Pool pillows are essential for winter pool closing in freeze-prone areas. They absorb ice expansion pressure, preventing damage to pool walls and equipment.
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Yes, you need a pool pillow (also called an air pillow) if you live in an area where your pool water will freeze during winter. Pool pillows are essential for preventing costly damage from ice expansion, which can crack pool walls, damage skimmers, and destroy equipment. They work by absorbing the upward pressure created when water freezes and expands.
When water freezes, it expands by approximately 9%. In a closed pool system, this expansion creates tremendous pressure that must go somewhere. Without a pool pillow, this pressure pushes directly against your pool walls, skimmer, and return lines, often causing thousands of dollars in damage.
Pool pillows create a "soft spot" under your winter cover that compresses when ice expands upward. This prevents the ice from forming a solid, immovable mass that would otherwise push against your pool structure. The pillow essentially gives the expanding ice a place to go, absorbing the pressure that would otherwise damage your pool.
Pool pillows are unnecessary if you live in regions where:
However, even in borderline climates, many pool professionals recommend using a pillow as insurance against unexpected hard freezes.
Pool pillow sizing is critical for effectiveness:
The pillow should cover roughly 10-15% of your pool's surface area when properly inflated.
Inflate your pool pillow to about 60-70% capacity - never fully inflate it. The pillow needs room to compress when ice pressure builds. Over-inflation will cause the pillow to burst under pressure, defeating its purpose.
Center the pillow in your pool, ensuring it's positioned away from sharp edges or rough surfaces that could puncture it. For large pools, space multiple pillows evenly across the surface.
Attach the pillow to your winter cover using the built-in grommets and rope or bungee cords. Some pool owners also tie the pillow to deck anchors to prevent wind from moving it before ice forms.
Install your winter cover over the pillow, ensuring the cover has enough slack to accommodate the pillow's height. A tight cover will put excessive pressure on both the pillow and cover.
Over-inflation: This is the most common error. An over-inflated pillow cannot compress and will burst under ice pressure, leaving your pool unprotected mid-winter.
Wrong size selection: Pillows that are too small provide inadequate protection, while oversized pillows can damage pool covers or create installation difficulties.
Poor positioning: Pillows placed too close to pool edges don't effectively absorb central ice expansion and may damage skimmers or walls.
Ignoring backup plans: Always have a backup pillow available, as wildlife, weather, or defects can cause pillow failure during winter.
While dedicated pool pillows are most effective, some alternatives include:
Inspect your pool pillow annually before installation. Look for:
Quality pool pillows typically last 3-5 seasons with proper care. Store deflated pillows in a cool, dry location during swimming season to prevent UV damage and extend lifespan.
Safety Note: Never attempt to adjust or replace a pool pillow after ice has formed. Wait until spring thaw for any modifications to your winter setup.
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