Pool Skimmer Plug Review for Above-Ground Pool Winterizing
- AboveGroundSplash
- 6 days ago
- 10 min read
Protecting the skimmer is one of the most important steps when closing an above-ground pool for winter.
If water gets trapped inside the skimmer or connected plumbing and then freezes, it can expand and cause damage. That is why many pool owners use a skimmer plug, skimmer cover, or winter plate as part of their pool closing setup.
This skimmer plug is designed for certain wide-mouth skimmer openings, including standard 6-inch-style inground skimmers and compatible models with a 5-5/8 inch high x 5-7/8 inch wide opening. It is not a universal plug for every above-ground pool.
That fit detail matters. If your skimmer opening is the wrong size, this product may not seal properly. But if your skimmer matches the listed dimensions and compatible model style, this can be a simple way to help protect the skimmer area during winter.
In this review, I’ll explain what this skimmer plug does, who it fits, how to use it, where it fits into your winterizing setup, and when you should look for a different size instead.
Quick Verdict
This pool skimmer plug is worth considering if your skimmer opening matches the listed compatible size: around 5-5/8 inches high by 5-7/8 inches wide. It is designed to help seal the skimmer faceplate area so you can protect the skimmer and piping during winter closing.
Its biggest strength is simplicity. Instead of fully draining below the skimmer in every situation, a properly fitted skimmer plug can help block water from entering the skimmer during the off-season.
The main limitation is fit. This is not a one-size-fits-all skimmer cover. Before buying, you need to check your skimmer model, opening size, and pool setup carefully.
Best Short Answer
This skimmer plug is best for pool owners with a compatible wide-mouth skimmer opening around 5-5/8 inches high by 5-7/8 inches wide. It can help protect the skimmer from freezing damage during winter, but only if it fits your skimmer properly. Always measure before buying.
Pool Skimmer Plug Specs at a Glance
This is a fit-sensitive winterizing product. The most important thing is not the brand name on the plug — it is whether your skimmer opening matches the correct size and shape.
Before buying, measure your skimmer opening and compare it with the compatible dimensions. If your skimmer is smaller, larger, curved differently, or a different model style, choose a plug or winter plate made for that skimmer.
Important Fit Warning: This Is Not for Every Skimmer
This skimmer plug is designed for a specific skimmer opening size. It is not the right fit for every above-ground pool, and it should not be treated as a universal winterizing plug.
It is intended for compatible wide-mouth skimmer models with an opening around 5-5/8 inches high by 5-7/8 inches wide. Compatible examples include Hayward SP1090, Hayward SP1091LX, Aquador 1090, Kokido K001WBX, Poolmaster 32190, and Proline Standard 60496.
If your skimmer does not match that size or style, do not force it. A poor fit may fail to seal properly, which defeats the whole purpose of using a winter skimmer plug.
Who Is This Pool Skimmer Plug Best For?
This skimmer plug is best for pool owners who have a compatible wide-mouth skimmer and want a simple way to protect the skimmer area during winter closing.
It is a good fit if:
Your skimmer opening is around 5-5/8 inches high by 5-7/8 inches wide.
Your skimmer matches one of the compatible model styles.
You want to reduce the risk of freeze damage around the skimmer.
You want a simple push-in skimmer protection option.
You are closing your pool in a freezing climate.
You want to avoid unnecessary draining if your setup allows skimmer plugging.
This product makes the most sense for people who already know their skimmer size or are willing to measure before buying.
Who Should Skip It?
Skip this skimmer plug if you are not sure it fits your skimmer.
You may need a different product if:
Your skimmer opening is not close to 5-5/8 inches high by 5-7/8 inches wide.
Your pool uses a different skimmer model.
You have a narrow-mouth skimmer.
You have an unusual Intex, Bestway, Coleman, or soft-sided pool fitting.
Your pool manufacturer recommends lowering the water instead.
You need a full skimmer winter plate kit.
You want a universal winterizing solution.
The safest approach is to measure your skimmer before buying. A skimmer plug only works properly when it matches the opening it is meant to seal. If your skimmer is a different size or style, choose a plug, plate, or winterizing cover made for that exact setup.
What Does a Skimmer Plug Actually Do?
A skimmer plug helps block water from entering the skimmer during winter.
That matters because water trapped inside the skimmer throat, basket area, or connected plumbing can freeze and expand. When water expands, it can crack plastic parts, damage plumbing, or create leaks that are frustrating to deal with in spring.
A properly fitted skimmer plug can help reduce that risk by sealing the skimmer opening before freezing weather arrives.
