Winterizing a pool involves more than just cleaning, balancing the water chemistry, and covering the pool.
One of the most important aspects of the process is protecting the plumbing and equipment from freezing temperatures.
This is where winterizing plugs come in. They are used to seal off the pool’s return lines, skimmers, and other plumbing components to prevent water from entering and freezing inside the pipes, which can cause significant damage.
There are several types of winterizing plugs available, each with its own advantages depending on the pool’s plumbing and equipment setup.
Rubber expansion plugs are one of the most common types of winterizing plugs. They consist of a rubber body that expands when tightened with a wingnut or bolt, creating a watertight seal inside the pool’s pipes or skimmers.
Key Features:
• Versatile: Can be used in skimmer lines, return lines, and main drains.
• Easy installation: Simply insert the plug into the desired opening and tighten the wingnut to expand the rubber.
• Reusable: These plugs are durable and can be used for multiple seasons.
Common Uses:
• Sealing off return jets and skimmers.
• Blocking off main drains (when used in conjunction with an air compressor to blow out the lines).
Threaded plugs are designed to screw directly into the threaded openings of pool plumbing, such as return lines. These plugs come in various sizes to match the standard thread sizes used in pool installations.
Key Features:
• Threaded for secure fit: They create a more secure and watertight seal compared to expansion plugs because they screw into place.
• Durability: Made from durable materials like PVC or nylon, they resist wear and tear.
• O-rings: Many threaded plugs come with O-rings that provide an additional seal to prevent water leaks.
Common Uses:
• Sealing return lines, especially in pools with standard threaded fittings.
• Protecting exposed plumbing in equipment areas, such as around the filter or heater connections.
Blow-through plugs, also known as blowout plugs, serve a dual purpose: They allow pool techs to blow air through the plumbing lines to remove water, and they can then be used to seal the lines for winter. These plugs have a hole in the center, often equipped with a valve that can be attached to an air compressor.
Key Features:
• Dual-purpose: Used to blow out water from pipes and then seal the line afterward.
• Valve for air compressor: Allows for easy connection to an air compressor to blow out the water.
• Convenience: Eliminates the need to remove the plug after blowing out the lines.
Common Uses:
•Blowingoutandsealingreturnlines, skimmers, and other plumbing lines.
• Ideal for pools where complete water evacuation from the pipes is critical to avoid freezing damage.
Skimmer plugs are designed specifically for sealing off the skimmer to protect it from freezing temperatures. These plugs fit tightly into the skimmer mouth, preventing water from entering the skimmer throughout the winter.
Key Features:
• Fits skimmer opening: Designed to fit snugly over or inside the skimmer opening.
• Waterproof seal: Prevents water from entering the skimmer and causing freeze damage.
• Multiple sizes: Available in various sizes to fit different skimmer models.
Common Uses:
• Sealing off the skimmer to prevent ice from forming inside it.
• Can be used in conjunction with other winterization plugs to ensure complete protection.
The Gizmo plug is a specialized type of skimmer plug that not only Plug
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seals the skimmer but also serves as an expansion device. If water freezes inside the skimmer, the Gizmo absorbs the pressure created by expanding ice, preventing the skimmer from cracking.
Key Features:
• Ice expansion absorption: The Gizmo is hollow and absorbs the pressure of expanding ice, reducing the risk of damage to the skimmer.
• Threaded design: Screws directly into the skimmer for a tight fit.
• Versatile options: Some Gizmo plugs come with a blowout valve for blowing out lines, making them multifunctional.
Common Uses:
• Protecting the skimmer in colder climates where freezing temperatures are a concern.
• Particularly useful in aboveground and inground pools with exposed skimmers.
Tapered plugs are typically made of foam or rubber and are used to plug various openings in the pool, such as return lines, jets, or suction fittings. Their tapered shape allows them to fit into multiple sizes of openings.
Key Features:
• Tapered shape: Fits snugly into a variety of different pipe sizes.
• Simple to use: Push the plug into the opening for a secure fit.
• Non-corrosive: Foam or rubber material prevents corrosion and ensures a long-lasting seal.
Common Uses:
• Sealing return lines and other small openings in the pool.
• Useful for pool techs who need Plug
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a versatile plug that can fit multiple pipe sizes.
Antifreeze plugs are designed to be used in conjunction with pool antifreeze.
These plugs help create a watertight seal and keep antifreeze inside the pipes, providing extra protection against freezing.
Some antifreeze plugs come with built-in ports for adding antifreeze directly into the lines.
Key Features:
• Compatibility with antifreeze: Creates a secure seal to keep antifreeze inside the lines.
• Durable design: Often made from materials resistant to pool chemicals and freezing conditions.
• Integrated ports: Some plugs include ports for easy antifreeze injection.
Common Uses:
• Sealing off pipes after adding antifreeze.
• Used in pools where extreme cold temperatures require additional freeze protection.
Selecting the right type of plug for winterizing a public or residential pool depends on the specific plumbing configuration, pool equipment, and the climate in which the pool is located. Rubber expansion plugs and threaded plugs are versatile and commonly used, while blow-through plugs are ideal for those who need to clear water from pipes. For skimmers, Gizmo and skimmer plugs provide specialized protection against ice expansion.
