A pool cover pump can be a lifesaver during those off months when your pool is covered up. Without a pool cover pump, all of your hard work closing the pool could be in jeopardy. There are lots of bad things that can happen if your pool cover accumulates too much water. Using a pool pump cover can make sure that your cover and your pool get through an offseason with less damage. We have found some of the best pool cover pump options for inground and above ground pools.
The Best Inground Pool Cover Pump Reviews
1. Best Overall: Little Giant Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Submersible Pump
- APPLICATIONS: designed for automatic removal of water from pool covers, boat covers or rooftops - pump activates in 2-inches of water and shuts off when water drops to 1-inch
- EASY MAINTENANCE: access to pump float and air lock for cleaning; requires no tools or screws; see video for demonstration
- WELL DESIGNED: ergonomically built-in handle for portability and ease of placement and removal; compact weighted design for stability
- EASY SET-UP: 1-inch FNPT discharge with 3/4-inch garden hose adapter included to fit standard 3/4 garden hose; convenient 25-foot power cord ensures easy-reach of power source in most installations
- SPECIFICATIONS: 115 Volts; 60 Hz; 2.2 Amps; 270 Watts; 1/3 HP; 1745 GPH at 1-ft. lift; 25-ft. shutoff; 1-inch FNPT discharge with 3/4-inch garden hose adapter; integrated float switch; 25-ft. cord
The Little Giant Automatic Swimming Pool Cover is a great choice for setting it and forgetting its solution. This is a submersible pump that will make it, so you don’t need to worry about checking on your pool cover every day. This Little Giant will work with any 3/4 inch garden hose. The Little Giant will start working when there are two inches of water on the pool cover. This is a lightweight and compact model that is still capable of working in a larger inground pool.
Pros
- Fair prices for automatic pool cover pump
- Submersible option that you can set and forget
- Automatically activates in two inches of water
Cons
- Automatic pumps are always more expensive
2. Best Value: FibroPool Electric Swimming Pool Winter Cover Drain Pump
- COMPACT DESIGN: Durable, lightweight chassis will not weigh down pool covers, which can often cause tears, sag and other damage. Small form factor makes carrying and storage a breeze
- GIANT PERFORMANCE: Pumps at a rate of up to 600 gallons per hour with a 75 watt motor. Quickly removes still water that can be a breeding ground for mosquitos and other pests
- EASY TO USE: Just plug in to any standard, 120 volt wall outlet and you're good to go-no switches to fuss with. Manual shut off by unplugging
- FULL COMPATIBILITY: Included hose easily removes water from any pool depth without the hassle of using your own garden hose. Designed for in ground and above ground pools, as well as hot tubs and spas
The FibroPool Electric Swimming Pool pump is a great manual option that will save you both time and money. With the Fibro Pool, you will be able to drain about 600 gallons of water per hour. Certainly, this will be enough to work on your inground pool cover. This option also comes with a 22-foot kink-proof hose that makes it so that you won’t need to attach your own garden hose. With a 75 watt motor and a 16-foot power cord, this is a tool that every pool owner should have to get through a winter season with their pool.
Pros
- Very easy to setup
- Comes with its own hose
- Works on both inground and above ground pools
Cons
- Manual pump requires a bit more work/time from a homeowner
3. Best Premium: Wayne Pool Cover Pump
- Pool Cover Maintenance - The WAYNE 1/4 HP Reinforced Thermoplastic Pool Cover Pump is a great addition to your pool maintenance. WAYNE model WAPC250 has iSwitch technology, which activates the pump once...
- Automatic Pumping - Water level must be at least 2-1/8” for the pump to turn on, prime, and operate. Water levels less than 2-1/8” won’t activate the iSwitch to start the pump, so manual activation...
- Efficient Design - Energy efficient, high flow, oil-free pump. Easy on/off allows you to plug in and leave the pump unattended for worry-free water removal all winter long. Automatic freeze protection...
