preventing leaves and debris from getting into IG mesh-covered pool

[pookiesunshine]

This is a followup to a similarly titled, closed thread from last fall that mentions two different products to use under the cover:

preventing leaves and debris from getting into loop-loc mesh-covered pool

Our pool is surrounded by trees so we always close it during the last week of October, before most of the trees lose their leaves. It is always a swamp when we open it each year because there is always a lot of leaves and debris in the pool, even though the mesh cover was on tightly the whole...

www.troublefreepool.com

Mutual Industries 5/8 in. x 1550 ft. Closed Cell Backer Rod 625-0-0 - The Home Depot

Backer rod is an ideal non-absorbent compressible backup material inserted into a joint to control sealant depth. This creates a backstop to allow proper sealant tooling and proper sealant of the joint

www.homedepot.com

Everbilt 1/2 in. x 6 ft. Foam Pipe Insulation ORP05812 - The Home Depot

For an economical and energy efficient way to help prevent your pipes from freezing use the Everbilt Foam Pipe Insulation. This insulation is fire-rated helping ensure safety. This product has an R-value

www.homedepot.com

My question is where under the cover to install the products:
At the outer edge of the cover or close to the edge of the pool?
Also, is the backer rod reusable or does it need to be replaced annually?

Thanks.
ps. please dont answer Yes. you know you were thinking about it. well, I was.

 

[kimkats]

Yes LOL sorry could not help myself!

I really don't know the answer but my gut says to roll the edge of the cover over the foam and in some way keep it there. I would have it a bit away from the coping so if a leaf does find it's way under it may not make it to the pool BUT another worry could be the leaves getting stuck under the rolls and staining the decking or coping. Rock and a hard place right here.

 

[Newdude]

In that thread, @skimmerswimmer used the outside edge and secured it in place to the cover straps. @Pool_Medic was using the kind on the spool and might have his own insight for you.
I didn’t get around to getting mine this last fall but I have used that stuff before for other things. It should last a few seasons, as long as it isn’t particularly harsh that year.

 

[Spitdog]

My pool is also surrounded my large oak trees and the leaves get under the mesh cover big time during the fall.
I do nothing to prevent this because it takes about an hour in the spring to get them out.