8 Essential Pool Equipment Winter Storage Supplies for Your Backyard Pool

Autumn leaves are falling, the air is crisp, and it is time to put your backyard pool to bed for the winter. Ignoring proper seasonal preparation can lead to cracked pipes, ruined liners, and a green swamp come spring. Investing in the right winter storage supplies now ensures your pool emerges pristine and ready for action when warm weather returns.

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Why Proper Winterization Saves Your Pool Equipment

Water undergoes a powerful transformation when it freezes, expanding by approximately nine percent in volume. In an unprotected pool, this expanding ice exerts immense outward pressure on the pool walls, skimmer assemblies, and underground plumbing lines. Without proper winterization, this seasonal expansion will easily crack heavy-duty PVC pipes, split pump housings, and warp pool walls, leaving you with thousands of dollars in structural damage.

Proper winterization is essentially an insurance policy for your backyard investment. By removing water from vulnerable areas, reinforcing structural weak points, and chemically treating the remaining water, you prevent ice from gaining a foothold. Taking these precautions protects your expensive pool components and saves you from grueling cleanup efforts when the spring thaw arrives.

Choosing high-quality, specialized winter gear instead of relying on DIY shortcuts is the key to a stress-free off-season. Inferior tarps, cheap plugs, and low-grade chemicals often fail under the weight of heavy snow and freezing temperatures. Investing in reliable, purpose-built gear keeps your pool secure through the harshest winter weather.

Winter Cover – Poolmate Sandstone Winter Cover

A winter cover acts as the primary shield for your pool, blocking sunlight, dirt, and heavy winter debris from entering the water. Without a solid cover, photosynthesis continues beneath the surface, turning your pool into a thick algae swamp by spring. It also prevents windblown leaves and twigs from settling on the bottom, where they can permanently stain vinyl liners and plaster finishes.

The Poolmate Sandstone Winter Cover stands out because of its heavy-duty polyethylene construction and heat-sealed seams. The top surface is treated to resist damaging UV rays, while the underside features a black coating to prevent light penetration and halt algae growth. Its clean sandstone color is aesthetically pleasing and absorbs just enough ambient heat from the sun to accelerate snowmelt on top of the cover.

• Material: Heavy-duty polyethylene
• Overlap: 4-foot overlap for secure anchoring
• Inclusions: Heavy-duty cable and winch included for above-ground models
• Warranty: Multi-year limited warranty coverage

When selecting your cover size, always measure the actual pool dimensions and buy a cover with a generous overlap to accommodate water drawdown. This cover must be pulled taut but allowed to rest naturally on the water’s surface to support snow loads without tearing. It is perfect for pool owners in high-wind, heavy-snow regions who want a clean, debris-free pool in spring, but it is not intended as a safety cover to support the weight of pets or children.

Pool Cover Pump – Wayne WAPC250 Automatic Pump

Accumulated rain and melted snow on a solid winter cover will quickly weigh it down, pulling the cover edges into the pool and risking a complete cover collapse. A dedicated cover pump removes this stagnant water, keeping the cover light, secure, and easy to manage. Left untreated, standing water also becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and collects organic muck that is difficult to remove.

The Wayne WAPC250 Automatic Pump is the industry standard for hands-off water removal due to its reliable iPROTEC sensing technology. This smart system automatically turns the pump on when water depth reaches two and one-sixteenth inches and shuts it off when the level drops below three-quarters of an inch. Operating at up to 3,000 gallons per hour, this pump rapidly clears heavy accumulations before freeze-ups occur.

• Flow Rate: Up to 3,000 gallons per hour
• Power: 1/4 HP oil-free motor
• Features: Automatic freeze protection and debris strainer base
• Connection: Standard garden hose thread adapter

Keep the pump plugged into a GFCI outlet and clear of large leaves to ensure the strainer base does not clog during heavy storms. This pump is designed to be left on the cover all winter, as its smart sensors prevent the motor from running dry or freezing. It is a must-have for solid winter cover users, but completely unnecessary for those using porous mesh safety covers that allow water to drain directly into the pool.

