8 Essential Maintenance Gear Items for Closing Your Backyard Pool

As autumn breezes roll in and the swimming season draws to a close, backyard pool owners face a crucial seasonal transition. Neglecting the pool closing process can result in cracked plumbing, torn liners, and a green swamp of algae come spring. Investing in the right winterization gear now safeguards a major backyard investment and ensures a hassle-free reopening when warm weather returns.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Why Proper Winterization Saves You Money Next Spring

Leaving a pool vulnerable to freezing temperatures is a gamble that usually ends in an expensive call to a pool technician. Water expands by roughly nine percent when it freezes, creating immense pressure that can easily split PVC pipes and crack concrete skimmer wells. If water gets behind a pool liner or seeps into concrete pores and freezes, the resulting structural damage can cost thousands of dollars to repair.

Beyond structural threats, poor winterization turns your pool into a breeding ground for algae and bacteria. Fixing a severe green-water outbreak in the spring requires hundreds of dollars in shock, algicides, and replacement water, not to mention days of heavy scrubbing and filtering. Taking the time to properly seal, balance, and cover the pool in the fall acts as an insurance policy, guaranteeing a clear pool that requires minimal effort to open.

Safety Cover – Loop Loc Mesh Safety Pool Cover

A standard tarp-and-water-bag cover is a recipe for frustration, prone to ripping under snow loads and collecting dangerous pools of stagnant water. A high-quality safety cover, on the other hand, stretches taut across the pool deck to prevent children, pets, and wildlife from falling into the water. It also filters out fine debris while letting melted snow drain through, eliminating the risk of a heavy, swampy mess sitting on top of your pool all winter.

The Loop Loc Mesh Safety Pool Cover sets the industry standard for backyard safety and durability. Made from ultra-strong, lightweight polypropylene mesh, this cover can support the weight of an entire family in an emergency while allowing rainwater and melting snow to pass through easily. It is secured to the concrete deck using flush-mounted brass anchors and heavy-duty stainless steel springs, ensuring it stays firmly in place even during howling winter blizzards.

Installing a safety cover requires drilling brass anchors into concrete or wood decks, which calls for a rotary hammer drill and careful measurement. The mesh material allows very fine dust and some sunlight to pass through, meaning the pool may need a slightly heavier dose of winter chemicals compared to solid covers.

This cover is perfect for homeowners with concrete, stone, or wood decks who prioritize absolute safety and low maintenance. It is not suitable for pools without surrounding decks or those located in regions with heavy pine needle fall, as fine needles can clog the mesh pores.

• Material: Super Dense Mesh polypropylene fabric
• Anchoring: Flush-mount brass anchors and steel tension springs
• Weight capacity: Engineered to support heavy snow and accidental weight loads

Cover Pump – Little Giant APCP-1700 Pool Cover Pump

Even with a safety cover, and especially with a solid cover, standing water is the enemy of winter pool maintenance. Accumulated rainwater and melted snow weigh down the cover, putting unnecessary strain on anchors, springs, and pool walls. A dedicated cover pump automatically removes this excess water, preventing cover failure and stopping mosquito breeding pools from forming.

The Little Giant APCP-1700 is a submersible utility pump designed specifically for this wet, freezing task. It features a built-in mechanical float switch that automatically activates when water levels reach two inches and shuts off when the pool cover is cleared. This means there is no need to stand in the freezing rain to manually plug it in or monitor its progress.

The pump comes with a standard garden hose connection, meaning water drainage speed depends on the length and diameter of the hose used. It is vital to clear leaves and large debris from the pump’s intake screen periodically to prevent clogs and motor burnout.

This is an essential tool for anyone using a solid pool cover, as well as mesh cover owners who face heavy winter rain and rising pool water levels. It is not necessary for those in arid winter climates where freezing rain and heavy snowfall are rare.

