I Don't Want to Lower My AGP Water for Winter?

[KBoy420]

Hey everyone -
Getting ready to cover up and this year I kind of want to keep my water level to the top of the skimmer - for a number of reasons, instead of draining down.

1) talk me out of it if it's a bad idea

2) how do I winterize the skimmer? I had the cheap plastic cover that came with it that just fits around the box. Do I need to install a "winter skimmer box" or just get a better cover for what I have?

3) can I also use a screw-on cap for the return?

Thanks guys!

 

[phonedave]

I do the same thing, sort of.

I close with my water near the bottom of the skimmer.

I use a screw in return plug. I had a rubber stopper type one come loose one winter and drain my pool down to the return, while making a skating rink in my backyard. No more rubber stoppers for me.

I used to use a metal plate on my skimmer. You would take out half of the faceplate screws and then use them to attached a stainless steel plate with a gasket on it.

Now I use a push in foam plug. I have used that for 2 seasons now with no issues. My skimmer line (as well as the return) is open so if any water does get into my skimmer it drains.

The more water you leave in your pool, the more diligent you need to be about pumping off your cover. Water and snow that collects on the cover will push the pool water up, and with the skimmer blocked off it is going to go over the edge of your pool under the coping. You really do not want that happening and then freezing.

I find having the water near the bottom of my skimmer gives me enough leeway that the snow that accumulates on the cover does not push water of the edge of the pool. Of course once things freeze, then it is different. But then when it starts to thaw you have to get out there and get the cover water off before the pool water thaws. You have a 27' like I do. You really cannot shovel the pool.

That is really the main reason I see with not lowering the water before closing, is that it is likely to get pushed out over the lip of the pool.

 

[SecoSteve]

When I had an AGP, I had a skimmer with a "Tupperware" lid that attached inside the pool, so I didn't lower the water. I unhooked the two lines(suction and return) and left the bottom of the skimmer open for any water drainage(Rain/snow). I also covered the top of the skimmer with a piece of composite deck skirt, just to keep leaves and water out. I used the rubber plug for the return and never had an issue of that coming out.

I had a solid cover and never had issues with water rising over the winter. I always used an air pillow in the pool to prevent ice damage.

 

[Mdragger88]

I lower my water to an inch below the skimmer- I don’t put a cover over the plate as throughout the winter i like to be able to access the pool water through there to look at the conditions or take a sample. I remove the line/hose to the skimmer & just leave that open so water doesn’t collect.
I use the screw in return plugs - the water is below my top return but not the bottom one (it’s maybe a foot above the floor) -
Since I don’t close/ turn off the pool until my water temp is in the low 60’s I don’t wanna get in the pool to put the plug on the inside so i put it on the outside of that one. I use teflon tape on it too. I do put those water hose spigot covers over the returns on the outside of the pool (not sure whether this accomplishes anything or not but it makes me feel better )
I do try to diligently keep water off the cover with a siphon pump when it rains as to not push water out through the skimmer.

 

[phonedave]

I used the rubber plug for the return and never had an issue of that coming out.

To be honest, I used the plug for many years without an issue too. In fact I had to, because I had an Aqualuminator which is a light that goes in the return. The Aqualuminator has no internal threads, so you have to use a plug.

One year we had a very cold winter and my pool froze deeper than the return. The ice froze around the wing nut on the end of the plug and when the ice shifted it pulled the plug out. I was actually able to pull that part of the cover back and still see the plug attached to the ice. It was likely a one time event around here, but when I got rid of that Aqualuminator I decided to switch to a thread in plug.

 

[jbilliel]

This year, I too, am going to try winterizing the pool without draining the water below the skimmer. I have the winter plate and the plugs for the return lines, but as I think about it how does the ice not damage the return plug or skimmer? I would think the expanding ice on the plastic skimmer would crack it.

 

[phonedave]

This year, I too, am going to try winterizing the pool without draining the water below the skimmer. I have the winter plate and the plugs for the return lines, but as I think about it how does the ice not damage the return plug or skimmer? I would think the expanding ice on the plastic skimmer would crack it.

The skimmer itself should be empty of water if you are using the winter plate. You leave your return pipe open to drain. Or you could put a gizmo in the skimmer as well.

As far as the plug is concerned, that will get just as much pressure as the wall of the pool. Now you are getting into the whole discussion about cover pillows and if they do anything or not, or if ice expands upwards / downwards in a pool as compared to outward.