Best Pool Cover Pumps in 2022 – Reviewed
Even when it has been closed for the cold season, a pool still requires maintenance. Although this is certainly a thankless task, it is necessary for the upkeep of the pool and all its working parts. This will make them last longer so when the warmer days are approaching, you know the pool is going to be in good working order.
Part of what makes maintaining a pool at this time easier, it s a pool cover pump. When there is excess pool through an abundance of rain or particularly stormy weather, it can be difficult to dispose of it in a way that is environmentally friendly and effective. This is where a pool cover pump comes in handy. Most people consider it to be the easiest method for removing water, and the following is our list of the best pool cover pumps on the market.
Quick Summary of Best Pool Cover Pumps
Reviews
Editor’s Choice: Little Giant APCP-1700 Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Submersible Pump
One of the most popular and effective pool cover pumps available, the Little Giant has enough power to make light work of taking some water out of the pool when there is excess. The intake system is easy to remove so it can be cleaned and kept in good working order and the handle makes it easy to move in and out of the pool.
There is a 3/4 inch garden hose connection to make it easy to dispose of the water and a 25′ power cord. It can be automatically operated via the floating switch to make things easier when it is working away and it will activate when submerged in at least 2 inches of water. The side discharge makes for a simple dispersion method and it fits onto a pool cover easily to make sure it doesn’t sag and can do its job properly of protecting the pool.
- Easy to use
- Side discharge
- Automatically operated
- Works in two inches of water
- Good value
- Includes 3-year warranty
Best Value: Wayne 57729-WYNP WAPC250 Pool Cover Pump
Another one of the best pool cover pumps on the market, this product senses water to and turns the pump on making it one of the easiest products available. It can be left to its own devices so there is no need to worry about standing water on a pool cover.
There is a strainer base that filters debris so the likes of leaves and sticks don’t impact its performance, and it makes it easier to dispose of them. This makes clogging less likely and ensures the pool cover pump is stable. It has a high flow, low energy operation, and is protected against freezing. When it detects 2 1/8 inches of water it automatically comes on to dispose of water until it reaches 3/4 inch.
- Filters debris
- Senses water and activates
- Low energy consumption
- Can be left alone to clear water
- Needs to be cleaned quite frequently
Best Budget: FibroPool Electric Swimming Pool Winter Cover Drain Pump (600 GPH)
A powerful and reliable pool cover pump that can be used for both above ground and in-ground pools. It has been designed to be lightweight do it won’t cause the pool cover to sag yet it can still pump water at a rate of 600 gallons per hour so don’t expect it to take long.
With a 16 ft power cord, it has plenty of reach although some others do give a bit more. Still, with the 22 ft hose that is also kink-proof, it can remove water no matter what the depth is, so this is one of the better options when there is just a bit of water that is bothersome. With manual shut off and impact-resistant casing, it has everything a pool cover pump needs to protect the cover so it can do its job all season long.
- 600 GPH pump
- 22 ft kink-proof hose
- Impact-resistant casing
- Removes water at any depth
- Not always stable standing upright
Best For Above Ground Pool: EDOU 850 GPH Swimming Pool Cover Pump Above Ground,
At 850 GPH, this is one of the more powerful pool cover pumps although it is better for an above ground pool. Because of this, it is one of the most efficient products and works faster than a lot of the products that are three times as expensive. Because of the ABS plastic casing, it is resistant to the elements and bad weather and has built-in temperature control so it doesn’t overheat when water is low.
It comes with a 25 ft power cord and is compatible with 3/4 inch garden hoses so it should be fine for most people to use as soon as it arrives, especially since it comes with its own 16 ft kink-proof hose anyway.
- 850 GPH
- ABS casing is weather resistant
- 25 ft power cord
- Kink-fee hose
- Better for above ground than in-ground pools
Best Basic Option: Little Giant 14942702 PCP550 Pool Cover Pump
This pool cover pump might not come with the hose and everything needed to get started but it represents good value for the most important part of what is required for getting rid of excess water. A thermoplastic pump that is easy to take apart for proper cleaning so there is no reason why it shouldn’t always be in good working order.
It does come with a 25 ft power cord so it has plenty of reach and works at a rate of 550 GPH when there is no lift. The 3/4 inch garden hose connection means it should be easy for most to set up and use. All in all, this is affordable and a reliable product that keeps a pool cover clear of water that can cause damage and stop it from protecting the pool.