• Flow Rate: 1,700 gallons per hour at a 1-foot lift
• Activation: Automatic switch activates at 2 inches of water depth
• Power cord: 25-foot heavy-duty power cord for easy outlet reach

Winterizing Kit – In The Swim Deluxe Winter Kit

Pouring a standard dose of chlorine into the pool before closing is not enough to keep the water clean until May. As winter temperatures fluctuate, algae spores can slowly multiply, while mineral buildup can leave tough stains along the waterline. A specialized winterizing kit combines several slow-release chemicals to continuously sanitize, protect, and clarify the water over the dark winter months.

The In The Swim Deluxe Winter Kit provides a pre-measured, highly effective chemical cocktail tailored to specific pool volumes. It includes a time-released winter floater filled with non-chlorine sanitizer, a powerful winterizing powder shock, a concentrated algaecide, and a metal-stain inhibitor. This multi-layered approach ensures that even as the water warms slightly in early spring, algae and mineral scale are kept completely at bay.

Before adding this kit, the pool’s pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness must be fully balanced, as these chemicals work best in properly balanced water. Users must carefully match the kit size to their pool’s actual gallon capacity to avoid under-treating or over-concentrating the water.

This kit is designed for busy pool owners who want a foolproof, all-in-one chemical regimen without buying individual bottles of specialty chemicals. It is less suitable for pools that remain open year-round or those utilizing automated, winterized salt-chlorine generators.

• Pool Sizing: Available in kits for pools up to 10,000, 20,000, or 35,000 gallons
• Key Components: Winterizing algaecide, stain away, non-chlorine shock, and a slow-release floater
• Formulation: Designed to remain stable and active in freezing water temperatures

Expansion Plug – Anderson Rubber Winterizing Plug

Once water is blown out of the pool plumbing lines, keeping those lines dry is the most critical step of the entire closing process. Even a tiny leak that allows water to seep back into the pipes can lead to freezing, cracking, and a catastrophic repair bill come spring. Heavy-duty expansion plugs sit inside the return lines and drain ports, expanding to create an airtight, watertight seal.

The Anderson Rubber Winterizing Plug is the industry standard for securing plumbing lines against harsh winter conditions. Made with premium, industrial-grade rubber and non-corrosive stainless steel hardware, these plugs expand evenly when the wing nut is tightened. This creates a reliable wedge that resists both the freezing pressure of water and the air pressure used during the blowout process.

Plugs come in specific sizes, ranging from 0.75 inches up to 2 inches or more, meaning you must measure your return fittings and drain inlets accurately before ordering. Over-tightening the wing nuts can crack old plastic pool fittings, so a firm, hand-tightened seal is always recommended over using tools.

This is an absolute necessity for any pool owner in a freezing climate who needs to plug return lines, cleaner lines, or skimmers. It is not needed for pools in tropical climates where water lines are never blown out or shut down.

• Material: High-grade natural rubber with stainless steel bolts and wing nuts
• Sizes: Available in standard sizes from #0 (0.75″) to #14 (2.5″)
• Application: Fits standard pool return jets, cleaner lines, and skimmer ports

Pool Air Pillow – Robelle Ice Equalizer Pillow

When water freezes, it expands outward, exerting immense lateral pressure against the walls of an above-ground pool. If a solid sheet of ice forms across the surface, this pressure can easily bow or buckle the steel frame, ruining the pool permanently. Placing an air pillow in the center of the water surface compresses under this ice pressure, absorbing the force and protecting the pool walls from structural damage.

The Robelle Ice Equalizer Pillow is built to withstand the punishing physical force of expanding winter ice. Constructed from heavy-gauge, puncture-resistant PVC, this pillow features a secure, leak-proof valve that holds air all winter long. It also features reinforced grommets on the corners, allowing you to easily center it in the pool using ropes tied to the top rails.

Air pillows should only be inflated to about 60% to 70% capacity to allow for expansion when temperatures drop and ice begins to squeeze them. Over-inflating the pillow is the number-one reason they pop during the first hard freeze of the season.

This is a non-negotiable item for above-ground pool owners in cold-weather regions. It is also highly recommended for inground pools with solid covers to keep rain and snow melt flowing to the edges for easier pumping.

