9 Essential Tools for Closing an Inground Pool for Homeowners

Watching the autumn leaves fall over a backyard pool is a clear signal that the swimming season has come to an end. Skipping steps during the winterization process can turn your backyard oasis into a money pit come spring. Equipping yourself with the right seasonal gear ensures that sub-zero temperatures won’t crack your plumbing or ruin your investment.

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Why Proper Winterization Prevents Costly Pipe Damage

When water freezes, it expands by approximately nine percent with immense force. Underground PVC pipes filled with trapped water will split along their seams when subjected to freezing soil temperatures. Once spring arrives, these hidden ruptures lead to massive underground leaks that require excavating concrete pool decks to repair.

Proper winterization replaces the water inside the plumbing lines with compressed air, creating a dry, pressurized barrier. This process ensures that even during extended hard freezes, there is zero residual water inside the pipes to expand. Additionally, keeping chemical levels balanced during the off-season prevents staining and calcium scale from bonding to the pool walls.

Investing in specialized winterization tools is a minor expense compared to the thousands of dollars required for structural and plumbing repairs. Having the correct gear on hand ensures the closing process is completed methodically, leaving no room for guesswork.

Safety Pool Cover – Loop-Loc Mesh Safety Cover

A safety cover acts as a heavy-duty shield that keeps leaves, windblown debris, and wild animals out of the pool water over the winter. Unlike basic tarps, a true safety cover is anchored directly into the pool deck to prevent accidental submersions of children or pets. It maintains structural integrity under heavy snow loads while keeping the backyard looking clean and organized.

The Loop-Loc Mesh Safety Cover is the industry standard for durability and protection. Its high-break-strength polypropylene mesh allows rain and melting snow to drain straight through into the pool, preventing heavy water pockets from forming on top. This ultra-fine mesh also blocks the sunlight that algae needs to bloom, meaning the pool stays clearer for longer during the off-season.

• Material: Super-strong polypropylene mesh
• Break Strength: Exceeds ASTM safety standards
• Hardware: Brass deck anchors and stainless steel tension springs

Installing this cover requires drilling anchor holes into concrete, stone, or wood decking using a rotary hammer drill. Precise measurements of the pool’s shape are crucial, as a sloppy fit reduces the safety rating of the tension system. This cover is perfect for families looking for maximum safety and minimal cover maintenance throughout the winter, but it is not ideal for those who want a cheap, temporary solution.

Submersible Pump – Wayne WAPC250 Pool Cover Pump

Even with a mesh cover, melting snow and pooling rainwater can accumulate on top, causing the cover to sag under immense weight. For solid vinyl covers, standing water is an immediate safety hazard and puts severe stress on the anchoring system. A submersible pump clears this weight automatically, keeping the cover taut and functional.

The Wayne WAPC250 Pool Cover Pump features smart, automatic sensing technology that turns the pump on when water reaches 2.1 inches and off when it drops below 0.75 inches. Its oil-free design prevents environmental contamination in case of a seal breach. The wide, weighted base stabilizes the pump on the cover, preventing it from tipping over in heavy winds.

• Flow Rate: Up to 3,000 gallons per hour
• Sensing Tech: Automatic freeze protection and water activation
• Discharge Thread: Standard 3/4-inch garden hose connection
• Cord Length: 25-foot heavy-duty power cord

Users should route the discharge hose far away from the pool deck to prevent water from pooling near the foundations or sliding back under the cover. The intake screen needs occasional clearing if wet leaves pile up around the base of the pump. This unit is perfect for busy homeowners who want automatic, worry-free water management, but it may be unnecessary for those with high-tension mesh covers in mild winter zones.

Pool Line Blower – Cyclone Pro 3 HP Bypass Blower

Clearing water from underground plumbing lines requires high-volume, low-pressure air flow. Standard shop vacuums do not have the power to push water out of deep main drains or long plumbing runs, leaving dangerous water pockets behind. A dedicated pool line blower forces every drop of water out of the lines, ensuring a dry system that cannot freeze.

The Cyclone Pro 3 HP Bypass Blower delivers a powerful, consistent stream of air that easily clears lines up to 3 inches in diameter. The bypass motor design keeps the motor cool even when backpressure builds up during the blowout process. Its rugged, impact-resistant plastic casing protects the internal components from drops on hard concrete pool decks.

• Motor Power: 3 HP bypass motor
• Air Flow: 140 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
• Hose Connection: 2-inch quick-connect fitting with adapter

Using this blower requires a tight, airtight seal at the skimmer or pump basket to build the necessary head pressure. Wear hearing protection when operating the unit, as the high-output motor produces significant noise during use. This tool is ideal for DIY pool owners who want to guarantee their lines are completely dry, though it is overkill for small, shallow above-ground pools.

