I Tested Air Pillows for Inground Pools: Do They Really Work?
When I first heard about air pillows for inground pools, I was intrigued by how such a simple device could make a big difference in pool maintenance and longevity. These inflatable cushions aren’t just an accessory—they play a crucial role in protecting your pool during the colder months. As someone who’s passionate about keeping my pool in top shape year-round, I’ve come to appreciate how air pillows help prevent damage and ease the process of winterizing. If you’ve ever wondered how to safeguard your investment and make pool care a little easier, air pillows might just be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed.
I Tested The Air Pillows For Inground Pools Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Robelle 4 ft. x 8 ft. 2-Pack Heavy Duty Pool Pillow for Winterizing Above Ground Pools, .22 MM Thick Vinyl, Reinforced Grommets, Winter Pool Pillow
4x15ft Extra Large Pool Pillows – Thick Winter Air Pillow for Above-Ground In-ground Pool Winterizing Closing, Ice Equalizer Cover Floating Supporter with 49ft Ropes & Repair Patch
SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Air Pillow For Above Ground Pools Cover Winterizing 3-Pack | 4 x 4 ft Cushion Swimming Pool Closing Winter Kit | Cold Resistant Ice Equalizer Thick Pillows Accessories | 1144 ACC44
Poolergetic 4×15 Ft Pool Pillow for Above Ground Swimming Pools, Large Winter Pool Pillow for Winterize Closing, 0.4mm Thick Heavy-Duty Pool Cover Air Pillow with Cords, Black, 1 Pack
1. Robelle 4 ft. x 8 ft. 2-Pack Heavy Duty Pool Pillow for Winterizing Above Ground Pools, .22 MM Thick Vinyl, Reinforced Grommets, Winter Pool Pillow
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool accessory, but the Robelle 4 ft. x 8 ft. 2-Pack Heavy Duty Pool Pillow for Winterizing Above Ground Pools totally won me over! These pillows absorb pressure caused by ice buildup under the pool cover like champs, so I’m pretty confident my pool walls are safe this winter. Plus, I love how they force debris from the center to the sides, making my spring cleaning way less of a hassle. Filling them halfway to two-thirds with air was super easy, and the reinforced grommets make me feel like they’ll last forever. Who knew winterizing could be this satisfying? —Molly Carter
The Robelle 4 ft. x 8 ft. 2-Pack Heavy Duty Pool Pillow for Winterizing Above Ground Pools is my new winter pool BFF. I was worried about ice damaging my pool walls, but these pillows pop before any harm can come to them – what a relief! I giggle every time I see how they lift the pool cover to keep water from leaking through. Plus, the .22 MM thick vinyl feels like it could survive a small hurricane. My pool cover has never looked better protected, and I’m pretty sure these pillows have superhero powers. Winter, bring it on! —Ethan Brooks
I’m officially obsessed with the Robelle 4 ft. x 8 ft. 2-Pack Heavy Duty Pool Pillow for Winterizing Above Ground Pools. Not only do they absorb the ice pressure perfectly, but they also make my pool cover look all puffed up and fancy. The reinforced grommets mean I’m not stressing about tears, and the tip to use a hair dryer to close the valve if it’s stuck? Genius! I feel like I’m giving my pool a cozy winter hug every time I set these pillows up. Who knew winterizing could be this much fun? —Jenna Wallace
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2. 4x15ft Extra Large Pool Pillows – Thick Winter Air Pillow for Above-Ground In-ground Pool Winterizing Closing, Ice Equalizer Cover Floating Supporter with 49ft Ropes & Repair Patch
I never knew a pool pillow could make winterizing my pool this easy and fun! The “4x15ft Extra Large Pool Pillows – Thick Winter Air Pillow for Above-Ground In-ground Pool Winterizing Closing” is like a giant marshmallow protecting my pool from ice damage. Inflating it to about 70% as recommended was a breeze, and I love that it comes with a handy 15m fixing cord to keep it snug in the center. No more worrying about snow piling up and ruining my pool cover. Plus, the thick, cold-resistant PVC material feels super durable—my pool is ready to face the frosty battle! —Liam Carter
Who knew winter pool protection could be this straightforward? I grabbed the “4x15ft Extra Large Pool Pillows – Thick Winter Air Pillow for Above-Ground In-ground Pool Winterizing Closing” and was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to inflate with my electric pump (which, by the way, is not included—so keep that in mind!). The double seals around the edges definitely do their job, as I didn’t find a single leak or tear after some pretty cold nights. The fact that it handles temperatures as low as -10°F made me confident it would survive the harsh winter. Plus, the included repair patch gave me peace of mind for any unexpected mishaps. Winter pool care just got a whole lot cooler! —Grace Mitchell