• Material: Heavy-duty 16-gauge vinyl designed to resist punctures
• Dimensions: Common sizes include 4′ x 4′, 4′ x 8′, and 4′ x 15′ options
• Features: Heavy-duty grommeted corners for easy centering and securing

How to Clear and Blow Out Pool Plumbing Lines Safely

Blowing the water out of your pool’s plumbing lines is the most critical technical step in the winterization process. Any water left trapped inside underground PVC pipes will freeze, expand, and shatter the lines, requiring invasive and costly excavation to repair. The process requires a systematic approach, starting at the equipment pad and working your way back to the pool’s returns and skimmers.

To begin, lower the pool water level below the skimmer mouth, then hook your line blower up to the pump’s basket or the main filter’s drain plug. Turn on the blower and open the valves to the return lines first, watching for a heavy geyser of water to erupt from the jets in the pool. Once the water turns to a fine mist and then pure air, quickly slide an expansion plug into the jet fitting and tighten it to seal the line under pressure.

Repeat this process for each return line, the main drain (which requires creating an airlock to keep water from rising back up), and the skimmer lines. Always ensure there is an open path for air to escape before turning on your blower, as closed valves can cause dangerous pressure spikes that can crack plastic filter canisters or blow fittings apart.

Skimmer Guard – Gizzmo Ultra Freeze Protection

The pool skimmer is one of the most vulnerable components of your pool during winter. Rainwater and snowmelt collect inside the skimmer throat, and when this water freezes, it expands outward, cracking the plastic skimmer housing. Replacing a cracked skimmer is a nightmare scenario, often requiring you to cut through the concrete pool deck or dig up the surrounding yard.

The Gizzmo Ultra Freeze Protection device solves this problem by acting as a sacrificial pressure absorber inside the skimmer. This hollow, heavy-duty plastic tube screws directly into the bottom threads of the skimmer line, sealing the pipe while leaving a compressible air chamber in the skimmer well. When water inside the skimmer freezes, it collapses the flexible Gizzmo tube instead of cracking the expensive plastic skimmer walls.

The Gizzmo features a 1.5-inch or 2-inch tapered thread, so you must verify the thread size at the bottom of your skimmer before buying. Wrap the threads with Teflon tape before screwing it in to ensure a watertight seal that prevents water from seeping down into the plumbing lines.

This is a must-have item for inground pool owners who live in areas that experience deep freezes. It is not required for pools in climates that only experience light frost, or for above-ground pools where the skimmer is completely drained and disconnected for the winter.

• Material: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) with a compressible center
• Threading: Available with 1.5-inch or 2-inch male threads
• Function: Absorbs expansion pressure and plugs the skimmer line simultaneously

Pool Leaf Rake – ProTuff Heavy Duty Pool Net

Closing a pool with organic debris sitting on the bottom is a guarantee of heavy staining and massive algae blooms in the spring. Falling leaves, twigs, and acorns rot over the winter, consuming all your winterizing chemicals and leaving dark, unsightly stains on plaster and vinyl liners. Standard, cheap pool nets bend and tear under the weight of wet autumn leaves, making the final cleanup a grueling chore.

The ProTuff Heavy Duty Pool Net is engineered to scoop up heavy loads of wet debris without flexing or breaking. It features a rigid, teardrop-shaped aluminum frame wrapped in a durable plastic protective coating that will not scrape or scratch pool liners. The deep bag is made from a heavy-duty, double-stitched nylon mesh that glides through the water, capturing everything from large maple leaves to fine sand and silt.

This heavy-duty leaf rake does not come with a telepole, so you will need to attach it to a standard 1.25-inch inner diameter pool pole. Because the net bag is deep, emptying a wet, heavy load of leaves requires a bit of upper body strength and the right flipping technique to clear the net.

This tool is perfect for pool owners surrounded by deciduous trees who must clear massive volumes of leaves before installing the winter cover. It is not necessary for pool owners who have zero overhanging trees or those with indoor pools.

