Winter Pool Closing Checklist: 8 Must-Have Items

Watching the first autumn leaves drift onto a backyard pool is a clear signal that swim season has officially come to an end. Closing a pool properly is not just about keeping the water clean; it is about protecting a major backyard investment from devastating freeze damage and costly spring repairs. Having the right winterizing gear on hand transforms a grueling weekend chore into a streamlined, highly effective routine.

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Why Winterizing Your Pool Saves Money and Stress

Water expands by approximately nine percent when it freezes, exerting immense pressure on anything containing it. In a backyard pool, this expansion can easily crack PVC pipes, rupture expensive filtration equipment, and tear vinyl liners. Skipping proper winterization invites structural disasters that cost thousands of dollars to fix when spring arrives.

A neglected pool becomes a breeding ground for algae and a trap for decomposing organic debris over the winter. Leaving the water untreated and unprotected means facing a murky, foul-smelling swamp come May, requiring days of heavy chemical treatments and endless scrubbing. Investing in proper winter prep ensures the pool remains secure, balanced, and remarkably easy to clear up when the warm weather returns.

Pool Cover – Water Warden Safety Pool Cover

A pool cover is the primary shield defending a pool from heavy snow loads, falling debris, stray animals, and drowning hazards during the off-season. Unlike cheap tarps that collect stagnant water and sag under the slightest weight, a true safety cover tension-mounts across the pool deck to create a secure, impenetrable barrier. This tension is vital for preventing tragic accidents and keeping the pool pristine.

The Water Warden Safety Pool Cover excels due to its high-quality, lightweight mesh material that filters out fine debris while letting water drain through. It features heavy-duty stainless steel springs and brass anchors that recess flush into concrete decks, ensuring a sleek look and rock-solid hold. The reinforced webbing on both the top and bottom of each seam provides immense break strength to handle severe winter storms.

• Material: Lightweight, UV-resistant polypropylene mesh
• Installation: Requires drilling anchor holes into concrete or wood decking
• Included hardware: Brass anchors, stainless steel springs, installation tool, and storage bag

Buyers must accurately measure their pool size, including any steps or buddy seats, as the cover must overlap the pool edge by at least one foot. The initial installation requires drilling into concrete to set the anchors, which may require renting a rotary hammer drill.

This cover is ideal for homeowners with concrete decks who prioritize family safety and want a cover that survives heavy winter weather year after year. It is not the right choice for above-ground pools or those with soft lawns surrounding the perimeter without proper decking anchors.

Cover Pump – Little Giant APCP-1700 Cover Pump

Water accumulation on solid pool covers is a major threat, as thousands of pounds of standing water can stretch, tear, or completely collapse the cover into the pool. A cover pump automatically removes this pooling rainwater and melted snow, keeping the cover light and functional. Without one, manually siphoning or scooping water becomes a back-breaking, daily winter chore.

The Little Giant APCP-1700 Cover Pump is a standout choice because of its integrated mechanical float switch, which automatically activates the pump when water levels reach two inches and turns it off once the cover is dry. It moves up to 1,745 gallons of water per hour, rapidly clearing heavy accumulations before they can damage the pool structure. The wide, stable base prevents the pump from tipping over on uneven, saggy covers.

• Flow Rate: 1,745 GPH at 0 feet of head
• Power Cord: 25-foot heavy-duty power cord
• Connection: Standard 3/4-inch garden hose thread

This pump operates on standard 115-volt power, requiring a nearby GFCI-protected outlet for safe operation. Homeowners must use a high-quality garden hose that is rated for cold temperatures to prevent kinking and freezing during operation.

This automatic pump is perfect for pool owners with solid safety covers or standard winter tarps who want hands-off protection against heavy rainfall. It is unnecessary for mesh safety covers, which allow water to drain directly through into the pool itself.

Pool Pillow – Robelle Ice Equalizer Pillow

In above-ground pools, freezing water expands outward against the rigid pool walls, threatening to split the metal frame and ruin the liner. A pool pillow, also known as an ice equalizer, sits in the center of the water under the cover to absorb this pressure. As ice expands inward toward the soft pillow, the pillow compresses, relieving the destructive lateral forces on the pool walls.

Built from heavy-gauge, puncture-resistant vinyl, the Robelle Ice Equalizer Pillow is engineered to withstand extreme freezing pressure without bursting. Its double-valve design prevents slow air leaks, ensuring the pillow remains inflated throughout the long winter months. The reinforced corner eyelets allow for easy centering using pool ropes, preventing the pillow from shifting to one side.

• Thickness: 16-gauge durable vinyl
• Sizes available: 4×4 feet, 4×8 feet, and 4×15 feet options
• Inflation limit: Fill only to 60–70% capacity to allow room for compression

Do not inflate this pillow completely to 100 percent, as the expanding ice will pop a fully inflated pillow instantly. Leaving room for compression is the key to letting the equalizer do its job when the deep freeze sets in.

This is an absolute necessity for above-ground pool owners who experience freezing temperatures. It is not generally needed for in-ground pools, where the surrounding soil acts as a natural brace against expansion.

