Closing Question - Aqua Cover(skimmer)

[anotherpyr]

Just lowering the water level below the skimmer and returns is sufficient to keep anything from being damaged. Just my opinion.

I think it is a function of the cover type used. If you use a mesh or semi mesh safety cover that allows water into the pool, there is always the remote chance that a really wet fall/winter could raise the water level enough. But then I tend to be overly cautious.