9 Essential Above Ground Pool Winter Closing Items

Watching the golden autumn leaves start to fall is a clear signal that the backyard swimming season has come to an end. Rushing through the pool closing process with cheap, makeshift gear is a surefire recipe for green water, torn liners, and expensive structural damage come spring. Equipping your above ground pool with the right specialized winterization gear ensures your investment survives the harshest freezing temperatures and heavy snow loads.

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

Why Proper Above Ground Pool Winterization Matters

Above ground pools are uniquely vulnerable to the elements compared to their in-ground counterparts. Because the pool walls stand completely exposed to freezing winds and shifting temperatures, the water inside behaves differently during a deep freeze. As water freezes into ice, it expands outward, putting immense lateral pressure on the pool frame and liner that can easily cause a structural blowout if left unchecked.

Proper winterization is not just about keeping leaves out of the water; it is a defensive strategy to preserve your backyard investment. A sloppy winter closing leads to algae blooms that stain vinyl liners, cracked plumbing lines from trapped water, and warped top rails under heavy snow loads. Spending a little extra effort and using targeted closing gear in autumn prevents thousands of dollars in replacement costs when the spring thaw arrives.

Winter Pool Cover – Robelle 3524-4 Super Cover

The winter cover is your pool’s primary shield against UV rays, falling leaves, and winter precipitation. Without a solid barrier, sunlight penetrates the water, fueling aggressive algae growth even in cold temperatures, while organic debris rots and ruins your chemical balance. A cheap tarp will shred under wind stress, making a heavy-duty, UV-stabilized cover an absolute necessity for any backyard pool.

The Robelle 3524-4 Super Cover is engineered specifically to handle harsh winter climates with its dense 12 x 12 scrim count and heavy-duty polyethylene construction. It features a generous 4-foot overlap, which provides ample excess material to drape comfortably over the top rails even when a central air pillow raises the center of the cover. The commercial-grade polyethylene material blocks all light transmission while resisting tears from ice and wind.

• Material: Heavy-duty polyethylene with a 12 x 12 scrim count
• Size Profile: 4-foot overlap (designed for 24-foot round pools; actual cover size is 28 feet)
• Hardware Included: Heavy-duty vinyl-coated cable and all-metal winch ratchet
• Colorway: Dual-sided green top with black underside to inhibit algae growth

When ordering this cover, match the pool’s actual diameter rather than buying a size up, as the manufacturer already factors in the extra overlap. However, if you plan on using massive air pillows or have exceptionally wide top rails, opting for one size larger ensures you will not stretch the material to its breaking point. This cover is perfect for homeowners in heavy snow belts who need reliable, multi-season protection, but it is overkill for completely frost-free southern climates.

Pool Air Pillow – Swimline Ice Equalizer Pillow

When pool water freezes, it expands outward with tremendous force, capable of buckling steel walls and splitting vinyl liners right at the waterline. An air pillow sits in the center of the pool under the cover, acting as a pressure-relief valve that absorbs this expansion by compressing as ice forms. Additionally, it breaks up the flat surface of the cover, channeling rainwater and melting snow toward the pool edge where it can be easily removed.

The Swimline Ice Equalizer Pillow utilizes heavy-gauge, cold-crack resistant vinyl designed to withstand extreme sub-zero temperatures without deflating. Its double-valve design makes inflation simple using a leaf blower or shop vac, and the targeted 16-gauge thickness resists punctures from ice edges. Reinforced grommets on the corners allow you to anchor the pillow securely in the dead center of the pool.

• Dimensions: 4 x 4 feet standard size
• Material: Heavy-duty, cold-resistant 16-gauge vinyl
• Inflation Valve: Standard freeze-resistant push-in valve
• Anchor Points: Reinforced corner grommets for centering lines

A common mistake is inflating the pillow to 100% capacity; always inflate it to only 60% to 80% full so it has room to compress under ice and snow loads without popping. Secure it loosely with nylon string to opposite sides of the pool frame so it stays centered throughout the winter. This pillow is an absolute must for northern climates prone to hard freezes, but pool owners in completely frost-free regions can skip it entirely.

