9 Essential Supplies for Closing a Backyard Pool for Winter

Watching the autumn leaves drift across the backyard is a clear signal that the swimming season has come to an end. Neglecting the pool during these colder months can lead to cracked pipes, ruined liners, and a green swamp come spring. Investing in the right winterization gear now ensures your backyard oasis stays protected against freezing temperatures and is ready for an easy reopening next year.

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Why Proper Winterization Prevents Costly Spring Repairs

Water expands by about nine percent when it freezes, exerting immense pressure on anything containing it. In a backyard pool, this expansion can easily crack PVC pipes, rupture filtration tanks, and split tile lines. Skipping the winterization process transforms minor, preventable issues into multi-thousand-dollar repair bills when the ground thaws.

Proper closing isn’t just about keeping leaves out; it’s about managing water chemistry and physical ice expansion. By dropping the water level, clearing the plumbing lines, and treating the water, you create a stable environment that resists algae growth and structural damage. A weekend of diligent prep work saves weeks of scrubbing and plumbing repairs in the spring.

Winter Pool Cover – Loop-Loc Safety Pool Cover

A winter cover does more than keep dead leaves out of the pool; it is a critical safety barrier that prevents accidental drowning. High-quality safety covers anchor directly into the pool deck, stretched taut across the surface like a trampoline. This tension prevents the cover from collapsing under heavy snow loads or the weight of a stray animal.

The Loop-Loc Safety Pool Cover is the industry standard for a reason, utilizing super-strong mesh that allows water to drain through while blocking debris. Its patented polyester webbing and heavy-duty brass anchors ensure it stays locked in place through the worst winter gales. It blocks enough sunlight to inhibit algae growth, meaning the water stays clearer throughout the off-season.

• Material: Super-dense polypropylene mesh
• Safety Rating: Meets or exceeds ASTM F1346-91 standards
• Hardware: Marine-grade brass anchors and stainless steel springs
• Best For: Inground pools with concrete or wood decking

When ordering, precision is key because these covers must be custom-sized to your pool’s exact footprint and deck configuration. Keep in mind that initial installation requires drilling anchor holes into your concrete, pavers, or wood deck, which may require a professional rotary hammer drill.

This cover is perfect for inground pool owners who prioritize safety, durability, and a clean spring opening. It is not suitable for above-ground pools or those unwilling to install permanent deck anchors.

Pool Cover Pump – Wayne WAPC250 Automatic Pump

Standard solid tarp covers quickly collect rain and melted snow, creating a heavy pool of water on top of your pool. This accumulated weight strains the cover fabric, pulls at anchors, and creates a hazardous drowning risk for local wildlife. A dedicated cover pump automatically removes this water before it can cause structural damage.

The Wayne WAPC250 Automatic Pump features smart sensing technology that turns the pump on when water reaches a depth of 2.1 inches and off when the surface is dry. It can move up to 3,000 gallons per hour, clearing heavy downpours in minutes. The built-in strain relief prevents cord damage, while the bottom intake filter resists clogging from leaves and pine needles.

• Flow Rate: Up to 3,000 GPH
• Activation Depth: Automatically turns on at 2.1 inches, off at 0.75 inches
• Power Cord: 25-foot grounded power cord
• Discharge: Fits standard 3/4-inch garden hoses

Because this pump operates outdoors in freezing conditions, users must ensure the discharge hose is sloped downward. This prevents standing water from freezing inside the line and blocking the pump’s flow. It also requires a reliable, GFCI-protected outdoor outlet to run safely through wet winter months.

This automatic pump is an absolute must-have for anyone using a solid tarp cover or a mesh cover that accumulates heavy surface water. It is unnecessary for pool owners with high-drain mesh covers that do not collect standing water.

Winterizing Kit – In The Swim Deluxe Closing Kit

Leaving pool water stagnant for six months is an open invitation for algae blooms and mineral staining. A winterizing chemical kit provides a slow-release defensive shield that keeps water sanitized and stable even when the pump isn’t running. Without these specialized winter chemicals, you will likely open your pool to a thick, green soup in the spring.

The In The Swim Deluxe Closing Kit includes pre-measured doses of winterizer, rust and scale preventative, non-chlorine shock, and a slow-dissolving winter chemical floater. This combination prevents staining from metallic deposits and keeps algae spores dormant in cold temperatures. The included instructions take the guesswork out of chemical ratios, ensuring a balanced pool throughout the freeze.

• Pool Capacity: Up to 35,000 gallons (deluxe size)
• Kit Includes: Winterizer, Stain Rust & Scale Prevail, non-chlorine shock, and a winter floater
• Chemical Type: Non-chlorine, liner-safe formula
• Target Issues: Algae growth, mineral scaling, and organic stains

This kit is formulated based on pool volume, so knowing your exact gallon capacity is essential before purchasing. The chemical floater must be weighted or secured so it does not drift and rest directly against a vinyl liner, which can cause localized bleaching.

