For a variety of reasons, we at Ellis Pool Covers Inc. do not recommend using automatic pool covers as winter covers.  A separate, dedicated winter cover is almost always the best way to go.  Safety mesh covers have proven to be a great solution for the snowy New England winter season.  These covers look terrific, are a true safety barrier, and last a very long time (some have lasted 30 + years!).  Using a separate winter cover also has the benefit of extending the life of the automatic pool cover material by keeping that material rolled up and out of the sunshine for around half of each year.