snug and don't jiggle around. Am I picturing this correctly?

 

[Newdude]

Ice only expands about 10% so this is many times enough, but also snug so it holds itself in place.

 

[synapsid]

Thanks Newdude! Seen it described many times but never pictured...makes sense now.

 

[Bperry]

Thanks! When you say cut up pool noodles, I am envisioning several 6-inch lengths of noodle, packed vertically in the skimmer, friction fit so they are snug and don't jiggle around. Am I picturing this correctly?

Something to keep curious animal out is also something to consider since they might be at the bottom of the pool come springtime.