Pool Cover Pump – Little Giant APCP-1700 Pump

Melting snow and autumn downpours create heavy pools of standing water on top of your winter cover. This weight stretches the cover, pulls the pool walls inward, and can eventually drag the entire cover—and its dirty accumulation of leaves—right into the clean pool water. A reliable cover pump runs automatically to clear this weight before it threatens the structural integrity of your pool.

The Little Giant APCP-1700 Pump is a submersible utility pump designed specifically for pool cover maintenance, delivering a flow rate of up to 1,745 gallons per hour. It features a built-in automatic float switch that activates the pump when water reaches two inches deep and shuts off when the cover is cleared. The wide, stable base prevents the pump from tipping over on uneven cover surfaces, while the integrated intake screen resists clogging from leaves and twigs.

• Flow Rate: 1,745 GPH at 0 feet of head pressure
• Activation Threshold: Turns on at 2 inches of water, shuts off at 0.5 inches
• Discharge Port: Standard 3/4-inch garden hose connection
• Power Cord: 25-foot heavy-duty power cord

Because this pump operates unattended, ensure your discharge garden hose is routed completely away from the pool base to prevent soil erosion around the upright supports. Clean the intake screen periodically during the heavy autumn leaf drop to maintain maximum flow efficiency. This pump is a lifesaver for busy pool owners who do not want to manually siphon water, though it does require proximity to a grounded outdoor GFCI outlet to operate.

Winter Closing Kit – In The Swim Ultimate Kit

Off-season water treatment is about preservation, ensuring you do not pull off the cover in spring to find a dark, swampy ecosystem. Standard summer chemicals dissipate too quickly in cold water, leaving the pool unprotected during late autumn and early spring thaws. A dedicated winterizing kit provides slow-releasing, cold-tolerant chemicals that keep the water clear, balanced, and stain-free for up to six months.

The In The Swim Ultimate Kit contains a pre-measured regimen of high-potency chemicals, including a winter shock treatment, a slow-release winterizer dispenser, and an algaecide. The standout feature is the unique time-release chemical floater filled with non-chlorine sanitizer that continuously treats the water without bleaching or damaging your vinyl liner. It also includes a metal chelating agent that prevents copper and iron minerals from staining the pool walls as the water sits stagnant.

• Capacity Rating: Kits sized for pools up to 10,000, 20,000, or 35,000 gallons
• Active Ingredients: Non-chlorine oxidizing shock, copper-free algaecide
• Component List: Winter shock, winterizer dispenser, metal-free stain preventer, winter pool floater
• Liner Compatibility: Safe for all vinyl, fiberglass, and metal-walled above ground pools

To get the most out of this kit, run your pool filter for at least four to six hours after adding the chemicals to ensure complete dispersion before lowering the water level. Do not simply throw the floating dispenser into the pool; make sure to puncture the designated holes as instructed so the sanitizer releases at the correct slow rate. This kit is ideal for anyone wanting a foolproof, all-in-one chemical solution, but you will still need to manually balance your pH and alkalinity before adding these specialized treatments.

Pool Cover Seal – Gladon Winter Cover Seal

High winter winds are the single greatest threat to a newly installed pool cover. Once wind finds its way underneath the cover’s edge, it creates a sail effect, flapping the material violently, tearing out the grommets, and occasionally pulling the entire cover off the pool. A specialized cover seal wraps tightly around the perimeter, locking out wind and keeping the cover secure against the pool wall.

The Gladon Winter Cover Seal is a heavy-duty, highly stretchable plastic film that functions like industrial-strength wrap for your pool. It features a unique resin blend with high memory retention, meaning it stretches tight around the pool’s top rail and clings to itself and the pool wall without losing tension. By sealing the gap between the cover and the pool wall, it also prevents blowing dirt, leaves, and pests from nesting under the cover.