• Frame: Extruded aluminum alloy core with a protective plastic rim
• Netting: Heavy-duty, rip-resistant double-stitched nylon mesh
• Warranty: Manufacturer offers a lifetime replacement guarantee on structural parts

Line Blower – Cyclone Pro Line Bypass Blower

Using a standard shop vac to blow out pool lines is a common mistake that often leads to cracked pipes. Shop vacs simply lack the pressure and volume of air needed to push water out of deep underground lines, especially the main drain line sitting at the bottom of the deep end. A dedicated line blower delivers the massive volume of high-pressure air required to completely clear the lines and establish a secure airlock.

The Cyclone Pro Line Bypass Blower is the ultimate tool for heavy-duty winterization, trusted by pool professionals nationwide. Driven by a powerful, dual-stage motor, it delivers consistent, high-volume air pressure that easily forces water out of the longest residential plumbing runs. The built-in bypass valve protects the motor from overheating when backpressure builds up, ensuring a long service life.

This is a powerful, professional-grade machine that operates loudly, so hearing protection is highly recommended during use. It requires a stable 120V power source, meaning you may need a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord to reach your pool equipment pad.

This blower is ideal for inground pool owners in cold regions who want to winterize their own pools safely and reliably every year. It is overkill for above-ground pool owners, who can typically drain their plumbing lines via simple gravity.

• Motor: 3.0 HP dual-stage bypass motor for maximum air volume
• Hose: Includes a flexible 1.5-inch heavy-duty hose with quick-connect fittings
• Housing: Rugged, impact-resistant molded polyethylene shell

Balancing Your Water Chemistry Before the Big Freeze

Many pool owners make the mistake of slapping the cover on as soon as the water temperature drops, ignoring the chemical balance. This is a costly error; acidic or highly alkaline water sitting stagnant for six months will corrode metal pool fittings, destroy vinyl liners, and etch plaster walls. Properly balanced water protects your pool equipment and ensures your winterizing chemicals can do their jobs effectively.

Begin the chemistry balancing process about a week before you plan to close the pool. Adjust the total alkalinity to between 80 and 120 ppm, and bring the pH into the ideal range of 7.2 to 7.6. Once these two levels are stable, check your calcium hardness—ideally between 200 and 400 ppm—to prevent the water from becoming corrosive or scaling during the long winter sleep.

Finally, shock the pool with a high-quality chlorine- or non-chlorine-based shock to eliminate any lingering organic contaminants. Allow the pump to run for at least 24 hours to thoroughly distribute the shock and ensure the pool is completely clean before adding your winter algaecides and scale inhibitors.

Storing Off-Season Pool Gear to Prevent Winter Damage

The pool closing process does not end when the cover is secured; how you handle your summer gear determines how long it will last. Leaving plastic steps, hoses, vacuum heads, and pump baskets exposed to freezing winter weather causes them to crack and degrade under UV rays and ice. Storing these items properly protects your investment and saves you from buying expensive replacements next summer.

Start by thoroughly washing and drying all removable pool accessories, including solar blankets, automatic pool cleaners, ladders, and toys. Storing these items while they are still damp is a recipe for mold, mildew, and rot. Place all small plastic fittings, eyeball nozzles, skimmer baskets, and winterizing plugs in a designated, labeled storage bin so they do not get lost in the garage or shed.

For critical mechanical equipment like the pump motor and salt cell, drain them completely of any standing water to prevent internal freezing damage. Store these sensitive electrical components indoors, such as in a basement or climate-controlled garage, away from moisture and rodents that love to chew through wiring.

Conclusion

Taking a methodical, well-equipped approach to closing your pool prevents stressful spring surprises and costly repairs. By investing in professional-grade gear and following a strict winterization routine, you protect your backyard oasis through the coldest months of the year. When the warm spring sun finally arrives, you will be rewarded with a quick, painless opening and crystal-clear water ready for swimming.