Winterizing Kit – In The Swim Deluxe Winter Kit

Closing a pool with unbalanced water leads to staining, scale buildup, and a massive algae bloom that takes weeks to clear in the spring. A winterizing chemical kit provides a pre-measured, highly concentrated dose of protective agents that keep the water clear and chemically stable in near-freezing conditions. These chemicals slow down organic growth and prevent minerals from etching the pool surface.

The In The Swim Deluxe Winter Kit offers a comprehensive chemical defense system that simplifies the closing process. It contains a powerful winter shock, a long-lasting winterizer algaecide, a stain-and-scale preventer, and a slow-releasing chemical floater. This combination ensures that the pool water remains treated even after the filtration system is turned off and winterized.

• Pool Capacity: Kits sized for pools up to 10,000, 20,000, or 35,000 gallons
• Active Ingredients: Non-copper algaecide and chlorine-free shock options
• Floater style: Patented slow-release winter chemical dispenser

Users must thoroughly vacuum the pool and balance the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness before adding these chemicals. The chemicals should be allowed to circulate through the filtration system for several hours prior to lowering the water level and blowing out the lines.

This kit is perfect for pool owners looking for an all-in-one chemical solution to guarantee a clean spring opening. It is not suitable for those who prefer to customize their chemical levels manually using bulk, individual ingredients.

Skimmer Guard – Ultra Gizzmo Expansion Plug

The pool skimmer is highly vulnerable to freeze damage because water naturally collects in its throat, where it can freeze, expand, and crack the rigid plastic housing. Replacing a cracked skimmer is an expensive, invasive repair that often requires tearing up the surrounding concrete deck. A skimmer guard absorbs this freeze expansion while simultaneously sealing the plumbing line below from incoming water.

The Ultra Gizzmo Expansion Plug is the industry standard for skimmer protection due to its heavy-duty, blow-molded plastic construction. It features a built-in 1.5-inch and 2-inch double-threaded design that screws directly into the bottom of the skimmer, creating a watertight seal without the need for additional Teflon tape. Its hollow, collapsible chamber is engineered to crush inward when water freezes inside the skimmer, protecting the outer walls from damage.

• Thread Sizes: Dual 1.5-inch and 2-inch tapered threads
• Overall Length: 12 inches for standard skimmer wells
• Seal Type: Integrated O-ring for airtight plumbing sealing

Ensure the skimmer threads are clean and free of debris before screwing the Gizzmo in to prevent cross-threading. It is critical to select the correct length; deep skimmers require the Ultra version to ensure the top of the guard sits above the expected winter water level.

This guard is a must-have for in-ground pool owners in freezing climates with standard skimmer configurations. It is not compatible with specialized above-ground skimmers that require flat winter plates instead of threaded plugs.

Expansion Plug – Anderson Winterizing Plug

After blowing the water out of the pool’s return lines, those lines must be sealed to prevent water from seeping back in and freezing. Expansion plugs are inserted into the return inlets and tightened to create a heavy-duty, airtight seal inside the pipe. This simple mechanical seal prevents underground pipe bursts that are incredibly difficult and costly to locate and repair.

The Anderson Winterizing Plug features a premium, industrial-grade rubber body that remains flexible and resilient in sub-zero temperatures. Its heavy-duty nylon wing nut and stainless steel hardware resist rust and corrosion despite constant exposure to pool chemicals and water. When tightened, the rubber expands uniformly to mold perfectly to any imperfections inside the plumbing line.

• Sizes Available: Standard sizes ranging from #0 (1/2 inch) up to #14 (4 inches)
• Material: Chemical-resistant neoprene rubber with stainless steel bolts
• Application: Suitable for return lines, cleaner lines, and main drain lines

Choosing the correct plug size is essential, as a plug that is too small will slip out under water pressure, while one that is too large will not insert deeply enough to seal. Measure the inside diameter of the return jet threads rather than the outer fitting diameter.

This plug is ideal for any pool owner looking for a reliable, professional-grade seal for return and suction lines during the winter. It is not suitable for threaded fittings that require male threaded plugs rather than expanding rubber plugs.

Water Bag – Swimline Double Water Tube Cover

For pool owners utilizing standard, non-tensioned winter covers, wind is the ultimate enemy, as it can get under the tarp and lift it completely off the pool. Water bags are placed along the perimeter of the pool cover to weigh it down securely against the deck. This prevents wind from lifting the cover and keeps leaves and debris from blowing underneath the edges.

The Swimline Double Water Tube Cover is designed with dual-chamber construction, which prevents the bag from rolling off the pool deck and into the water. Made from heavy-duty, puncture-resistant vinyl, it is built to survive freezing temperatures without cracking. The double valve system makes filling and draining the tubes straightforward, while ensuring a reliable seal that prevents slow leaks.

• Chamber Style: Double-tube design to prevent rolling
• Length Options: 8-foot and 10-foot lengths
• Material: Heavy-gauge, UV-treated vinyl

Never fill these water bags completely to the top, as expanding ice will split the seams instantly; filling them to about 60 to 70 percent capacity leaves plenty of room for freezing. Place them end-to-end around the pool perimeter to eliminate gaps where wind can catch the cover.