- Additional Features - The strainer base filters out debris to minimize clogging and keeps the pump from tipping over. 25-foot power cord and 25-foot "pull-to-shore" rope included to help position the pump...
- Quality You Deserve - Proudly assembled in the USA for quality you can trust. Warrantied for 3 years for dependable, efficient, performance. This Auto Off pump will NOT run dry
If you want the best of the best, this Wayne Pool Cover Pump is a great choice. The Wayne has an advanced iSwitch technology that will turn the pump on and off depending on the amount of water present. You can leave the pump plugged in and not have to worry about this pump doing its job. Wayne comes with automatic freeze protection to ensure that the pump will not seize up when it gets cold. When your pool cover has just over 2 inches of water accumulating, the Wayne will turn on, and it won’t turn off until less than 3/4 inches have been discovered in the pool.
Pros
- Premium construction
- Automatically turns on and off
- High flow rate and strainer base to reduce clogs
Cons
- Pricing is higher than others
The Best Above Ground Pool Cover Pump Reviews
4. Best Overall: EDOU Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump, Including 16′ Drainage Hose and 3 Adapters
For above-ground pools, you will typically not need as big of a pump to clear off the top of the pool. These Little Giant models do a great job and work quite quickly to remove the water from your above ground pool cover. With this model, you will notice that it automatically activates when there are two inches of water on the pool cover. We like that the EDOU is a complete solution. You will get a kink-proof hose, a garden hose connection, and a stable base to ensure that the pump stays upright in the center of the pool. This is a high-quality model and one of the best pumps for an above ground pool owner.
Pros
- Very effective winter pool cover pump
- Perfect size for above ground pool
- Comes with a 16 ft kink proof drain hose
Cons
- Takes a few minutes to set up and get the proper hose connection setup
5. Best Value: EDOU 850 GPH Swimming Pool Cover Pump Above Ground, Including 16′ Drainage Hose and 3 Adapters
- Professional Drainage - Above ground pool cover pump is designed to be a convenient, easy to set up solution for accumulated water. Water pump for pool draining not intended for full submersion.
- High Efficiency - The best pool cover pump that drains water 1.5X faster than the average above ground pool pump, up to 850 gallons per hour.
- High Quality - Easily filter out dirt with customized ABS casing. Pool cover water removal pump features temperature control and manual shut-off switch.
- Good Compatibility - Pool drain pump includes 2 adapters for 3/4 inch garden and drain hose and 25 feet power cord for 110V electrical wall outlet.
- Excellent Value and Customer Service - Includes pool cover pump, hose and adapters. Also comes with lifetime professional customer support.
The EDOU GPH Swimming pool cover for the above-ground pool covers is a manual design, but it is very efficient and easy to setup. You will notice that this pool cover pump kit will easily attach to your 3/4 inch garden hose. Within a matter of minutes, you will be set up and running with your cover pump. One of our favorite things about this model is that it will pump 850 gallons per hour. If you are in a bad situation with our pool cover and water, the EDOU will make it a very quick fix. You will also get three adapters to make sure you can get this pool cover pump to work with your current setup at home.
Pros
- Easy to setup
- Priced very fairly
- Good water removal features
Cons
- Manual pump, must still check the pool every day
6. Best Premium: WAYNE WWB WaterBUG Submersible Pump with Multi-Flo Technology
- DON’T LET STANDING WATER BUG YOU - The WAYNE WaterBUG is your new ultimate multi-purpose water removal tool. The WWB model is easy to use in tight spaces like window wells, or big spaces like basements...
- GET RID OF WATER QUICKLY - Multi-Flo technology allows for easy selection of the best water removal option. This WWB water pump will get your basement or yard virtually dry by pumping up to 1350 GPH and...
- REMOVAL OPTIONS - Top discharge is perfect for removing water from small or tight spaces: window wells, buckets, etc. Side discharge is ideal for easy water removal from flat open surfaces: flat roofs,...