This kit is ideal for busy pool owners who want a straightforward, all-in-one chemical solution for off-season maintenance. It is not designed for pools that remain open or heated year-round.

Pool Air Pillow – Robelle Ice Equalizer Pillow

In above-ground pools, ice freezes from the outer walls inward, creating immense inward pressure that can crush the pool walls. An air pillow sits in the center of the pool, acting as a compression cushion that absorbs the expanding force of the ice. Instead of pushing outward against the pool’s metal frame or vinyl liner, the ice expands inward against the collapsing pillow.

The Robelle Ice Equalizer Pillow is constructed from heavy-duty, 16-gauge vinyl that resists punctures and extreme cold. It features reinforced grommets on the corners, allowing you to center the pillow securely using ropes tied to opposite sides of the pool. This ensures the pillow stays in the middle where the ice expansion is most dangerous, rather than drifting to the edge.

• Material: Heavy-duty 16-gauge vinyl
• Dimensions: 4 x 4 feet or 4 x 8 feet options
• Features: Dual-valve design and corner grommets
• Application: Above-ground pools and solid-covered inground pools

A common mistake is inflating the air pillow completely; it should only be filled to about 60% to 70% capacity. Leaving some give allows the pillow to absorb the crushing ice pressure without popping immediately when the freeze sets in.

This expansion pillow is essential for above-ground pool owners in cold climates where hard freezes are common. It is generally not required for inground pools using tension safety covers.

Expansion Plugs – Swimline Rubber Winter Plugs

Once water is blown out of the pool’s plumbing lines, those pipes must be sealed air-tight to prevent water from seeping back in. If water re-enters the pipes and freezes, the expanding ice will rupture the underground PVC lines. Expansion plugs seal return jets, cleaner lines, and skimmers from the pool side of the wall.

Swimline Rubber Winter Plugs use a heavy-duty rubber body compressed by a marine-grade stainless steel wing nut. As you tighten the wing nut, the rubber expands outward, creating a hermetic seal inside the pipe opening. The nylon and stainless steel components resist corrosion from chemicals and standing water all winter long.

• Material: Industrial rubber with stainless steel hardware
• Sizes Available: #10 (1.5 inch) to #12 (2 inch)
• Design: Expansion-style wing nut plug
• Durability: Reusable for multiple seasons

Buyers must measure their return lines before ordering, as these plugs come in specific sizes ranging from 1.5 inches to 2 inches. Ensure the pipe interior is clean and free of algae before insertion to guarantee a slip-free grip.

These plugs are indispensable for anyone winterizing an inground or above-ground pool in a freezing climate. They are not necessary for pools located in tropical regions where winter temperatures never drop below freezing.

Pool Antifreeze – Splash RV and Pool Antifreeze

Even after blowing out plumbing lines with an air compressor, small pockets of water can pool in low bends of the underground pipes. This residual water is highly vulnerable to freezing and cracking the lines. Pouring specialized pool antifreeze into these lines provides a critical safety margin against deep ground freezes.

Splash RV and Pool Antifreeze is a non-toxic propylene glycol formula that is completely safe for pool plumbing and vinyl liners. It protects pipes down to -50 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that even extreme winter weather cannot damage your plumbing. Unlike automotive antifreeze, this formula is biodegradable and will not harm swimmers when the lines are flushed in the spring.

• Freezing Protection: Down to -50°F (-46°C)
• Chemical Type: Propylene glycol-based (non-toxic)
• Safe For: PVC, copper, brass, and plastic plumbing
• Capacity: 1-gallon bottles

Never use automotive antifreeze (ethylene glycol) in a pool, as it is highly toxic to humans, pets, and local wildlife. Always read the dilution instructions, as adding too much water to the lines can raise the freezing point of the mixture.

This product is vital for pool owners in northern climates who face deep, prolonged freezes. It is not needed if you live in moderate climates where the ground never freezes.

Skimmer Guard – Gizzmo Ultra Skimmer Protector

The pool skimmer is one of the most vulnerable plastic components on a backyard pool. Water that collects in the skimmer well can freeze, expand, and crack the delicate plastic housing, requiring an expensive excavation to replace. A skimmer guard absorbs this expanding force while sealing the plumbing line below.

The Gizzmo Ultra Skimmer Protector features a hollow, collapsible plastic tube that deforms under the pressure of freezing water. It screws directly into the 1.5-inch or 2-inch threaded opening at the bottom of the skimmer, blocking water from entering the pipe while absorbing ice pressure in the well. The heavy-duty threads ensure a leak-proof seal that holds up under extreme pressure.

