Why Does My Pool Pillow Keep Deflating? Top Causes Explained

Has your pool pillow ever deflated and left your pool in a sorry state? Pool pillows play a crucial role in protecting your pool during winter months by keeping the cover elevated and alleviating pressure from ice expansion and water buildup. In this article, we’ll dive into the most common reasons behind pool pillows deflating and how to address this issue.

While it’s not uncommon for pool pillows to deflate over time, other factors that can cause this issue such as material leaks, improper inflation, or extreme weather conditions are signs that your pool pillow needs to be replaced.

By learning about these factors as well as how to prevent them, you can prolong your pool pillow’s lifespan and maintain your pool’s protection. Keep reading on to learn how.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pool pillows can deflate due to puncture/damage, faulty air valves, or temperature changes; inspect the pillow for holes, replace a faulty valve, and maintain consistent temperatures to address these issues.
  • To prolong the life of pool pillows, inflate them to 2/3 of their capacity, check for damage, maintain air valve integrity, and reinforce valves with duct tape.
  • Position pool pillow in the center of the pool for optimal performance.
  • For larger pools, multiple air pillows may be needed to distribute weight and provide adequate protection.

Why Pool Pillows Deflate

There are several reasons why your pool pillow might be deflating. In this section, we will discuss the common causes, including puncture or damage, faulty air valves, and temperature changes. Understanding these issues can help you prevent deflation and keep your pool pillow in optimal condition.

Puncture or Damage

One of the most common reasons for a pool pillow to deflate is due to puncture or damage. Sharp objects, debris, or even just the wear and tear of regular use can lead to holes and leaks in the material.

If you notice that your pool pillow is deflating, inspect it for holes or leaks and patch them up as soon as possible to prevent further air loss. One way to seal a hole is to use a patch kit or apply some marine epoxy resin on it and wait until it cures.

Faulty Air Valve

Another possible cause for deflation is a faulty air valve. Over time, the valve may become loose or damaged, allowing air to escape.

To determine if the air valve is the issue, try inflating your pool pillow, then submerge the valve under water. If you see bubbles escaping, it’s likely that the valve is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Temperature Changes

Temperature changes can also play a role in pool pillow deflation. Colder temperatures cause the air inside the pillow to contract, which might make it appear as if the pillow is losing air.

Conversely, warmer temperatures can cause the air to expand, potentially stretching the material and creating weak spots where air might escape.

To minimize the impact of temperature changes, try to maintain a consistent temperature in your pool area, and avoid exposing your pool pillow to extreme temperature fluctuations.

As always, keep an eye on your pool pillow for any signs of deflation. Address punctures, damaged air valves, or temperature changes promptly to ensure your pool pillow stays inflated and effective throughout the season.

How to Make Pool Pillows Last Longer

Since deflated pool air pillows can cause significant challenges, you’ll want to take preventative measures to maintain their functionality.

In this section, we’ll discuss proper inflation, checking for damage, air valve maintenance, and reinforcing with duct tape to keep your pool pillow inflated throughout the winter months.

Proper Inflation

To prevent your pool pillow from deflating, you need to inflate it the correct amount. Overinflating can cause the pillow to burst, while underinflating may not provide enough support for your pool cover.

Ideally, you should only fill your pool air pillow up to about 2/3 of its capacity. This allows room for air expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations.

Check for Damage

Before placing your pool air pillow under the cover, inspect it for any signs of damage like punctures or tears. Small damages can lead to slow leakage and eventually deflate your pillow.

If you find a hole, repair it with a patch kit specifically designed for pool pillows. Addressing damage early on can save you from finding a deflated pillow when you open your pool in the spring.

Air Valve Maintenance

Pay close attention to the air valve on your pool pillow, as it can be a common source of deflation issues. Ensure the valve is completely closed and tightly sealed after inflating your pillow. An improperly sealed valve can cause air leakage and deflate your pillow over time. If you suspect that the valve is loose or not functioning correctly, consider replacing it with a new one.

Reinforce with Duct Tape

As an added layer of protection, you can use duct tape to cover the air valve after inflation. Applying duct tape over the valve helps prevent it from accidentally popping open and releasing air.

Not only does this technique provide extra support, but it also reinforces the valve against wear and tear that can lead to deflation.

Protecting Your Pool in Winter

As a pool owner, you know that winterizing your above ground swimming pool is essential. One important aspect of winter pool protection is using an air pillow to support your pool cover and distribute weight more evenly.

In this section, we will discuss a few key points to ensure your pool pillow remains inflated and effectively protects your pool during winter.

Proper Placement of Pool Pillows

Positioning your air pillow correctly is vital for its performance. Inflate the air pillow to about 60% of its capacity to allow for compression, and place it in the center of the pool to prevent ice expansion damage.

Use the grommets provided on the pillow to tie it in place with a strong, thin rope, ensuring it remains in the center throughout winter.

Weight Distribution

An essential function of the pool pillow is to distribute the weight of snow and ice evenly across the pool cover, preventing it from sagging and potentially causing damage.

For larger pools, you might need to use multiple air pillows to ensure proper weight distribution and adequate protection.

Pool Cover Care

Caring for your pool cover is crucial to prevent deflation of the pillow. Ensure that the air valve is completely closed and apply duct tape over it to keep it sealed throughout the winter.

Regularly check for any signs of wear on both the pillow and the cover to make sure they are in good condition and functioning correctly.

Maintain Water Level

Lastly, maintaining the water level in your above ground pool is essential during winter. If you don’t pump any water off the cover, you could end up with a large volume of water on the cover, causing extra weight on the pillow and potentially affecting its inflation.

Regular pool maintenance, even in the winter, can ensure the longevity of your air pillow and pool cover.

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