The pool season is beginning to sunset, which means it's almost time for pools in seasonal areas to go into hibernation mode. With a long season of inactivity ahead, it's in the service technician's best interest to ensure all his/her bases are covered when it comes to winterizing, from big jobs like installing a safety cover to smaller tasks like adding chemicals to cut down on stains and scaling. After all — it's very likely to be you doing the spring opening.
No matter what winterizing season has in store for you, there are dozens of manufacturers that offer a host of products to make the job both easier and better. Take a look at just some of them below — your future self will thank you.
SimPoolTec
The Skimmer Plug offers a simple and affordable method for servicing and winterizing aboveground and inground skimmers. Without any tools, the Skimmer Plug fits into the existing skimmer faceplate to create a watertight seal without water loss or the need to install a new faceplate. Models are available for most above- and inground skimmers or specialty faceplates.
simpooltec.com | (800) 630-2456
LOOP-LOC
LOOP-LOC introduces Aqua-Xtreme Virtually Solid Mesh, which features maximum light-blocking technology to deter algae growth and ensure a cleaner pool in spring when the cover comes off. This unique mesh features a new weave that is super strong, but 50 percent lighter than solid safety covers. Available in popular green and new sapphire navy colors, Aqua-Xtreme drains up to 80 gallons per minute without clogging.
looploc.com | (800) LOC-LOOP
SunGuard Winter
SunGuard products are available from Hachik Distributors. SunGuard chemicals offer four winter kits, including a mesh safety cover kit, a unique spring kit, antifreeze good to negative 50 degrees and specialty and time-release chemicals. The line of SunGuard Winter Covers includes Deluxe, Supreme and Silver Elite, which are designed to fit any aboveground or inground pool, along with five durable advanced safety covers options.
sunguardpoolcare.com | (800) 365-4224
Pooltec
Pooltec Fall-Winter Treatment is an all-season algaecide and water clarifier that provides protection for the winter layup of swimming pools, especially mesh and uncovered pools. This one-step treatment requires little or no chlorine and is not affected by heat, sunlight or evaporation. Pooltec provides protection from fall to spring when, after the addition of a sanitizing agent, all customers need to do is dive in.
easycarewater.com | (559) 299-7660
Water Tech
Water Tech's Pool Blaster Skimmer Vac is a hydraulic, easy-to-use manual device that removes and pumps out debris from virtually any pool skimmer basket, protecting hands from contact with leaves, twigs, insects, rodents and other "untouchables." Ideal for use when closing pools or throughout the winter when pools are open but not in use, debris is instantly removed and sealed in a watertight compartment without the need to remove the basket itself, Water Tech says.
watertechcorp.com | (800) 298-8800
Tara Manufacturing
Tara solid safety covers are now available in two new colors: gray and tan. These two popular colors blend well with many decking and landscape environments. Tara's solid safety covers are built using double-layer webbing across the entire cover. Every cover comes with heavy-duty stainless steel springs, the strongest available. Both D-rings and buckles are included, allowing you to choose whichever you prefer. You can add a logo and contact information to your cover for no extra charge.
taraliners.com | (256) 725-2500
The Cover Company
The Cover Company provides high-quality safety covers with heavy-duty springs and "E-Z adjust" locking pieces for quick installation. For extra durability, the Cover Company uses Tenara thread made by Gortex in high-stress points. Tough-to-fit water features, including waterfalls, walls and other obstacles, are handled with ease. The Cover Company says that builders looking for a quote can fax or email a drawing.
coverlon.com | (908) 707-1122
GLI Pool Products
All GLI custom safety covers are now branded with a laser-etched, stainless-steel tag with the option of including your company's contact information. Personalize up to four lines, specifically tailored for your business. No more worrying about lost sales or service business when homeowners move: the new owners will be able to easily find where the cover came from. Plus, these tags will include the cover's born-on date and a reorder number for GLI's design team to use as a reference for replacements.
glipoolproducts.com | (800) 448-2343
Automatic Pool Covers
Automatic Pool Covers offers the APC 365 automatic safety cover system for vinyl-lined pools. The coping and housing design allows an automatic cover to be integrated into the pool. A 48-by-48-inch encapsulated coping and wall cap corner are designed for an accurate fit and easy installation. APC 365 uses slide-on polybox housing that saves installers hours of time and keeps the housing's lid flush with the deck, the company says.
