8 Essential Closing Checklist Gear Items for Above Ground Pools

As the summer heat fades and the first crisp autumn breeze ripples across the backyard, pool owners face the inevitable task of closing down their swim zones. Leaving an above ground pool exposed to freezing temperatures and heavy winter debris can lead to catastrophic structural damage and a costly swamp come spring. Equipping the backyard oasis with the right seasonal gear ensures a seamless shutdown and an effortless reopening when warm weather returns.

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Why Above Ground Pools Need Specific Winterizing Care

Unlike inground pools insulated by surrounding earth, above ground pools stand entirely exposed to the elements. Freezing winter winds strike the pool walls from all sides, rapidly dropping water temperatures and creating severe ice pressure. Without the right preparation, expanding ice can split vinyl liners and buckle fragile aluminum or steel walls beyond repair.

Additionally, weight distribution is a critical factor for above ground structures. Accumulating snow, heavy ice, and autumn leaves sitting on an unsecured cover can drag the pool walls inward, causing a complete structural collapse. Taking a systematic approach to winterizing protects this backyard investment from the destructive forces of freeze-and-thaw cycles.

Pool Cover – Robelle 3524-4 Winter Pool Cover

A solid winter cover acts as the primary shield against dirt, sunlight, and winter weather. Without a robust physical barrier, UV rays will deplete the winter chemicals, while leaves and debris will decay into organic sludge. The cover keeps the water clean and prevents algae from gaining a foothold during the dormant months.

The Robelle 3524-4 Winter Pool Cover is engineered specifically to withstand harsh winter climates. Constructed from heavy-duty polyethylene, it features a 12 x 12 scrim count (threads per inch) that resists tearing under the weight of snow and ice. The top side is UV-treated to prevent cracking from sun exposure, while the black underside prevents algae-promoting light from penetrating the water.

Before purchasing, verify the pool’s outer dimensions, as this cover is designed with a four-foot overlap to accommodate the air pillow and ease the tension on the pool walls. Secure it using the included heavy-duty cable and winch assembly, ensuring the cable is tight but not warping the top rails.

• Compatible Uses: 24-foot round above ground pools
• Material: Heavy-duty polyethylene
• Features: 4-foot overlap, water-resistant coating, premium scrim count

This cover is ideal for pool owners in heavy-snow regions who need maximum tear resistance. It is not suitable for pools with extra-wide top rails that require a larger overlap size.

Winterizing Kit – In The Swim Deluxe Winter Kit

Chemical preservation is just as vital as physical protection when closing a pool. If water is left untreated over the winter, algae and bacteria will thrive, leading to a grueling, expensive cleanup in the spring. A dedicated winter chemical kit slowly releases sanitizing agents to keep the water clear and chemically balanced for months.

The In The Swim Deluxe Winter Kit provides a comprehensive, pre-measured chemical defense system. It includes a non-chlorine winter shock to oxidize organic contaminants, a powerful winterizer algaecide to prevent blooms, and a slow-releasing winter chemical floater packed with non-stain pool sanitizer. It also features a unique metal free stain preventer that protects pool liners from mineral scaling and rust stains.

This kit is formulated for pools up to 20,000 gallons, meaning smaller pools will get excellent concentration, while larger pools may require a larger kit tier. Always balance the pool’s pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness before adding these winter chemicals to ensure they perform effectively in cold water.

• Capacity: Treats pools up to 20,000 gallons
• Included Chemicals: Winterizer Algaecide, Non-Chlorine Shock, Stain Preventer, Winter Floater
• Application: Directly to pool water before covering

This kit is perfect for owners looking for an all-in-one chemical solution to avoid guesswork. It is not designed for pools already suffering from active, severe algae blooms at the time of closing; those must be cleared first.

Pool Pillow – Swimline 4×4 Foot Air Pillow

When water freezes, it expands outward, exerting immense pressure on the pool walls. An air pillow sits in the center of the pool under the cover, acting as an expansion cushion. As ice forms, it squeezes the pillow inward rather than pushing outward against the fragile pool structure.

The Swimline 4×4 Foot Air Pillow is the industry standard for relieving this lateral ice pressure. Made from heavy-gauge vinyl, it is built to withstand extreme cold without deflating or cracking. It also lifts the center of the pool cover, encouraging rainwater and melting snow to pool near the edges where it can be easily pumped off.

A common mistake is inflating the pillow to its absolute maximum capacity. It should only be inflated to 60% to 80% capacity to allow room for compression when ice expands and to prevent the seams from popping under pressure. Use heavy-duty nylon strings to center the pillow in the pool before laying down the cover.