• Material: High-performance stretch film with UV inhibitors
• Roll Dimensions: Available in 500-foot or 1,000-foot lengths (20 inches wide)
• Application: Wraps around the pool circumference 3 to 4 times
• Recyclability: Single-use, easily cut away and recycled in spring

For a secure hold, wrap the pool circumference at least three to four times, pulling the film taut as you go, and ensure you cover the metal cable and winch area completely. This seal is an absolute game-changer for backyard pools located in wide-open, high-wind suburban yards or rural properties. However, because it is a single-use product, you will need to purchase a fresh roll every autumn.

Skimmer Plug – Aquador 1090 Skimmer Cover

Traditionally, winterizing a pool meant draining the water level below the skimmer mouth to prevent freezing water from cracking the delicate plastic skimmer housing. However, lowering the water level too much reduces the internal pressure holding your pool walls upright, increasing the risk of structural collapse in high winds. A skimmer plug seals the opening from the inside, allowing you to keep your water level high and balanced all winter long.

The Aquador 1090 Skimmer Cover consists of a snap-on plastic faceplate that fits securely over a matching permanent frame installed on your skimmer mouth. Its snap-on lid creates an airtight, watertight seal instantly, preventing freezing water from entering the skimmer throat where it can expand and crack the plastic housing. This design completely eliminates the need to disconnect your skimmer plumbing or drain several thousand gallons of water every autumn.

• Compatibility: Standard standard-sized above ground skimmers
• Material: UV-resistant, impact-resistant flexible plastic
• Seal Type: Inner perimeter pressure-fit gasket
• Installation: Tool-free snap-on lid (requires initial frame installation)

Ensure you purchase the exact model size that matches your skimmer brand, as the Aquador 1090 is designed for standard skimmers, while wider skimmers require the Aquador 1010. During the initial installation of the outer frame, use pool-grade silicone sealant behind the screws to prevent slow leaks. This plug is perfect for pool owners wanting to simplify their closing routine, though it does require a one-time, low-effort installation of the mounting frame.

Winterizing Plug – Hayward SP1022C Rubber Plug

Once the pool filter pump and hoses are disconnected for the season, the return inlet fittings remain open to the pool water. If left unsealed, water will drain continuously out of these ports, or worse, enter the remaining fitting threads, freeze, and crack the pool wall fittings. Expanding rubber plugs are the industry standard for blocking these openings, creating a reliable physical barrier against water loss and ice damage.

The Hayward SP1022C Rubber Plug is a heavy-duty expansion plug that uses a tapered rubber body and a corrosion-resistant nylon wing nut mechanism. As you tighten the wing nut, the rubber body compresses and expands outward, forming a completely watertight seal inside the 1.5-inch return line or skimmer pipe. Its commercial-grade rubber compound resists degradation from pool chemicals and remains highly flexible even in extreme winter temperatures.

• Sizing: Fits standard 1.5-inch threaded or smooth return fittings
• Hardware: Corrosion-resistant nylon wing nut and bolt (non-rusting)
• Body Material: High-density, chemical-resistant rubber
• Package Quantity: Sold individually or in multi-packs

Before inserting the plug, unscrew the directional eyeball fitting from the inside of your return jet so you can seat the rubber body directly against the smooth inner wall of the pipe. Tighten the wing nut firmly by hand; using pliers can over-compress the rubber and strip the plastic threads of the wing nut. This plug is an essential, low-cost safety item for every above ground pool, provided you match the plug size to your specific fitting diameter.

Pool Cover Clips – Swimline Blue Wave Clips

Even when using a perimeter cable and winch, wind can still get under the edges of an above ground pool cover and cause it to flap violently. This flapping action acts like sandpaper against your pool’s metal top rails and can wear down the cover fabric prematurely. Specialized plastic cover clips snap directly over the cover and onto the top rails, locking the fabric tightly against the pool’s metal framework.

Swimline Blue Wave Clips are constructed from high-impact, UV-treated plastic designed to flex over the pool’s top rails without cracking. They feature a dual-grip design that provides maximum holding power over both steel and aluminum rails without scratching the paint or damaging the vinyl cover. The extra-long 5-inch profile ensures a substantial gripping surface area, distributing the wind tension evenly across the cover’s edge.

