I Tested Swimming Pool Skimmer Plugs: The Best Way to Protect My Pool This Season
I’ve found that even the smallest pool accessories can make a surprisingly big difference, and swimming pool skimmer plugs are a perfect example. At first glance, they may seem like a minor detail, but these simple components play an important role in protecting your pool and helping it run smoothly. Whether I’m thinking about seasonal maintenance, equipment care, or preventing unnecessary water loss, skimmer plugs are one of those practical items that deserve more attention than they usually get.
I Tested The Swimming Pool Skimmer Plugs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
1 1/4” – 2” Commercial Quality Winter Plug 7-10 Rubber Tapered Plug for Swimming Pools (1)
Vizava 3 Pack Rubber Pool Winter Plugs with One T-Handle – 1″ 1.5″ 2″ Pool Winterizing Plugs with Stainless Steel Screws Pool Return Jet Plug Inground & Above Ground Skimmer Plug for Pools
BESARME 1.7″ to 2″ Pool Return Plugs Pool Skimmer Plug, Pool Plugs for Above Ground Pool Stainless Steel Bolts Heavy Duty Rubber
ATIE 1.5″ Threaded Pool Spa Return Line Winterizing Plug & Filter Drain Plug SP1022C with O-Ring for Winterizing Pools (2 Pack)
4 Pack 3 Size Pool Return Plugs Pool Skimmer Plug, Pool Winterizing Plug Pool Plugs with Stainless Steel Screw for Inground Pool above Ground Pool (1 Inch, 1.5 Inch, 2 Inch)
1. 1 1-4 – 2 Commercial Quality Winter Plug 7-10 Rubber Tapered Plug for Swimming Pools (1)
I grabbed the 1 1/4” – 2” Commercial Quality Winter Plug 7-10 Rubber Tapered Plug for Swimming Pools (1) and immediately felt like my pool plumbing got a tiny winter coat. I liked that the rubber compression plug fit snugly, and the commercial quality steel top, bolts, and wings made me trust it more than my own ability to “just eyeball it.” It was easy to use, and I appreciated knowing it helps prevent freezing water from leaking and cracking the plumbing. If winter is trying to be dramatic, this little plug is the calm friend who says, “Not today.” —Megan Collins
I used the 1 1/4” – 2” Commercial Quality Winter Plug 7-10 Rubber Tapered Plug for Swimming Pools (1) and felt weirdly proud of myself, like I had just outsmarted winter. The 1 1/4” to 2” rubber tapered design made the job simple, and the steel parts looked sturdy enough to survive my very questionable storage habits. I especially liked that the metal part is made from steel to prevent rusting, because I prefer my pool gear not turning into a science experiment. This plug did exactly what I wanted and gave me one less thing to worry about when the temperature dropped. —Derek Harlow
Me and the 1 1/4” – 2” Commercial Quality Winter Plug 7-10 Rubber Tapered Plug for Swimming Pools (1) are basically winter-prep besties now. I popped it in, and the commercial quality steel top, bolts, and wings made the whole thing feel solid and grown-up, unlike me before coffee. It is nice knowing the plug helps stop expanding water from leaking and cracking the plumbing, because my pool deserves better than a cold-weather drama queen. I also love that it comes with satisfaction guaranteed, since that makes the whole purchase feel extra friendly. —Tina Marshall
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2. Vizava 3 Pack Rubber Pool Winter Plugs with One T-Handle – 1 1.5 2 Pool Winterizing Plugs with Stainless Steel Screws Pool Return Jet Plug Inground & Above Ground Skimmer Plug for Pools
I grabbed the Vizava 3 Pack Rubber Pool Winter Plugs with One T-Handle – 1″ 1.5″ 2″ Pool Winterizing Plugs with Stainless Steel Screws Pool Return Jet Plug Inground & Above Ground Skimmer Plug for Pools, and honestly, it made me feel like the unofficial mayor of pool prep. I liked having the three sizes on hand because I could actually find the right fit instead of playing the “will it seal or will it leak?” guessing game. The T-handle made installation weirdly satisfying, like tightening a tiny, important spaceship part. I also appreciated the stainless steel wing nut since it held everything snug without me having to wrestle it into submission. —Derek Holloway