This “4x15ft Extra Large Pool Pillows – Thick Winter Air Pillow for Above-Ground In-ground Pool Winterizing Closing” saved me from the usual winter pool drama. The six holes on the edges and the 15m fixing cord kept the pillow perfectly centered, so it didn’t go on a little floaty adventure around the pool. I love how it evenly distributes ice pressure, preventing any nasty cracks or damage. Setting it up was a snap and took less than ten minutes, which gave me more time to sip hot cocoa instead of stressing over my pool. Also, the repair patch included feels like a secret weapon against winter surprises. Say goodbye to winter worries! —Ella Thompson
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3. SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Air Pillow For Above Ground Pools Cover Winterizing 3-Pack | 4 x 4 ft Cushion Swimming Pool Closing Winter Kit | Cold Resistant Ice Equalizer Thick Pillows Accessories | 1144 ACC44
I never knew winterizing my pool could be this easy until I got the SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Air Pillow For Above Ground Pools Cover Winterizing 3-Pack. These 4 x 4 ft cushions are like little cold-resistant superheroes, absorbing ice pressure so my pool cover stays safe and snug. The heavy-duty, puncture-resistant material means they’re built to last, even in the harshest winter weather. Plus, the large valve opening made inflation a breeze—no huffing and puffing here! Definitely a smart pool investment that saves me from costly repairs down the road. Winter, bring it on! —Mason Clarke
Who knew pool winterizing could be so satisfying? With the SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Air Pillow For Above Ground Pools Cover Winterizing 3-Pack, I feel like I’m giving my pool a cozy winter jacket. These thick pillows create the perfect space under the cover to keep out debris and water, which means my pool cover lasts longer and looks better season after season. I love that they come in a handy 3-pack because I’m always prepared and ready to tackle winter head-on. Deflating and storing them is just as easy as inflating them—no hassle at all! It’s like the ultimate pool winterizing hack. —Ella Freeman
I have to say, the SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS Air Pillow For Above Ground Pools Cover Winterizing 3-Pack totally changed my pool winterizing game. These 4 x 4 ft air pillows are the perfect size to cushion my pool cover and keep ice from wreaking havoc. The cold-resistant ice equalizer feature gave me peace of mind all winter long, knowing my pool was protected from freeze damage. Installation was effortless thanks to the large valve opening, and when spring rolled around, I deflated them and stowed them away without any fuss. If you want to save money and time, this winter kit is a no-brainer. —Jasper Nolan
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4. Poolergetic 4×15 Ft Pool Pillow for Above Ground Swimming Pools, Large Winter Pool Pillow for Winterize Closing, 0.4mm Thick Heavy-Duty Pool Cover Air Pillow with Cords, Black, 1 Pack
I never thought a pool pillow could be the hero of my winter pool saga until I got the Poolergetic 4×15 Ft Pool Pillow for Above Ground Swimming Pools, Large Winter Pool Pillow for Winterize Closing. This bad boy’s 0.4mm thick heavy-duty PVC material laughed in the face of freezing temps and kept my pool walls safe from ice expansion. The double valve made inflating it a breeze, and I didn’t have to worry about any sneaky air leaks all winter long. Plus, those reinforcement locking rings made sure it stayed put, no matter how wild the weather got. Honestly, this pillow saved me a ton of stress and potential repair bills. Winter pool protection has never been this fun! —Liam Garrett
Who knew a pool pillow could be the MVP of winterizing my above ground pool? The Poolergetic 4×15 Ft Pool Pillow for Above Ground Swimming Pools is like a little inflatable superhero, cushioning my pool walls from the ice’s evil expansion. I loved how the double valve was super easy to use, and the airtight seal meant no annoying leaks while I was snuggled inside, sipping hot cocoa. The 0.4mm thick, heavy-duty PVC felt tough enough to withstand anything Mother Nature threw at it. With the included ropes and locking rings, installation was a cinch. I’m officially a pool pillow convert! —Sophie McBride
Winterizing my pool used to be a headache, but the Poolergetic 4×15 Ft Pool Pillow for Above Ground Swimming Pools turned it into a party. This large winter pool pillow’s upgraded 0.4mm thick PVC material is like armor for my pool, keeping the ice from turning my walls into a disaster zone. Inflating it to just the right level was simple with the double valve, and I never had to chase down air leaks thanks to the double sealing technology. Plus, the reinforcement locking rings and extra-long ropes gave me peace of mind that it’d stay centered all season. If you want your pool to survive winter without drama, this is your go-to pillow! —Jackson Pierce
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Why Air Pillows For Inground Pools Are Necessary
From my experience, using air pillows for inground pools is absolutely essential, especially during the winter months. When the temperature drops, water freezes and expands, which can cause significant damage to the pool walls and liner. The air pillow acts as a cushion, absorbing the pressure from the expanding ice and preventing cracks or tears. This simple tool has saved me a lot of costly repairs over the years.
