Every fall, pool and spa owners are bombarded with products that promise to make winterizing easier, safer, and more effective. From gizmos to “miracle” chemicals, the options can be overwhelming. But which products are genuinely worth using — and which are more marketing than necessity? Here’s a closer look.
1. Winterizing Chemicals
• Helpful: A good winter algaecide or phosphate remover can make a big difference, especially in regions with mild winters where algae can persist. Pool-grade antifreeze (nontoxic propylene glycol) is also helpful for plumbing lines that can’t be completely blown out. Metal sequestrants are also valuable in areas with hard water, reducing stains and scale.
• Less Helpful: Multi-purpose “winter kits” — marketed to DIY pool owners —often contain low doses of algaecide, clarifier, and shock that may not be sufficient for the entire off-season. Pros generally recommend balancing chemistry individually and dosing appropriately rather than relying on one-size-fitsall kits.
2. Skimmer and Return Protection
• Helpful: Products like skimmer plugs (a.k.a. “gizmos”) and freeze expansion devices are tried-andtrue. They absorb ice expansion and protect skimmer walls from cracking. For return lines, threaded plugs with O-rings provide a reliable seal once the lines are blown out. These inexpensive items provide real insurance in freezing climates.
• Less Helpful: Foam blocks or DIY “bottle in the skimmer” tricks don’t offer the same level of protection as purpose-made expansion devices. They may compress or shift under ice pressure, leaving skimmers vulnerable.
3. Pool and Spa Covers
• Helpful: Safety covers and wellfitted solid or mesh covers are the gold standard for protecting pools in winter. They keep out debris, prevent accidents, and maintain water quality. Well-fitted spa covers, cleaned and conditioned, are also essential.
• Less Helpful: Cheap tarp-style covers, secured with water bags, often tear, shift, or collapse under snow load. They may seem budgetfriendly but can cause more problems than they solve. Spending more upfront on a fitted cover saves in the long run.
4. Equipment Protectors
• Helpful: Drain plugs, unions, and pumps benefit from lubrication products like silicone-based O-ring lube, which helps prevent dry rot over winter. Rodent deterrent products around heaters and automation panels can also be a smart investment.
• Less Helpful: Spray- on “equipment coats” or films marketed as freeze protection don’t replace the need for proper draining. Once water freezes inside plumbing or equipment, no coating can prevent cracks.
5. Antifreeze Products
• Helpful: Non-toxic pool antifreeze is a good safeguard in situations where complete line blowing isn’t possible — such as complicated spa plumbing or older pool systems. It adds a layer of insurance.
• Less Helpful: Automotive antifreeze should never be used — it’s toxic and dangerous. And even pool antifreeze is no substitute for properly blowing out lines; it’s best used as a supplement, not a shortcut.
The best winterizing “product” is still proper technique: balanced chemistry, thoroughly drained and sealed plumbing, and a quality cover. Specialty products can help protect against specific risks, but they should be seen as insurance — not as a replacement for good practices. For service professionals, cutting through the marketing hype and guiding customers toward what really matters builds trust and prevents springtime surprises.