It is not the only way to protect a skimmer. Some pool owners lower the water below the skimmer. Others use skimmer plates, plugs, winter covers, or different manufacturer-recommended methods. The right choice depends on your pool and skimmer setup.
Skimmer Plug vs Lowering the Water
There are two common ways pool owners protect the skimmer area when closing an above-ground pool for winter.
One option is lowering the water below the skimmer opening or returns. This helps keep water out of the skimmer, but it may use more water and can affect how the winter cover sits.
The other option is using a properly fitted skimmer plug or winter plate. This can help block the skimmer opening without draining as much water, depending on your pool setup.
Neither method is automatically right for every pool. The safest choice depends on your skimmer type, pool design, winter cover, and local freezing conditions. If you are unsure, follow your pool and skimmer instructions before deciding whether to lower the water or use a plug.
For a full step-by-step closing process, see our guide on how to close an above-ground pool for winter.
How to Measure Before Buying
Before buying this skimmer plug, measure your skimmer opening.
You want to check the height and width of the opening where the plug will sit. This product is intended for compatible skimmer openings around 5-5/8 inches high by 5-7/8 inches wide.
Measure the actual opening, not just the outside frame. If your measurement is noticeably different, look for a different skimmer plug or winter plate.
Also check your skimmer model if you can. If your skimmer is a Hayward SP1090, SP1091LX, Aquador 1090, Kokido K001WBX, Poolmaster 32190, Proline Standard 60496, or a compatible standard 6-inch skimmer style, this may be the right fit.
How to Install This Pool Skimmer Plug
The exact installation may vary depending on your skimmer and pool setup, but the general process is simple.
1. Winterize the pool first
Before installing the skimmer plug, clean the pool, balance the water, add winterizing chemicals if needed, and follow your normal pool closing routine.
The plug protects the skimmer area. It does not replace the rest of the winterizing process.
2. Turn off the pump and prepare the skimmer
Make sure the pump is off and the skimmer area is clear. Remove the skimmer basket if needed and clean out leaves or debris before installing the plug.
3. Check the plug orientation
Line up the plug with the skimmer opening. It should match the shape and fit snugly without needing to be forced aggressively.
4. Push the plug into place
Press the plug into the skimmer opening until it sits securely. The product is designed to fit tightly, so it may feel snug. That is normal, but it should not require forcing to the point that you risk damaging the skimmer.
5. Check the seal
After installation, check that the plug sits evenly and covers the opening properly. If one side is sticking out or the fit looks uneven, remove it and reposition it.
6. Continue with your winter cover setup
Once the skimmer is protected, finish the rest of your closing setup with the correct winter cover, pool pillow, leaf net, cover pump, or other winterizing accessories your pool needs.
Key Features
Fit for compatible wide-mouth skimmers
The biggest feature is compatibility with specific wide-mouth skimmer openings. This is not a generic foam block for every pool. It is shaped to fit certain skimmer models and standard 6-inch skimmer openings.
That is good if your skimmer matches. It is a problem if it does not. Measure first.
High-density foam construction
The plug is made from high-density foam-style material designed to create a tight fit inside the skimmer opening. That matters because the plug needs enough compression to help seal the opening without being overly difficult to install.
UV and chemical resistance
This type of winterizing accessory needs to handle pool water, chemicals, cold weather, and outdoor exposure. A cheap plug that breaks down too quickly can become a weak point in your closing setup.
Simple tool-free installation
The appeal here is that you do not need a complicated installation. If the plug fits your skimmer correctly, it should press into place without tools.
That makes it easier for pool owners who want a quick skimmer protection step before installing the winter cover.
Useful alternative to draining below the skimmer
For some pool setups, using a skimmer plug can reduce the need to lower the water as far. That can save time and water, and it may help keep the pool level better for winter cover support.
But this depends on your pool, skimmer, and winterizing method. Always follow the method that is safe for your equipment.
What It Does Well
This skimmer plug does one job: it helps block the skimmer opening during winter.
When it fits properly, it can make the closing process simpler because you have a physical barrier protecting the skimmer from water entering and freezing.
It is also small, inexpensive, easy to store, and straightforward to install.
For the right skimmer size, that makes it a practical winterizing accessory.
Real Limitations to Know Before Buying
The biggest limitation is compatibility.
This product only makes sense if it fits your skimmer. If your opening is a different size, it may not seal properly. That can let water into the skimmer and create the exact problem you were trying to avoid.
It also does not protect the entire pool by itself. You still need the right winter cover setup, water treatment, and off-season checks.
