8 Essential Winter Conversion Kit Items for a Backyard Pool

As autumn leaves start to fall, backyard pool owners face a crucial transition period before the freezing temperatures arrive. Failing to prepare your pool for the off-season can lead to cracked pipes, ruined plaster, and a swampy green mess come spring. Investing in the right winterization gear now ensures your backyard oasis survives the harshest winter weather and opens smoothly next year.

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Why Winterizing Your Pool Saves Time and Money

Leaving a pool open or poorly protected through freezing weather is a costly gamble. Water expands by about nine percent when it freezes, exerting immense pressure on pipes, skimmers, and structural walls. A single ruptured underground line can cost thousands of dollars to excavate and repair, completely wiping out a summer recreation budget.

Proper seasonal prep also protects the interior finish of the pool from staining and algae colonization. Instead of spending days scrubbing black algae and dumping hundreds of dollars in shock chemicals during the spring thaw, a well-winterized pool can be uncovered and cleared in a matter of hours. The upfront investment in quality winterization tools pays for itself by stretching the lifespan of your pool equipment and liner.

Safety Cover – Meyco Lite Mesh Safety Cover

A safety cover does far more than keep autumn leaves out of the water; it prevents children, pets, and wandering wildlife from falling through into the freezing depths. Standard tarp covers sag under heavy snow loads, creating dangerous pools of stagnant water on top of the pool. A taut, anchor-secured safety cover spans the pool like a trampoline, easily supporting heavy weight and keeping the backyard secure all winter.

The Meyco Lite Mesh Safety Cover stands out because of its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and high-flow drainage capabilities. Constructed from incredibly tough, lightweight polypropylene mesh, this cover filters out fine debris while allowing water to pass through freely, preventing heavy puddles from forming. The brass anchors sit flush with the pool deck when not in use, preserving a clean aesthetic during the swimming season.

When purchasing, precise measurements of the pool deck are critical, especially if the pool has custom steps, rock features, or non-standard angles. * Material: 4.4 oz. lightweight polypropylene mesh * Break strength: Exceeds ASTM safety standards (4,000 lbs minimum) * Hardware included: Brass anchors, stainless steel springs, installation tool

This cover is perfect for homeowners with kids or pets who prioritize safety and durability, but it is not ideal for those who want absolute blockage of sunlight, which can sometimes allow minor spring algae growth in warmer climates.

Winter Expansion Plug – Anderson Winterizing Plug

Once pool plumbing lines are blown out and cleared of water, they must be sealed completely to prevent water from seeping back in. If water enters the pipes and freezes, the resulting expansion will split the PVC lines underground. Heavy-duty expansion plugs act as the final line of defense, sealing the return inlets and cleaner lines against moisture intrusion.

The Anderson Winterizing Plug is the industry standard for a reason, utilizing a heavy-duty rubber wing-nut design that creates an airtight seal inside the pipe. Unlike cheap, rigid plastic plugs that crack under freezing stress, the high-grade neoprene rubber on these plugs remains flexible in sub-zero temperatures. The extra-wide wing nut allows for tool-free installation, ensuring a tight seal even when working in cold, damp conditions.

Buyers need to verify the exact diameter of their return lines before purchasing, as pool plumbing typically uses either 1.5-inch or 2-inch fittings. * Material: Neoprene rubber with stainless steel hardware * Sizing options: Available from 0.5-inch to 4-inch diameters * Application: Pool return jets, suction lines, and water feature pipes

This plug is essential for anyone in freezing climates with inground pools, but it is unnecessary for above-ground pool owners who completely disconnect and store their hoses indoors.

Skimmer Guard – Gizzmo Ultra Pool Skimmer Guard

The pool skimmer is one of the most vulnerable components during the winter because it sits right at the freeze line. As ice expands inside the skimmer well, it pushes outward with enough force to crack the thick plastic housing, leading to a major leak that requires deck excavation to fix. A skimmer guard absorbs this destructive pressure by collapsing inward under the force of the ice.

The Gizzmo Ultra Pool Skimmer Guard combines a pressure-absorbing expansion chamber with a heavy-duty threaded plug at the bottom. This dual-action design seals the skimmer line from water intrusion while providing a hollow, collapsible core that absorbs ice expansion inside the skimmer throat. The heavy-duty plastic construction features built-in handling ribs, making it easy to screw into place without slipping.

Before buying, check the threading on the bottom of the skimmer; the Gizzmo Ultra is designed for standard 1.5-inch and 2-inch threads. * Thread size: Dual 1.5-inch and 2-inch tapered threads * Length: 16 inches for deep skimmer wells * Feature: Built-in blowout channel for clearing lines without removing the guard

This is a non-negotiable tool for inground pool owners in deep-freeze states, whereas pool owners in mild, freeze-free climates can get by with standard winter plugs.

