Winter close water level

[datadr93]

For close, dropped the water level to 6 inches below skimmer. During heavy snows have been carefully brushing snow off mesh cover. Once so far needed to drain about 4 inches of water that was just below skimmer level

At what point do we want to let water naturally fill? Plan is for mid/late March soft opening.

 

[Newdude]

At what point do we want to let water naturally fill?

I keep an eye on the water level and reset it to its lowest level right before a big freeze. We've been cold here for 6 weeks (?) with plenty of snow/rain and I haven't touched it and still have room to fill. It'll probably be perfect for the early open.

if its too full, I'll drain once it thaws, as much as I feel i'll accumulate between the thaw and open.

 

[datadr93]

You're same climate as me. I'm about 2 inches below skimmer with deep freeze coming in later this week. Maybe the last of season??

So it really is taking educated guess keeping level below skimmer and rolling dice on when anticipate no further below 30 drops??

I have also been using shop vac and removing water that collects inside skimmer. It does have a Gizmo with antifreeze in it.

 

[Newdude]

So it really is taking educated guess keeping level below skimmer and rolling dice on when anticipate no further below 30 drops

Exactly. There may be a whoopsie week with one last hurrah of winter after you open (or soft open).

Just run the pump throughout, it won't be brutally cold, or for very long at that point.

have also been using shop vac and removing water that collects inside skimmer. It does have a Gizmo with antifreeze in it.

Next year stuff a cut up pool noodle in there and then let it be.

I make 2 U's from one noodle, and have the gizmo in the pipe.

 

[datadr93]

Copied pool noodle idea to my closing task for next winter. Thank you.

Does that assist with water collecting down the opening in skimmer plate cover?

 

[Newdude]

Does that assist with water collecting down the opening in skimmer plate cover?

The gizzmo already protects the main skimmer body if rain/runoff fills it up. I make the U's for the skimmer throat which fills with the pool from the mesh cover.

The U tips do make it into the main sklmmmer area so they help some there too.