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES - Corrosion-resistant plastic discharge outlets, with tethered cap seals, fit any standard garden hose. Multi-ring suction strainer filters debris, keeping it clear from the suction...
- QUALITY YOU DESERVE - Proudly assembled in the USA for quality you can trust. Please note: the pump should be unplugged once the water is gone or pump will run dry.
If you want a serious but compact submersible pool cover pump, this is a great choice. Although this is still a manual option, it has very fast water removal weights, and you will not need a large area to store it. The Multi Flo Technology also makes this a good pump for general water removal, not just above ground pool covers. The Wayne WWB Water Bug will pump up to 1257 gallons per hour. If you have a project where your pool needs to be drained, this pump could be a lifesaver. This is one of those products that you will use much more often than you think to take care of water removal.
Pros
- Very efficient and compact design
- Sets up quickly and pumps water very fast
- Can be used for a variety of purposes
Cons
- Still needs to be manually turned on and off
What Is a Pool Cover Pump and What Does It Do?
A pool cover pump is a submersible pump that will drain water from the cover of your swimming pool in the offseason; the cover is put on the pool to protect it from leaves and debris. The pool cover does a great job of keeping your pool clean; however, it also blocks water from entering your pool. With nowhere for this water to go, you will need to have a pump to remove the water.
Reasons You Need a Pool Cover Pump
There are three fundamental reasons that you need a pool cover pump. We will explain each of these in detail so that you can understand why this is a justified expense for your pool.
Remove Water From the Pool Top
The most basic reason to own a pool pump cover is to remove water from the top of the pool. The removal of the water is a big benefit when you consider the trouble that standing water can cause in your yard. Not only is this water dangerous from a drowning perspective, but it can attract mosquitos and other bugs to breed in the standing water.
Lower Overall Weight on Cover
Water is really heavy. In fact, a square foot of water weighs about five pounds. If you think about a small above-ground pool with a square foot of water covering the entire top, you will be looking at close to 1500 pounds of water. Although our pool covers are meant to be able to hold some weight, certainly 1500 pounds or more is a bit excessive. Getting the water off the top of the pool will keep your cover and pool walls in much better condition.
Make Opening Easier
Eventually, you are going to have to remove water from your pool top when it comes time to open the pool. If you don’t have a pool cover pump, you will spend quite a bit of time trying to remove all of the water and get your cover to the point that you can remove it. If you think that opening is the only time you will need a pump, go for one of the manual lower-priced pumps.
Considerations for Buying a Pool Cover Pump
Overall, pool cover pumps are a rather simple purchase. Considering all of the products you need for a pool, it’s nice to have something that will not require all that much research to find a great option. Here are the things we recommend you consider before purchasing a winter pool cover pump.
Manual vs. Automatic
There are two basic types of pool cover pumps. One that will remove water on its own and the other that will need to be turned on and off manually. The manual pool pumps tend to be less money, yet they require you to check on your pool often and making sure that you remove water when you see it start to accumulate.
Automatic pumps will turn on when the water reaches a certain height. These are a better choice for those who often forget to check on their pool or travel out of town. Automatic pumps will typically turn on when there are about 2 inches of water in the pool and turn off when there is less than 3/4 inch left.
Hose Connection
Some pool cover pumps will come with their own hose, and others will need you to connect your current garden house. If you don’t want to use your current hose or are worried about finding the proper connection, choose something with its own hose.
Most pumps will have a filter that will keep leaves and other debris from being sucked into the pump. You should not have to worry about any issues coming up with your current hose getting clogged.
Water Removal Rate
Pool cover pumps work at different rates. Depending on the type of pump you purchase, it may pump water very slowly. For a manual pool pump, we recommend something that is quite fast. Let’s remember that it’s probably going to be winter, and you will be standing outside in the cold, monitoring the water removal on the pool cover. Chances are, you will want this to happen rather quickly!