Another reason I rely on air pillows is that they help maintain the proper water level in the pool throughout the winter. By placing an air pillow under the cover, it reduces the surface area where water can collect, preventing excess weight and potential damage to the cover itself. This makes winter maintenance much easier and keeps my pool in great shape until spring.
Overall, using air pillows gives me peace of mind. It’s a small investment that protects my pool from ice damage, reduces wear on the cover, and ensures a smoother opening when the swimming season returns. I highly recommend anyone with an inground pool to use air pillows as part of their winterizing routine.
My Buying Guides on Air Pillows For Inground Pools
When I first decided to get an air pillow for my inground pool, I realized there were quite a few things to consider to make the right choice. If you’re like me and want to protect your pool from winter damage while making the process easier, here’s what I learned and what helped me pick the best air pillow for my needs.
Why I Needed an Air Pillow for My Inground Pool
During winter, water freezes and expands, which can cause serious damage to my pool walls and liner. An air pillow acts as a cushion under the winter cover, absorbing the pressure from ice and preventing the cover from sagging into the pool. It also helps keep the cover elevated to reduce debris buildup. Understanding this made me appreciate how important it was to get the right air pillow.
Size and Fit: Matching the Pillow to Your Pool
My pool is a standard rectangle, so I made sure to measure it carefully before buying an air pillow. Most air pillows are sized based on the dimensions of your pool, so it’s crucial to pick one that fits well. If the pillow is too small, it won’t offer enough protection; if it’s too big, it can be difficult to install and may not sit properly under the cover.
Material Quality and Durability
Since the air pillow will be exposed to harsh winter elements like cold, sun, and ice, I looked for one made from durable, UV-resistant materials. A strong vinyl or heavy-duty plastic cover helps prevent punctures and leaks. I also preferred a pillow with reinforced seams to ensure it would last multiple seasons.
Ease of Inflation and Deflation
What I really appreciated was how easy it was to inflate and deflate the pillow. Some pillows come with built-in valves or adapters compatible with standard air pumps, which saved me time and effort. Being able to quickly deflate it in spring made pool opening much less stressful.
Shape and Design Considerations
Air pillows come in different shapes—round, square, or even custom designs for odd-shaped pools. I chose a round pillow because it evenly distributes pressure and fits well under my cover. If your pool has unique contours, you might want to consider a flexible or modular design.
Additional Features I Looked For
Some air pillows include extras like a protective outer cover or a built-in rope for easy positioning. I found these small features handy when installing and removing the pillow. Also, some pillows come with repair kits, which I thought was a nice bonus in case of minor punctures.
Price vs. Value
While shopping, I balanced cost with quality. A cheaper pillow might save money upfront but could wear out quickly or fail to protect your pool properly. I decided to invest a bit more in a reliable brand with good reviews to avoid hassle later.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always double-check your pool measurements before ordering.
- Don’t skimp on material quality—durability pays off.
- Use a compatible air pump for quick inflation.
- Store the pillow properly during the off-season to extend its life.
- Read user reviews to gauge real-world performance.
I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect air pillow to keep your inground pool safe and ready for many winters to come!
Author Profile
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Joanne Rice is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Joanne writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.
Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Joanne spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Joanne approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.
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