Pool Cover Pump – Little Giant APCP-1700 Pump

Standard solid tarp covers quickly accumulate hundreds of gallons of rainwater and melted snow over the winter. This immense weight strains the cover anchors, pulls the pool walls inward, and creates a drowning hazard for backyard wildlife. A reliable submersible cover pump automatically removes this water before it can freeze into a massive, heavy sheet of ice.

The Little Giant APCP-1700 Pump is built specifically for this grueling task, featuring an integrated mechanical float switch that turns the pump on and off automatically. It can move up to 1,700 gallons of water per hour, quickly clearing a saturated cover after a heavy winter storm. The wide, stable base prevents the pump from tipping over on sagging covers, while the built-in intake screen resists clogging from leaves and twigs.

Keep in mind that this pump requires a reliable outdoor GFCI outlet and a standard garden hose to route the discharged water away from the pool deck. * Flow rate: 1,700 GPH at 0 feet of head * Switch type: Automatic mechanical float switch * Power cord length: 25 feet heavy-duty cord

This pump is ideal for pool owners using solid winter tarps or safety covers that accumulate surface water, but it is not necessary for those using high-drainage mesh safety covers.

Pool Air Pillow – Swimline Premium Air Pillow

Above-ground pools are highly susceptible to ice damage because the water freezes from the outside edges inward toward the center. This outward expansion puts immense pressure on the pool walls, which can warp or split the steel frame. An air pillow floating in the center of the pool acts as an expansion compensator, squeezing inward to absorb the ice pressure.

The Swimline Premium Air Pillow uses thick, heavy-duty vinyl that resists punctures from sharp ice edges and rough cover surfaces. It features reinforced grommets on all four corners, allowing for secure centering using nylon ropes tied to the pool coping. Unlike cheap, single-chamber pillows that deflate under pressure, this model features a secure freeze-resistant valve designed to hold air throughout the long winter.

It is critical to only inflate these pillows to about 60 to 70 percent capacity to allow room for compression when the pool water freezes. * Material: 16-gauge heavy-duty vinyl * Dimensions: Available in 4×4, 4×8, and 4×15 foot options * Valves: Leak-resistant double valves

This pillow is a must-have for above-ground pool owners in freezing climates, but it is rarely needed for inground pools with sloped bottoms and safety covers.

Winterizing Chemical Kit – In The Swim Winter Kit

Algae and bacteria do not stop growing just because the pool is covered; they simply slow down. Without a proper chemical barrier, warmer spring temperatures will trigger rapid organic growth, turning the pool into an expensive, stained mess before opening day. A winterizing chemical kit delivers slow-releasing sanitizers and stain inhibitors designed to work in cold water.

The In The Swim Winter Kit simplifies the closing process by bundling pre-measured doses of winter pool shock, algaecide, and metal stain preventer. The star of the kit is the winter floating dispenser, which slowly releases a non-chlorine sanitizer throughout the winter without bleaching vinyl liners. This multi-stage approach ensures that both green algae spores and mineral scaling are kept at bay until the spring thaw.

Ensure you select the kit that corresponds to your pool’s actual gallon capacity, as under-treating will result in a green pool come spring. * Sizing: Kits available for pools up to 10k, 22k, and 35k gallons * Contents: Winter shock, winter algaecide, stain away, and winter float * Compatibility: Safe for vinyl, fiberglass, and plaster pools

This kit is perfect for pool owners who want a straightforward, all-in-one chemical regimen, but advanced users may prefer sourcing individual bulk chemicals.

Water Tube – Poolmate Heavy Duty Double Water Tube

Standard tarp covers used on inground pools do not use spring-loaded brass deck anchors. Instead, they rely on weighted water tubes placed around the perimeter to keep the cover from blowing away in high winds. Without these weights, winter storms can easily lift the cover, dumping dirt, leaves, and freezing water directly into the clean pool.

The Poolmate Heavy Duty Double Water Tube is designed with two chambers to prevent the tube from rolling off the pool deck when filled. Made from puncture-resistant, heavy-gauge vinyl, these tubes feature leak-resistant freeze valves that accommodate ice expansion. The double-chamber design provides double the weight of single tubes, ensuring the tarp remains flush against the concrete deck even in high wind zones.

Overfilling water tubes is a common mistake; they should only be filled halfway to three-quarters full to allow space for the water to expand as it freezes. * Material: 18-gauge heavy-duty vinyl * Chamber design: Double-chamber to prevent rolling * Lengths: Available in 8-foot and 10-foot options

This is the perfect anchoring solution for inground pool owners using traditional solid tarp covers, but it is completely unnecessary for those with anchored safety mesh covers.

