Expert Verified Updated: March 2026

Pool Winter Air Pillow Calculator

Determine how many air pillows you need to protect your pool from ice expansion during winter.

Quick Conclusion
Air pillows prevent ice expansion from crushing your pool walls. Use enough pillows to cover roughly 10-20% of the pool's surface area, placed in the center beneath the cover.

Technical Comparison

Pool SizePillows NeededPlacement
Up to 18'1Center
24' - 30'2Grid
15' x 30'2Linear

Actionable Steps

Pro-Tip

Inflate your pillows to roughly 70%. When ice expands and squeezes them, it needs room to compress. A 100% inflated pillow will pop like a balloon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pillows?

Typically one large pillow for an 18' pool, two for a 24'.

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