First time closer

[Watermom]

I do have trees in my yard near the pool -- in fact, one that hangs over part of the pool. So, I get a deluge of leaves. But, I just use my Polaris 65 to get them out. (I don't use that vac all that much during most of the swim season. It is good at getting leaves and twigs but not too good with dirt and dust. So, it gets used in the spring when all the 'helicopters' from the maple trees, etc., are falling in the pool and then in the fall when the leaves are falling, but the rest of the summer I use my "Wanda the Whale" vac or just vacuum manually.)

My winter cover is a big pain. I used to always use it to keep the leaves out of the pool, but decided it just wasn't worth the hassle. So, the leaves fall in the pool, the Polaris 65 gets them out, and then the pool is fine for the winter. I do get some dust/dirt on the bottom but that is easily removed in the spring within a couple hours with the vac. The water stays clear.

I just decided I didn't want to fool with it anymore, so quit using it several years ago. Al (Poconos) lives in northeast PA and he also does not cover his pool.

You are right --- the later you can close and the earlier you can get open and get the equipment up and running so you can chlorinate, the less chance of algae.

If you have any specific questions, let us know. (From what you wrote, I'd say you probably don't need a winter cover.)