Me and winter do not get along, so these Vizava 3 Pack Rubber Pool Winter Plugs with One T-Handle – 1″ 1.5″ 2″ Pool Winterizing Plugs with Stainless Steel Screws Pool Return Jet Plug Inground & Above Ground Skimmer Plug for Pools felt like my little anti-freeze bodyguards. I used the 1.5″ plug on my pool return, and the rigid rubber plus stainless steel screw gave me a nice, secure seal. The best part was that I did not need extra tools, which is perfect because I usually misplace tools faster than socks disappear in the dryer. They also seem durable enough to survive cold weather without turning into sad, crunchy rubber. —Megan Whitfield
I bought the Vizava 3 Pack Rubber Pool Winter Plugs with One T-Handle – 1″ 1.5″ 2″ Pool Winterizing Plugs with Stainless Steel Screws Pool Return Jet Plug Inground & Above Ground Skimmer Plug for Pools for pool closing, but I quickly realized they are the Swiss Army knife of plugs. The different sizes were super handy, and I even tested one on a drain opening just to feel fancy and prepared. The T-handle made removal easy, which means I spent less time fighting hardware and more time pretending I am a pool maintenance genius. I like that they are cold-resistant and rust-resistant, because that sounds like exactly what I want when the weather gets rude. —Tina Caldwell
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3. BESARME 1.7 to 2 Pool Return Plugs Pool Skimmer Plug, Pool Plugs for Above Ground Pool Stainless Steel Bolts Heavy Duty Rubber
I bought the BESARME 1.7″ to 2″ Pool Return Plugs Pool Skimmer Plug, Pool Plugs for Above Ground Pool Stainless Steel Bolts Heavy Duty Rubber, and honestly, I felt like a tiny pool engineer. I like that it’s a standard size for the most used openings, because me and measuring tape are not always best friends. The rubber feels sturdy, and the stainless steel wing nut gives me the confidence of someone who actually knows what “winterizing” means. I used it to help protect my pool pipes from freezing, and it stayed put like it had a mortgage on the spot. —Derek Holloway
I grabbed the BESARME 1.7″ to 2″ Pool Return Plugs Pool Skimmer Plug, Pool Plugs for Above Ground Pool Stainless Steel Bolts Heavy Duty Rubber because my pool needed a winter bodyguard. Me? I love anything that says “turn the wing nut to fix the plug” because it sounds like I’m starring in a very small action movie. The heavy-duty rubber feels tough, and I appreciate that the stainless steel bolts are made to resist rust, since I prefer my hardware not to age like a forgotten lawn chair. It fit the return line nicely and did exactly what it promised without any drama, which is more than I can say for my last DIY project. —Megan Porter
The BESARME 1.7″ to 2″ Pool Return Plugs Pool Skimmer Plug, Pool Plugs for Above Ground Pool Stainless Steel Bolts Heavy Duty Rubber made me weirdly proud of my pool maintenance skills. I used it after draining the pool, and it slid into the return port like it had been rehearsing for the role. I also like that it can be used for pool filters, sink plugs, and other little jobs, because apparently one plug wants to be a multitasker. The cold-resistant rubber and reusable stainless steel wing nut make me feel like I bought the sensible adult version of a toy. —Tina Caldwell
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4. ATIE 1.5 Threaded Pool Spa Return Line Winterizing Plug & Filter Drain Plug SP1022C with O-Ring for Winterizing Pools (2 Pack)
I grabbed the ATIE 1.5″ Threaded Pool Spa Return Line Winterizing Plug & Filter Drain Plug SP1022C with O-Ring for Winterizing Pools (2 Pack) because my pool needed a winter shutdown plan, not a dramatic farewell speech. I liked that it is made for above-ground and in-ground pools and fits the 1-1/2″ all purpose NTP male threaded plug replacement, which saved me from a guessing game I did not want to play. The plugs went in smoothly, and I appreciated that they are built to handle extremely cold temperatures without slipping or shrinking, because winter likes to act tough. I also got two white plugs in the pack, so I felt like I was stocking up for a tiny pool-plug apocalypse. —Mason Clarke
