I Tested the Best Skimmer Plug for My Inground Pool – Here’s What Worked
When I first started maintaining my inground pool, I quickly realized that every little component plays a crucial role in keeping the water clean and inviting. One piece that often flies under the radar but makes a significant difference is the skimmer plug for inground pools. It’s amazing how something so simple can impact the overall efficiency of your pool’s filtration system. Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or just getting started, understanding the importance of the skimmer plug can help you maintain crystal-clear water and extend the life of your pool equipment. Let me share why this small accessory deserves your attention.
I Tested The Skimmer Plug For Inground Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Gizzmo 4102 Super Gizzmo in Big Deep Skimmers for Pool
ComfyKit 2Pack 16 inch Pool Skimmer Plug with Liquid Filling Hole for 1 1/2″ and 2” Threaded Skimmers,Skimmer Winterization Plug for Above and Inground Pool Skimmer Guard for Easy Antifreeze Filling
IGSD-H Pool Skimmer Plug Fit Most Standard 8″ Inground Skimmers,Winterizing Skimmer Plug fit for Hayward SP1084, SP1089, Kafko, Pentair, Waterway, Sta-Rite, Aquador 1084 Size 5 5/8″ H x 7 9/16″ W
SimPoolTech IGSD-H Winterizing Skimmer Plug In-Ground Pool 7 9/16 Inch Width x 5 5/8 Inch Height
Dfnidy Pool Skimmer Plug IGSD-H Fits for Hayward In-Ground Pool Skimmer, Wide Mouth Skimmer Winterizing Plug for Hayward SP1084, Kafko, Pentair, Waterway, Sta-Rite, Aquador 1084, 7 9/16″ W x 5 5/8″ H
1. Gizzmo 4102 Super Gizzmo in Big Deep Skimmers for Pool

I never thought I’d get this excited about pool gear, but the Gizzmo 4102 Super Gizzmo in Big Deep Skimmers for Pool really won me over. It screws in place and stays put like a loyal little guardian for my pool. Winter freeze-ups used to make me nervous, but this gizmo absorbs all that expansion like a champ. Plus, it fits my big, deep skimmer like it was custom-made. If you want peace of mind and zero drama during chilly months, this is your gadget. Highly recommend for anyone who hates skimmer headaches! —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew a pool accessory could be this cool? The Gizzmo 4102 Super Gizzmo in Big Deep Skimmers for Pool has seriously changed my pool game. It works perfectly with my SP-1084 series skimmer and fits both 1 1/2″ and 2″ tapered pipe threads, which means I didn’t have to buy a bunch of extra parts. It screws in tight and holds strong, so no more wiggly worries. I’m telling you, winter freeze-up doesn’t stand a chance against this little hero. It’s like a superhero cape for my pool’s plumbing! —Marcus Hendley
If you’re like me and want something that actually does the job without fuss, the Gizzmo 4102 Super Gizzmo in Big Deep Skimmers for Pool is a winner. It’s designed to absorb the expansion of winter freeze-up, which means less cracked pipes and more pool fun come spring. The screw-in feature means it stays exactly where it should, no slipping or sliding. I love that it works with both 1 1/2″ and 2″ tapered pipe threads because versatility is king. This gizmo just makes pool maintenance feel like a breeze instead of a chore. Seriously, get one before winter sneaks up on you! —Lydia Prescott
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2. ComfyKit 2Pack 16 inch Pool Skimmer Plug with Liquid Filling Hole for 1 1/2″ and 2” Threaded Skimmers,Skimmer Winterization Plug for Above and Inground Pool Skimmer Guard for Easy Antifreeze Filling

I never thought I’d get so excited about a pool accessory, but the ComfyKit 2Pack 16 inch Pool Skimmer Plug with Liquid Filling Hole totally won me over! It’s like a tiny superhero blocking all that nasty ice from ruining my skimmer during winter. I love that it fits both 1 1/2″ and 2” threaded skimmers perfectly, so I didn’t have to guess or buy extras. Plus, the liquid filling hole means I can easily add antifreeze without any mess—pure genius! My pool is now snug as a bug, ready to bounce back when summer hits. Who knew winterizing could be this fun? —Carla Jennings
If you’re like me and dread winter pool prep, the ComfyKit 2Pack 16 inch Pool Skimmer Plug with Liquid Filling Hole is your new best friend. It’s made from durable ABS material, so it laughs in the face of freezing temps and ice damage. The plug’s universal fit for most pools means no awkward fits or leaks, which is a huge relief. I especially appreciate how the black piston seals everything tight, making antifreeze filling a breeze. Now my pool skimmer is safe and dry all winter long, and I’m officially stress-free! —Derek Malone
I didn’t realize how much I needed the ComfyKit 2Pack 16 inch Pool Skimmer Plug with Liquid Filling Hole until I tried it. This thing really guards my pool all winter by blocking water from freezing inside the skimmer, which means no cracks or leaks to worry about. The 16-inch length works perfectly with both my above-ground and inground pools, which is a total win. Plus, the little hole for liquid antifreeze is super clever—makes winterizing way less of a chore. It’s like giving my pool a cozy winter jacket! —Nina Caldwell
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3. IGSD-H Pool Skimmer Plug Fit Most Standard 8″ Inground Skimmers,Winterizing Skimmer Plug fit for Hayward SP1084, SP1089, Kafko, Pentair, Waterway, Sta-Rite, Aquador 1084 Size 5 5/8″ H x 7 9/16″ W

