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Question:
I live in Billings Montana. Our frost depth is about 36” although the last couple of years it has only been 8 to 12 inches. I have a 20 X 40 inground vinyl lined pool with steel sides. I have 2 Hayward 1085 skimmers. Do you carry Aquadors’ for these skimmers? Now, supposing you do have the Aquador for the 1085, do I need to use any type of air bag in the pool to absorb expansion? I was concerned about the ice pushing against and breaking skimmers. I haven’t been able to find any information on whether this would be a problem with the Aquadors’.

I was planning on using my Aquamatic pool cover as a winter cover. Using the Aquadors and leaving the pool full would be very helpful, but if I need to use air bags I am concerned about being able to close the cover with them in the pool.

Response:
Yes, we do stock the Aquador for the SP1085 wide mouth skimmer.  They could go out to you as early as today.

You don't need the air pillows in your pool.  Ice will always move the easiest way it can, which means in a pool it will be up & down.  As far as the skimmers are concerned, use the Aquadors, then for best results & care, use a Super Gizmo .  That will help take care of any rain, melting/freezing snow/ice that gets into & accumulates inside of the skimmer after the pool is closed.

For extra precaution, we always recommend blowing out the lines AND adding non-toxic antifreeze (about 1 gal per about 20 - 30 ft run).
 

Question:
have an 18,000 gal fiberglass pool.  I usually use the BioGuard Winter Kit 24 to close it.  A local shop told me to just use BioGuard Banish and super shock it.  I don't have algae now.  I am a little confused as to why they suggested Banish (because it's expensive and they wanted to sell it  ... or because it's a good choice).  I'd like your opinion. I didn't think Banish was a preventative.  I use Backup 60 during the summer.  We have a waterfall feature.  I also shock with Super Soluble instead of Burn Out.  I have a chlorinator that I use Smart Sticks or Stingy Sticks in (I can never keep the products straight -- Smart Sticks, I think)

Response:
Anyway, Arctic Blue Winter Algicide and Banish are similar, but the Winter Kit 24 would be the preferred way to winterize your pool.  I may be out of 24's so we may have to use 2 - 12.  You end up with the same dosage.  Orders to Maryland are normally 1 to 2 days.  Order tonight, it will go out tomorrow; you'll have your order by Friday.

By the way, in the future, I'd shock with Smart Shock rather than Super Soluble.  The special blue crystals that help kill algae are a great additive in the Smart Shock.