Pool Pillow Covers: Winter Pool Ice Damage Tips

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Winterizing your in-ground pool correctly is essential, and pool pillow covers offer an extra layer of defense, acting as a crucial barrier against the ice damage so common in regions like Minnesota. Think of pool pillow covers as a proactive investment, similar to how The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) emphasizes preventative maintenance to extend your pool’s lifespan. Proper inflation of your pool pillow can be achieved with an air compressor, making it easy to set up your winter safety net against expansion and contraction of ice within your swimming pool during harsh conditions.

Protecting Your Pool from Winter’s Icy Grip: A Guide to Pool Pillow Covers

Winterizing your pool is crucial, especially in climates prone to freezing temperatures. Ice expansion can cause significant damage to your pool’s structure. That’s where understanding and utilizing pool pillow covers comes in handy. This article will walk you through why they are important and how to use them effectively.

Understanding the Threat: How Ice Damages Your Pool

Before diving into the solutions, let’s look at the problem. When water freezes, it expands. This expansion puts immense pressure on the pool walls, skimmers, and plumbing. Without proper preventative measures, you could face cracked tiles, burst pipes, or even structural damage to the pool itself.

• Pool Walls: Ice forming against the walls can exert outward pressure, leading to cracks and bulges.
• Skimmers: These are particularly vulnerable. Ice forming within the skimmer can crack the plastic housing.
• Plumbing: Water trapped inside pipes can freeze and expand, causing them to rupture.

The Solution: Pool Pillow Covers and Their Role

Pool pillow covers aren’t just decorative; they play a critical role in winterizing your pool. Primarily, they support the winter pool cover, preventing it from sinking into the pool water, which helps distribute the pressure from ice formation more evenly.

How They Work

The pillow, usually an inflatable vinyl cushion, sits partially submerged in the water. As ice forms, it pushes against the pillow rather than the pool walls. This absorbs much of the expansion pressure, mitigating the risk of damage. The winter cover, resting on top of the pillow, creates a dome shape. This prevents excessive water accumulation and keeps debris out.

Choosing the Right Size and Shape

Selecting the correct pool pillow cover is vital. Consider these factors:

1. Pool Size and Shape: Measure your pool’s length and width (or diameter for round pools). The pillow should cover a significant portion of the pool’s surface area.
2. Pillow Shape:
   • Round Pillows: Ideal for round or oval pools.
   • Rectangular Pillows: Best for rectangular or kidney-shaped pools.
3. Number of Pillows: For larger pools, you may need multiple pillows to provide adequate coverage.
4. Material Quality: Look for durable, puncture-resistant vinyl.

Here’s a simple table to guide you:

Pool Size	Recommended Pillow Size	Number of Pillows
Up to 16′ Round	4′ Round	1
16′ – 24′ Round	4′ Round or Multiple Smaller	1-2
Up to 16′ x 32′ Rectangular	4′ x 8′	1
16′ x 32′ – 20′ x 40′ Rectangular	4′ x 8′	1-2

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Proper installation is crucial for pool pillow covers to do their job effectively.

1. Lower the Water Level: Drain the pool to the appropriate level, typically about 12-18 inches below the skimmer. Consult your pool manufacturer’s recommendations.
2. Inflate the Pillow: Inflate the pillow to about 75-80% capacity. Over-inflating can lead to bursting during freezing temperatures. Use an air pump or vacuum to inflate.
3. Position the Pillow: Place the inflated pillow in the center of the pool. Use ropes or weights if necessary to keep it centered.
4. Secure the Winter Cover: Carefully place the winter cover over the entire pool, ensuring it’s securely attached. Most covers use water tubes, wall clips, or cable systems to hold them in place. Ensure the cover rests firmly on the pillow, creating a dome shape.
5. Regular Inspection: Throughout the winter, periodically check the pillow’s inflation and the cover’s security. Add air to the pillow if needed, and ensure the cover remains firmly attached.

Proactive Maintenance: Key to a Worry-Free Winter

Beyond installation, proactive maintenance is essential. It makes a world of difference in preventing problems and ensuring your pool is in great shape when you decide to open it.

• Chemical Balancing: Before closing your pool, balance the water chemistry. This helps prevent algae growth and scale buildup during the winter months.
• Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the pool before covering it. Remove all leaves, debris, and algae.
• Antifreeze: Add antifreeze to the plumbing lines to prevent freezing and cracking. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Monitoring: Keep an eye on the weather forecast and adjust your winterization measures accordingly. Extremely cold temperatures may require additional precautions.

So, before winter really hits, take a little time to prep your pool. A good pool pillow cover might just be the difference between a relaxing swim next spring and a costly repair bill. Stay warm out there, and happy swimming – eventually!