• Length: 5-inch heavy-duty clips
• Material: UV-stabilized, impact-resistant ABS plastic
• Compatibility: Fits standard metal above ground pool top rails
• Pack Sizes: Available in packs of 10, 20, or 30 clips

For maximum wind protection, space these clips evenly around the pool perimeter, placing two clips on either side of each pool upright. Note that these clips are designed specifically for traditional steel or aluminum top rails and will not fit over wide, rounded resin rails or soft-sided pools. They are a highly effective, affordable upgrade for windy yards, especially when used in tandem with a winter cover seal wrap.

Pool Leaf Net – Blue Wave Round Leaf Net Cover

Falling leaves can quickly turn the standing water on top of your pool cover into a heavy, decomposing tea of organic muck. Come spring, trying to scoop these wet, rotting leaves off the cover is a messy, back-breaking chore that often ends with debris slipping into the pool water. A pool leaf net sits on top of your main winter cover, acting as a giant sieve that catches all falling foliage.

The Blue Wave Round Leaf Net Cover is woven from a highly durable, lightweight polyethylene mesh that allows water to pass through while trapping even small leaf stems. It features a generous 4-foot overlap and comes equipped with a heavy-duty cable and winch tightening system to keep it secured over the main winter cover. Once the trees are bare in late autumn, you simply unlock the winch and slide the leaf net off, taking every single leaf with it.

• Material: Heavy-duty, UV-stabilized black polyethylene mesh
• Mesh Density: Tight weave prevents fine debris from passing through
• Overlap: 4-foot extra material for easy installation over air pillows
• Accessories: Includes brass-coated grommets, vinyl-coated steel cable, and metal winch

Make sure to remove the leaf net before the first major winter freeze or heavy snowfall, as frozen leaves will stick to the main cover and make removal impossible. If left on during a freeze, the weight of the ice can trap the net, potentially tearing the mesh when you try to pull it off. This tool is an absolute lifesaver for pools surrounded by deciduous trees, but is unnecessary if your yard is completely clear of overhanging foliage.

How to Properly Balance Pool Water Before Closing

Closing your pool with poorly balanced water is a recipe for liner staining, metal corrosion, and massive algae blooms that will greet you in the spring. Chemical balance is very critical during the winter because the water will sit completely stagnant for six months without circulation. Taking the time to adjust your parameters a week before closing ensures your winterizing chemicals can do their jobs effectively.

Begin by testing and adjusting your Total Alkalinity to between 80 and 120 ppm, followed closely by balancing your pH level to a slightly high range of 7.2 to 7.6. Correct calcium hardness is also vital; keep it between 200 and 400 ppm to prevent the soft vinyl liner from leaching plasticizers and becoming brittle in cold temperatures. Once these base levels are locked in, shock the pool with a chlorine or non-chlorine oxidizer to destroy any lingering organic contaminants before installing the cover.

Essential Steps for Securing Your Cover for Winter

Securing a winter cover is a systematic process where shortcuts will inevitably lead to a mid-winter failure. Start by positioning your inflated air pillow in the exact center of the pool, securing it loosely to opposite sides with thin nylon rope so it has room to float but cannot drift. Drape the cover carefully over the pool, taking care not to snag the fabric on any metal joints or sharp top-rail corners.

Thread the vinyl-coated steel cable through the cover’s perimeter grommets, loop it into the metal winch, and crank it until the cable is tight against the underside of the top rails. Next, snap your plastic cover clips directly onto the rails to eliminate wind gaps, and wrap the entire perimeter with stretchable cover seal film. Finally, place your automatic cover pump on top of the cover to immediately begin managing any rainwater or melting snow that accumulates.

Taking the time to properly shut down your above ground pool with high-quality, specialized closing gear is the ultimate form of preventative maintenance. By protecting your liner, frame, and plumbing from the brutal forces of winter freezing, you guarantee an easy, headache-free opening when warm weather returns. Invest in the right gear today, and you can rest easy all winter long knowing your backyard oasis is completely secure.