Pricing
Pool cover pumps tend to vary in price from under $40 to over $150. The most common reason for a price difference is going to be between the manual and automatic pumps. The automatic pumps tend to cost about double the price of a manual.
How to Pump Water off Pool Cover
If you are using an automatic pool cover pump, you will not need to do much to pump the water off the pool. Simply set up your unit and then make sure that it is plugged in and ready to work when needed. If you have a manual pool pump, there are going to be a few more steps involved.
Step 1: Inspect Pool Cover
The first step is to inspect your pool cover and determine if it needs to have water pumped off. You will want to pump water when about one or more inches have accumulated on the top of the cover. This amount of water needs to be removed before too much weight accumulates.
Step 2: Insert Pump
Once you have determined that the pool cover pump will be necessary, move it to the pool area where the water has accumulated. You will want to ensure that your hoses are all in place before putting the pump in the center.
Step 3: Turn Pump on and Monitor
Turn your pump on and watch that the water is being drained to a good spot in your yard. Remember that you will not be able to pump snow from your pool cover. You have to shovel the snow off and then pump out any remaining water. It is essential that you monitor your pool pump cover as it is working; if you walk away and all the water is gone, you will quickly burn up your pump.
Step 4: Turn Pump off, Put Away
Once there is hardly any water on your pool cover, you can turn the pump off and store it away. Some people leave their pump in the center of the pool for the winter. If you do this, make sure that your pump has some antifreeze capabilities to not ruin your pump by leaving it out. We typically like to bring ours in and out when it is necessary.
Pool Cover Pump FAQ
What Is the Best Pool Cover Pump?
The Little Giant pool cover pumps tend to be the best on the market. They have lots of power, automatic capabilities and come at a fair price for what they over. These Little Giant pumps tend to last for many years as long as you take good care of them.
Should I Pump Water off the Pool Cover?
You should absolutely pump water off of your pool cover. If you do not pump the water off, you will be left with a larger mess to take care of. The pool cover can completely collapse if you don’t take water off of it when it gets heavy or full. If you are experiencing a lot of rain and snow, pay very close attention to your pool cover and give it the attention it needs.
How Do You Pump Water Out of a Pool Cover?
The best way to pump water out of a pool cover is to purchase a submersible pool cover pump. The pool cover pumps are available for both inground and above ground pools. Depending on your ability to keep an eye on your pool cover during the winter months, you may want to purchase an automatic option that moves the water for you when the cover is getting too filled with water.
Are Pool Cover Pumps Submersible?
The majority of pool cover pumps are submersible. When working with both electricity and water, it is essential to make sure that the pump you use is capable of being put underwater. Ideally, you will want to remove water from your pool cover before it accumulates to more than a few inches. However, your pool cover pump should be able to handle this project even if it does get placed in water.
How to Get Water off Pool Cover Without a Pump?
If you don’t purchase a pool cover pump, you can siphon water off of the cover with a hose. Take a hose with no attachment on either of the ends. Place one end of the hose in the accumulated water, take the other end and bring it to the area where you want to drain the water.
Next, you will have to start sucking on the hose to pull water from the pool into the hose. When you do this, it will create a pull in the hose, and it will start sucking the water out and leaving it in another area of your yard. You have to be very careful when doing this that you don’t end up taking a mouthful of dirty pool cover water.
Recap: The Best Pool Cover Pumps
Pool cover pumps help you keep your pool in great shape during the offseason. Without a pool cover pump, you risk your entire pool cover collapsing. You can also save quite a bit of money monitoring this process yourself and making pool opening much easier. Having to hire a pool services company to handle this process will likely cost much more than the price of a single pool cover pump.
For over 15 years, Sean Moore has been sharing his love and enthusiasm for swimming pools and hot tubs with everyone he knows. His goal is to help everyday people DIY their maintenance to save money by teaching how to properly take care of your equipment, safely and correctly balance chemicals, and extend the life of your water oasis.
Pricing on this page was last updated on 2024-04-24