Winterizing Plugs – Hayward SP1022C Black Rubber Plug

Once the water has been blown out of the return lines, you must seal the pipes to prevent water from seeping back in from the pool. If a plug leaks, the line will slowly refill with water and freeze, destroying the pipe. A reliable expansion plug creates a physical, pressurized seal inside the wall fitting.

The Hayward SP1022C Black Rubber Plug is manufactured with heavy-duty tapered rubber that expands uniformly under compression. The oversized nylon wing nut allows for easy hand-tightening, ensuring a secure fit without stripping the threads. Its stainless steel hardware resists rust and corrosion despite spending months submerged in chemically treated pool water.

• Material: High-grade black neoprene rubber
• Hardware: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel bolt and washer
• Sizing: Fits standard 1.5-inch return lines

Before inserting the plug, inspect the inside of the wall fitting for debris or scale that could compromise the seal. Overtightening the wingnut can crack older plastic return fittings, so hand-tighten until snug and check for air bubbles. This is an essential tool for any standard inground pool closing, but it will not work for non-standard or larger 2-inch returns unless sized up.

Skimmer Guard – Gizzmo Ultra Freeze Protection

Ice expanding inside a skimmer bucket can easily crack its plastic walls, leading to expensive structural leaks behind the pool wall. A skimmer guard acts as a sacrificial expansion chamber that collapses under the pressure of freezing ice, absorbing the force. It also plugs the bottom plumbing port to keep water from flowing back down into the pipes.

The Gizzmo Ultra Freeze Protection is a 16-inch-long blow-molded plastic tube designed specifically for inground skimmers. It features built-in threads at the base that fit both 1.5-inch and 2-inch skimmer ports, eliminating the need for separate plugs. Its durable, hollow core is engineered to compress when ice forms around it, preserving the skimmer body.

• Length: 16 inches for deep skimmers
• Thread Compatibility: Dual 1.5-inch and 2-inch male threads
• Material: Heavy-weight blow-molded plastic

Wrap the threads with several layers of Teflon tape before screwing the Gizzmo into place to ensure a completely watertight seal. Do not use tools to tighten it; hand-tighten only to avoid cracking the skimmer threads. This is a must-have for pool owners in climates that experience consistent freezing temperatures, but it is unnecessary in warm, frost-free regions.

Pool Cover Weight – Robelle Double Chamber Water Bags

For pools using standard solid vinyl covers, high winds can lift the edges, pulling debris underneath and threatening to blow the cover away entirely. Traditional solid blocks can damage pool liners and deck surfaces if they drag or slip. Water bags provide a heavy, soft weight that contours to the deck to keep the cover pinned down.

The Robelle Double Chamber Water Bags prevent the rolling and shifting common with single-chamber designs. If one side punctures or leaks over the winter, the remaining chamber stays full to keep the cover secured. The thick, 10-gauge vinyl construction is formulated to resist punctures and UV degradation throughout the cold months.

• Material Thickness: Heavy-duty 10-gauge vinyl
• Design: Dual-chamber leak prevention
• Valve Style: Leak-resistant pull tabs

Only fill these bags to 50 or 70 percent capacity to allow room for the water to expand as it freezes into solid ice. Overfilled bags will split along the seams when the temperature drops below freezing. These bags are the perfect weighted solution for solid vinyl covers, but they are completely redundant if you own a spring-anchored safety cover.

Winterizing Kit – In The Swim Deluxe Closing Kit

Leaving pool water untreated over the winter leads to a dark, stagnant environment where algae, mold, and scale flourish. When spring arrives, opening a neglected pool requires days of heavy chemical scrubbing and filtering. A comprehensive winter chemical kit protects the pool surfaces and keeps the water clear until spring.

The In The Swim Deluxe Closing Kit contains pre-measured doses of winterizing chemicals designed to work together without degrading pool liners. It includes non-chlorine shock to eliminate organic contaminants, a winterizer algaecide to prevent green water, and a metal-free stain preventer. The slow-release winter chemical floater continually sanitizes the water throughout the off-season.

• Capacity: Treats pools up to 20,000 gallons
• Contents: Winter shock, algaecide, metal control, and slow-release floater
• Safety: Safe for all pool surfaces, including vinyl and plaster

Apply these chemicals at least 24 hours before turning off your pool pump to ensure they circulate thoroughly throughout the entire volume of water. Adding chemicals to a stagnant pool will cause them to settle on the floor, which can bleach vinyl liners or etch plaster. This kit is perfect for owners looking for an all-in-one chemical regimen, but it is not necessary if you prefer to buy bulk chemicals individually.

