9 Essential Tools for Winterizing Your Above Ground Pool

Watching the autumn leaves fall signals that it is time to shift from swimming laps to protecting your backyard investment. Leaving an above ground pool exposed to freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and winter debris can cause catastrophic, expensive structural damage. Equipping yourself with the right winterizing tools ensures a painless reopening when the warm weather finally returns.

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Why Winterizing Your Above Ground Pool Matters

Freezing water expands by about nine percent, creating immense outward pressure that can easily split pool walls, ruin liners, and crack plumbing lines. Unlike inground pools surrounded by supportive earth, above ground pools stand completely exposed to the elements, making them vulnerable to structural collapse under ice and snow loads. Properly winterizing is not just about keeping the water clean; it is about physically preserving the pool so it survives until spring.

Skipping this process or cutting corners leads to a nightmare of green slime, costly liner replacements, and ruined filtration systems. A disciplined winterization routine seals out debris, prevents algae blooms, and manages the inevitable ice expansion that occurs in cold climates. Taking the time to do it right saves thousands of dollars in repairs and hours of scrubbing when swim season rolls around again.

Winter Pool Cover – Robelle Super Winter Cover

A solid winter cover is the primary defense against rotting leaves, dirt, and sunlight during the off-season. Sunlight triggers algae growth even in cold water, so blocking UV rays is critical to keeping the pool water clear. The Robelle Super Winter Cover does this exceptionally well, constructed from heavy-duty polyethylene with a dense weave that resists tearing under heavy snow loads.

This cover stands out because of its generous four-foot overlap, which provides ample material to drape over the pool walls even when using a large air pillow underneath. It features a top coating that resists UV degradation and a black underside to inhibit algae growth. The package includes a commercial-grade winch and plastic-coated cable to secure it tightly against heavy winter winds.

When buying, always select a size based on your actual pool dimensions; the manufacturer already factors in the necessary overlap. However, if using an extra-large air pillow, consider sizing up one pool size to avoid stretching the material too taut. This cover is perfect for pool owners in heavy snow zones but is not designed to support the weight of pets or children, as it is not a safety cover.

• Material: Heavy-duty polyethylene
• Scrim: 12 x 12 weave count
• Overlap: 4 feet
• Included: Vinyl-coated cable and metal winch

Pool Cover Pump – Little Giant APCP-1700 Automatic

Accumulated rain and melted snow on top of a pool cover create thousands of pounds of stress, dragging the cover down and pulling the pool walls inward. A reliable cover pump draws this water off automatically, protecting the structural integrity of the entire pool frame. The Little Giant APCP-1700 Automatic Pool Cover Pump acts as an automated guardian, activating when water levels rise and shutting off when the job is done.

Boasting a flow rate of up to 1,745 gallons per hour, this submersible pump quickly clears deep puddles before they can freeze into heavy ice sheets. It features an integrated mechanical float switch that activates in approximately two inches of water, preventing the pump from running dry and burning out. The wide, stable base resists tipping over, even when placed on uneven, leaf-strewn cover surfaces.

A standard garden hose thread allows for easy connection to any backyard hose to direct water away from the pool foundation. Note that while this pump is highly durable, it should be removed and stored indoors during periods of sustained sub-zero temperatures to prevent ice from damaging the internal impeller. This unit is ideal for pool owners who experience heavy winter precipitation and want a set-it-and-forget-it drainage solution.

• Flow Rate: 1,745 GPH at 0 feet
• Activation: Automatic mechanical float switch
• Discharge: 3/4-inch garden hose connection
• Power: 25-foot power cord

Winter Chemical Kit – In The Swim Ultimate Kit

Closing a pool with balanced water is only half the battle; those chemicals dissipate over months of cold weather, leaving the water vulnerable to early spring algae blooms. A specialized winter chemical kit slow-releases sanitizers and stain preventers throughout the freezing months. The In The Swim Ultimate Winter Kit provides a comprehensive, pre-measured defense system designed to keep water clear and protect vinyl liners from staining.

