The following video/manual is a step-by-step tutorial for installing your skimmer winterizing plate on your above ground pool thru-wall skimmer at season’s end. Whether you have a standard or widemouth thru-wall skimmer the instructions are the same.
Click the button below to download printable instructions.
Skimmer Winterizing Plate Installation
Keep the pool water at its normal level or lower it below the skimmer based on your preference.
Prevents ice damage to your thru-wall skimmer and pool wall. The plate comes complete with screws and gasket and installs over the existing skimmer faceplate. Available for standard or wide-mouth thru-wall skimmers.
Remove only the screws from the plastic face plate of the skimmer which match the holes in the winterizing plate. Some screws must be left in place to prevent the liner from shifting. Save the removed screws for re-use in the spring (Fig. 1).
Place the gasket and the winterizing plate over the skimmer face plate making sure that the holes are properly aligned (Fig. 2).
This Winter Closing Kit contains everything you need to close your pool this fall. It will condition the pool water and prevent algae growth throughout freezing winter months to ensure a sparkling clean pool.
Secure the gasket and the winterizing plate to the plastic skimmer face plate with the screws included in the kit. Do not over tighten the screws (Fig. 3).
Check the gasket area to ensure that there is no leakage into the skimmer and/or between the liner and pool wall. If leakage should occur, continue tightening the screws until leakage stops.
When removing the winterizing plate to open your pool next season, make sure to use the screws saved in step # 2 to secure your face plate. Using the screws included in the winterizing kit (long screws) could cause serious damages to your skimmer that would not be covered under warranty.
Shop our selection of winter covers, pool chemicals and accessories you need to perform a proper winter pool closing.
I have a 10×16 oval semi-in ground. This my 4th summer. One of my long screws will not tighten when I attach my skimmer plate for winter. I get a very slow trickle of water. Is it ok for the water drop below the skimmer plate over winter? If yes, then why do we need the skimmer plate. I tried use threading tape on screw but it does not help. Thank you.
Hi Carl,
You can lower the water level water below the skimmer but we would not recommend letting it leak out. The chemically treated water can damage the pool if you allow it drip out onto the outside of the pool wall. You should use a siphon or an electric cover pump to drain the pool below the skimmer. You can find them here: https://www.thepoolfactory.com/pool-supplies/pool-closing/accessories/cover-pumps
We recommend always using a winter closing plate and winterizing return plug. If you do not, weight on the cover from snow and rain can displace the water in the pool (under the cover) into the skimmer and return fittings. This can happen slowly during cold weather and cause an ice buildup in the skimmer and return fittings. The ice can be connected to the large block of ice inside the pool and more rain or snow will cause movement in the ice and can damage or destroy an above ground pool very easily. In an area with harsh winters a water level at or slightly below the skimmer level should be sufficient but the winter plate and plug is a must.
You can purchase a similar screw with slightly heavier threads at a local hardware store to solve the problem, just make sure that it is Stainless Steel.
Hi Carl,
Just had an old pool brought back to life and was just lined and nearly filled with water when we discovered the ground had shifted and the skimmer face plate’s top screws are right on top of the beadline! Is there a simple way to seal the plate this way? Or, any ideas would be helpful. thanks so much! Amy-Kansas
Hi Amy,
If you could please send us a few picture(s) so we can better assist you that would be great! Please use our contact us form to get in touch with one of our Pool Experts!