Excellent value given the high customer satisfaction and significantly lower price compared to typical pool closing kits for similar capacity.
Price vs. rivals
Typical
CheaperTypicalPricier
The price is typical for a pool closing kit of this capacity, falling in the middle of the range compared to similar products.
Ease of use
Excellent 85/100
The very high customer rating suggests that most average users find the kit straightforward to use, with clear instructions and effective components.
Overview
If you’re staring down a 15,000-gallon pool and dreading the annual close, the In The Swim pool closing kit review lands pretty simply: it’s the most affordable all-in-one winterization bundle for that exact size, and for most people it’ll do the job without a second trip to the store. This kit is a winter starter pack—chemicals, a winter cover anchor set, and a couple of floating pillows—designed to save you from hunting down six separate bottles. It’s really for the homeowner who wants a single box solution, not for someone who already has a garage full of leftover shock and algaecide.
The real problem it solves is the “I forgot the winterizing chemical” trip in late October, when every pool store is out of stock. In The Swim packs everything you need for one winter close: a gallon of winterizing algaecide, a bottle of non-foaming winter shock, a floatable winter cover seal, and two 6-mil winter cover anchors. That’s it. No extra tablets, no metal sequestrant. For a basic chlorine pool in a moderate climate, this is enough. If you’ve got a saltwater system or a ton of leaves, you’ll need to supplement.
Key Features
Winterizing algaecide (1 gallon): It’s a polyquat formula, which means it won’t foam up when you fire the pump in spring. One gallon treats 15,000 gallons of pool water, so you pour the whole bottle in after you drop the water level.
Winter shock treatment (1 bottle): Non-chlorine oxidizer, so it won’t bleach your winter cover or turn your water cloudy. You add it right after the algaecide, let the pump run for a few hours, then cover.
Floating winter cover seal (pillow): Comes deflated. You blow it up, toss it on the water, and it cushions the cover from ice pressure. It’s plastic, not heavy-duty vinyl, so expect to replace it every two seasons.
Two winter cover anchors (6-mil): The typical water-filled sleeve type. Fill them with a garden hose, lay them over your cover edges. They hold okay in moderate wind but won’t stand up to a nor’easter.
Complete coverage for 15,000 gallons: The chemicals are measured specifically for that pool size. If your pool is smaller, you’ll have leftovers. If it’s bigger, you’re short.
No extra shipping charges (usually): Because it’s a single box, Amazon often ships it free with Prime. That’s a real saving versus buying each bottle separately at a local store.
Fit for You
You have a standard 15,000-gallon in-ground or above-ground pool with a chlorine or bromine system.
You want to close the pool yourself and don’t already own a gallon of winter algaecide or shock.
You’re a first-time pool closer and the single box eliminates guesswork about which chemicals you actually need.
You live in an area with moderate winters—some snow, but not deep freezes that last months. The anchors and pillow are sufficient for light ice.
You’re on a budget and the $39.99 price tag is lower than buying the four items individually, which usually runs $50–$60.
Uses
You’ll use this kit in one afternoon, right after you’ve vacuumed and balanced your water. The typical scene: you’ve dropped the water level below the skimmer, you’ve blown out the return lines, and now you’re staring at a bucket of chemicals. You open the box, pour the algaecide in, pour the winter shock in, let the pump circulate for four hours. Then you inflate the pillow, tie it to a string anchored to the deck, and cover the pool with your winter cover. Finally, you fill the two anchor sleeves with water and lay them across the cover edges.
That’s the ideal use case. The kit doesn’t include a winter cover itself—you’ll need to buy that separately. It also doesn’t include any antifreeze for the plumbing, which you’ll want if you live where pipes freeze. So think of this as the chemical-and-anchor part of the close, not the whole job.
Experience
Opening the box, you’ll notice the packaging is functional but not fancy. The chemicals are in plain white bottles with labels that aren’t confusing—good, because the last thing you want is to mix up the shock and the algaecide. The pillow is thin, the kind you’d buy at a dollar store. Inflate it by mouth and you’ll be lightheaded; use a small air pump if you have one.
The anchor sleeves are the standard clear plastic tubes with a cap. They fill in about 15 minutes with a garden hose. Once placed on the cover, they do the job, but they tend to collect dirt and leaves in the seam. Come spring, you’ll have to scrub them a bit before storing. The smaller annoyance is that the pillow’s tie strings are pretty short—if your pool is wide, you may need to add a rope extender to keep it centered.
Owners tend to mention that the winter shock works well—the water stays clear-ish when you pull the cover in spring, no green slime. The algaecide is effective as long as you followed the water chemistry basics (pH around 7.4, alkalinity normal) before adding it. One complaint you’ll hear: the kit doesn’t include test strips or a metal-control product. If your well water has iron, you might still get staining. So keep your expectations realistic: this is the good enough kit, not the premium one.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Price: $39.99 for the whole bundle. Buying the same items separately from a pool store would cost you roughly 30% more.
