Using an inner tube or exercise ball instead of a pool pillow

[Mlange126]

I’ve heard that it’s not a good idea to use something other than a pool pillow under your cover when winterizing the pool. I’ve read that there are pro-pool pillow people and those who don’t use them at all. We live in NJ and I strongly feel that we hav to put something under the cover, but I’m curious about people’s experiences using an inner tube & or an exercise ball instead of a pool pillow? We are going to try putting two large pool pillows in the center of our pool and then add an inner tube and top it off with an exercise ball. Sounds ridiculous, or genius….only time will tell. I swore I wouldn’t go another winter with just having the pool pillow that created wells of water that I had to perpetually suck out with a pump. It was a huge headache and I’m desperate to try something different. We’re hoping the height of our 3 tier system will help direct the water off the pool if we have the cover taut enough.
Any suggestions would be great. Thank you.

 

[Bperry]

I’ve heard that it’s not a good idea to use something other than a pool pillow under your cover when winterizing the pool. I’ve read that there are pro-pool pillow people and those who don’t use them at all. We live in NJ and I strongly feel that we hav to put something under the cover, but I’m curious about people’s experiences using an inner tube & or an exercise ball instead of a pool pillow? We are going to try putting two large pool pillows in the center of our pool and then add an inner tube and top it off with an exercise ball. Sounds ridiculous, or genius….only time will tell. I swore I wouldn’t go another winter with just having the pool pillow that created wells of water that I had to perpetually suck out with a pump. It was a huge headache and I’m desperate to try something different. We’re hoping the height of our 3 tier system will help direct the water off the pool if we have the cover taut enough.
Any suggestions would be great. Thank you.

I use 4 giant rubber inner tubes. Only issue is the wind tends to blow them to one side of the pool and leaves the other side in the water.

 

[Mlange126]

Ok, great. We usually tether the pool pillow on two sides of the pool but we’re going to try 4 sides this year because the same thing happens to us. Ty for your input.

 

[Newdude]

If it helps any, here's your options and the consequences :

No cover: drain pool when needed
Mesh cover: drain pool when needed

Solid covers :
Cover no pillow: drain cover when needed
Cover and pillow: drain moat when needed

In conclusion, you're only really selecting how you drain, not *if* you drain.

 

[Bperry]

If it helps any, here's your options and the consequences :

No cover: drain pool when needed
Cover no pillow: drain cover when needed
Cover and pillow: drain moat when needed

In conclusion, you're only really selecting how you drain, not *if* you drain.

I should add I use a mesh cover and so don’t drain anything other than the pool if it gets too full. I have a siphon hose setup for that.

 

[Newdude]

I should add I use a mesh cover

*added a 4th option. THANKS.

But same end result.