Pool Wall Brush – Lalapool 18-Inch Wall Brush

Algae spores, organic biofilm, and mineral scale cling to pool walls long before they become visible to the eye. If left unbrushed before closing, these deposits harden over the winter, causing stubborn stains that are difficult to remove in the spring. A thorough brushing loosens this debris so the winterizing chemicals can destroy it.

The Lalapool 18-Inch Wall Brush features a wide, curved design with reinforced aluminum backing that prevents the brush frame from bending under heavy pressure. The stiff poly bristles are tough enough to scrub away stubborn scale and algae without damaging vinyl or plaster finishes. The curved ends allow you to clean tight corners and steps with ease.

• Width: 18 inches
• Material: Stiff poly bristles with an aluminum-reinforced handle
• Connection: Standard V-clip connection fits most telescoping poles

Use steady, downward pressure when brushing, and pay extra attention to the waterline where oil and scale tend to accumulate. Inspect the bristles annually, as worn or missing bristles can expose the metal frame to your pool liner, causing scratches. This brush is a necessary preparation tool for any inground pool owner, but fiberglass pool owners should ensure they use a soft-bristle variant to prevent surface micro-scratches.

Leaf Skimmer Net – ProTuff 18-Inch Deep Pocket Rake

Leaving heavy leaves, twigs, and organic debris at the bottom of the pool over the winter ruins the water chemistry. As these materials decompose, they stain the pool floor, deplete the winter algaecide, and create an ideal breeding ground for spring algae. Raking the pool floor clean before covering it is essential to a clear spring opening.

The ProTuff 18-Inch Deep Pocket Rake features a heavy-duty aluminum alloy frame that will not bend or snap under the weight of wet, waterlogged leaves. The deep, tear-resistant nylon mesh bag acts as a scoop, allowing you to clear the pool floor quickly with fewer trips to the trash can. Its tapered plastic leading edge glides smoothly along the pool floor without scratching.

• Frame: High-strength aluminum alloy
• Bag Depth: 18-inch deep-pocket nylon mesh
• Edge Design: Safe, scoop-shaped protective plastic rim

When clearing the floor, use a continuous, scraping pull motion rather than a lifting motion to avoid bending your telescoping pole. Store the net out of direct sunlight during the summer to prevent the nylon mesh from dry-rotting. This heavy-duty rake is indispensable for yards with nearby deciduous trees, but it is a luxury if your pool area is completely screened-in or devoid of foliage.

How to Clear and Plug Lines Without Leaving Water

Clearing plumbing lines is the most critical step of the winterization process and requires a methodical approach. Start by lowering the pool water level to roughly four to six inches below the skimmer mouth to prevent water from splashing back into the lines during the blowout. Next, connect your pool line blower to the plumbing system, typically at the pump basket or the main skimmer line.

Turn on the blower to push air through the system, starting with the return lines furthest from the equipment pad. You will see violent bubbling at the return fittings in the pool; let the air run until only a dry mist is being blown out of the jet. While the line is under active air pressure, insert the rubber expansion plug into the fitting and tighten the wing nut to seal the line under pressure.

To clear the main drain line, direct the airflow down into the drain port. Once bubbles begin rising from the bottom of the pool, close the main drain valve at the equipment pad to create an airlock. This trapped air column prevents water from rising back up the pipe from the bottom of the pool, keeping the line safe from freezing without requiring you to plug the drain underwater.

Monitoring Your Pool Cover Throughout the Off-Season

The closing process does not end once the cover is secured. Throughout the winter, heavy snow loads, wind, and falling branches will test the integrity of your winter cover. Inspecting the cover after every major storm ensures that small issues are caught before they turn into catastrophic failures.

For safety covers, check that the tension springs are taut and that the brass anchors remain flush with the deck. If heavy snow accumulates, use a long-handled broom to gently push the weight off the cover to prevent the springs from overstretching. For solid covers, keep the submersible pump clear of ice and debris so it can drain accumulated rainwater before it stresses the vinyl seams.

Additionally, peek under the cover once or twice during the winter to check the water level and chemistry. If you notice the water level dropping, you may have a slow leak that needs immediate attention before freezing temperatures damage the exposed pool walls. Consistent off-season monitoring makes the springtime opening process predictable, simple, and far less expensive.

Conclusion

Winterizing an inground pool takes effort, but using the correct tools ensures a smooth process and protects your investment from freezing damage. Taking the time to blow out lines, balance chemistry, and secure the cover prevents costly spring repairs. With your pool safely tucked away under high-quality gear, you can rest easy until the warm weather returns.