try a strap wrench or filter wrench to get the other side off. and make sure you flip around to take the unions off from different directions........I was actually tightening one side until I realized I had to switch positions :)

i have the same issue

The way that he's doing it, yes, definitely drop the water an inch or 2 below the skimmer. But really all you need to do is use a skimmer cover, then there's no need for a gizmo and no need to drain any water. It's actually a better idea to close your pool at the normal water level with a skimmer cover because it prevents the liner from drying out and allows for less water/ice/snow build up on top of the cover during the winter. The normal water level in your pool is actually the best defense against pool wall damage.

What is CIL?

@@jamestowlson1831 sorry CLR

@@gosselinsergegs what is CLR?

@@PeteJake100 calcium lime rust remover any home hardware store

Just soak over night and the CLR is still good

Boulderpits You can leave it in place but if there’s any water anywhere in the valve it could potentially freeze and crack, it ensures water drains out of any port/drain hole. also when the pressure gauges are left out int the elements they are more likely to fail over the winter. It’s more for preservation. Some people just replace them every year which is always an option :-)

Larry Fuller- Yes the skimmer plug doesn't prevent water from entering the skimmer if the cover gets loaded with snow , ice , water etc and ends up displacing the pool water which then enters the skimmer where it will freeze and crack the skimmer. Best thing to do is get a cover plate for the skimmer inlet. No water can then enter the skimmer .

The gizmo collapses so that your skimmer will not crack, that’s the whole point

@ theNYgolfer <You are wrong! The Gizmo does exactly as the pillow you put in the water under the cover. It absorbs the expansion of the freezing!!! So now go sit in the corner.