• Dimensions: 4 x 4 feet
• Material: Heavy-gauge cold-resistant vinyl
• Valve Type: Standard leak-resistant valve

This pillow is essential for anyone living in regions that experience deep, prolonged winter freezes. It is unnecessary for pool owners in mild climates where water never freezes.

Cover Pump – Little Giant APCP-1700 Cover Pump

Water accumulation is one of the leading causes of winter cover failure and pool wall damage. Heavy puddles of melted snow and rainwater create a suction effect that drags the cover down, straining the top rails and walls. A dependable cover pump removes this weight automatically before it becomes a hazard.

The Little Giant APCP-1700 Cover Pump is a submersible utility pump designed specifically for pool covers. It features an automatic mechanical switch that activates when water levels reach two inches and shuts off when the water drops to one inch. Moving up to 1,700 gallons per hour, it quickly clears standing water without requiring constant supervision.

The pump is equipped with a wide, stable base to prevent it from tipping over on the uneven surface of a soft cover. It also includes an integrated intake screen that prevents leaves and debris from clogging the impeller, though periodic cleaning of the intake is still necessary during heavy leaf falls.

• Flow Rate: 1,700 GPH (gallons per hour)
• Power Cord Length: 25 feet
• Connection: Standard garden hose outlet

This automatic pump is a must-have for hands-off owners who want to avoid manual siphoning throughout the wet winter months. It is not ideal for those without easy access to an outdoor GFCI electrical outlet near the pool.

Expansion Plug – Premium Guard Winterizing Plug

When plumbing lines are left open, water can enter, freeze, and expand, cracking the plastic pipes or hoses. Expansion plugs seal off the return jets and intake lines after they have been drained. This creates an airtight, watertight seal that protects the plumbing from damage.

The Premium Guard Winterizing Plug utilizes a heavy-duty rubber body and a stainless steel wing nut assembly. When the wing nut is tightened, the rubber expands inside the pipe to create a leak-proof seal that resists freezing pressure. The use of corrosion-resistant stainless steel ensures the hardware will not rust or seize after months of submersion in cold water.

Ensure you match the plug size to your specific return lines, with 1.5-inch plugs being the standard for most above ground pool return fittings. Always apply a thin layer of pool-safe silicone lubricant to the rubber before inserting to ensure a tight fit and easy removal in the spring.

• Material: Heavy-duty rubber and stainless steel
• Size Options: Available in standard 1.5-inch and 2-inch variations
• Corrosion Resistance: Marine-grade hardware

This plug is a reliable choice for any pool owner seeking to protect rigid or flexible plumbing lines from freeze damage. It is not suitable for damaged or severely warped return fittings that cannot form a round seal.

Skimmer Cover – Specialty Pool Products Aquador

Traditionally, winterizing a pool meant draining the water level below the skimmer opening to prevent water from entering and freezing inside the skimmer box. Draining the water too low, however, puts extra stress on the pool liner and structure. A skimmer cover seals the opening from the front, allowing the pool water to remain at normal levels.

The Specialty Pool Products Aquador is a snap-on closure system that eliminates the need to drain pool water below the skimmer. It consists of a durable plastic faceplate border that mounts permanently to the skimmer opening, and a snap-on freeze-proof lid that seals out water for the winter. This system keeps the skimmer box completely dry, preventing ice expansion from cracking the plastic housing.

Installing the faceplate border requires removing the existing skimmer faceplate and replacing it with the Aquador border, utilizing the original screw holes. Once installed, the winter lid simply snaps into place in seconds each autumn without requiring any tools.

• Compatibility: Standard above ground pool skimmers (check model sizes)
• Material: UV-stabilized, chemical-resistant plastic
• Benefit: Keeps pool water levels high to support the cover

This cover is perfect for owners who want to protect their skimmers without draining heavy amounts of water. It is not a universal fit, so buyers must verify their specific skimmer brand and model before ordering.

Cover Clips – Swimline Winter Cover Wall Clips

High winds are the ultimate enemy of a pool cover, catching the loose edges and inflating the cover like a giant sail. If the wind gets underneath, it can rip the cover off entirely or tear it against the top rails. Cover clips grip the cover directly to the pool’s metal top rails, locking it down tight against winter gusts.

The Swimline Winter Cover Wall Clips are constructed from high-tensile plastic designed to flex without breaking under cold conditions. They feature a dual-grip design that clamps the cover fabric securely to the vertical uprights and top rails of the pool wall. By preventing wind from getting under the cover, they reduce the flapping that causes premature wear and tear.

