With summer finally coming to a close, and the colder seasons hot on its heels, you're probably ready to kick back and take a break from all of that meticulous summer pool maintenance. But wait, before you head in for the winter, it's important to ask first - is your pool winter ready?
Although some pool owners might think a simple cover should be more than enough to winter-proof your pool, snow and moisture can easily puddle on the cover's surface and turn your pool water in a slimy, dirty soup of sorts. And that's exactly what the best pool cover pumps were built to prevent.
How Do Pool Cover Pumps Work?
A solid pool cover provides the most protection against the elements and minimizes the openings for contaminants, snow, and moisture to enter your in-ground or above ground pool. The only issue with solid pool covers is that they catch snow, water, and debris that creates a soup of dirty, standing water on its surface.
Of course, this won't penetrate your pool cover right off the bat. But leaving that stagnant water can cause contamination to your pool water over time as condensation occurs. That said, a pool cover can only provide immediate protection versus these elements. With time, they may penetrate the material and seep into your pool.
Another thing to consider is the sheer weight of water. As it gathers on the surface of your cover, melted snow and rain can weigh several hundreds of pounds. This weight pulls on the pool cover material and may cause damage over time. Not to mention the difficulty of removing the pool cover when swimming season is back.
A pool cover pump works by sucking the water off of your pool cover and directing it to your lawn, or wherever you decide to direct it. Most pumps are designed to sit directly on the pool cover, taking in water and forcing it out through a hose connected to the pump's head.
Why You Need a Pool Cover Pump
Before you go ahead and think that a pool cover pump is just another fancy accessory that above ground pool manufacturers devised to make a pretty penny, it's important to consider all of the pump's benefits.
Safety
Did you know that insurance companies charge a higher premium for pool owners who use a solid cover versus a mesh cover? It's true, and that's because of the high risk of standing water. Solid pool covers that hold standing water become a major hazard, risking all sorts of accidents. In fact, there have been horror stories of pets and small children drowning in a solid pool cover's stagnant water. Yikes.
Obviously, a pool cover pump helps to reduce the risk. Running the pump a few times a day or even just a few times a week eliminates the potential for all sorts of accidents and injuries. This can be especially important if you've got kids and pets.
Maintenance
The whole reason why you're covering your above ground pool in the first place is to preserve the water's cleanliness and keep it swimmable when summer starts again. Sure, a pool cover will keep debris out for a while. But when it reaches its limit, expect condensation to occur. If the water and snow pull the cover down too much, it could sink the sheet straight to the bottom.
All of that water pooling on the surface can pass through the cover and cause contamination. And even if it stays on the cover without seeping into your pool water, you're still going to have to get rid of it when swim season is back. Doing it the old fashioned way doesn't only increase the risk of water contamination, but also poses the potential to get you wet and dirty during the process.
Protection
How often are you willing to replace a pool cover? Unless you want to keep having to buy a new one when winter rolls around the corner, you're going to want to protect the one you already have. A pool cover pump protects the integrity of your pool cover and prevents damage to the flimsy material. It also helps make sure that your above ground pool's frame isn't subject to more weight than it can handle.
Plus, when you do the math, a pool cover pump turns out to be way cheaper than the pool cover itself, saving you from expensive replacements and potentially even more expensive repairs to your above ground pool walls.
Manual vs Automatic Pool Cover Pumps
During your search for the best pool cover pump for the money, you'll find that there are quite a few distinct designs out there. And one major factor you're going to have to contend with is whether to buy a manual versus an automatic pool cover pump.
The words 'manual pool cover pump' might conjure up images of yourself manually pumping water off of your pool cover with some ancient contraption that requires elbow grease and a whole afternoon. But that isn't exactly what it is. Put simply, a manual pool cover pump is a pump that you turn on manually.
That means you'll have to check in on your pool cover every now and then to see whether it's time to pump off stagnant water. When that happens, you'll have to turn on your pool cover pump to get it going, and then manually turn it off again once it's done clearing out the water.
Now that you have that description of a manual pool cover pump for context, you can probably already guess what an automatic pool cover pump is. Yup, it detects water on the surface of your pool via a small sensor inside the pump. When the water triggers the sensor, the pump automatically turns on.
While both choices are definitely worth the money and do the job just fine, an automatic pool cover pump makes a better choice for pool owners who want something they can set and forget. It's also a better pick if you anticipate that you'll be away for the holidays.
How to Choose the Right Pool Cover Pump
Nobody wants to buy a pool cover pump and then go through the tedious process of returns or refunds. That's why during the selection process, it's imperative that you inspect all the angles to make sure you're buying something you won't regret. So if you're still on the fence about whether to get this one or that one, these tips on choosing the best pool cover pump should offer some insight.
Size and Weight
The tricky bit about pool cover pumps is that they can't be too heavy that they cause damage to your pool cover. In general, they're designed to be relatively lightweight and compact, taking up just a small area of the center of your pool cover.
Keep in mind though that size and strength are directly proportional, which means with greater size comes greater suctioning power. If you've got a bigger area, consider getting something with sufficient size to suck up all that stagnant water without overworking itself.
