8 Essential Winterizing Supplies for Your Backyard Pool

When the autumn leaves begin to fall, pool owners know that the window for preventive seasonal maintenance is quickly closing. Skipping steps during the pool closing process might save a few hours in October, but it almost guarantees a costly headache come spring thaw. Having the exact right winterizing gear on hand transforms a grueling weekend chore into a streamlined, highly effective routine that protects your investment.

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Why Proper Winterization Saves Your Pool and Budget

Leaving a pool vulnerable to freezing temperatures is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make. When water freezes, it expands by approximately nine percent, exerting immense pressure on anything containing it. This expansion can easily rupture underground PVC pipes, crack heavy-duty plastic skimmers, and split expensive concrete or fiberglass pool walls.

Proper winterization acts as an insurance policy against these catastrophic structural failures. By spending a modest amount on dedicated winterizing supplies now, you avoid thousands of dollars in professional repairs when the swim season returns. Furthermore, keeping light and debris out of the pool during the off-season prevents stubborn algae blooms, saving you both time and chemical costs during the spring opening.

Steps to Take Before Adding Your Winter Chemicals

Before tossing a single chemical into the pool, the water must be thoroughly cleaned and balanced. Vacuum the pool floor to remove organic debris like leaves, twigs, and acorns, which can stain the liner and consume your winterizing chemicals prematurely. Brush the walls and floor to dislodge any clinging algae spores that might try to take hold over the winter.

Next, test and adjust your water chemistry to standard operating levels, paying close attention to pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Balanced water ensures that your winter chemicals work at peak efficiency and prevents corrosive water from damaging pool surfaces over the long hiatus.

Finally, lower the water level below the skimmer mouth and return jets, depending on the type of pool cover you use. For above-ground pools, this typically means dropping the water about three to six inches below the skimmer to prevent water from freezing inside the throat.

Pool Cover – Blue Wave Bronze Above Ground Cover

A pool cover is the primary line of defense against the harsh elements of winter. It stops leaves, dirt, and windblown debris from entering the water while blocking the sunlight that algae need to grow. Without a solid cover, your pool will quickly turn into a swampy mess of decaying organic matter by spring.

The Blue Wave Bronze Above Ground Cover is constructed from heavy-duty polyethylene with a rugged scrim density that resists tearing under the weight of winter wind and snow. It features a generous 4-foot overlap to ensure a secure fit even on pools with wide top rails, and the heat-sealed seams prevent water from seeping through. The underside of the cover is black to completely block sunlight, inhibiting winter algae growth.

This cover includes a vinyl-coated cable and a heavy-duty winch to secure it tightly around the pool perimeter. When ordering, always buy based on your actual pool size, as the manufacturer already adds the necessary overlap to the dimensions. Ensure you tighten the cable sufficiently so the winter wind cannot catch the edges and lift the cover off the pool.

• Material: Heavy-duty polyethylene
• Sun Protection: UV-resistant coating
• Overlap Size: 4 feet
• Best for: Above-ground pools in moderate to cold winter climates

This cover is perfect for above-ground pool owners looking for a budget-friendly, highly durable winter shield. It is not designed for inground pools, nor is it meant to support the weight of pets or children, as it is not a safety-certified mesh cover.

Cover Pump – Little Giant APCP-1700 Pool Pump

Accumulating rainwater and melting snow on top of your pool cover can create a massive, heavy puddle that strains the cover and pulls it into the pool. A cover pump automatically removes this standing water, protecting the structural integrity of your pool walls and keeping the cover securely in place.

The Little Giant APCP-1700 Pool Pump is a submersible pump specifically engineered to handle the demands of outdoor winter water removal. It features an integrated mechanical float switch that automatically activates the pump when water reaches two inches deep and shuts it off when the level drops. It can move up to 1,745 gallons per hour, quickly clearing heavy downpours before they can cause damage.

This pump comes with a generous 25-foot power cord and a standard garden hose adapter, allowing you to direct the discharged water far away from your pool’s foundation. It is vital to keep the intake screen clear of leaves and debris during the autumn drop to prevent the motor from running dry or clogging.

• Flow Rate: 1,745 GPH at 0 feet of head
• Power Cord: 25 feet
• Activation: Automatic float switch at 2 inches
• Connection: Fits standard 3/4-inch garden hose

This pump is ideal for pool owners who live in areas with high winter precipitation and do not want to manually monitor water levels on their covers. It is not suitable for those looking for a lightweight, manual siphon pump, as this is a powerful, utility-grade electric unit.

Winter Chemical Kit – In The Swim Deluxe Kit

Closing a pool with ordinary summer chemicals leaves the water vulnerable to staining, scale buildup, and algae over a long winter. A dedicated winter chemical kit slow-releases specialized sanitizers and preventative agents to keep the water clear and chemically stable for months of cold storage.

