Welcome to our forum.
Not to get off topic, but how about them illini this weekend what a game. Do you live in illinois? if so where about my wife and I just picked up a used tub and will be leaving it un-covered this year and will let you know our results after our first winter don't know how to answer your dilemia until we trial and error our own first winter like you, but so far I like the wide open area as of date.
OF all the upcoming games, the Illinois one scares me the most based on last year. Our tub is in the open, but with an umbrella nearby that can be put up in a hurry.
Illinois has beaten Ohio more often than the other way around. Especially in Ohio. Heard on radio today. FEAR the ILLINI. LOL