This kit includes a highly concentrated winterizer chemical, a winter stain away formula, a non-chlorine shock treatment, and a specialized slow-release chemical dispenser. This patented floating dispenser releases non-chlorine sanitizer slowly as temperatures fluctuate, preventing liner bleaching that occurs with standard chlorine floaters. The chemical combination ensures that metals stay sequestered, preventing ugly copper or iron stains on the pool walls.

For maximum effectiveness, the pool water must be completely balanced for pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness before adding these winterizing agents. Ensure you purchase the specific kit tier matched to your pool’s gallon capacity to avoid under-treating the water. This kit is a must-have for anyone wanting an effortless spring opening, though owners of very small splash pools may find individual chemicals more economical.

• Sizing options: Up to 10,000, 20,000, or 35,000 gallons
• Included: Non-chlorine shock, Winterizer, Stain Away, Floating sanitizer dispenser
• Liner safe: Will not bleach vinyl liners

Pool Air Pillow – Robelle Ice Equalizer Pillow

When pool water freezes, it expands outward, exerting tremendous pressure that can buckle above ground pool walls and crack the skimmer. An air pillow sits in the center of the pool, acting as an artificial pressure relief valve that compresses as the ice expands inward. The Robelle Ice Equalizer Pillow is built from thick, 16-gauge vinyl specifically engineered to withstand this extreme pressure without popping.

This heavy-duty pillow features a leak-resistant valve and built-in grommets on the corners for securing it in the exact center of the pool. By keeping the pillow centered, it also breaks up the surface tension of the water, preventing a solid, unbroken sheet of ice from forming across the entire pool surface. Additionally, it helps pitch the pool cover toward the edges, making it easier for cover pumps to clear off rainwater.

A crucial tip for success is to only inflate the pillow to 60% to 80% capacity; fully inflating it leaves no room for compression, causing it to pop when the ice squeezes it. Tie the pillow off using nylon ropes secured to opposite sides of the pool wall before pulling the cover over. This tool is absolutely mandatory for any above ground pool owner in freezing climates, while those in frost-free regions can safely bypass it.

• Material: Heavy-duty 16-gauge PVC
• Dimensions: 4′ x 4′, 4′ x 8′, or 4′ x 15′ options
• Features: Corner grommets for centering
• Valve type: Leak-resistant inflation valve

Skimmer Plug – Aquador 1010 Skimmer Cover

Traditionally, winterizing required draining the pool water below the skimmer mouth to prevent freezing water from cracking the skimmer faceplate. This method wastes water and leaves the top portion of the pool liner unsupported, which can cause it to shrink and dry out. The Aquador 1010 Skimmer Cover solves this problem by snapping directly onto the skimmer faceplate, sealing out water and allowing you to keep your pool filled to normal levels.

This clever tool utilizes a flexible, freeze-proof plastic lid that snaps into a specialized replacement faceplate frame. Once installed, it creates a completely watertight seal, protecting the delicate skimmer body from expanding ice without requiring you to touch the plumbing. This preserves thousands of gallons of balanced pool water and keeps the pool structurally stabilized against wind and ice pressure.

To use this system, you must initially replace your existing skimmer faceplate with the included Aquador frame, a simple process that requires only a screwdriver. Ensure you verify your skimmer brand and model, as the standard 1010 model fits standard Hayward and similar square skimmers, but will not fit wide-mouth versions. This is an indispensable time-saver for any cold-climate pool owner who wants to eliminate the annual chore of draining and refilling water.

• Compatibility: Standard-sized skimmers (Hayward SP1091LX, etc.)
• Material: UV and chemical-resistant plastic
• Installation: Snap-on, tool-free lid (after initial faceplate install)
• Benefits: Eliminates the need to drain pool water below the skimmer

Cover Seal Wrap – Blue Torrent Cover Shield

Wind is the ultimate enemy of an above ground pool cover, easily slipping underneath the edges to create a sail effect that rips the cover off or tears the eyelets. Standard cables secure the cover, but they still allow wind to flutter the edges, letting debris slip inside. The Blue Torrent Cover Shield is a specialized, heavy-duty cling wrap that seals the gap between the cover and the pool wall, completely blocking wind entry.