Pool Air Pillow – Robelle Ice Equalizer Pillow

Above-ground pools face a unique threat from ice expansion, as freezing surface water pushes outward against the metal pool walls with incredible force. An air pillow sits in the center of the pool beneath the cover to act as a sacrificial pressure absorber. As the ice expands inward, it compresses the air pillow instead of buckling the pool frame or tearing the vinyl liner.

The Robelle Ice Equalizer Pillow is manufactured from thick, heavy-duty 16-gauge vinyl designed to withstand extreme cold without cracking. It features rugged, reinforced grommets on all four corners, making it easy to center and secure using nylon ropes. The robust air valve is engineered to prevent slow leaks, ensuring the pillow remains inflated under heavy winter loads.

• Material: 16-gauge cold-crack resistant vinyl
• Sizes: Available in 4×4, 4×8, and 4×15 foot options
• Anchor Points: Four heavy-duty corner grommets
• Valve Style: Leak-resistant heavy-duty air valve

For optimal performance, inflate the pillow to only 60 to 70 percent of its maximum capacity. Over-inflating the pillow leaves no room for compression, which can cause the vinyl seams to pop under the pressure of freezing ice. This accessory is absolutely essential for above-ground pool owners in freezing climates, but is generally not required for in-ground pools.

Winter Chemical Kit – In The Swim Closing Kit

Unprotected pool water stagnant for six months will quickly degrade, fostering aggressive algae blooms and mineral staining. A winter chemical kit delivers a concentrated, slow-releasing dose of sanitizers and protectants to preserve water quality through the off-season. Proper chemical preparation means your water will be crystal clear and ready for swimming immediately upon spring opening.

The In The Swim Closing Kit provides a perfectly balanced, pre-measured chemical regimen that removes the guesswork from pool closing. Each kit includes a potent winterizer compound, non-chlorine pool shock, winter algaecide, and a slow-release winter floater. These components work in tandem to eliminate organic contaminants, prevent scale buildup, and suppress algae growth under the cover.

• Kit Sizing: Options for pools up to 10,000, 20,000, and 35,000 gallons
• Contents: Winterizer powder, winter algaecide, non-chlorine shock, and a chemical floater
• Compatibility: Safe for all pool types, including vinyl, plaster, and fiberglass
• Longevity: Formulated to remain active in near-freezing water temperatures

Add the chemicals in sequence, allowing the pool filter to run for several hours between additions to ensure thorough circulation. This kit is ideal for pool owners seeking a straightforward, all-in-one chemical solution for seasonal shutdown. It is not suitable for those who prefer to customize individual chemical parameters or those with specialized sanitizing systems that require alternative chemistry.

Winter Expansion Plug – Gizzmo Threaded Plug

In-ground pool skimmers are highly vulnerable to freeze damage because water naturally collects in the skimmer well and expands. If the water inside the skimmer freezes solid, it can crack the plastic housing, leading to costly excavation and repair bills. An expansion plug seals off the plumbing lines at the bottom of the skimmer while absorbing the pressure of freezing water inside the well.

The Gizzmo Threaded Plug is a clever, dual-purpose device featuring a long, hollow plastic tube designed to collapse when squeezed by ice. The bottom of the Gizzmo features heavy-duty male threads that screw directly into the skimmer’s bottom ports, creating an airtight and watertight seal. This prevents water from entering the plumbing lines while safely taking the brunt of any ice expansion inside the skimmer throat.

• Thread Sizes: Available in 1.5-inch and 2-inch tapered pipe threads
• Length: Standard (9-inch) and Super Gizzmo (16-inch) for deep skimmers
• Material: High-density, freeze-tolerant plastic
• Design: Collapsible hollow core absorbs ice expansion

Wrap the Gizzmo’s threads with Teflon tape to ensure a perfectly airtight seal before screwing it into the skimmer hole. It is crucial to choose the correct thread size for your specific skimmer to prevent stripping the threads. This product is an absolute necessity for in-ground pools in freeze-prone regions, but is not needed in climates that do not experience freezing temperatures.

