Closing Fiberglass Pool - First Timer

[ilive4this]

We have an Illusion 40’ Fiberglass pool from Imagine Pools just installed this Fall. Didn’t get to use it yet, but done just in time for closing. We have an Integra Autocover as well. I’m seeing mixed opinions all over the place.

My main questions are:
1) should we drop the water level? Our tanning ledge in our shell has bubblers. Dropping water below the jets isn’t quite far enough to drop it below the bubblers, so curious if we should drain to just below the ledge and then plug everything?
2) we have an autocover. The general consensus seems to be you don’t want to use that if the water level is drained. Our installer told us we could use that as the winter cover but I’m skeptical about that, especially if the water level is lowered some.

My PB advises the above steps for closing. I’m just not sure I agree. Given it’s FG, I’d feel better leaving the water level up after blowing out lines (or refilling after putting plugs in, either way), using a gizzmo skimmer plug, and then either using autocover (since it’ll be sitting level on the water where you want it) or opting for a safety cover. Less concerned with that, but really not a fan of dropping water (1) and (2) then using auto cover on lowered water.

Lastly - we live in STL metro. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ajw22]

It is all about the risks you want to take.

Water should not be lowered much, if at all, with a fiberglass pool. The water weight is what holds the pool in the ground.

What does your autocover say about using it as a winter cover? Most autocover manufacturers do not recommend it take snow weight. If you get a mild winter with little snow pack, the autocover can handle it. A winter with heavy snow accumulation may stress the cover.

In addition, with snow on the cover, people or animals may walk on the snow and cover and rip it.

There are threads many winters showing torn autocovers.

 

[ilive4this]

It is all about the risks you want to take.

Water should not be lowered much, if at all, with a fiberglass pool. The water weight is what holds the pool in the ground.

What does your autocover say about using it as a winter cover? Most autocover manufacturers do not recommend it take snow weight. If you get a mild winter with little snow pack, the autocover can handle it. A winter with heavy snow accumulation may stress the cover.

In addition, with snow on the cover, people or animals may walk on the snow and cover and rip it.

There are threads many winters showing torn autocovers.

Thanks for the quick response. Your thought on the fiberglass and water weight mirrors mine. To that end, and I guess as a devil’s advocate, is it okay to blow and airlock bubblers and return jets and then plug those while submerged? Obviously throw in some antifreeze but just curious.

I think I’m leaning towards getting a safety cover in addition. Then keeping auto cover rolled up. Is a mesh or solid cover better? I’m not real keen on having to spend a ton of time getting the pool cleaned in spring but if it’s that vs deal with the cons of the solid cover I’m open to it.

 

[ilive4this]

It is all about the risks you want to take.

Water should not be lowered much, if at all, with a fiberglass pool. The water weight is what holds the pool in the ground.

What does your autocover say about using it as a winter cover? Most autocover manufacturers do not recommend it take snow weight. If you get a mild winter with little snow pack, the autocover can handle it. A winter with heavy snow accumulation may stress the cover.

In addition, with snow on the cover, people or animals may walk on the snow and cover and rip it.

There are threads many winters showing torn autocovers.

I’ve also been told if heavy snow is in the forecast to open the cover.

 

[ajw22]

I’ve also been told if heavy snow is in the forecast to open the cover.

Sure. All the know-it-alls who don't have them tell you what you should do.

You lose the safety of the closed cover.

The motor or pull ropes can freeze and not move to close the cover after the snow or to open it again.

What if you are not home or sleeping?

Do you want to be the pool cover monitor all winter?

I close my pool and put a solid cover on it. I can go away and forget about my pool until the spring thaw, other than checking the water level if the winter is very rainy.

It depends on how you want to live your life and the risks you want to take.

 

[alvindo]

I have a San Juan fiberglass pool with bubblers in the ledge and an autocover. I left my water level up and blew out the lines. Plugs in the bubblers, covers over the skimmers, gizmos in the skimmers, and pool noodles stuffed into the skimmers. Pump on top of the cover with that elephant blaster thing.

Then when it snows, I’m still going out with the most powerful backpack leaf blower that Stihl makes. The last part is overkill, but kind of fun.

 

[ilive4this]

I have a San Juan fiberglass pool with bubblers in the ledge and an autocover. I left my water level up and blew out the lines. Plugs in the bubblers, covers over the skimmers, gizmos in the skimmers, and pool noodles stuffed into the skimmers. Pump on top of the cover with that elephant blaster thing.

Then when it snows, I’m still going out with the most powerful backpack leaf blower that Stihl makes. The last part is overkill, but kind of fun.

This is what I think is best. I called another company that has instructed me to raise the water level back up and they’ll be out to close it next Monday. What cover do you use for the skimmers?

 

[alvindo]

I don’t even remember what brand or model they were, my Pool builder gave them to me. They have leaked. But I’m hoping they provide protection from ice expansion into the skimmer. Plus the gizmos and pool noodles will hopefully give room for any ice expansion in the skimmer.