Despite the significant role they play in protecting pools, using a pool pillow remains a controversial subject. While some pool owners find covers helpful, others are quick to write them off as a fad. But putting a pillow in your pool is a great way to save money in spring once the snow melts away.
Pool pillows are a cost-effective way to safeguard your pool equipment and protective cover from ice damage. If anything, pool pillows are an incredible way to protect your pool. These pillows are a better alternative to draining the above-ground pool.
Here are our top picks for pool pillows to keep your pool and its cover safe during the wintry season.
5 Best Pool Pillows Options
1. Blue Wave 4 x 4 Pool Pillow
- For above ground pools
- Made of 16-guage vinyl
- Helps to protect your pool walls
- Reduces excess rain, snow, and leaves on your winter cover
Made from 16-gauge vinyl, this air pillow from Blue Wave LLC is small, lightweight, and durable. It is tough, durable, and designed to withstand the crushing pressure of frozen water without bursting or deflating.
Pros
- Ideal for small pools
- Made from premium vinyl
- Easy to inflate
- Affordable
Cons
- The valve is a tad tricky to use
2. Robelle Deluxe 4′ x 8′ Ice Equalizer
- 1-Pack 4 ft. x 8 ft. Pool Pillows For Above Ground Pools
- Absorbs Pressure Caused By Ice Build Up Under Pool Cover Preventing Damage To Pool Walls - Pool Pillow Will Pop Before Ice Damages Pool Walls
- Forces Debris From The Center Of The Pool To The Sides For Easier Cleaning
- Lifts Pool Cover To Prevent Water From Leeching Through Pool Cover
This blue air pillow from Robelle is crafted from 16 gauge vinyl and measures 4 x 8. The cushion quickly relieves the stress caused by freezing water to cushion your pool from distortion.
Pros
- Made from premium vinyl fabric
- Hardy and durable
- Ideal for large pools
- Easy to inflate
Cons
- Pricey
3. In the Swim (4′ x 4′)
- {SUPERIOR WINTER PROTECTION} Swimline air pillows serve as 'ice compensators', absorbing the pressure from freezing and expanding water, ultimately protecting your pool and cover from winter damage. Ensure...
- {ENHANCED POOL COVER LONGEIVTY} Swimline Air Pillows stay under your cover, creating space that prevents water & debris accumulation in the center of your pool, extending the lifespan for your pool cover,...
- {EFFORTLESS INSTALLATION} With a large valve opening for easy inflation, these air pillows simplify and speed up your pool winterizing process, letting you secure your pool quickly and efficiently. When...
- {TAILORED FIT} This Swimline Air Pillow measures 4 x 4 ft, one of the standardized, most effective sizes for pool winterization, but our air pillows come in many shapes and sizes to accommodate all...
- {DURABLE CONSTRUCTION} Crafted with heavy duty, puncture resistant material, our air pillows are designed to withstand the harshest of winter conditions, ensuring continual protection of your pool. Easy to...
This air pillow comes in both square and round designs and is designed to absorb freezing water and cushion your pool from the stress of ice expansion. It is made from heavy-duty vinyl to ensure it lasts a long time.
Pros
- Available in various shapes
- Made from premium vinyl
- Compatible with large and small pools
Cons
- Tricky to inflate correctly
4. In the Swim (4′ x 8′)
- Measures: 4 x 8 Feet
- Heavy-duty 16 gauge vinyl construction
- Air pillow absorbs freezing water as it expands
- Relieves above ground pool walls from stress of ice expansion
- Helps reduce the build-up of rain, leaves or snow on your winter cover
Large and heavy-duty, this 4′ x 8′ air pillow from In the Swim LLC will keep your pool walls safe from the crushing pressure of frigid water during the offseason. As a result, the leaves, rain, and snow cannot accumulate on the pool cover surface.
Pros
- Large-sized
- Made from durable material
- Easy to inflate
- Suitable for large pools
Cons
- Pricey
5. Swimline Pillow 3 Pack
- {SUPERIOR WINTER PROTECTION} Swimline air pillows serve as 'ice compensators', absorbing the pressure from freezing and expanding water, ultimately protecting your pool and cover from winter damage. Ensure...
- {ENHANCED POOL COVER LONGEIVTY} Swimline Air Pillows stay under your cover, creating space that prevents water & debris accumulation in the center of your pool, extending the lifespan for your pool cover,...
- {EFFORTLESS INSTALLATION} With a large valve opening for easy inflation, these air pillows simplify and speed up your pool winterizing process, letting you secure your pool quickly and efficiently. When...
- {TAILORED FIT} This Swimline Air Pillow measures 4 x 4 ft, one of the standardized, most effective sizes for pool winterization, but our air pillows come in many shapes and sizes to accommodate all...
- {3-PACK} This product offering supplies you with 3 Swimline Air Pillows so you can be prepared with everything you need to tackle the harsh winter season.
Swimline LLC is a trusted pool accessories supplier, and you can trust them to deliver quality pillows. This 3-pack is ideal if you have a large pool or looking for a bargain. The pillows are made from premium vinyl and boast an exceptional lifespan.
Pros
- Made from durable vinyl
- Beautiful blue color
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to inflate
Cons
- Sometimes the valve is faulty
What Is a Pool Pillow?
A pool pillow is a small inflatable pillow made from vinyl placed in the middle of an above-ground pool during winter. The pool winter pillow is placed under the winter pool cover during the off-season as an equalizer or ice compensator.