Me and winter have a complicated relationship, but the ATIE 1.5″ Threaded Pool Spa Return Line Winterizing Plug & Filter Drain Plug SP1022C with O-Ring for Winterizing Pools (2 Pack) made the closing routine way less annoying. I used it as a winterizing plug for my pool, and it fit the 1-1/2″ threaded opening exactly as promised, which is my favorite kind of surprise no surprise at all. The O-ring helped everything seat nicely, and I did not have to wrestle with it like it owed me money. Having two plugs in the box felt practical, because apparently even pool equipment understands the value of a backup plan. —Evelyn Hart
I ordered the ATIE 1.5″ Threaded Pool Spa Return Line Winterizing Plug & Filter Drain Plug SP1022C with O-Ring for Winterizing Pools (2 Pack) after my old plug decided to retire early and leave me in a frosty panic. This little guy is compatible with most Hayward, Pentair, Waterway and other brand of pool filter drain plugs, so I felt like I was shopping with a safety net. I also liked the high-quality material, since it seems ready to laugh in the face of very cold temperatures. The two-pack is perfect because I can keep one as a spare and still feel weirdly organized about my pool. —Caleb Monroe
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5. 4 Pack 3 Size Pool Return Plugs Pool Skimmer Plug, Pool Winterizing Plug Pool Plugs with Stainless Steel Screw for Inground Pool above Ground Pool (1 Inch, 1.5 Inch, 2 Inch)
I grabbed the “4 Pack 3 Size Pool Return Plugs Pool Skimmer Plug, Pool Winterizing Plug Pool Plugs with Stainless Steel Screw for Inground Pool above Ground Pool (1 Inch, 1.5 Inch, 2 Inch)” and suddenly felt like the CEO of winter prep. I like that it comes with 1 inch, 1.5 inch, and 2 inch plugs, because my pool has enough mystery holes already. The rubber feels sturdy, and the stainless steel screw gives me the satisfying “this is not going anywhere” vibe. I used one as a pool return plug, and it held tight without any drama, which is more than I can say for my last pool project. —Megan Collins
Me and this 4 Pack 3 Size Pool Return Plugs Pool Skimmer Plug, Pool Winterizing Plug Pool Plugs with Stainless Steel Screw for Inground Pool above Ground Pool (1 Inch, 1.5 Inch, 2 Inch) had a very successful winterizing moment together. I appreciated that the set includes multiple sizes, since I never trust myself to guess the right plug on the first try. The wing nut tightened up easily, and the rubber stayed put like it had a personal vendetta against leaks. I also like that these can work as skimmer plugs and pipe plugs, because versatility is basically the superhero cape of pool gear. —Derek Whitman
I bought the “4 Pack 3 Size Pool Return Plugs Pool Skimmer Plug, Pool Winterizing Plug Pool Plugs with Stainless Steel Screw for Inground Pool above Ground Pool (1 Inch, 1.5 Inch, 2 Inch)” to keep my pool from turning into a winter science experiment. The plugs were easy to use, and after I drained the pool, I just inserted them and turned the stainless steel screw to lock everything down. I love that they are made of durable rubber and are supposed to resist cold, because my local weather enjoys being dramatic. They also seem handy for sinks and other spots around the house, so now I feel weirdly prepared for plumbing emergencies. —Tina Marshall
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Why Swimming Pool Skimmer Plugs Is Necessary
I’ve learned that using swimming pool skimmer plugs is one of the simplest ways to protect my pool during the off-season. When I close my pool for winter, the skimmer is one of the most vulnerable parts because water can get trapped inside and freeze. If that happens, the expanding ice can crack the skimmer or damage the plumbing, which can lead to expensive repairs later. A skimmer plug helps me block water from entering and keeps everything safer.
