
In essence, the purpose of a pool pillow, also known as an ice compensator, is to protect your above-ground pool during the winter months. When water freezes, it expands, and this can cause potential damage to the pool walls and liner. A pool pillow is placed under the winter cover and floats on the pool’s surface, absorbing and compensating for the pressure resulting from the expansion of ice. Moreover, the pillow also creates a slope on the pool cover so that rainwater, melting snow, and debris can easily run off instead of accumulating.
Understanding Pool Pillows in Depth
The Role of a Pool Pillow in Winterizing Your Pool
Winterizing an above-ground pool is a process undertaken to prepare the pool for the colder seasons, particularly in areas where freezing temperatures are typical. During this period, ice tends to form on the water’s surface. Without a proper cushioning barrier, the ice can put immense outward pressure on the pool structures—such as the liner and walls—and could lead to expensive damages. The pool pillow creates a buffer zone, allowing ice to freeze around it, thus reducing the direct force on the pool. As the ice expands, the pressure is absorbed by the pool pillow instead of pressing against the pool’s fragile components.
Preventing Water and Debris Accumulation
Another important aspect of a pool pillow is its role in managing precipitation. When the winter cover is laid flat over the pool, water from rain and melting snow can collect on the cover, creating a heavy, saggy spot that strains the cover and could potentially cause it to tear. This collected water is also a perfect breeding ground for insects and algae come spring. The pool pillow elevates the winter cover to create an incline, so water and debris slide off instead of settling on top. This not only helps in maintaining the integrity of the pool cover but also eases the burden of springtime pool cleanup.
Choosing the Right Pool Pillow
Selecting the correct pool pillow size and material is vital for its effectiveness. A pillow that is too small won’t offer sufficient protection against the expansive pressure of ice. As for material, most pool pillows are made from vinyl, which is a durable material capable of withstanding low temperatures and the occasional scraping against ice or pool walls. It’s often recommended to partially inflate the pillow to allow for compression when the ice presses against it.
Installation Tips for Pool Pillows
Installing a pool pillow requires some care. It should be inflated to about three-quarters capacity to allow for expansion and should be centered in the pool. Most pool pillows come with grommets to secure it with ropes that tie to opposite sides of the pool, ensuring it remains in place. Some pool owners opt for a more supportive setup by connecting the pillow to a central hub and then tying lines out to the pool’s sides in a star formation.
Maintaining Your Pool Pillow
Regular checks during the winter months can ensure the pillow is still in place and adequately inflated. However, strong winds or severe weather conditions may displace the pillow or lead to deflation. That’s why it’s crucial to have a backup plan, such as an additional floatation device or easy access to reinflate the pillow if necessary.
Pool Pillows Versus Alternative Methods
Traditional Methods of Pool Winterization
For many years, pool owners have employed several methods to alleviate the pressure from ice expansion. Some would lower the pool water level below the skimmer line or use skimmer faceplate covers. These methods reduce the risk of damage to the filtration system but do not address the potential harm expanding ice can do to the pool cover and liner.
Comparing Pool Pillows to Alternatives
Nowadays, there are alternatives to the conventional pool pillow. For instance, some pool owners use pool air bags, which are elongated bags providing a similar buffer but across the pool’s perimeter. Pool owners may also use combination systems where air pillows and dual covers are employed to provide extra protection against debris and ice.
Is It Necessary to Use a Pool Pillow?
Whether to use a pool pillow can depend on the climate and the specific design of an above-ground pool. In regions where pools are less likely to experience ice formation, the need for a pool pillow may not be as urgent. However, in colder climates, foregoing a pool pillow can be a risky move that could lead to costly damages. Thus, understanding one’s local weather patterns is crucial when deciding on pool winterization strategies.
Finishing Thoughts
The use of a pool pillow is an important aspect to consider for protecting an above-ground swimming pool during the harsh winter months. Its primary function is to mitigate the risk of damage from ice expansion by acting as a buffer. Furthermore, the pillow helps precipitation and debris to slide off the winter cover, making spring cleaning an easier task. While alternatives exist, the simplicity and effectiveness of a correctly sized and installed pool pillow make it a wise choice for many pool owners. Considering the climate, pool size, and available winterizing methods, pool owners can make an informed decision to ensure the longevity of their pools for many seasons to come. Whether or not you’re new to above-ground pool maintenance, incorporating a pool pillow can be a cost-effective and proactive step in your winterizing process.