And while a skimmer plug can help protect the skimmer area, it does not remove the need to understand your own pool’s winterizing requirements. Some pools still need water lowered, hoses removed, fittings protected, or plumbing drained.
Skimmer Plug vs Skimmer Plate
A skimmer plug and a skimmer plate both help protect the skimmer, but they are not always the same thing.
A plug usually fits into the skimmer opening and blocks water from entering.
A plate often attaches over the skimmer faceplate or opening, depending on the design.
The best choice depends on your skimmer model and how your pool is winterized. If your skimmer was designed for a specific plate or plug, use the matching option rather than guessing.
Skimmer Plug vs Winterizing Kit
A skimmer plug protects the physical skimmer opening.
A winterizing kit treats the pool water.
They solve completely different problems. A winterizing kit can help keep water clearer during the off-season, but it will not stop water from entering and freezing inside the skimmer. A skimmer plug can help protect the skimmer, but it will not balance or treat the pool water.
For a complete pool closing, many owners need both.
Skimmer Plug vs Pool Pillow
A pool pillow sits under the winter cover and helps with cover support and ice expansion.
A skimmer plug protects the skimmer opening.
They are both winterizing accessories, but they do very different jobs. The pool pillow helps manage pressure under the cover. The skimmer plug helps stop water from getting into a vulnerable skimmer area.
What Else Should You Use With a Skimmer Plug?
A skimmer plug works best as part of a complete above-ground pool winterizing setup.
Depending on your pool and climate, you may also need:
A winterizing chemical kit.
A solid winter cover.
A pool pillow.
A leaf net if your pool sits near trees.
A cover pump for standing water.
Stretch wrap or cover clips if wind is a problem.
Return plugs or other fitting protection.
The skimmer plug protects one vulnerable area. The rest of the setup helps protect the water, cover, fittings, and pool structure through winter.
Is This Pool Skimmer Plug Worth It?
This pool skimmer plug is worth considering if it fits your skimmer opening.
That is the key. If your skimmer matches the compatible size and model style, it can be a simple, affordable way to help protect the skimmer from freezing damage during winter closing.
But if your skimmer is a different size or style, skip it and find the correct plug or winter plate. A poor fit is not worth the risk.
For the right skimmer, this is a practical winterizing accessory. For the wrong skimmer, it is the wrong product.
Related Winterizing Guides
If you are closing your pool this season, these guides may help next:
FAQ
What does a pool skimmer plug do?
A pool skimmer plug helps block water from entering the skimmer during winter. This can help reduce the risk of trapped water freezing and damaging the skimmer or connected plumbing.
Does this skimmer plug fit every above-ground pool?
No. This skimmer plug does not fit every above-ground pool. It is designed for compatible wide-mouth skimmer openings around 5-5/8 inches high by 5-7/8 inches wide. Measure your skimmer before buying.
What skimmer models is this plug compatible with?
This skimmer plug is made for compatible skimmer styles such as Hayward SP1090, Hayward SP1091LX, Aquador 1090, Kokido K001WBX, Poolmaster 32190, Proline Standard 60496, and similar standard 6-inch skimmer openings.
Should you lower the water below the skimmer or use a skimmer plug?
It depends on your pool, skimmer, winter cover, and manufacturer guidance. Some pool owners lower the water below the skimmer, while others use a properly fitted skimmer plug or winter plate to protect the opening.
Can a skimmer plug prevent freeze damage?
A properly fitted skimmer plug can help reduce the risk of water entering the skimmer and freezing. It cannot guarantee protection from all winter damage, so you should still winterize the pool correctly and follow your equipment instructions.
How do you measure for a skimmer plug?
Measure the height and width of the skimmer opening where the plug will sit. This product is intended for openings around 5-5/8 inches high by 5-7/8 inches wide.
Is this skimmer plug easy to install?
Yes, if it fits your skimmer correctly. It is designed as a simple push-in plug. It should fit snugly, but you should not force it into a skimmer that is clearly the wrong size.
Can this replace a full winterizing setup?
No. A skimmer plug only helps protect the skimmer opening. You may still need water treatment, a winter cover, pool pillow, leaf net, cover pump, return plugs, and other winterizing steps depending on your pool.
Is this skimmer plug worth buying?
It is worth considering if your skimmer opening matches the compatible size and style. If your skimmer is a different size, choose a different skimmer plug or winter plate instead.
What should you use with a skimmer plug?
A skimmer plug works best with a complete winterizing setup, which may include a winterizing kit, solid winter cover, pool pillow, leaf net, cover pump, return plugs, and other fitting protection depending on your pool.
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