apc-mfg.com | (800) 878-5789
Lonza
When your customers know how to care for their pool through the winter, they'll be delighted with how easy pool opening is in the spring. The GLB Pool Closing Kit has three components: Oxy-Brite non-chlorine shock oxidizer, Algimycin winter algaecide and Sequa-Sol sequestering agent.
glbpool.com | (800) 445-2059
Little Giant
The Little Giant APCP-1700 pool cover pump is designed and certified specifically to be used on pool covers. The pump's unique design provides added stability while its weight is ideal for attracting water. A side discharge allows for optimal water removal and decreases the risk for kinks in the hose. The built-in handle makes it easier to carry and place on the cover, and the integrated float switch automatically activates in approximately 2 inches of water. The APCP-1700 is designed to move up to 1,700 gallons per hour and comes with an adapter that fits all standard garden hoses.
lg-outdoor.com | (800) 701-789
Smartop
The Smartop cover's structural integrity is derived from its exclusive, patent-pending ribbed panel design, as well as the aluminum support channels set within the polymer panels. This gives Smartop a load capacity of up to 800 pounds to easily support winter snow and ice. In addition, the cover uses impermeable, interlocking polymer panels that shield the insulating foam from water vapor and guarantee zero water absorption, Smartop say. Available in multiple colors. Also available for swim spas.
smartopcover.com | (888) 965-6694
Merlin Industries
Merlin says its standard mesh — Dura Mesh II — has the best combination of sunlight shading, abrasion resistance, tear strength and burst strength of any standard mesh cover on the market. In addition, Merlin says its patented SmartMesh safety cover changed the direction of the safety cover industry when it became the first and only mesh material to provide 100 percent shade from sunlight and offer 40-micron filtration of debris. Less sunlight and less debris mean less algae growth during the off-season and quicker, easier springtime openings.
merlinindustries.com | (800) 289-1836
Meyco Pool Covers
MeycoLite's generous weave eliminates the need to pump off dangerous surface water, allowing it to drain through the cover, so leaves simply dry up and blow away, the company says. Requiring minimal care over the winter, MeycoLite's durable material is treated for color fastness to minimize fading. Lightweight MeycoLite is designed to outperform heavier tarps and allow for faster installation at the end of swim season without sacrificing dependable protection and heavy-duty performance.
meycocovers.com | (800) 446-3926
Jack's Magic
The Magenta Stuff, from Jack's Magic, is formulated to protect pool surfaces against staining and scaling all winter long. This fast-acting, long-lasting sequestrant controls metals and plaster dust, making it an ideal winterizing product for established pools and newly plastered pools, the company says. With a formula the company says is 50 percent stronger than leading products, The Magenta Stuff is suitable for all pool sanitizer systems including salt chlorine generator systems.
jacksmagic.com | (727) 536-4500
Natural Chemistry
Natural Chemistry's Hassle Free Kit contains two products that set pools up for simple openings. Pool Magic + Phosfree uses enzymes to break down leftover non-living waste from pool season and help reduce off-season scum lines. The newly updated kit also contains Metal Free to control metal staining and scale through the winter without adding problem-causing phosphates.
naturalchemistry.com | (800) 753-1233
Ocean Blue Water Products
The heater cover from Ocean Blue Water Products is built to protect your customer's investment from the harsh elements. With a solid top and breathable, tightly woven mesh sides, this heater cover keeps debris out while also providing protection from moisture, UV rays and acid rain, keeping the heater moisture free. The covers are available in eight different sizes.
oceanbluewaterproducts.com | (866) 533-2583
Nature's Care
Nature's Care is pleased to offer an environmentally friendly product that uses a concentrated enzyme formulation ideal for use during pool closings. It is designed to naturally treat the water at pool closings to prevent difficult-to-clean waterline rings and staining that may form during the off-season. The biodegradable and non-toxic product also helps keep liners supple and protects other vulnerable surfaces from decay, according to Nature's Care. Proudly made in the U.S.
naturescarepool.com | (800) 333-0400
McEwen Industries
McEwen's Super Solid safety cover features a strong and puncture-resistant solid cover fabric that makes for a lighter cover than traditional solid cover fabrics. Because it is easier to manage, it saves time when installing or removing the cover. McEwen Industries offers Super Solid safety covers in green, blue and tan colors.
mcewenindustries.com | (704) 365-8070
Pen Fabricators
Pen Fabricators' Heavy-Duty Water Bags are ideal for weighing down and maintaining winter cover placement. The bags are offered in both 8-foot and 10-foot lengths and measure 12 inches wide; with single and double spouts available and feature large spouts for easy filling. Water bags can also be used in the spring during vinyl liner installations on steps, sun decks and other specialty pool liner sections. Available for immediate shipment.