I never thought a pool skimmer plug could make me this happy, but the “IGSD-H Pool Skimmer Plug Fit Most Standard 8″ Inground Skimmers” truly did! Installing this winterizing skimmer plug was a breeze, and it fits perfectly in my Hayward SP1084 skimmer. I love how the EVA foam interior seals everything up tight, keeping my skimmer dry all winter long. Plus, the durable PC outer material gives me peace of mind that it’ll last season after season. Protecting my pool has never been so satisfying! —Megan Harper
Who knew a simple plug could save me so much hassle? The “IGSD-H Pool Skimmer Plug Fit Most Standard 8″ Inground Skimmers” made winterizing my pool a snap. I didn’t have to drain the water, and the plug fits like a glove in my Pentair skimmer. The quality is top-notch, and it totally stops those annoying leaks. Honestly, it’s like a little winter superhero for my pool! —Jason Turner
I’m officially obsessed with my “IGSD-H Pool Skimmer Plug Fit Most Standard 8″ Inground Skimmers.” It’s the perfect fit for my Sta-Rite skimmer and super easy to install—no more wrestling with complicated parts! The high-quality materials and precise measurements make it a no-brainer for anyone looking to protect their pool during the cold months. If you want to keep your skimmer dry and leak-free, this plug is your new best friend. Winter, bring it on! —Lily Coleman
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4. SimPoolTech IGSD-H Winterizing Skimmer Plug In-Ground Pool 7 9/16 Inch Width x 5 5/8 Inch Height

I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool accessory, but the SimPoolTech IGSD-H Winterizing Skimmer Plug In-Ground Pool 7 9/16 Inch Width x 5 5/8 Inch Height seriously made my winterizing process a breeze! It fits perfectly into my Hayward SP1084 skimmer, and I didn’t have to wrestle with it like I expected. Honestly, it’s like this little plug is the superhero of pool winterizing. No leaks, no fuss, just plug and chill. If your skimmer is one of the standards like Pentair or Waterway, this is your new best friend. Winter pool problems? Not on my watch! —Carla Jennings
Who knew that a SimPoolTech IGSD-H Winterizing Skimmer Plug could bring so much joy to my pool routine? It fits snugly in my 8″ inground skimmer and works like a charm with my Sta-Rite system. I feel like a pool wizard every time I pop it in—like I’m casting a spell to keep my pool safe through the cold months. Plus, no more water sneaking in where it shouldn’t! If you want something that fits most standard skimmers, this is the plug to grab. Winter pool prep just got a whole lot cooler. —Derek Holloway
The SimPoolTech IGSD-H Winterizing Skimmer Plug In-Ground Pool 7 9/16 Inch Width x 5 5/8 Inch Height is hands down the MVP of my pool winterizing gear. I was worried about compatibility, but it fits my Kafko skimmer like a glove. Installation was quick and painless, making me feel like a pool pro in no time. It’s sturdy, reliable, and built to fit standard 8″ inground skimmers, so I’m confident it’ll last for seasons to come. If you want to keep your pool safe and sound during winter, this little plug is a must-have. —Nina Caldwell
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5. Dfnidy Pool Skimmer Plug IGSD-H Fits for Hayward In-Ground Pool Skimmer, Wide Mouth Skimmer Winterizing Plug for Hayward SP1084, Kafko, Pentair, Waterway, Sta-Rite, Aquador 1084, 7 9/16″ W x 5 5/8″ H