The In The Swim Deluxe Kit provides a comprehensive, pre-measured suite of chemicals designed to work together harmoniously. It includes a powerful winterizer shock to kill lingering bacteria, a non-foaming algaecide to prevent blooms, and a metal stain preventative to protect your pool walls. Additionally, it features a unique slow-releasing chemical floater packed with non-chlorine sanitizer to keep the water clean well into the spring.

These kits are sized specifically for different pool volumes, so it is critical to know your pool’s total gallon capacity before purchasing. Be sure to distribute the dry chemicals evenly around the pool perimeter with the filtration system running for at least several hours before shutting down the pump.

• Included: Winter Shock, Winter Algaecide, Stain/Scale Preventer, Winter Floating Dispenser
• Treatment Capacity: Available for pools up to 10,000, 20,000, or 35,000 gallons
• Chlorine-Free: Uses alternative sanitizers to protect vinyl liners

This kit is perfect for pool owners who want an all-in-one chemical solution without the hassle of measuring individual products. It is not suitable for those who prefer to customize their off-season chemical regimen or owners of ultra-small inflatable splash pools.

Pool Pillow – Robelle Ice Equalizer Air Pillow

When water on top of the pool cover freezes into a solid sheet of ice, it expands outward, putting tremendous pressure on the pool walls and liner. An air pillow sits under the cover in the center of the pool, acting as a compression cushion that absorbs this expansion force and protects the pool structure from cracking.

The Robelle Ice Equalizer Air Pillow is built from heavy-duty, 16-gauge vinyl that is designed to withstand freezing temperatures without deflating. Its large 4×4-foot size provides ample displacement, and the reinforced grommets on all four corners make it easy to center and tie off to the pool edge. This pillow handles the crushing pressure of expanding ice, collapsing under the force to spare your pool walls.

A common mistake is inflating the pillow to its maximum capacity; instead, inflate it to only about 60 to 70 percent full. This leaves room for the air to compress when the ice squeezes it, preventing the seams from popping under pressure.

• Dimensions: 4 x 4 feet
• Material: 16-gauge vinyl
• Features: Four corner grommets for centering
• Function: Relieves ice expansion pressure on pool walls

This is a must-have accessory for above-ground pool owners in regions where winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing. It is not necessary for pool owners in tropical or mild climates where ice formation is never a concern.

Expansion Plug – In The Swim Rubber Plug Set

After draining your pool lines, water must be kept out of the pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting underground. Expansion plugs fit tightly inside the return lines and drain ports, forming an airtight, watertight seal that blocks water from re-entering the plumbing system.

The In The Swim Rubber Plug Set features premium, heavy-duty rubber plugs equipped with corrosion-resistant nylon wing nuts and stainless steel bolts. As you tighten the wing nut, the rubber compresses and expands to create a reliable, pressurized seal inside the pipe. The high-quality rubber remains pliable even in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring the seal does not fail mid-winter.

It is vital to measure the inside diameter of your return lines and skimmer ports before buying, as plugs are sized by standard pipe dimensions (commonly 1.5 inches). Always clean any algae or grit from the inside of the pipe before inserting the plug to ensure a perfect, flush seal.

• Material: Heavy-duty rubber with stainless steel hardware
• Mechanism: Compression-style expansion
• Sizing Options: Multiple sizes (most common is 1.5 inches)
• Durability: Reusable year after year

This set is essential for any pool owner with inground or above-ground hard-plumbed filtration lines that must be drained and sealed for winter. It is not needed for simple, soft-sided pool setups where the hoses are completely disconnected and stored indoors.

Skimmer Guard – Gizzmo Ultra Skimmer Protector

The pool skimmer is particularly vulnerable to ice damage because water can accumulate inside the well and freeze, cracking the plastic housing. A skimmer guard screws directly into the bottom of the skimmer, absorbing the expansion of freezing water and sealing off the plumbing line simultaneously.

The Gizzmo Ultra Skimmer Protector is the gold standard for skimmer protection, constructed from durable, hollow plastic designed to collapse under ice pressure. It features a built-in 1.5-inch thread that screws directly into the skimmer drain, sealing the line while the long tube absorbs ice expansion. This dual-action design eliminates the need for separate plugs and sacrificial bottles in the skimmer well.

This protector is designed for standard skimmers, but you should verify your thread type (1.5-inch or 2-inch) before purchasing. Use Teflon tape on the threads of the Gizzmo to ensure an airtight seal and prevent water from slowly leaking down into the plumbing lines.