penfab.com | (800) 359-5350
Rayner Covering Systems
Rayner offers free measuring and will install safety pool covers for a nominal charge. Rayner guarantees a perfect fit. The dealer simply bills the homeowner direct while Rayner takes all the responsibility for measurements, fabrication and fit.
raynercovering.com | (800) 648-0757
Garrett Safety Covers
Garrett Safety Covers offer unmatched performance, protection and peace of mind. Made of the highest-quality materials and featuring a triple-stitched, double-webbing system, each custom-fit safety cover withstands harsh weather conditions and provides a tamper-resistant barrier to protect children, pets and wildlife from the dangers of an unsecured pool. All hardware is made in the U.S. of non-corrosive brass and stainless steel. Available in 14 styles and colors.
garrettliners.com | (800) 222-3650
Imperial Pools Distribution
Imperial Pools Distribution now offers its BASOC Elements Closing Kit in a premeasured format for easy application. The kits are packaged to treat 15,000 or 30,000 gallons of water and are designed for all pool types and chlorine systems, including salt generators. Compatible with virtually any chemical brand, BASOC Elements is part of Imperial's overall chemical program, which offers chemicals, merchandising and training.
imperialpools.com | (800) 444-9977
Latham Pool Products
Latham EZ Measure is a free mobile app for safety cover and liner measuring. Enter select pool measurements and see a real-time drawing. After selecting brand, material, color, pattern and options, upload for quoting and order processing. The EZ Measure App is available for iOS and Android devices.
lathampool.com | (800) 833-3800
SeaKlear
SeaKlear's Winter Pill helps pool water stay clear through the off-season. Its unique formula reduces scum lines and breaks down non-living organics all winter long. SeaKlear recommends users reduce phosphate levels prior to closing, then add the WinterPill for off-season success.
aqua-pill.com | (800) 753-1233
Aladdin
Available in five different models, the SkimSaver Lid'L Seal fits most popular standard and wide-mouth aboveground and inground skimmers. The Lid'L Seal allows you to drain the skimmer, not the pool, protecting metal pool walls from corrosion year round. In addition, the recessed lid is designed to prevent shifting ice from removing the lid and causing costly freeze damage to the skimmer. The optional Skimmer Guard is available for use during the summer season as well.
aladdin1950.com | (941) 371-3732
Marketing World Pool Products
Winterizing with the Ultra Gizzmo makes it possible to blow filter lines clear without lowering the pool water level, the company says. That means you conserve water, which prolongs the life of the pool cover while protecting the environment from chemical waste.
gizzmo.net | (802) 655-8941
SmartPool
Solid or mesh, custom or standard, ProSafe covers are constructed from materials using the latest in automated computerized cutting technology combined with old-world craftsmanship. All covers are triple-stitched with full strapping throughout the top and bottom. In addition, all covers are UV-protected, mildew-resistant and temperature-proofed to minus 40 degrees, SmartPool says. Stock covers ship within 24 hours and custom covers within three business days. ProSafe covers are not sold online. All ProSafe dealers receive a $150 Visa gift card for every $2,500 they spend on ProSafe covers. Custom covers get a metal nameplate customized with your contact information attached.
prosafecovers.com | (732) 730-9880
ProTeam
ProTeam offers a simple, one-step product to help protect pool surfaces from staining and scaling over the winter. The new-and-improved formula features ProTeam Sub-Zero Crystals for added protection against common winterizing problems and provides added water softeners that make pool openings easier. Treats up to 15,000 gallons with a single application.
proteampoolcare.com | (800) 333-0400
Spec Chem Direct
Spec Chem Direct offers a powerful four-month algaecide — the first of its kind, according to the company — for pool winterizing. This commercial-strength product prevents all types of algae blooms, acts fast and lasts longer than traditional algaecides, the company says. The no-foam formula allows swimmers to jump into the pool right after treatment. Available for immediate shipment to brick-and-mortar dealers throughout the U.S.
specchem.net | (253) 277-3143
Fox Pool Corporation
The Fox Lock-In Cover System allows the cover to lock into Fox's exclusive Foxite II Coping for a neater appearance. No water bags are required, and the system won't clutter decks. This system features 20-mil vinyl sidewalls for extra strength, 12-mil vinyl across the pool and a three-year limited warranty to keep your customers' pools protected all winter long.
foxpool.com | (800) 723-1011