Skimmer Lid – Aquador Skimmer Faceplate Cover

Draining a pool below the skimmer mouth every autumn is time-consuming, wastes water, and can upset the pool’s structural stability in high water tables. A specialized skimmer faceplate cover seals the skimmer opening from the pool side, keeping water locked inside the pool while keeping the skimmer dry. This allows you to winterize the skimmer without lowering the pool water level, saving you time and water.

The Aquador Skimmer Faceplate Cover utilizes a unique snap-on design that creates a dependable, watertight seal over the skimmer mouth. The durable, UV-resistant plastic lid snaps securely into a matching frame that replaces your existing skimmer faceplate. It remains flexible in sub-zero temperatures, preventing cracking and ensuring the seal holds up against heavy ice sheets.

• Models: Aquador 1090 (standard) and Aquador 1010 (widemouth skimmers)
• Material: Impact-resistant, UV-stabilized polymer plastic
• Design: Snap-on lid with integrated rubber gasket
• Installation: Replaces existing faceplate with no drilling required

Ensure the matching Aquador frame is installed correctly with new gaskets to prevent slow leaks during the winter. When spring arrives, simply peel the cover off and store it, keeping your water level exactly where it needs to be. This is a game-changer for above-ground pool owners looking to simplify the closing process, but it requires a precise match to your skimmer model to function properly.

Cover Water Tube – Blue Wave Double Water Tubes

Solid winter covers on in-ground pools require anchoring to prevent high winter winds from getting underneath the fabric and lifting it. While some pool owners resort to heavy bricks or concrete blocks, these abrasive materials can ruin the cover and damage the pool decking. Heavy-duty water tubes provide a soft, heavy, and uniform weight along the perimeter of the pool to keep the cover pinned flat.

The Blue Wave Double Water Tubes feature a smart no-roll double chamber design that prevents them from rolling out of place on sloped pool decks. Constructed from thick, puncture-resistant 18-gauge vinyl, these tubes are built to withstand the freezing and thawing cycle without splitting. The leak-proof valves are easy to fill with a standard garden hose and seal tightly to prevent water loss.

• Chamber Style: Double-chamber prevents rolling
• Vinyl Thickness: Rugged 18-gauge construction
• Lengths: Available in 8-foot and 10-foot options
• Valves: Leak-resistant, easy-fill cap valves

Only fill the water tubes to 50 to 70 percent of their total capacity to allow room for the water inside to expand when it freezes. Overfilling these tubes will cause the vinyl seams to split during the first hard freeze of the season. They are the ideal securing solution for standard in-ground winter covers, but are completely unnecessary for pools that utilize spring-loaded safety covers.

Pool Leaf Net – Blue Wave Leaf Net Cover

If your pool is surrounded by deciduous trees, autumn leaves will pile up on top of your winter cover, creating a heavy, rotting mat of organic debris. Trying to scoop wet, decaying leaves off a solid cover in the spring is an exhausting, messy chore that often results in dirty water spilling back into the pool. A leaf net sits on top of your main winter cover, catching falling leaves so you can peel them off in one motion.

The Blue Wave Leaf Net Cover is made from a lightweight but exceptionally strong woven polyethylene mesh. It features a generous four-foot overlap that makes it easy to drape over the main winter cover and secure around the pool perimeter. The fine mesh weave allows rainwater to pass through while trapping even the smallest leaves and twigs on top of the netting.

• Material: High-density, UV-protected woven polyethylene
• Mesh Size: Extra-fine weave traps small debris
• Overlap: Generous 4-foot overlap for easy securing
• Hardware: Includes heavy-duty cable and winch for above-ground pools

For the best results, install the leaf net immediately after closing your pool and remove it once all surrounding trees have dropped their leaves. It must be removed before the first major snowstorm, as heavy snow will freeze the net into the ice sheet, making removal impossible until spring. This net is a lifesaver for heavily wooded yards, but is not necessary for wide-open backyards with minimal foliage.

