Bungee plugs are the one you want. They also make Duck plugs which also work but are flimsy. The ice popped the cap on mine and left the flimsy duck lips exposed for who knows how long. Pull up both of them and the bungee plugs are much beefier.
Did you stay in Elmhurst with the move ? Elmhurst gets the US average of 38 inches a year of rainfall and about the same of snow, which will melt for a few more inches of water. So 2/3 or so will fall when the pool is covered and need to be drained either way. Either from above the solid cover with a cover pump, or by popping a corner of the mesh and draining the pool some with a submersible pump / hose. If you moved somewhere else, expect similar rainfalls unless it was to the southeast which gets more.
I did find a good deal of silt in the spring with my mesh cover, nicely settled on the bottom. It took a few passes with the vac and wasn’t an issue of any kind.
Meyco definitely makes quality covers. Also check Merlin and Looplock. I’ll take whichever is available when the time comes personally. Cant go wrong. Many generics are made by the big 3 too, but up to you if you want that risk.
A lot can go into the pricing if it’s an off the shelf size / shape, or a total custom job. When you call on behalf of the condo you may get their commercial line, which could be more expensive as well. The prices have been up lately and for residential have been $5k-$7k installed for larger covers like yours. Like anything else get a few quotes and post em up.