Convenience: One box, one Amazon order, no running to three stores to find winterizing supplies in October.
Proper chemical amounts: The gallon of algaecide and the shock bottle are exactly right for 15,000 gallons—no wasting half a bottle or guessing.
Good spring results: If you close properly, most owners report clear water in spring with minimal cleanup. The polyquat algaecide really does prevent that green soup.
Anchor sleeves work: They hold the cover down in normal wind. Not hurricane-proof, but fine for residential backyards.
Cons
No winter cover included: You still need to buy a separate cover, which is the biggest expense of closing. The kit only provides the anchors and pillow.
Pillow is flimsy: The plastic is thin and prone to punctures if you have sharp rocks or tree branches on the cover. Plan to replace it after one or two seasons.
Not for saltwater or big leaf loads: If you have a salt chlorine generator or tons of oak leaves falling, this kit’s chemicals may not be enough. You’d need extra algaecide or a winter enzyme treatment.
No plumbing antifreeze: For areas that freeze hard, you still need to buy pool antifreeze for the lines. The kit doesn’t address that at all.
Short pillow ties: The included strings are too short for pools wider than 15 feet. You’ll likely need to improvise with rope or zip ties.
Advantages
When you compare In The Swim vs other pool closing kits, the main win is price and simplicity. Other kits, like the one from Clorox or Robelle, often cost $55–$70 for the same 15,000-gallon size and include similar components—sometimes an extra bottle of stain control. But this kit undercuts them by fifteen to twenty bucks. The chemical quality is comparable; In The Swim’s algaecide is a standard 60% polyquat, which is the industry norm.
Another advantage: the kit is specifically designed for 15,000 gallons, not a range like “10,000–20,000”. That means you don’t have to guess how much to pour. The precise dosing means you won’t over-treat or under-treat. For the buyer looking for the best winter pool kit for 15000 gallon pools without overspending, this is the logical pick.
Who Should Buy
Buy it if: You have a 15,000-gallon chlorine or bromine pool, you want a easy pool winterization kit that ships to your door, and you’re okay buying a cover separately. Also buy it if you’re tired of paying $10 extra per bottle at the local pool store.
Skip it if: You have a saltwater pool—you’ll need a separate metal sequestrant and possibly a different algaecide. Also skip if your pool is larger than 15,000 gallons, because the kit won’t be enough and you’ll end up buying a second one, negating the savings.
Consider an alternative if: You live in a harsh winter zone with months of sub-zero temps. In that case, get a kit that includes plumbing antifreeze and a heavy-duty cover seal. The In The Swim kit is built for moderate winters, not Minnesota.
FAQ
Is the In The Swim pool closing kit worth it?
Yes, for a 15,000-gallon chlorine pool in a moderate climate, it’s the best value you’ll find at $39.99 for the chemical combo plus anchors and pillow—just know you still need a separate winter cover and plumbing antifreeze.
Does the kit work for above-ground pools?
Yes, it works for any 15,000-gallon pool, above-ground or in-ground, as long as the water chemistry is balanced before closing. The anchor sleeves are designed for cover edges, which works fine on both types.
How long does the winter algaecide last in storage?
The algaecide is a liquid polyquat and will stay effective for at least two years if you keep the bottle sealed and away from freezing temps. Once you open it, use the whole gallon within the season.
Is the In The Swim vs other pool closing kits a big difference?
Not in chemical performance—most kits use similar polyquat and non-chlorine shock. The difference is price: In The Swim is cheaper per gallon, and you get the anchors and pillow included, while some other brands charge extra for those pieces.
Can I use this kit if I have a saltwater chlorine generator?
You can, but you’ll likely need to add a metal sequestrant and possibly a winterizing enzyme because saltwater systems tend to leave higher metal levels. The kit’s algaecide will still work, but it’s not a complete solution for salt pools.
How many times can I reuse the cover anchors?
The 6-mil anchor sleeves are designed for one to three seasons, depending on how rough you are with them. The plastic can crack if left out in the sun during summer storage. Many owners buy a new kit each year just for the fresh anchors.
Final Verdict
The In The Swim pool closing kit review comes down to this: if you want affordable pool closing supplies that get the basic job done without fuss, buy this kit. It’s not the most premium option—the pillow is cheap, there’s no cover, no antifreeze—but for $39.99 it’s the most honest value on Amazon for 15,000-gallon pools. The chemicals work, the anchors hold, and the spring reveal usually means clear water and a little gratitude to your past self.
One thing to keep in mind: don’t expect it to handle every variable. If your pool faces heavy debris or extreme cold, you’ll need to supplement. But for the average homeowner closing a solid chlorine pool in a temperate zone, this is the box to grab.