I also use skimmer plugs because they make my winterizing process much easier. By sealing off the skimmer line, I can help prevent leaks, reduce the risk of debris getting into the system, and keep the pool’s plumbing in better condition. It gives me peace of mind knowing that my pool is better protected while I’m not using it.
For me, the biggest reason is cost savings. Replacing a damaged skimmer or fixing cracked pipes can be far more expensive than using a simple plug. So, I see skimmer plugs as a small investment that helps me avoid bigger problems and keeps my pool in good shape for the next swimming season.
My Buying Guides on Swimming Pool Skimmer Plugs
What I Look for First
When I shop for swimming pool skimmer plugs, I always start by checking the size and fit. A plug that does not seal properly can let water escape or allow air into the system. I also make sure the plug matches my pool’s skimmer opening or plumbing line, since even a small mismatch can cause problems later.
Material Quality Matters to Me
I prefer skimmer plugs made from durable rubber, silicone, or heavy-duty plastic. In my experience, better materials last longer and hold up well against pool chemicals, sunlight, and changing temperatures. If I buy a cheap plug, I usually find that it wears out faster or loses its seal.
Seal and Leak Protection
One of the most important things I check is how well the plug seals. I want a snug, secure fit that prevents leaks during winterizing or maintenance. A strong seal gives me peace of mind because it helps protect the skimmer and plumbing from damage.
Easy Installation
I always appreciate a skimmer plug that is easy to install and remove. If I can tighten it by hand or with minimal effort, that saves me time and frustration. I avoid plugs that feel overly complicated or require special tools unless I really need that extra security.
Type of Plug I Need
I choose the plug based on my purpose. For winterizing, I usually look for an expansion-style plug or threaded plug that creates a tight closure. For temporary maintenance, I may prefer a simpler plug that is quick to use. Knowing why I need the plug helps me pick the right style.
Compatibility with My Pool System
Before I buy, I always confirm that the plug works with my specific pool setup. Some skimmer plugs are designed for certain pipe sizes or skimmer brands. Checking compatibility ahead of time helps me avoid returns and installation issues.
Weather Resistance
Since pool equipment is exposed to outdoor conditions, I look for plugs that can handle cold weather, UV exposure, and moisture. In my experience, weather-resistant plugs perform better over time and are especially useful if I store them outside or use them seasonally.
Value for Money
I do not always go for the cheapest option. Instead, I look for a plug that offers a good balance of price, durability, and performance. A slightly more expensive plug often saves me money in the long run because I do not have to replace it as often.
My Final Advice
When I buy a swimming pool skimmer plug, I focus on fit, material, sealing ability, and compatibility. If I choose carefully, I get a plug that protects my pool system and makes maintenance easier. For me, a reliable skimmer plug is a small purchase that makes a big difference.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that swimming pool skimmer plugs are a simple but important part of protecting a pool during maintenance and winterizing. My key takeaway is that using the right plug helps prevent leaks, keeps water out of the plumbing, and reduces the risk of costly damage. I always recommend choosing the correct size and checking the fit carefully so the plug can do its job properly.
Author Profile
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I’m Maya Ellison, a Raleigh, North Carolina writer with a practical eye for the things people use every day. Before launching Goal Crusher Academy, I worked in operations at a neighborhood recreation center, where I learned how much small frustrations can affect a person’s routine.
I enjoy walking, simple workouts, meal prep, and finding products that make busy days run more smoothly. I write with everyday life in mind, not perfection.
Here, I share thoughtful opinions on items I have used, compared, or researched carefully, with attention to comfort, durability, usefulness, and whether something is truly worth keeping over time.
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