Now that winter is approaching, more and more pool owners are gearing up to prepare their pools for the winter season. Winter covers and air pillows have become an important part of the winterization process. It’s easy to size your pool cover, but what about your air pillows?
This blog serves as a guide to assist pool owners with sizing their pool air pillows and to help them decide how many air pillows to purchase this season.
Do I Really Need Air Pillows?
I’ll be honest, a lot of pool installers do not recommend buying air pillows. They believe air pillows do not provide any extra benefits. However, if you live in an area where temperatures can get below freezing, we think that they certainly can.
Air pillows compensate for the extra rain, snow, and debris that accumulate during the winter months. This is why air pillows are often referred to as “ice compensators.”
The air pillows under your cover create a gap between the water and the bottom of the cover. Once ice and rain press down on the cover, the ice expands inward towards the pillow. Without air pillows, ice expands outward, putting more pressure on your pool walls. This causes damage to the pool walls, liners, and cover.
How Many Air Pillows Do I Need?
As a general rule, you shouldn’t need many air pillows. Air pillows are most effective when they remain in the center of the pool. They become less effective when they float around the pool. Below is a chart showing the recommended air pillow size for above ground pools. Find your pool size and the recommended number of pillows. If you’re using air pillows this season, send us a picture! We’d love to share it!
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