Don’t Let Winter Destroy Your Above Ground Pool Investment: The Ultimate Freeze Protection Checklist

As autumn temperatures begin to drop, above ground pool owners face a critical window of opportunity. Close the pool when the water temperature stays consistently below 60°F. Closing too early often leads to algae or cloudy water at spring opening because the closing chemicals are used up while the water is still warm. Closing too late creates a different risk: water may already have frozen inside the pump, filter, or plumbing before you drain and protect them. Proper winterization isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting your investment from costly freeze damage that can destroy equipment and compromise your pool’s integrity.

Essential Winterization Supplies: Your Complete Shopping List

Before beginning the winterization process, gather all the necessary equipment and chemicals you’ll need. This includes a pool cover, air pillow, winterizing chemicals, skimmer winter plate and return jet plug. Here’s your comprehensive supply checklist:

Chemical Supplies

• Pool chemicals, especially shock, algaecide, and an alkalinity increaser
• Pool Antifreeze is safe to -50 F – when using 1 gallon for each 10 ft of pool pipe, or much less if the pipes have been blown out or drained. Our non-toxic Pool Antifreeze can be poured into skimmers or with a funnel and hose, it can be fed into pool return lines or cleaner pipes.
• Winter algaecide for long-term protection
• Stain and scale preventers

Equipment and Hardware

• Pool cover – either a safety cover or security cover. Winterizing expansion drain plugs. An air compressor, shop vac, or blower to blow out water lines. A pool pillow (aka air pillow) if you have an above ground pool.
• The Skimmer Guard Gizmo is a combination skimmer plug and skimmer protector. It plugs the pipe to keep water out, but also absorbs ice expansion inside the skimmer.
• Winter pool plugs for return lines
• Cover pump for water removal
• Cable and winch system for cover security

When sourcing your winterization supplies, quality matters. At Backyard Supplies, we believe everyone deserves a backyard that’s both effortless to enjoy and built to last. We’ve dedicated ourselves to being your go-to destination for premium outdoor living essentials—all designed with quality, simplicity, and your convenience in mind. Finding reliable pool supplies for above ground pools ensures your winterization efforts will provide maximum protection throughout the harsh winter months.

Critical Steps for Freeze Protection

Water Chemistry Balance

Make sure your pool water is clean and balanced. This means adjusting the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels to the recommended ranges. Balanced water helps protect your pool’s surfaces and equipment during the winter months. Proper chemical balance prevents staining and corrosion that can occur during extended closure periods.

Equipment Protection

The most critical aspect of winterization is protecting your equipment from freeze damage. The goal is simple: remove or protect any trapped water before it can freeze. Do not use automotive antifreeze. To prevent damage from freezing temperatures, it’s crucial to winterize the filter system of your above ground pool. Disconnect and remove the hoses from the pool pump and filter system. Drain any remaining water from these components and store them in a dry, protected area or utilize a filter system winter cover for additional protection.

Move all the equipment and hoses you removed to a safe, non-freezing location, such as your basement or a heated garage. Store all the drain plugs in your pump strainer basket so they don’t get lost. For equipment that must remain outside, it helps to cover it. Use pool equipment covers or a tarp to help protect your stuff from the elements.

Plumbing Line Protection

PVC pool pipe cracks easily when the temperature falls below 32 degrees, so be sure all the water is out, or add antifreeze if you’re not sure. For plumbing lines, blow them out with an air compressor or a compatible vacuum setup, working from the skimmer toward the returns. Once the lines are clear, plug them with the proper fittings. If a line cannot be fully cleared, add pool-grade antifreeze as directed on the product label.

The Air Pillow Advantage

When winterizing an above ground pool, add an air pillow to the center of the pool before adding the cover. The pool pillow will help absorb the expansion of the pool water when it freezes and will help with pressure on the cover from snow accumulation. An average-sized above ground pool, 24′ round, typically requires 2 air pillows. Anything smaller than that may only require a single air pillow. If you are using multiple pillows, tie them together using the grommets located on the pillow’s corners.

Air pillows are used in to break up the ice sheet that forms in the pool under the cover, during several days of below freezing weather. This prevents damage to the pool walls and skimmer from a solid sheet of ice expanding outward.

Cover Installation and Maintenance

One of the most critical steps in seasonal care is covering your above ground pool. A high-quality pool cover will protect your pool from debris and help maintain water quality during the winter months. Ensure the cover fits securely over the pool and is properly anchored. As with inground pools, you want the pool cover to fit tightly. If your above ground pool cover has a winch and cable mechanism, be sure to tighten it fully to withstand winter winds and keep it secure.

Winter maintenance doesn’t end with installation. Throughout the winter, it’s essential to check your pool cover periodically for any damage or shifting. Heavy snow or strong winds can sometimes displace the cover. Make necessary adjustments to keep the cover in place. If you notice any damage, repair it promptly to prevent debris from entering the pool. As part of your seasonal care routine, monitor the water level on top of your winter pool cover. If excessive rain water builds up on top of your winter cover, use a submersible cover pump to remove the excess water.

Timing Your Winterization

Proper timing is crucial for effective winterization. Northern states such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and New York usually close above ground pools between mid-September and early October, before repeated hard freezes make winterizing harder. In much of the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Missouri, most owners close the pool in late October.

For regions with milder climates, in milder parts of Texas, Florida, and Georgia, some owners do not fully close the pool every year. Instead, they reduce pump run time, lower chemical use, and keep the pool covered. But if freezing weather is expected, the pool still needs freeze protection.

Professional Support and Quality Supplies

Successful winterization requires both the right supplies and expert guidance. Driven by a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, we continually expand our product catalog and educational resources to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Whether you’re upgrading your outdoor space or enhancing your indoor comfort, Backyard Supplies offers an unmatched selection and a seamless shopping experience. Our team of experts is ready to assist you with personalized support, professional advice, and unbeatable prices.

Remember, winterizing your pool is crucial for maintaining its health and durability. Proper closure protects your pool from severe weather, staining, corrosion, freeze damage, prevents algae, and helps maintain balanced water chemistry. Our expertly curated kits take the guesswork out of winter pool care, so you can relax all season and enjoy a faster, cleaner spring opening.

Don’t let winter catch you unprepared. By following this comprehensive checklist and investing in quality winterization supplies, you’ll protect your above ground pool investment and ensure it’s ready for another season of family fun when warm weather returns.