What Does a Pool Air Pillow Do?
Pool pillows protect pools from damage during the cold winter months. In addition, this is a cheaper alternative to draining and refilling a pool after it has frozen.
In areas that experience sub-zero temperatures during winter, pool pillows are often placed under the pool cover in the middle of the pool.
When a pool freezes over, the ice expands outward towards the edge of the pool. The expansion places undue stress on the sides of the pool and may damage the swimming pool walls and the cover.
Floating a pool pillow eliminates the risk of such damage while increasing the lifespan of your cover.
The principle behind putting a winter pool pillow is relatively simple. The pillow creates a space between the water surface and the cover, which allows the freezing ice to expand inwards towards the pillow. Thus, the pillow acts as an ice compensator and absorbs the pressure from the expanding ice.
Without an air pillow, the ice expands outwards towards the swimming pool walls and could potentially damage your liner, cover, and equipment.
The resultant bulge forces the leaves, rain, and snow to accumulate around the edges. Pool owners can easily reach and into the pool and remove the unwanted debris.
Pros and Cons of Using a Pool Pillow
Pros
- It makes your cover last longer
- It safeguards your pool from extensive structural damage
- It’s cheap and affordable
- It saves you thousands in water and repair bills.
- It’s relatively maintenance-free
Cons
- They deflate during a deep freeze
- They’re not reusable
How to Use a Pool Pillow
The process of floating a pool pillow as part of your winterization plan is straightforward. Here’s how to use a pool pillow on your above-ground pool.
- Inflate the pool pillow: Use a simple pump to inflate the pool pillow through the small red valve at the top. You can also use a shop vac on the reverse or a hairdryer on a ‘cool’ setting. Always inflate a pool pillow up to 60 to 80% of its capacity. The pillow should feel soft to leave room for compression. Blowing a pool pillow to full capacity increases the likelihood of bursting when compressed.
- Cover the valve: Put duct tape over the valve to keep the air from escaping and deflating the pool in the dead of winter. Large pools often require multiple pillows.
- Anchor the pool pillow: Quality pillows have grommets for easy attachment. Thread a long, strong rope through the holes and tie the opposite end to the edge of the pool. You can also attach a pool pillow to the winter cover using Velcro. Velcro is preferable if you don’t have strong and resilient rope.
- Center the pillow on the pool: Use the rope to maneuver the pool pillow to the center of the pool. If using multiple pillows, be sure to thread them together.
- Secure the air pillow: Tie the ropes attached to the pillow pool to the opposite ends of the pool and let the tension keep the pool pillow anchored in place. Ensure there’s enough slack on the ropes to keep the pillow floating freely on the water and prevent tears and breakages.
- Lay the cover: Once the pillow is secure, pull the winter cover over the pool while ensuring the pillow remains in its correct position.
- Secure the cover: You can use water bags or sandbags to hold down the cover. Since they’re made of heavy-duty vinyl, these are a better alternative to abrasive bricks and rocks.
Pool Pillow FAQ
Do I Really Need a Pool Pillow?
Yes, you need a pool pillow, especially if you live in a region with frigid winters and own an above-ground pool. It’s a great way to keep an Intex pool and its winter cover safe.
How Many Air Pillows Do I Need for My Pool?
Typically, you need one or two air pillows to winterize your pool. The exact number depends on the size and shape of the Intex pool and the size of the pool pillow.
Pool Size // Number of Pillows/Size
12′ to 15′ // 4′ x 5′
18′ to 24′ // 4′ x 8′ OR (2) 4′ x 8
>24′ // 4′ x 15′ OR (2) 4′ x 15′
<10′ x 18′ // 4′ x 5′ OR 4′ x 8′
<12′ x 21′ // 4′ x 8′ OR (2) 4′ x 5′
<16′ x 32′ // 4′ x 8′ OR 4′ x 15′
<21′ x 43′ // (2) 4′ x 15′
What Can I Use Instead of a Pool Pillow to Safeguard My Pool Walls?
You may use exercise balls, floating flamingos, or a trash bag filled with plastic bags as makeshift substitutes to replace pool pillows. Unfortunately, since the DIY alternatives aren’t specially designed for the job, they may not last the entire winter season.
What Size Pool Pillow Do I Need?
The size of pillow you need depends on the size of your pool – the larger the pool, the larger the pillow. They are available in different sizes including 4′ x 4′, 4′ x 5′, 4′ x 8′, and 4′ x 15′.
Does the Size of a Pool Cover Matter?
Yes, you should purchase a winter cover that fits your pool. The ideal cover is 3 to 4 feet bigger than the pool.
Safeguard Your Investment With a Pool Pillow
You need a pool pillow if you live in a region with sub-zero temperatures in winter and own an above-ground pool. These cushions will save your pool, its winter cover, and pool equipment from damage.
On average, it costs $100 to $200 to repair a leaky above-ground pool. Pool pillows cost a fraction of that and shelter both your pool and its cover all through winter.
For over 15 years, Sean Moore has been sharing his love and enthusiasm for swimming pools and hot tubs with everyone he knows. His goal is to help everyday people DIY their maintenance to save money by teaching how to properly take care of your equipment, safely and correctly balance chemicals, and extend the life of your water oasis.
Pricing on this page was last updated on 2024-09-08