{"product_id":"17-pool-skimmer-guard-plug-winterization-plug-for-above-and-inground-pool-2-pack","title":"17'' Pool Skimmer Guard \u0026 Plug Winterization Plug for 1 1\/2\" and 2'' Threaded Skimmers - Suitable for Above and Inground Pool - 2 Pack","description":"\u003ch2\u003e17\" Universal Pool Skimmer Winterization Guard \u0026amp; Plug\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual-Threaded Versatility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Features a specialized stepped-thread base that fits both 1.5-inch and 2-inch internal skimmer threads, eliminating the need for separate adapters and ensuring a watertight seal across different pool brands.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIce Expansion Protection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Engineered as a \"sacrificial\" collapsible tube that absorbs the intense pressure of freezing water. If the water inside your skimmer freezes, the guard compresses to prevent the rigid plastic skimmer housing from cracking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeavy-Duty HDPE Construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Manufactured from high-density, UV-stabilized polyethylene designed to withstand sub-zero temperatures and chemical exposure without becoming brittle or losing its structural integrity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntegrated O-Ring Seal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Equipped with a precision-molded rubber gasket at the base to provide an airtight and watertight barrier, preventing pool water from leaking into the underground plumbing lines during the off-season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtra-Long 17\" Reach:\u003c\/strong\u003e The extended height ensures the top of the guard remains above the water line in most standard skimmers, providing a convenient handle for tool-free installation and removal in the spring.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eReplaces \/ Cross-Reference Part Numbers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIndustry Standards:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gizzmo (Standard \u0026amp; Super), Big Gizzmo, Skimmer Guard.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer Equivalents:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hayward SP1022C, Pentair 516112, Swimline 8939.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility \u0026amp; Fitment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis winterization plug is designed to work with the majority of residential pool filtration systems in North America. Key fitment details include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInground Pools:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fits standard Hayward, Pentair, and Jandy skimmer assemblies with threaded bottom ports.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAbove Ground Pools:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with wide-mouth and standard skimmers utilizing 1.5\" or 2\" plumbing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThread Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Works with NPT (National Pipe Thread) internal threads found in most PVC and ABS skimmer bodies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e While universal, verify your skimmer depth. This 17\" model is ideal for deep-well skimmers; for very shallow above-ground units, a shorter 9\" version may be required for the lid to close properly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen to Replace\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCracked or Compressed Body:\u003c\/strong\u003e If the guard did its job last winter and is now permanently \"squashed\" or has visible stress fractures, it must be replaced to provide protection for the next freeze.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStripped Threads:\u003c\/strong\u003e The plastic threads at the base are flattened or cross-threaded, making it impossible to create a watertight seal in the skimmer port.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMissing or Dry-Rotted Gasket:\u003c\/strong\u003e The rubber O-ring is cracked, flat, or missing, which allows water to seep into your pipes and potentially cause underground freeze damage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLost or Brittle Top Cap:\u003c\/strong\u003e The plastic has become \"chalky\" or brittle due to UV exposure, which can lead to the unit snapping off during removal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater in the Lines:\u003c\/strong\u003e If you notice your plumbing lines are not staying dry during the winter, the plug has failed to maintain its seal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInstallation Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafety First:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensure the pool water is lowered below the skimmer mouth and all lines have been \"blown out\" with a shop vac or compressor before installing the plug.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTeflon Tape is Your Friend (\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRO TIP):\u003c\/strong\u003e Wrap the threads of the guard 3–5 times with white Teflon tape (PTFE) before screwing it in. This ensures an airtight seal and makes it much easier to unscrew in the spring.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDon't Overtighten:\u003c\/strong\u003e Screw the guard in by hand until it is snug. Using a wrench or \"muscling\" it can crack the skimmer's internal threads, which is a very expensive repair.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe \"Blow-Back\" Check:\u003c\/strong\u003e After tightening, give the lines one final air purge. If you see bubbles coming from the guard's base, it isn't tight enough or needs more Teflon tape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLid Clearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e If the 17\" guard prevents your skimmer lid from sitting flush, you can safely trim the very top of the plastic tube (above the water line) as long as you don't compromise the airtight chamber.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"BlueStarsParts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46041559662781,"sku":"AZ00415501","price":24.89,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2576\/7548\/files\/AZ00415501_1_14b934ca-4bec-42cf-9815-875ac0b9040e.jpg?v=1765275939","url":"https:\/\/bluestarspartstrend.com\/products\/17-pool-skimmer-guard-plug-winterization-plug-for-above-and-inground-pool-2-pack","provider":"BlueStars Parts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}