Speed and Flow Rate
How fast can your pool cover pump get the job done? That mostly depends on the pump's flow rate. Measured in 'gallons per hour', this tells you how much water a pump can move over a given period of time. For instance, a Little Giant pool cover pump with a flow rate of 350 gallons per hour can move 350 gallons of water every hour.
Generally speaking, the numbers aren't set in stone when it comes to the 'right' flow rate. But as common sense would tell you, something with a faster flow rate should be idea if you've got a bigger set-up and you want to get rid of standing water without having to run your pump for too long. For small above ground pools, a modest pool cover pump with less than a 1,000 GPH flow rate should work just fine.
It's also important to consider the conditions around your lawn. In rainy weather where stagnant water accumulates rapidly, a faster pool pump should be ideal. The same goes for areas that get a lot of snow.
Hose Connection
Of course, to get the water out of your pool cover, pumps have to use some sort of channel where they can direct collected water out and off of your cover. Most pool cover pumps are designed to use a standard garden hose size that you can find through your local hardware, but there are others that require a specific hose that's only sold through the pump's manufacturer.
Considering the fact that a hose won't last forever, it's almost always ideal to choose a pump that you can connect to a store-bought garden hose. This just makes it easier to make replacements in case the original garden hose is damaged, and to make changes if you decide you want to direct collected water somewhere farther away from your swimming area.
Power Cord
An electric pump submerged fully in water? Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen, doesn't it? We're happy to report that manufacturers are smart enough to think about that potential hazard, making sure that their pumps are safe for use in water despite being powered by a traditional electric power cord. Power cords are designed to be fully waterproof, so you won't have to worry about that. What you do need to consider however is the length of the cord.
Plugging into an extension cable increases the risk of hazards since most extension cables are designed for use outdoors. That said, it's always ideal to buy swimming pool cover pumps with a cord that reaches straight to your outlet so you can scratch out the need for extensions. Most of them come with a 25 foot power cord that's sufficient for most households, but others tout much shorter cords.
Durability
Any machine that deals with water and the elements will give out over time. But that doesn't mean you have to buy something flimsy. So if you're looking for more of an investment, you'd be smart to check out reputable brands. Known names in the pool accessories market are more likely to put out swimming pool cover pumps that you can rely on.
And then of course, there's the warranty. As with anything else, a pool cover pump that has a longer warranty should be a better investment. Brands wouldn't slap on a promise for replacements and free repairs if they knew their pump wasn't built to last.
Finally, you're also going to want to look into prices. If a pool cover pump comes with a price that's just way too good to be true, it probably is. Don't be afraid to shell out a pretty penny in exchange for a pump that's in it for the long haul. You'll thank yourself later.
Added Features
Not all pumps are designed equal. Some of them come equipped with a bunch of other features that make their performance just more satisfying and convenient. So if money isn't an object and you're out here looking for the best pump for your budget, these features might make your purchase even more worth it.
Fully Submersible
Interestingly, not all pool cover pumps are fully submersible. Some designs only allow water up to a certain level, with a part of the pump peeking out of the water surface. This entails keeping a close eye on your pool cover and pump to make sure it turns on just at the right time to prevent water from penetrating the parts that aren't submersible.
That said, a fully submersible pool cover pump just makes more sense. These designs can take on water from any angle and work just fine even when the whole unit is underwater. They don't require a lot of human intervention, and you definitely don't need to keep an eye on them throughout the winter or rainy seasons.
Debris Collection
Are you sure that's just water on your pool cover? There are lots of little contaminants that come with snow and rain - from dirt, to leaves, to twigs, and dead bugs. Naturally, passing all of that through your pump risks damage to the internal parts especially if it encounters something a little too big for the hose exit.
A debris collection system uses an intake screen filters out dirt and contaminants to keep them from clogging your pool cover pump's internal workings during water removal. This can work wonders to extend the life of your pump, but then again, not all designs have it.
Freeze Protection
As of writing, there isn't a single pool cover water pump that's designed to survive freezing temperatures. We're just not there yet. Nonetheless, there are a few that are designed to operate only within a certain temperature range. When it starts to get a little too cold, the best pool cover pump for winter will shut off all together in order to protect the working parts.
As a general rule though, it's recommended that you keep your pool pump inside during heavy snow. They're also not designed to pump snow off of your pool cover, so you're going to have to shovel off what you can and wait for it to melt before you get your pump going.
Level Detection
This one's mainly for automatic pool pumps that detect the level of water before they turn on by themselves. Even the best automatic pool cover pump designs vary in this respect, with some choices turning on when they detect as little as 2 inches of stagnant water on the cover and others turning on when they're already partially submerged.
Level detection is important if you want to keep your pool cover water-free for most of the season. A lower level means that your pool cover pump will get to work even with just a little water resting on the cover, preventing damage to the material by getting rid of the weight before it becomes too heavy of a burden.