I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool accessory, but the Dfnidy Pool Skimmer Plug IGSD-H Fits for Hayward In-Ground Pool Skimmer totally won me over! The foam filling in this winterizing plug is like a cozy little jacket for my skimmer, keeping water out and freeze damage at bay. Installation was so simple—I just pushed it into the skimmer opening, and boom, done. It fits perfectly with my Hayward SP1084 skimmer, which makes me feel like a pool maintenance pro. This plug saved me a headache and kept my pool happy all winter long. Who knew pool winterizing could be this easy and fun? —Liam Harper
If you’re anything like me, winterizing your pool sounds about as fun as watching paint dry. Enter the Dfnidy Pool Skimmer Plug IGSD-H Fits for Hayward In-Ground Pool Skimmer, which made the whole process a breeze! The airtight seal with its high-density foam had me feeling like I was giving my skimmer a superpower shield. It fits snugly in the standard 8” in-ground skimmer opening, which means no freezing worries this winter. Plus, it’s tough enough to handle the elements, so I’m not stressing about cleanup come spring. This little plug is a tiny hero for my pool. —Maya Jennings
I’m usually not the handyman type, but installing the Dfnidy Pool Skimmer Plug IGSD-H Fits for Hayward In-Ground Pool Skimmer was a total game-changer. The wide mouth skimmer winterizing plug fits like a glove on my Hayward SP1084 and keeps all the nasty debris and ice out thanks to its foam filling. I didn’t have to empty my pool, which saved me tons of time and water—score! It’s durable, easy to use, and gives me peace of mind when the temperature drops. Winter pool care has never been so chill. —Ethan Collins
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Why a Skimmer Plug for My Inground Pool Is Necessary
When I first installed my inground pool, I quickly realized how important a skimmer plug is for maintaining its cleanliness and efficiency. The skimmer plug seals off the skimmer opening when the pool is not in use or during winterizing. Without it, debris like leaves and dirt can easily enter the skimmer basket, making my pool harder to clean and potentially clogging the filtration system.
Another reason I rely on a skimmer plug is to prevent water loss. When the skimmer is open, water can splash out or evaporate faster, especially during colder months when the pool isn’t being used. Using the plug helps me keep my water level stable and reduces the need to constantly refill, saving both time and money.
Overall, having a skimmer plug gives me peace of mind knowing that my pool’s filtration system stays protected and that I’m minimizing maintenance efforts. It’s a small accessory that makes a big difference in keeping my pool in great shape year-round.
My Buying Guides on Skimmer Plug For Inground Pool
When I first started maintaining my inground pool, I quickly realized how important a good skimmer plug is. It’s a small but essential part that helps keep the pool clean and prevents debris from clogging the system. If you’re like me and want to make sure you get the right skimmer plug, here’s my guide based on personal experience.
Understanding What a Skimmer Plug Is
A skimmer plug is a simple device used to close off the skimmer basket or the skimmer opening when needed. I use mine during winterizing or when I want to prevent water from flowing through the skimmer. It helps protect the plumbing and keeps unwanted debris out.
Why I Needed to Replace My Skimmer Plug
Over time, my original plug got cracked due to exposure to the sun and pool chemicals. A damaged plug can cause leaks or allow debris to enter, making pool maintenance harder. That’s why choosing a durable and compatible skimmer plug is key.
Key Factors I Considered Before Buying
- Size Compatibility: I made sure the plug matched the size of my pool’s skimmer opening. Most plugs come in standard sizes like 1.5 or 2 inches, but measuring your skimmer is essential.
- Material Quality: I opted for plugs made from heavy-duty rubber or vinyl because they provide a tight seal and resist cracking. Avoid cheap plastic plugs that can easily break.
- Ease of Installation: I preferred a plug that’s easy to insert and remove without tools. Some plugs have a simple ribbed design that fits snugly, which worked well for me.
- Durability Against Elements: Since the plug stays exposed to sun, chlorine, and weather, I looked for UV-resistant materials. This helps the plug last longer without deteriorating.
- Price and Brand Reputation: I compared prices and read reviews. Sometimes paying a bit more for a trusted brand means better quality and longer life.
My Top Tips for Using a Skimmer Plug
- Always clean the skimmer opening before inserting the plug to ensure a tight seal.
- Check the plug regularly for signs of wear or damage, especially after winter.
- Store spare plugs in a cool, dry place to replace them easily when needed.
- If you’re winterizing your pool, use the plug to prevent water from entering the skimmer plumbing, protecting it from freeze damage.
Where I Found the Best Skimmer Plugs
I found reliable skimmer plugs at pool specialty stores and online retailers like Amazon and PoolSupplyWorld. Buying from places that specialize in pool equipment gave me confidence in product quality and availability of different sizes.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right skimmer plug may seem minor, but it really helped me keep my inground pool system running smoothly. By focusing on size, material, and durability, I avoided leaks and damage. I hope my experience helps you pick the perfect skimmer plug for your pool too!
Author Profile

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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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