- 25 ft power cord
- Easy to clean
- A flow rate of 550 GPH with no lift
- Does not include hose
Also Consider: 500 GPH Universal Pool Cover Pump
With fewer frills than some of the elite products on our list, it still works at a rate of 500 GPH to remove water from a pool cover with little fuss. Because it is submersible, it can also be used to take floodwater from a basement but as a pool cover pump, it works fast.
This means it can be used to lower the level after heavy rain or if the pool has been neglected for a while and it is getting noticeably high. It does tend to clog up fast so will require more attention and regular cleaning but for the price, this is something that most users seem to get on with.
- Submersible
- Multiple uses
- 500 GPH
- 24 ft power cord
- Clogs fast
Pool Cover Pump Guide
Even the useful parts of your pool need accessories to help them work and to get the most protection for the water, it is a good idea to invest in a quality pool cover pump. Even when you’re not using the pool it still requires a fair bit of maintenance but if you buy quality products, it does make the process a lot easier.
When water accumulates on the cover, these products make light work of any excess, but only if you know what to look for in the better models. This is why we have created the following buyer’s guide.
What To Consider When Buying A Pool Cover Pump
Power Cord Length
This is more important if your pool is at the other end of your backyard and you don’t have a power socket nearby. It makes it easier if your pool is closer to the house but if not, make sure you get a product that can reach the pool cover.
Size
Because your pool cover might not be as sturdy as you might like, you need to match the pool cover pump accordingly. A small pool might not have such a durable cover and in this case, the size and weight of the pump you place on top are going to be a crucial factor.
Speed
As you might expect, different brands are faster at clearing more water in a short time than others. Although you might not be in a rush to clear the water off your cover, removing it quickly will prolong the lifespan of the cover.
Some people let the water build-up before clearing it and if this is you then you might want something with a pump rate that works a little faster.
Energy Efficient
You don’t want to be racking up the bills because you are removing water from your pool cover. The best pool cover pumps are energy efficient and don’t make much of a dent in your monthly outgoings. This is even more important when the pool itself costs a fair bit to run.
Anti-Freeze Technology
Because they are usually put to work in adverse weather conditions, you want it to be able to weather the storm. A lot of pool cover pumps are fine to leave on the cover and work automatically. When this is the case, you want it to be able to
Warranty
As much as you might believe in the quality of certain brands, there is always a chance that you might get a faulty product or one that becomes so over time. This is fine if you have managed to get tens of years out of it, but what if something happens in the first year or two of use?
If you have a decent warranty, your purchase is protected, and the more you spend, the more important this will be.
Why Do You Need A Pool Cover Pump?
In the colder months when you’re not using your pool for a while, the cover will be an ever-present feature yet it needs some maintenance. The build-up of snow or rain can cause it to dip in the middle. This can lead to it losing its shape and sometimes will make it unusable.
This is where the best pool cover pumps come in. They can reach those difficult areas if you are used to removing the water manually and when used regularly, they can prolong the lifespan of the cover so you won’t need to find a replacement as soon.
Some pool covers have the odd corner where rain can seep through so to stop it from collecting and falling in, a lot of people use a pool cover pump.
How Much Does A Pool Cover Pump Cost?
Although there are plenty of options and you can pick up a pump for around $40, it isn’t always such a good idea. If your budget is restrictive then it is better to own one than to not but if you can spend a little more than anything of $150 and above is going to be efficient, durable, and will work faster than other products.
Manual Pool Cover Pump Vs Automatic
Although they do a job, a manual pool cover pump is not as convenient as the automatic types. They require you to put in all the hard work, pulling the lever back and forth until the water is clear.
You might be less likely to venture outside in the colder months if you have to make too much of an effort. This is where the automatic pool cover pumps are so convenient. A lot of them can be left to work their magic and have an automatic switch-off feature when the water has gone.
You just leave it on the center of the cover and it will know when the water builds up to the level that it needs to be removed.
Should I Pump Water Off Pool Cover?
As soon as any water starts to build, it is a good idea to remove it. The more it accumulates, the worse it can get for the pool cover. If overnight it has iced over, you need to wait for it to melt before you can do anything unless you want to risk damaging the cover by breaking it with force.
How Do I Get Water Off The Top Of My Pool Cover?
Although you could do it manually, pushing it off with a broom, this is probably only going to get you so far. It is going to be more difficult the bigger the pool and size of the cover.
However, a pool cover pump can make light work of days of rain that has built up on the cover. No matter where it is standing on the cover, these devices pump the water from the center so your cover does not get weighed down and damaged.
This method is far more efficient and effective compared to other methods, not to mention easier.
