Closing AGP —cover and other questions

[Sophrita]

We have cold winters but left it up last winter without too much trouble. But our closing cover got pretty torn up.

What does everyone use?
- We can still use our cover but it has holes in it, problem??
- We’ve wondered if a regular tarp is good enough?
- Some on here mentioned auto covers?

Also wondering if it’s necessary to drain below outlet holes or can I just plug them and keep the pool full??

Do you all suggest the winter balls?

Last question?!! Is a pillow necessary? Ours popped after a week last winter

Thanks for any input

 

[Newdude]

We can still use our cover but it has holes in it, problem?

Leave it open at that point. (A viable option omce the leaves are down).

We’ve wondered if a regular tarp is good enough?

It is and it's cheap if you shop around. Harbor freight usually has deal. Some prefer the fancy covers but when they rip on year one or two, it stings.

Some on here mentioned auto covers?

They are $12k to $15k devices for ingrounds.

Also wondering if it’s necessary to drain below outlet holes or can I just plug them and keep the pool full??

Drain below the skimmer if you have one. If not, plug the holes and cover it.

Do you all suggest the winter balls?

No. Avoid all pool store closing mystery chemicals, no matter how cute they sound. It's no different than the regular season. Know what you want and why you want it. Add a few tabs in a floater if you'd like, but hand pick the tabs to be free of copper or other adds.

Is a pillow necessary? Ours popped after a week last winter

Most try it 2 or 3 times and give up. Nobody has ever gone back to pillows once giving up. It's a right of passage thing I think.

 

[Sophrita]

Leave it open at that point. (A viable option omce the leaves are down).



It is and it's cheap if you shop around. Harbor freight usually has deal. Some prefer the fancy covers but when they rip on year one or two, it stings.

They are $12k to $15k devices for ingrounds.

Drain below the skimmer if you have one. If not, plug the holes and cover it.

No. Avoid all pool store closing mystery chemicals, no matter how cute they sound. It's no different than the regular season. Know what you want and why you want it. Add a few tabs in a floater if you'd like, but hand pick the tabs to be free of copper or other adds.

Most try it 2 or 3 times and give up. Nobody has ever gone back to pillows once giving up. It's a right of passage thing I think.

Thank you so much!! You answered all my questions and I’m feeling confident about the shut down!!