How to Use a Pool Pillow With Your Winter Cover

As winter approaches and you prepare to close your above ground pool, it’s important to protect it from the harsh elements. If you live in an area with cold winters, you know that the freeze and thaw cycle can cause damage to your pool, especially when ice builds up on your pool cover. Fortunately, there’s a simple and effective solution to this problem: a pool pillow.

What Is a Pool Pillow?

A pool pillow is a small, inflatable device that you place in the center of your above ground pool when preparing it for winter. It’s made from durable vinyl and works as a protective barrier between the pool water and the winter cover. While it may look like a simple pillow, this piece of equipment is essential for protecting your pool’s structure during the colder months.

Why Use a Pool Pillow in Winter?

The main purpose of a pool pillow is to absorb the pressure that can build up from accumulated rain, snow, and ice on your pool cover. When these elements freeze, they expand and put pressure on the pool cover. Without a pool pillow, the ice would push outward, placing stress on your pool’s walls, liner, and cover, which can lead to costly damage.

By using a pool pillow, the ice expands inward, toward the pillow, relieving the pressure on your pool walls and protecting your investment throughout the winter. This simple step can help extend the life of your pool and avoid the need for expensive repairs come spring.

How to Use a Pool Pillow With Your Winter Cover

Integrating a pool pillow into your pool closing process is straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

1. Inflate the Pool Pillow:
   Inflate the pool pillow to about 60% to 80% of its full capacity. This allows the pillow to compress slightly when pressure builds on it, helping it absorb the expansion of ice.

2. Attach the Pillow:
   Most pool pillows come with grommets on each end. Tie strong string or thin rope to these grommets. The ropes will help keep the pillow in place during the winter.

3. Place the Pillow in the Center of the Pool:
   Once the pillow is inflated and secured with rope, place it in the center of your pool. It should sit directly on top of the water’s surface.

4. Secure the Pillow:
   Attach the other ends of the ropes to the edge of the pool to keep the pillow in place. This ensures that it doesn’t shift under the cover.

5. Cover the Pool:
   Carefully pull your winter pool cover over the pillow, making sure the cover stays above the pillow and doesn’t compress it too much. This step may be easier with the help of a friend.

6. Secure the Cover:
   Once the cover is in place, fasten it securely. If the pillow moves out of position during the process, gently slide it back into place with a pool pole. Just be careful not to use anything with a sharp edge that could puncture the cover or the pillow.

Important Tips for Using a Pool Pillow

• Use a Pool-Specific Pillow: While it might be tempting to use an inner tube or an exercise ball, they don’t work nearly as well as a dedicated pool air pillow. A proper pool pillow is designed to handle the weight and pressure of snow and ice without losing air or collapsing.

• Don’t Overinflate: Overinflating the pillow can make it too rigid and may not allow for adequate compression. Inflate it just enough to provide support without overloading it.

• Check the Pillow Regularly: Throughout the winter, it’s a good idea to check the pillow to ensure it’s still inflated and in good condition. If the pillow starts to lose air, reinflate it as needed to maintain protection for your pool.

Conclusion

Winterizing your above ground pool doesn’t have to be a stressful process. By using a pool pillow, you’ll protect your pool from the damaging effects of ice expansion, ensuring that it remains in good condition for years to come. This small, affordable addition to your pool care routine will provide you with peace of mind during the colder months, knowing that your pool is safe and secure until it’s time to open it again in the spring.

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