I knew there had to be a few informed opinions out there somewhere
I am leaning towards the safety mesh cover because 1. They look nice and clean in the backyards I have seen them in. 2. They are supposed to provide a layer of safety against accidental or unauthorized entry. 3. I have been told they are easyto put on and take off.
I am worried about them because of the overflow potential. Do you have to pump out the pool thru the winter? I guess the water in the skimmer isn't a big deal as my skimmers as yet haven't been destroyed. Will the thing I screw into the skimmer port protect a skimmer FULL of water??
I am glad Tredge said he installed his own, I am kinda on a do it myself kick right now.
Not sure what you mean by an overflow potential....I didnt touch mine all winter and in the spring it looked just like when I put it on.

I drained below my skimmers and left somthing crushable in them, no problems. The thing you screw into the skimmer port works....so does an empty bottle of eq size.
This year I dont plan to drain at all and cover the skimmers with a cover that keeps water out even when the pool is full.

Leaves were no trouble at all and I have 3 huge oak trees surrounding the pool.