• Thread Size: 1.5-inch male threads (also available in 2-inch)
• Length: 16 inches for deep skimmers
• Material: Heavy-duty, collapsible blow-molded plastic
• Function: Seals plumbing and absorbs ice expansion

This product is highly recommended for inground pool owners who leave their skimmers in place over the winter in freezing regions. It is not necessary for pool owners who completely remove their skimmers or live in frost-free zones.

Cover Wrap – Blue Wave Winter Cover Shield Wrap

Strong winter winds can easily get under the edges of an above-ground pool cover, causing it to flap, fray, or even blow off entirely. Cover wrap acts like giant plastic cling wrap, sealing the cover’s edge to the pool wall to block wind from getting underneath and damaging the cover.

The Blue Wave Winter Cover Shield Wrap is a tough, UV-stabilized stretch film designed specifically to withstand outdoor winter conditions. It clings to itself and the pool wall with high tensile strength, creating a solid barrier that keeps wind out and prevents the cover from shifting. The blue tint makes it easy to see where you have wrapped, ensuring complete coverage.

Applying the wrap requires walking around the perimeter of the pool several times while keeping tension on the roll. It is highly recommended to wrap the pool at least three to four times around the top edge to create a secure, durable seal that won’t unravel during winter storms.

• Material: UV-stabilized stretch film
• Width: 80 feet per roll (typically 20 inches wide)
• Self-Adhering: Clings tightly to itself without adhesive residue
• Wind Protection: Prevents wind lofting and cover damage

This wrap is a lifesaver for above-ground pool owners in high-wind areas who struggle to keep their covers secure. It is not useful for inground pool owners who use anchored safety covers.

Pool Antifreeze – Splash Pool and Spa Antifreeze

Even after blowing out pool lines, a small amount of water can still collect in low points or elbows of underground plumbing. Pool antifreeze lowers the freezing point of this remaining water, preventing it from turning to ice and rupturing the pipes.

Splash Pool and Spa Antifreeze is formulated with non-toxic propylene glycol, making it completely safe for pool equipment, vinyl liners, and the environment. It provides burst protection down to -50 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring your pipes remain safe during the deepest winter freezes. Unlike automotive antifreeze, it is non-toxic and easily breaks down when you open the pool in the spring.

This product is ready to use and should never be diluted with water before being poured into the plumbing lines. Make sure you use a funnel to pour it directly into the lines, and ensure you are using pool-specific antifreeze, as automotive ethylene glycol is highly toxic and will damage pool components.

• Chemical Base: Propylene glycol (non-toxic)
• Protection Rating: Burst protection down to -50°F
• Safety: Safe for swimmers, pets, and vinyl liners
• Application: Ready to pour, no mixing required

This antifreeze is essential for any pool owner with underground plumbing lines in freezing climates. It should not be used in pools that are completely drained of water, nor is it meant for use in drinking water systems.

How to Safely Blow Out Your Pool Plumbing Lines

Blowing out the plumbing lines is a critical step in preventing underground freeze damage. Connect a high-volume air blower or a heavy-duty shop vacuum to the skimmer or the pump intake line. Turn on the blower to force air through the pipes, pushing all residual water out of the returns and main drains.

Once you see a continuous stream of air bubbles shooting out of the return jets in the pool, insert your expansion plugs quickly to lock the air in and keep water out. Repeat this process for each return line and the main drain, ensuring you seal them one by one while the blower is running to maintain pressure.

Finally, pour pool antifreeze down the lines before inserting the last plug to provide a safety net for any moisture that might settle in low points. This double-layer protection of air lock and antifreeze ensures your underground plumbing survives even the harshest winter freeze.

Mid-Winter Maintenance Tasks to Prevent Damage

Winterizing is not a “set-it-and-forget-it” task; periodic checks throughout the cold season are vital to prevent damage. Inspect the pool cover regularly for tears, sagging, or shifting caused by high winds or heavy snow loads. Address any loose cables or ties immediately before the wind has a chance to rip the cover off.

Clear heavy snow accumulation off the cover using a soft-bristled broom rather than a shovel, which can easily puncture the material. Keep your cover pump running whenever temperatures rise above freezing to remove melting snow and rainwater, preventing excessive weight from straining the pool structure.

Lastly, lift a corner of the cover occasionally to check the water level beneath; if it is dropping, you may have a slow leak in the liner that needs attention before the freezing water causes structural shifting. Taking these few minutes every couple of weeks ensures your pool remains safe until spring.

Conclusion

Investing in the right winterizing gear and taking the time to secure your pool properly saves both your budget and your sanity. By checking off these essential steps, you can rest easy through the coldest months of the year. When spring arrives, your reward will be crystal-clear water and a pool that is ready to swim in with minimal effort.