Skimmer block off for winter?

[Northrider]

I'm considering a skimmer block off for winterizing. I'm hoping this will allow to keep the water level just below the top edge.(just like it is now) so my winter cover won't allow as much water/snow to pile up on top of the frozen pool. Also not having to add water in the spring. Anyone have any input or pro's/con's ? TIA!!!

 

[Newdude]

Hey NR !! The skimmer face plugs all have terrible review for leaks. I bought one myself last year after moving and inheriting an above ground pool. Even with the thick rubber gasket it leaked in the corners. A slow drip, but it only took a few days to fill the skimmer. In hindsight, everyone online was blaming the skimmer plug, but my 17 year old skimmer was almost certainly no longer perfectly square from baking in the sun and many freeze/thaw cycles.

But I had the plate so I used it. I then blew out the skimmer line and plugged it. I also chopped up a pool noodle and forced it into the skimmer, getting as many pieces in as I could. The only spots for water to freeze were the 1/4 inch spaces between all the noodle pieces and no damage would come from that.

 

[cowboycasey]

I used one for about 15 minutes and then threw it away as it leaked

 

[Northrider]

I used one for about 15 minutes and then threw it away as it leaked

The review's that I could find..., about 50/50... why I'm throwing this out there .

 

[ghall6292]

I tried 'em twice. No more. Both fell out. This year I'm going with the cut up pool noodle tightly squeezed into the "tub" of the skimmer, and extending through the mouth of the unit slightly into the pool. (See Newdude above.) I plan on lowering my water about 2-3" below the bottom of the cover plate. I use a solid cover and occasionally drain water or shovel off snow when it accumulates. Spring rains will usually make up the 2-3" I drained at closing.

 

[Pool_Medic]

Those plugs are excellent for us in the business who hate lugging heavy pumps and fireman hoses into backyard to lower water levels. Face plate on skimmer, Ultra Gizmo in skimmer, black plug out, connect big blue to a line, duck plugs and cut up pool no and voila, closed and complete in under 1 hour.