There is a product out there if you need ideas. Something like Floating pond islands. It's a plastic tub (like the dish pan) with holes in the bottom, and suspended by a foam "Lifesaver" around the outer edge. Depending on your DIY ness, you could probable make the Lifesaver out of that pink styro. I wouldn't use the white/pellet styro, as once the pellets get loose, you'll never be rid of them. Just a caution with the Koi pond conversion. you pool filter is built for Chlorinated water, not pond water. It would require an upgrade to really filter a koi pond. If you want to go for the conversion, I would suggest koivet.com, in the message boards, for some people who have done it. Disclaimer, yes I am a moderator at Koivet, but I recieve no money or other benes for it. I just know that the thread was there several years ago. Greg

You should be able to drop the level a couple feet or so just off the pool pump. This is 20% to 30% of the water in our shallow rec pool (no deep end). We shut off the skimmer and hook a garden hose to the service tap a few days before it has to be drained and let it water the yard through sprinklers or soaker hoses. No ideas on how to use or save the rest of it, so would also be glad to learn of other options.

Scott- Sorry, but I didn't understand your response above.....So do you think the copper filtration system isn't a wise choice? It hasn't been installed yet, we are still in the demo phase of the pool remodel (actually we are now building a smaller pool inside our older 20x40 and straightening it out, it was built on a skew from the house in 1957). I can still change my mind. I spoke with my pool cover guy and he said they have treated the parts in the vault that would be at risk of corrosion to try and mediate this issue, but they still have the disclaimer in their contract if you have a salt chlorinator system.

No. Those little suckers hang on tight. Here is an article that might help you. School down to the question about swimming pools. http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/gen_info/faqs.html