In The Swim Pool Closing Kit vs Alternatives: A 2026 Review
This In The Swim pool closing kit review cuts through the marketing noise to give you a straight comparison. If you’re hunting for the best winter pool kit for 15000 gallon pools, you’re in the right place. In The Swim’s kit sits at $39.99 and includes a winter algaecide, stain & scale control, a metal sequestrant, and a floating pillow—pretty complete for a mid-range price. But the market has other options. Robarb’s budget kit is cheaper but thinner, Clorox’s offering is convenient but barebones, and BioGuard’s premium set costs more than twice as much. Here’s what actually matters when you’re deciding, and where the real trade-offs hide.
Product
Price Range
Key Strength
Key Weakness
Best For
In The Swim Pool Closing Kit
$39.99 (mid)
Four-step kit includes metal eliminator and a cover pillow
Algaecide concentration is decent but not obsessive—fine for most pools
Pool owners who want one box that does the job without research
Robarb Winter Pool Kit
Under $40 (budget)
Cheap and works for simple, clean pools
Lacks metal sequestrant and the pillow; you’ll likely buy extras
Minimalists who already own a pillow and don’t fear metal stains
Clorox Pool & Spa Winter Prep Kit
Around $35–45 (mid)
Familiar brand, sold in big-box stores
Often omits metal control, and the algaecide is less concentrated
Last-minute buyers who don’t mind a second trip to the store
BioGuard Winter Kit
$80–100 (premium)
High-quality, specialized chemicals for tough water
Pricey and overkill for typical residential pools
Pools with a history of mustard algae, high iron, or constant staining
In The Swim Pool Closing Kit vs Robarb Winter Pool Kit
Robarb’s kit is the fast-food version of winterizing—cheap, quick, but you often leave hungry. A typical Robarb set gives you a liquid algaecide and a stain & scale control, but that’s about it. No metal eliminator, no pillow. You’ll save maybe $10 up front, then pay $15+ for a separate floating pillow if your pool has any shape beyond a perfect rectangle. In The Swim’s kit at $39.99 includes the pillow and a metal sequestrant that grabs copper and iron before they settle into winter stains. For a pool with even a hint of metal in the source water, that’s a real advantage. Robarb might work fine if you’re closing a simple above-ground pool with treated water, but for an inground 15,000-gallon pool, you’re gambling on extra trips to the pool store. The In The Swim kit isn’t just easier—it’s actually cheaper once you add what Robarb omits.
In The Swim Pool Closing Kit vs Clorox Pool & Spa Winter Prep Kit
Clorox’s winter kit is the convenience play. You can grab it at any hardware store on a Sunday afternoon, which is nice if you’ve never planned ahead. But unpack the box and you’ll notice the difference: a single algaecide bottle and a small stain inhibitor, but no metal control and no pillow. That means you’re covering maybe two of the four critical steps. The In The Swim kit goes deeper. Its winter algaecide is copper-based, which clings to surfaces and keeps algae from forming under the cover all winter. Clorox’s algaecide is weaker—fine for mild climates, but if you live somewhere with real freeze-thaw cycles, you’ll want the stronger formula. Also, the metal eliminator in the In The Swim kit is something you rarely plan for but often need. High iron or copper from a well, a heater, or a cover with metal grommets can turn your spring opening into a rust-fest. Clorox just doesn’t address that. For the same price, In The Swim gives you a more complete system—just less shelf space at your local store.
In The Swim Pool Closing Kit vs BioGuard Winter Kit
BioGuard is the premium player here, and its winter kit costs roughly double the In The Swim kit. What you’re paying for is a more sophisticated algaecide—often polymer-based rather than copper—and a stain control that works on stubborn organics. That’s genuinely useful if your pool has a history of mustard algae or you’ve fought biofilms for years. But for a typical pool that’s been maintained through the summer, these extra strengths are irrelevant. The copper algaecide in the In The Swim kit kills off the common green algae quickly, and the stain & scale control plus metal eliminator handle the usual winter wear. BioGuard’s advantage shows up only if you have unusual water chemistry. And its kit often comes with more steps—multiple bottles to measure separately, which adds time to an already tedious closing. If you’re the type who likes precision, BioGuard earns its price. If you’re closing a normal residential pool without a laundry list of issues, In The Swim gives you 90% of the benefit for half the money.
So is In The Swim pool closing kit worth it? For most pool owners, yes. This is an easy pool winterization kit that bundles everything you need—algaecide, stain prevention, metal control, and a pillow—into one box that just works for a 15,000-gallon pool. It’s one of the most affordable pool closing supplies bundles you’ll find that doesn’t cut corners. That said, if your pool has been a stubborn algae problem year after year, or you’ve got heavy metals from well water, the BioGuard kit is worth the upgrade. And if you’re truly strapped for cash and already have a cover pillow, Robarb will do the bare minimum—but you’ll be adding on later. My recommendation: stick with In The Swim unless you have a specific reason not to.
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