• Thread Size: Dual 1.5-inch and 2-inch tapered threads
• Length: 16 inches (Ultra size)
• Material: Heavy-duty, collapsible blow-molded plastic
• Function: Absorbs ice expansion in the skimmer well

It is critical to wrap the threads of the Gizzmo with Teflon tape before screwing it into place to ensure a watertight seal. Make sure to choose the correct length (standard or ultra) to fit the depth of your specific skimmer bucket.

This protector is highly recommended for all inground pools with standard skimmer wells in freezing regions. It is not necessary for pool owners who completely drain their pools below the skimmer level and keep the skimmer dry.

Pool Leaf Rake – ProTuff Heavy Duty Leaf Net

Before rolling out the winter cover, every trace of organic matter must be removed from the pool bottom. Leftover leaves, twigs, and acorns will rot over the winter, staining the plaster or vinyl liner and feeding algae growth. A flimsy skimmer net will bend or break under the weight of wet autumn leaves.

The ProTuff Heavy Duty Leaf Net is built with a rigid aluminum frame and a deep, double-stitched nylon mesh bag. The scoop edge is designed to scrape the pool floor without scratching the liner, collecting massive piles of leaves in a single pass. This heavy-duty build prevents the frame from twisting or snapping when lifting heavy, waterlogged debris.

• Frame Material: Heavy-duty aluminum alloy
• Net Material: 100-micron nylon mesh
• Bag Depth: 18 inches
• Warranty: Lifetime replacement guarantee

This leaf rake requires a standard telescoping pole, which is sold separately, so ensure yours is in good working order. The deep bag can collect so much debris that lifting it out of the water requires a bit of physical strength and proper leverage.

This tool is a must-have for any pool owner surrounded by deciduous trees who needs to clear large volumes of organic matter quickly. It is overkill for indoor pools or screen-enclosed pool setups.

Pool Water Bags – Swimline Double Water Chambers

If you use a solid tarp cover on an inground pool, you need a heavy, consistent weight to hold the cover edges down. Bricks, concrete blocks, or wood planks can tear the cover fabric and scrape your pool deck. Water bags provide a soft, heavy, and harmless anchor that keeps the wind from getting under your winter cover.

Swimline Double Water Chambers are made from heavy-gauge vinyl and feature a dual-chamber design that prevents rolling. This double-tube configuration ensures that if one chamber is punctured or freezes and leaks, the other chamber remains filled to hold the cover in place. The leak-proof valves are easy to fill with a standard garden hose and seal tightly against winter wind.

• Material: 18-gauge heavy-duty vinyl
• Design: Double chamber to prevent rolling
• Length: Available in 8-foot and 10-foot lengths
• Valve: Leak-resistant pull-tab valves

When filling water bags, only fill them to 70% capacity to allow room for the water to expand as it freezes into solid ice. Filling them completely will split the vinyl seams during the first hard freeze of the season.

These water bags are perfect for inground pool owners utilizing traditional solid tarp covers. They are completely unnecessary for those with anchored safety mesh covers.

Balancing Your Pool Water Chemistry Before the Freeze

Balancing your water chemistry before closing is the most critical step for protecting the pool surface during the off-season. Corrosive water with low pH can etch plaster and corrode metal light fixtures, while high pH leads to ugly scaling along the tile line. Ensuring your water is chemically balanced before adding winterizing agents maximizes the effectiveness of those chemicals.

Start by adjusting your total alkalinity to 80–120 ppm and pH to 7.2–7.6 a few days before you plan to close. Once these are stable, adjust the calcium hardness to prevent the water from pulling calcium directly out of your plaster or grout. Finally, raise your chlorine levels or add a non-chlorine shock to kill off any remaining organic matter before sealing the cover.

Storing Your Summer Pool Accessories the Right Way

Leaving summer pool toys, ladders, and cleaning equipment exposed to winter weather will drastically shorten their lifespans. Sunlight, freezing temperatures, and moisture will degrade plastics, rust metal parts, and rot fabrics. Proper winter storage means cleaning, drying, and housing these accessories in a climate-controlled or protected space.

Remove plastic ladders, step units, and handrails, and wipe them down with a mild cleaner to remove algae film before storage. Deflate inflatable floats completely, dry them thoroughly to prevent mold, and store them in sealed plastic bins to keep rodents from nesting inside them.

Disconnect your pool pump, filter, and chlorinator, ensuring all drain plugs are removed to let any trapped water escape. Store delicate pressure gauges and chlorination O-rings indoors where they are protected from freezing temperatures that cause cracking.

Taking the time to properly winterize your backyard pool is the ultimate investment in your property’s long-term value and your own peace of mind. By securing high-quality covers, chemical kits, and plumbing guards, you ensure that freezing temperatures won’t leave you with a stressful repair project in the spring. Come next summer, you’ll reap the rewards of your diligence when you open up to crystal-clear water and a pool that is ready for immediate enjoyment.