This wrap is formulated with unique UV inhibitors and high-strength polymers that resist breaking down under harsh sunlight and freezing wind. It clings tightly to metal, vinyl, and plastic surfaces without leaving a sticky adhesive residue behind when removed in the spring. By wrapping the perimeter several times, you lock the cover down and prevent wind-driven dirt from blowing into your clean water.

Application requires walking around the pool circumference while pulling the wrap tight, which is easiest with two people. Because it is a stretch-film product, it is a single-season consumable that you discard during the spring opening, so you will need to purchase a fresh roll each autumn. This wrap is a lifesaver for open backyard setups exposed to constant prairie or coastal winds, but may be overkill for highly sheltered, fenced-in yards.

• Material: UV-stabilized stretch polymer film
• Length: 500 feet or 1000 feet rolls
• Width: 8 inches
• Compatibility: All round and oval above ground pools

Expansion Plug – Hayward SP1022C Rubber Plug

If water enters the return lines and freezes, it will split the plastic fittings and ruin the hose connections, leading to massive leaks come spring. An expansion plug seals these return lines from the inside of the pool, preventing water from escaping into the filtration hoses. The Hayward SP1022C Rubber Expansion Plug provides a reliable, heavy-duty seal that handles freezing temperatures without cracking.

Made from premium neoprene rubber and fitted with corrosion-resistant stainless steel hardware, this plug is built to withstand chemical exposure and freezing winters. When you tighten the oversized wing nut, the rubber expands outward, creating a perfectly airtight and watertight seal inside the 1.5-inch return fitting. This allows you to disconnect your external pool hoses and filter system without losing a drop of pool water.

Always verify the inner diameter of your return fitting before ordering, as 1.5 inches is the standard above ground pool size, but some smaller pools use 1.25-inch fittings. Avoid over-tightening the wing nut, as excessive force can crack aged plastic return fittings. This plug is a critical component for anyone in freezing climates who must disconnect their filtration system for the winter.

• Size: Fits standard 1.5-inch threaded or smooth return inlets
• Material: Heavy-duty neoprene rubber
• Hardware: Stainless steel bolt and wing nut
• Application: Return line isolation and winterization

Pool Leaf Net – In The Swim Deluxe Net Cover

Wet, decaying leaves on top of a winter cover quickly turn into a heavy, foul-smelling sludge that makes opening the pool in spring a miserable chore. A leaf net cover sits on top of your primary winter cover, catching all falling autumn debris so you can remove it in one clean motion. The In The Swim Deluxe Leaf Net Cover features a lightweight but incredibly durable mesh designed to make autumn cleanup effortless.

Constructed from UV-treated woven polyethylene, this net allows water to pass through freely while capturing even small leaf fragments and twigs. It features a generous four-foot overlap and includes a heavy-duty cable and winch system to secure it tightly over the main pool cover. Once all the surrounding trees have shed their leaves, you simply crank loose the cable, peel the net off, and shake the leaves onto the ground.

The key to using a leaf net successfully is timing: it must be removed before the first heavy freeze or snowfall, as frozen leaves will lock the net to the main cover and make removal impossible. It is highly recommended for any pool owner situated under a canopy of oaks, maples, or other deciduous trees. If your yard has zero overhanging trees or only sparse pines, you can comfortably skip this accessory.

