How to Choose the Right Pool Pillow or Winterizing Tube

If winter hits hard where you live, then your pool deserves some serious cold-weather prep. One overlooked hero of winter pool care? The humble pool pillow or winterizing tube. It might look like a basic inflatable, but it plays a key role in protecting your above-ground pool from expensive winter damage.

What Is a Pool Pillow or Winterizing Tube?

A pool pillow, sometimes called an ice compensator, is a vinyl or rubber inflatable placed in the center of your above-ground pool before the cover goes on. A winterizing tube serves a similar purpose but is typically used along the sides of in-ground pools to help secure the cover.

Here’s why they matter:

• They absorb pressure from ice as it expands.

• They reduce strain on pool walls.

• They help prevent the cover from sagging.

• They promote better runoff of rain and snow.

Without one, frozen water can press outwards on your pool walls, leading to cracking, warping, or liner tears.

Why the Right Size and Shape Matter

The size and shape of your pool pillow directly impact how well it does its job. Bigger isn’t always better. The pillow should not completely fill the pool. It should sit in the center, pushing the water outward just enough to allow ice to expand inward instead of against the pool walls.

• For round pools: A 4 ft. by 4 ft. pillow usually works.

• For oval or rectangular pools: Consider 4 ft. by 8 ft. or multiple 4 ft. by 4 ft. pillows.

• For large pools: Use multiple pillows or tubes for even coverage.

If the pillow is too small, it won’t provide enough protection. Too big, and it interferes with your cover.

Pool Pillows vs Winterizing Tubes

Though both are helpful, pool pillows are generally for above-ground pools, while winterizing tubes are more common in in-ground setups.

• Pool Pillows: Centered to absorb ice expansion, protect walls.

• Winterizing Tubes: Placed along edges to keep covers secure and tight.

Some pool owners use both, especially in colder regions. It depends on your pool type and cover design.

Materials and Durability

Look for heavy-duty vinyl or rubber materials that resist punctures and UV damage. Cheap pillows might deflate or split after one season, which defeats the purpose.

A good pillow should:

• Be made of thick, cold-resistant vinyl

• Have strong, heat-sealed seams

• Inflate easily and hold air all season

Avoid using random floaties or beach balls as replacements. They’re not made to withstand freezing temps or pressure.

How to Set It Up Correctly

1. Inflate the pillow only to about 60 to 80 percent full.

2. Tie it securely with string or pillow loops to the pool edges.

3. Center it in the pool before laying your winter cover.

4. Make sure it stays in place as you secure the cover.

Overinflating can cause the pillow to pop once temperatures drop, while underinflating too much makes it ineffective.

When to Replace Your Pillow or Tube

Check your pillow before each winter season. If it’s flat, cracked, or won’t hold air, replace it. It’s a small investment compared to the cost of pool wall or liner repairs.

If you’ve had harsh winters or heavy snow the previous year, inspect it more carefully. Sometimes damage isn’t obvious until you inflate it.

Choosing Based on Climate

Colder climates with heavy snow and deep freezes will need stronger, larger pillows and possibly multiple. In milder regions, a standard-sized pillow may be just fine.

Also, if your area sees lots of rain but not much snow, focus more on water drainage and proper cover fit.

A Small Step That Prevents Big Repairs

A properly chosen and installed pool pillow or winter tube can save you from cracked walls, stretched liners, or torn covers. It may seem like a minor detail in your winter prep, but it plays a big role in keeping your pool safe until spring.

Treat it like insurance. A little effort now can save you a big repair bill later.