Issues with maintaining a flat level cover over the steps at closing and through the winter!

[MurphsWorld]

Hi,

I've been doing what the prior owner did at my house, and I'm not really thrilled with it.
I've attempted to google and have found no supporting information

When putting a winter cover on an inground pool; what is used to cover the steps?
I've made several attempts at contraptions....most of which usually fail during the dead of winter when no one wants to be out in the cold wind attempting to fix the cover.

Prior owner used a few HomeDepot or Lowes 5 gallon buckets....loaded with stones or bricks to add weight...and also could drill holes in the side if needed.

What usually happens is what has already happened after a couple of decent storms in the Northeast here.
See pictures.
Here just after having closed the pool:

Cover newly installed.JPG

• MurphsWorld
• Oct 7, 2021

Here just after having one or two rainstorms:

Cover after a storm.jpg

• MurphsWorld
• Oct 7, 2021

Any suggestions are most welcome!!!

Thanks in advance!

 

[jmtaylor1228]

We used to leave a pump on the cover. Then turn it on with puddles. It worked, but we still had to pull it back. Became a pain so we did a safety cover.

 

[MurphsWorld]

Yeah....the price on the safety covers is what deters me

But....Thanks!