• Material: UV-resistant woven polyethylene mesh
• Overlap: 4 feet
• Included: Vinyl-coated steel cable and brass ratchet winch
• Primary function: Seasonal leaf removal prior to freezing weather

Cover Wall Clips – Swimline Heavy Duty Clips

While a cable and winch system keeps the winter cover snug, wind can still slip between the uprights, causing the cover to flap violently and wear out prematurely. Wall clips snap over the pool’s top rail, gripping both the cover and the metal frame to lock the perimeter down tightly. The Swimline Heavy Duty Cover Wall Clips offer a simple, mechanical grip that prevents wind from gaining a foothold under the cover.

Made from durable, UV-resistant ABS plastic, these clips are designed to flex over the top rail without snapping, even in freezing temperatures. Their long, five-inch design distributes the holding pressure evenly across a larger surface area, reducing the risk of tearing the winter cover. They act as a fantastic companion tool to the cable system, particularly around the pool’s structural vertical uprights where wind entry is most common.

Note that these clips are specifically designed for standard metal or resin top rails on permanent above ground pools and will not fit soft-sided frame pools with round metal pipes. For maximum protection, it is best to use two clips per top rail section, placing them close to the uprights where wind leverage is highest. This product is an inexpensive but invaluable investment for anyone living in open, wind-prone regions.

• Material: UV-stabilized heavy-duty ABS plastic
• Length: 5 inches per clip
• Pack sizes: Available in 12, 24, or 36 packs
• Compatibility: Hard-sided above ground pools with standard top rails

Step-by-Step Order for Using Your Winterizing Gear

Winterizing your above ground pool is a process where the order of operations dictates your success. Start by thoroughly vacuuming and brushing the pool to remove all organic matter, then balance the water chemistry (pH, alkalinity, and hardness) a few days before closing. Once balanced, add the In The Swim Ultimate Kit chemicals, letting the pump circulate them for at least four to six hours to ensure complete distribution throughout the water column.

Next, prepare the physical barrier by installing the Aquador Skimmer Cover and inserting the Hayward Expansion Plug into the return line, allowing you to safely disconnect and drain your filtration system. Place the partially inflated Robelle Ice Equalizer Pillow in the center of the pool, securing it with nylon ropes tied to the top rails. Drape the Robelle Super Winter Cover over the pool, taking care not to pull the cover too tight over the air pillow, and secure it with the cable and winch.

Finish the exterior protection by snapping the Swimline Cover Wall Clips over the top rails and wrapping the perimeter with Blue Torrent Cover Shield to lock out the wind. Finally, lay the In The Swim Deluxe Net Cover over the top to catch falling autumn leaves. Once the trees are bare, remove the leaf net, and let the Little Giant APCP-1700 Pump sit ready to handle rain and snow melt throughout the long winter months.

How to Store Your Pool Equipment for the Off-Season

The gear that keeps your pool running all summer cannot survive the freezing temperatures of winter sitting outdoors. Water trapped inside pumps, filters, and chlorinators will freeze, expand, and crack the expensive plastic housings. Disconnect all hoses, open the drain plugs on your pump and filter tank, and allow all internal water to drain completely before moving the equipment.

Store your pump motor and multi-port valves indoors in a climate-controlled area like a basement, heated garage, or utility room to protect the delicate seals and electrical components from condensation. Wash down pool steps, ladders, and chemical floaters with a mild cleaner, dry them thoroughly, and store them away from direct sunlight to prevent plastic rot. If you have a diatomaceous earth (DE) or cartridge filter, remove the grids or cartridge, rinse them clean, and store them dry to prevent mold growth during the off-season.

Finally, take extra care to protect hoses and flexible lines from nesting rodents, which love to chew through soft plastic during the cold months. Hanging hoses off the ground or placing them in sealed plastic bins keeps them safe and clean. A little preparation in the fall ensures that your expensive filtration system is ready to plug in and run flawlessly come spring.

Conclusion

Winterizing your above ground pool requires a small investment of time and the right gear, but the payoff is an easy, stress-free spring opening. By protecting your liner, walls, and filtration equipment from ice damage, you extend the life of your pool for years to come. Take the time to secure your pool properly this autumn, and look forward to a crystal-clear splash next summer.