Leaf Net Cover – Robelle Heavy Duty Leaf Net

Deciduous trees shed millions of wet, heavy leaves in late autumn, which quickly rot and form a heavy, tea-colored sludge on top of solid pool covers. Trying to scoop this soggy, decaying matter off a heavy winter cover in the spring is backbreaking work that often ends with debris slipping into the clean pool water. A leaf net cover sits on top of the main cover, capturing falling leaves before they can decompose.

The Robelle Heavy Duty Leaf Net is constructed from an incredibly durable, woven polyethylene mesh that catches even small debris while allowing water to pass through. Once all the leaves have fallen, the net is simply unfastened and pulled across the lawn, shedding the accumulated leaves in seconds. It features a heavy-duty binding and secure metal grommets every three feet to prevent tearing under heavy leaf loads.

Order a leaf net that is slightly larger than your actual pool dimensions to account for the dip of the main winter cover below the pool deck. * Material: Heavy-duty woven polyethylene mesh * Overlap: 4-foot overlap for secure fitment * Hardware: Includes heavy-duty winch and vinyl-coated cable for above-ground setups

This net is highly recommended for pools surrounded by mature oak, maple, or pine trees, but it is overkill for pools in wide-open, tree-free yards.

How to Balance Pool Water Before Closing

Pouring winter chemicals into a pool with unbalanced chemistry is a waste of money, as incorrect pH and alkalinity levels render sanitizers ineffective. Corrosive water can slowly etch pool plaster and degrade vinyl liners over the winter months, while scaling water will leave stubborn mineral rings. Ensuring the water is perfectly balanced before shutting down the filtration system protects your pool’s surfaces until spring.

Begin by checking the pH and total alkalinity at least a week before you plan to close the pool. The pH should sit comfortably between 7.2 and 7.6, while total alkalinity should range between 80 and 120 parts per million (ppm). Calcium hardness is another critical metric; keeping it between 200 and 400 ppm prevents plaster erosion and scaling.

Once these baseline levels are balanced, shock the pool with a high-quality chlorine-based or non-chlorine shock to destroy any lingering organic contaminants. Allow the pump to run for at least 24 to 48 hours to fully distribute the chemicals throughout the entire water column. Only add your final winterizing algaecides and stain preventers after the chlorine levels have dropped back down to normal operating levels.

Step-by-Step Guide to Blowing Out Pool Lines

Blowing out the plumbing lines is the most critical technical step in the winterization process for any pool located in a freezing climate. Leaving even a small pocket of water in an underground pipe can lead to a catastrophic freeze crack. Using a dedicated pool blower or a heavy-duty shop vacuum, you can force all water out of the lines and replace it with air.

Start by lowering the pool water level below the skimmers and returns, then connect the blower to the pump basket plumbing or the main skimmer line. Work in a systematic sequence: blow out the skimmer lines first, sealing them with your skimmer guards or plugs once they are dry and bubbling. Next, direct the air pressure to the deep-water return lines, watching for a geyser of water at the jets before quickly securing the expansion plugs underwater.

Finally, clear the main drain line located at the very bottom of the pool. Because this line cannot be easily plugged, you must blow air through it until you see a continuous stream of large bubbles rising from the drain, then quickly close the valve at the equipment pad to create an airtight “air lock” that keeps water from rising back up the pipe.

Storing Your Filtration Gear for the Offseason

Your expensive filtration system, pump, and heater cannot simply sit full of water during the freezing winter months. Water trapped inside the pump impeller housing, the multiport valve, or the filter tank will freeze and crack the heavy plastic or cast-iron castings. Taking the time to drain, clean, and store these components keeps your equipment operating efficiently season after season.

Start by removing the drain plugs from the bottom of the pump, filter tank, and heater, allowing all internal water to drain completely. Store these small plastic drain plugs inside the empty pump basket so they do not get lost over the winter. If you have a multiport valve, place the handle in the “Winter” or “Closed” position to allow internal gaskets to relax and prevent water from pooling inside the valve body.

For cartridge and D.E. filters, remove the elements or grids and hose them down thoroughly to remove accumulated debris, storing them in a dry, rodent-free area. If possible, disconnect the pump motor and store it inside a basement or garage to protect the electrical components from damp winter air. Leaving these delicate parts exposed to the elements accelerates rust and electrical failure, cutting their lifespan in half.

Conclusion

Closing your pool properly requires some effort and the right set of tools, but it is the ultimate insurance policy for your backyard investment. By selecting durable, purpose-built gear and following a methodical winterization routine, you protect your pool from the elements and set yourself up for an effortless spring opening. Take the time to do it right this autumn, and you will reap the rewards of a crystal-clear pool when the warm weather returns.