How to Clear and Blow Out Pool Plumbing Lines

Blowing out the pool plumbing lines is the most critical step in protecting underground pipes from catastrophic freeze damage. Any water left trapped inside PVC pipes will freeze, expand, and rupture the lines, requiring expensive excavation and repair work. Utilizing a high-volume air blower or a heavy-duty shop vacuum allows you to push all residual water out of the plumbing system.

Start by lowering the pool water level below the returns if you are not using watertight plugs, then hook your air source up to the pump basket assembly. Blow air through the lines toward the pool, clearing the skimmer lines first, followed by the main drain and return lines. As the air forces the water out, you will see a massive rush of bubbles erupting from the fittings inside the pool.

Once the lines are clear of water, quickly insert rubber expansion plugs or threaded plugs into the return fittings while the air is still blowing to prevent water from re-entering. Add a non-toxic propylene glycol pool antifreeze down the lines as an extra layer of defense against any residual moisture. Never use automotive antifreeze, which is highly toxic to swimmers and will ruin your pool’s chemistry.

Balancing Water Chemistry Before the Hard Freeze

Closing your pool with unbalanced water is a recipe for disaster, as improper chemistry will cause scale buildup, liner wrinkling, and severe staining over the winter. During the long off-season, pool water remains completely stagnant, which amplifies the corrosive or scaling nature of the water. Balancing your chemicals before the hard freeze protects your pool surfaces and makes spring startup incredibly simple.

Begin by adjusting the total alkalinity to between 80 and 120 ppm, which stabilizes your pH level and prevents sudden chemical fluctuations. Next, adjust your pH to a range of 7.2 to 7.6, as acidic water will corrode metal pool components, while high pH leads to scale formation. Finally, ensure your calcium hardness is between 200 and 400 ppm to prevent the water from leaching calcium directly out of plaster finishes.

Once these baseline parameters are balanced, shock the pool with chlorine or a non-chlorine oxidizer to eliminate organic contaminants and pathogens. Allow the filtration system to run for a full 24 hours to distribute the chemicals evenly throughout the entire body of water. Only after this thorough circulation cycle is complete should you add your winter algaecide and install the winter cover.

Checklist for Inspecting Your Stored Pool Gear

Properly preparing and storing your summer pool accessories prevents them from degrading during the freezing winter months. Leaving items like salt cells, pool cleaners, and steps exposed to the elements will shorten their lifespans and void manufacturer warranties. Taking time to inspect, clean, and store these items now ensures they are ready to perform when the warm weather returns.

Use this quick checklist to audit your summer gear before locking it away for the off-season:

• Clean and descale the salt chlorinator cell using a mild acid solution, then store it indoors.
• Remove, clean, and dry the pool cleaner (suction, pressure, or robotic) and store it in a temperature-controlled space.
• Drain all water from the pump, filter tank, and heater, leaving the drain plugs out so any residual moisture can escape.
• Wash down pool ladders, steps, and handrails, checking for signs of rust or structural wear before storing them in a dry shed.
• Inspect all pump and filter O-rings, lubricating them with a silicone-based pool lubricant to prevent dry-rotting over the winter.

Store all pool chemicals in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space out of the reach of children and pets. Keep liquid chemicals separated from dry chemicals to prevent accidental chemical reactions. Storing your gear in clean, dry conditions prevents mold, mildew, and pest infestations from ruining your expensive equipment.

Conclusion

Taking the time to systematically winterize your backyard pool with the correct specialized equipment is the single best way to protect your investment. By sealing plumbing lines, managing surface water, and securing high-quality covers, you prevent the destructive force of ice from causing thousands of dollars in damage. When the warm spring breeze finally arrives, you will be rewarded with clear water, intact plumbing, and a quick transition back to swim season.