I had the same problem with my cover in the third year, they just get old and fall apart. I have to cover our pool as we have trees around our entire backyard, so the leaves land on the pool no matter which way the wind blows. Someone else said it in another thread...budget a new winter cover purchase every third year (or fourth depending on winter severity). I purchased a $99 cover in September of 2004 and just purchased another one last week. I only use bleach before closing, never used Polyquat or other closing stuff. $33 to $40 per year to close is not a high price to pay in my book! Every year I've opened to crystal blue water! Also... we own a 27' round and I always purchase a winter cover for a 30' round (34' total diameter) to have that additional overlap which really helps keep, at least, some of the wind from getting underneath and I use two piece clips to hold the cover down.