For optimal security, space these clips evenly around the pool’s perimeter, using at least two clips per top rail section. Note that these clips are designed for standard metal top rails and may not stretch wide enough to fit over oversized resin or plastic top rails.

• Material: UV-treated, flexible winter-grade plastic
• Quantity: Typically sold in packs of 12, 24, or 36
• Compatibility: Standard metal pool top rails

These clips are an absolute necessity for pool owners in open, windy areas who want to secure their covers. They are not recommended for pools with wide, modern resin top rails that exceed the clip’s maximum grip width.

Leaf Net – Blue Wave 24-Foot Round Leaf Net

Deciduous trees shed millions of leaves each autumn, creating a heavy, rotting mess on top of your pool cover. Removing wet leaves by hand or with a pool rake is backbreaking work that can puncture the main winter cover. A leaf net sits on top of the main cover to catch falling leaves, allowing them to be peeled off in one swift motion.

The Blue Wave 24-Foot Round Leaf Net is woven from a lightweight but highly durable polyethylene mesh. It features a four-foot overlap that ensures complete coverage over the edges of the pool. Once all the leaves have fallen in late autumn, simply pull the net off, shake it out, and store it away, leaving the main cover completely clean for the winter.

The mesh is designed with tiny openings that let water pass through while trapping even the smallest leaves and twigs. It includes a heavy-duty cable and ratchet winch system to secure it tightly in place over the main winter cover.

• Material: Woven polyethylene mesh
• Overlap: 4-foot extra material
• Included Accessories: Cable and brass-coated winch

This net is an invaluable time-saver for pool owners surrounded by mature trees. It is not necessary for those whose backyards are entirely clear of falling foliage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Your Winter Cover

Securing a winter cover correctly is a systematic process that requires patience and the right sequence of steps. Begin by lowering the pool water level to the appropriate depth, which is typically just below the return lines if not using a skimmer cover. Next, inflate the air pillow to roughly 70% capacity and anchor it securely in the exact center of the pool using nylon ropes tied to opposite top rails.

Carefully drape the winter cover over the pool, ensuring the air pillow remains centered beneath it. If using a leaf net, lay it directly over the winter cover before tightening any cables. Thread the vinyl-coated cable through the grommets around the entire perimeter of the cover, connect it to the winch, and pull it taut against the pool wall.

Finish the installation by snapping cover clips over the cover onto the pool’s metal top rails. This prevents the wind from catching the edges and lifting the cover. Once the cover is locked down, place the automatic cover pump on top of the cover to immediately begin managing rainwater accumulation.

How to Protect Your Pool Walls from Ice Damage

Ice damage is the single greatest threat to an above ground pool’s structural integrity. When pool water freezes, it expands outward, pushing against the vinyl liner and the metal walls. Without a pressure relief system, this outward force can cause the metal frame to warp, bow, or split open, destroying the pool.

Utilizing a properly sized air pillow is the most effective way to combat this outward pressure. The pillow acts as a sacrificial cushion; as the ice expands inward toward the center, it compresses the air-filled vinyl pillow instead of pressing against the metal walls. Keeping the pillow centered is critical, as a shifted pillow will leave one side of the pool vulnerable to ice pressure.

In addition to using a pillow, avoid draining the pool completely. Leaving water in the pool provides the necessary internal weight to counteract external winter winds that could otherwise blow the pool over. Maintain a water level that supports the structure while allowing enough room for ice expansion.

Storing Filter and Pump Equipment for the Winter

Your pool’s filtration system is highly susceptible to freeze damage because water trapped inside the pump, filter tank, or heater will expand and crack the plastic or metal housings. Before the first freeze, disconnect all hoses and open the drain plugs on the pump and filter tank. Allow all remaining water to drain out completely to ensure no moisture is left behind to freeze.

For sand filters, set the multi-port valve to the “Winterize” or “Closed” position to relieve pressure on the internal gaskets. If using a cartridge or DE filter, remove the elements, clean them thoroughly with a hose, and store them in a dry, indoor location. Store the drain plugs in the pump basket so they do not get lost during the off-season.

Detach the pump motor entirely and bring it indoors, such as into a basement, garage, or climate-controlled shed. Cold temperatures and moisture can rust the internal bearings and ruin the electrical components of the motor. Cover any exposed pipe openings on the pool with expansion plugs to keep out dirt, pests, and water.

Conclusion

Taking the time to properly winterize an above ground pool pays massive dividends when spring arrives. By investing in the right protective gear and following a methodical closing process, the backyard investment is safeguarded from harsh winter damage. When the warm weather returns, reopening the pool will be a simple, stress-free task, letting pool owners get straight back to enjoying the water.