This is a crucial accessory for in-ground pool owners using traditional winter tarps on flat concrete decks. It is completely unnecessary for those utilizing spring-tensioned safety covers that anchor directly into the deck.

Leaf Rake – ProTuff Heavy Duty Pool Leaf Rake

Clearing heavy, wet leaves from the pool bottom before covering it is essential to prevent staining, organic decay, and chemical imbalance over the winter. Standard, flimsy plastic leaf skimmers often snap under the weight of wet autumn debris. A commercial-grade leaf rake features a deep bag designed to scoop large quantities of heavy debris quickly and efficiently.

The ProTuff Heavy Duty Pool Leaf Rake is constructed with an incredibly strong aluminum alloy frame wrapped in a protective, non-marring plastic coating that won’t scratch vinyl liners. The deep pocket net is made from double-stitched, chemical-resistant nylon mesh that easily cuts through water to reduce drag. Its unique scoop edge design glides effortlessly along the pool floor, capturing every last leaf and twig in a single pass.

• Frame Size: 18-inch wide heavy-duty frame
• Net Material: Fine-mesh, double-stitched nylon pocket
• Connection: V-clip connection compatible with standard 1-1/4 inch telescoping poles

While the rake is highly durable, users should avoid dragging it over sharp, jagged pool coping, which can wear down the plastic rim over time. Rinsing the net with fresh water after scooping out chlorinated debris extends the life of the nylon mesh.

This is the perfect tool for pool owners with heavy leaf cover who need a fast, durable tool that won’t break under pressure. It is not necessary for indoor pools or pools completely shielded by screen enclosures.

How to Properly Blow Out Your Pool Plumbing Lines

Blowing out the plumbing lines is the most critical step in protecting a pool from expensive winter freeze damage. The goal is to evacuate all standing water from the underground PVC pipes and seal them off, creating a dry, pressurized environment. Before starting, lower the pool water level to roughly four to six inches below the skimmer mouth to prevent water from re-entering the lines during the process.

Connect a high-volume air blower or a heavy-duty shop vacuum to the pool pump’s intake line, ensuring all valves are set to direct the airflow toward the return jets. Turn on the blower, and watch for a steady stream of water and air bubbles escaping from the return lines in the pool. Once a line is blowing completely dry, quickly insert an expansion plug into the jet and tighten it securely to lock the water out.

Repeat this process for the skimmer lines and the main drain at the bottom of the pool. When blowing out the main drain, watch for a massive eruption of bubbles in the deep end, then quickly close the corresponding valve at the pool pad to create an air lock, keeping water from rising back up the pipe. Finish by pouring non-toxic pool antifreeze down the lines for an extra layer of protection against any remaining condensation.

Essential Mid-Winter Pool Inspections to Perform

Many pool owners make the mistake of closing their pool in October and ignoring it completely until May, which invites unnoticed disaster. Severe winter storms, heavy snow loads, and hungry pests can damage cover systems and upset water levels over the winter. Performing a quick, 10-minute inspection once a month keeps small issues from escalating into major, costly repairs.

Walk the perimeter of the pool to check the tension of the safety cover springs and ensure all deck anchors remain flush and secure. Check the water level beneath the cover; a sudden drop in water can indicate a slow leak, while water rising too high can touch the cover, freezing and causing tension damage. Inspect any solid covers for standing water, and clear it off immediately using the cover pump before the weight strains the cover seams.

For above-ground pools, verify that the pool pillow remains inflated and centered, adjusting the positioning ropes if necessary. Look for signs of ice shifting or sharp icicles forming near the pool walls or liner, which can cause punctures during freeze-thaw cycles. Keeping an eye on these details ensures that the protective gear actually survives the hardest parts of the winter season.

Opening Your Pool Faster When Warm Weather Returns

A meticulous winterization routine pays massive dividends when the spring sun finally begins to warm the backyard. By keeping debris out, maintaining balanced water chemistry, and preventing pipe damage, the pool is primed for an incredibly fast and painless opening. Instead of battling a green swamp, the water should be nearly clear and ready for a simple chemical jumpstart.

Start by clearing any remaining debris off the pool cover using a leaf rake and cover pump before removing it, preventing dirty water from spilling into the clean pool. Reconnect all the filtration equipment, remove the winterizing plugs, and raise the water level back to its normal operating height. Once the system is primed and running, shock the pool and run the filter continuously for 24 hours to clear any lingering winter haze.

Test the water chemistry immediately, adjusting the pH, alkalinity, and stabilizer levels to ensure the water is balanced and safe for swimmers. A well-winterized pool can easily transition from closed to swim-ready in as little as 48 hours, saving days of frustration and hundreds of dollars in corrective chemicals.

Conclusion

Taking the time to properly protect a backyard pool with high-quality gear is the ultimate investment in hassle-free pool ownership. By selecting the right safety covers, pumps, plugs, and chemical kits, the risk of winter freeze damage is virtually eliminated. With the pool securely winterized, homeowners can relax through the cold months, knowing a crystal-clear swim season is just around the corner.