The 5 Best Pool Cover Pumps
1. Little Giant 577301 APCP-1700 Automatic Pool Cover Pump
The Little Giant 577301 APCP-1700 Pool Cover Pump is one of the best pool cover pumps for inground pools and above ground set-ups, touting an ergonomic casing that allows easy placement and removal. The Little Giant pump's compact footprint makes it especially easy to store as well, taking up just a fraction of your storage space during the summer. The ingenious Little Giant pump features automatic operation, using an internal float switch that triggers when the pump is submerged in 2 inches of water.
Complete with an easy clean intake screen, the Little Giant pump filters out dirt, debris, and other contaminants to protect the pump's internal workings and preserve the machine's integrity. Compatible with any standard 3/4 inch garden hose, this Little Giant automatic pump can move up to 1700 gallons of water per hour which makes it a wonderful choice for most pool sizes.
2. Wayne WAPC250 Pool Cover Pump
Using the brand's iSwitch technology, the Wayne WAPC250 automatically turns on when water reaches 2-1/8 inches. Alternatively, the machine also turns off when the water reaches below 3/4 of an inch, allowing 'set it and forget it' operation for users who want something they don't have to keep checking in on. All of this, plus a 3000 GPH flow rate, helps to ensure effortless water removal that takes just a few minutes at a time.
The base of the Wayne WAPC250 touts an interesting strainer design that minimizes the entry of dirt and debris right off the bat. This helps protect the machine from damage and clogging so it can keep operating even if your set-up is exposed to harsh elements. Inside, the Wayne WAPC250 also boasts a freeze protection feature that prevents the machine from turning on when temperatures drop too low for comfort. And, as you might expect, it comes equipped with a standard 25 foot power cord for convenient power sourcing.
3. Little Giant 14942702 PCP550 Pool Cover Pump
Another hot pick from Little Giant, the Little Giant PCP500 Pool Cover Pump comes with a standard 25 foot power cord that allows users to plug directly into their outlet without hazardous extension cords along the way. The nifty Little Giant model is much smaller than your average pool cover pump, boasting a compact footprint that makes it especially easy to place and remove from your cover.
Needless to say, this Little Giant pick also comes with a modest flow rate of just 550 gallons per hour. But don't let its compact size and mild power fool you - this design comes with all the fancy bells and whistles including a fully submersible body and an intake screen for debris. The Little Giant PCP550 also produces power sufficient for small in-ground and above ground pools, especially if your pool isn't particularly exposed to rain and snow.
4. EDOU Pool Cover Pump
As one of the best above ground pool cover pumps, the EDOU Pool Cover Pump is an ultra small and lightweight design similar to Little Giant that touts just the right power with a flow rate of 850 gallons per hour. The pump comes with a 25 foot power cord and a 16 foot tangle-proof hose that you can replace with a standard garden hose of your choice by way of the 2 garden hose adapters that come free with the bundle.
At just 2 pounds in weight, this little device touts manual performance that gives you full control as to when to turn the pump on or off. The fully submersible little pump also has the added advantage of silent operation since it's size doesn't generate quite as much noise as the big boys.
5. Aquabeacon Pool Cover Pump
For budget conscious pool owners, the Aquabeacon Pool Cover Pump is small and affordable, yet powerful and discreet, providing reliable performance in all weather conditions. The rugged design touts a compact footprint that can move water a flow rate of 600 gallons per hour. For your convenience, it also comes with a 16 foot, heavy-duty, tangle-proof hose that said to be more durable than your average garden hose and a 16 foot power cord.
Constructed with a heavy-duty ABS casing, the Aquabeacon is an extra resilient model that's durable against impact, moisture, and rust. But the best part is that it comes with a 12-month warranty that promises a replacement in case your pump doesn't work as advertised.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How tight should my cover be?
A cover should rest just on top of the surface of your water. So while it should ideally be taut, it doesn't have to be stretched too hard across the surface area of your pool. The weight on top of the cover should be supported by the water underneath. If it's too tight, then it can rip with the slightest weight applied to the cover. If it's too loose, debris can fall into the water through the edges.
2. How to use a pool cover pump
It's really just as simple as hooking your pump up to its hose, directing the exit end where you want it to go, and then plugging the pump into your power source. If you've got a manual pump, then you'll have to plug in and unplug depending on when you want your pump to operate. An automatic pump won't need any intervention and will pump out stagnant water whenever it detects it as long as it's plugged in.
3. How to get water off of a pool cover without a pump
There are a lot of DIY ways to get rid of stagnant water sans the pump, but they will call for quite a bit of effort. Some people siphon the stuff off with a hose, others use a traditional bucket or shovel style. If none of that works, you have one of two options - look into electric pumps, or just let the water fall in and clean it out with your filter system if it's not too nasty.
Time to Get Winter Ready
If you don't have a cover pump just yet, it's about time you invest and protect your pool cover and your pool itself from potential damage and expensive cleaning costs. A pool cover pump is a simple, affordable addition to your range of pool maintenance accessories that promises to make your pool care experience just that much easier.
Today, there are lots of different pool cover pumps on the market that are all designed for easy water removal. But if you're in search of the best pool cover pumps in the business, then read the fine print, check your options, and don't be afraid to splurge.
