Best Pool Cover Pumps Winter is that one season of the year that most pool owners detest. First, you have to close your pool off because you can’t really use it, then you need either to drain it or buy a half-decent pool cover to prevent your pool from filling up with debris, dirt, and bacteria.
- The main function of a pool cover is to prevent snow and rainwater from trickling into your pool and filling it with rainwater. It has to be strong enough not to crack under the weight of rainwater; you need to have a proactive response to how you deal with this rainwater before it overflows into your pool.
- Depending on the location or size of your pool, and of course budget, there are varieties of pool cover pumps out there in the market.
- Typically, a pool cover pump can either be automatic or manual.
- Although we used to have handheld pumps, these have been rendered obsolete by modern technology.
- No one really goes for handheld pumps anymore, due to the simple fact that they are tiring and can’t really drain much, so the focus here is mainly the automatic and manual varieties.
Top 10 Pool Cover Pumps Reviews
| Product | Package Dimension | Package Weight | Type | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Little Giant APCP-1700 | 11.8 x 12 x 9.5" | 13 lbs | Automatic | Buy Now |
WAYNE WAPC250 1/4 HP | 11.2 x 7.9 x 11.9" | 10.8 lbs | Automatic | Buy Now |
Rule Pumps 1800 GPH | 36.3 x 1.8 x 1.8" | 4.7 lbs | Automatic | Buy Now |
EZ Travel | 12.1 x 6.7 x 6.5" | 7.7 lbs | Automatic | Buy Now |
Little Giant PCP550 | 7 x 7 x 5.5" | 7.55 lbs | Manual | Buy Now |
Fibropool | 9.8 x 9.6 x 4.6" | 3.6 lbs | Electric | Buy Now |
Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP | 12 x 7 x 7" | 7.6 lbs | Manual | Buy Now |
Blue Wave Dredger Jr. | 4.8 x 4 x 4" | 1 lbs | Manual | Buy Now |
Splash Pools 500 GPH | 4.5 x 3.5 x 6" | 3 lbs | Manual | Buy Now |
Pumps away | 10 x 8 x 8" | 2.7 lbs | Electric | Buy Now |
Top Automatic Pool Cover Pumps
#1. Little Giant APCP-1700
This little powerhouse gives you an output of up to 1750 gallons an hour, which is actually sufficient output to drain an Olympic size pool.
If you have a small pool or even a mid-sized pool, then this isn’t for you.
Features:
- An enormous 1745 GPH output
- Can handle heat of up to 120F.
- It’s fully submersible
- 25ft Power cord
- Drains water up to 2inches
- Delivers 1” FNPT Discharge
- Has an integrated float switch hence the activation is automatic.
Functionality:
- The integrated float switch is the main attraction, means you don’t have to manually operate the cover for it to function.
- As long as the cord you’re using is long enough, the pump will come up when water comes up, and go down when water level is low.
- You can as well attach the standard garden hose to remove water.
- It has an edge over other models because Little Giant is purposefully made for use with pool covers.
Our Verdict:
Fast, efficient, and it does a good job; if you have a large pool and are looking for a pool cover pump that’s effective and reliable, then this product is for you.
#2. WAYNE WAPC250 1/4 HP
This pump is hands-free; it pumps water at a rate of around 3000 gallons an hour. You can relax as the automatic sensors will sense when water levels have risen and the pump turns itself on.
Features:
- Churns out 3000 gallons an hour.
- Weighs about 5Kgs, is energy efficient, oil free.
- Has automatic freeze protection courtesy of its iSwitch technology
- Has both Automatic and Manual control capabilities
- ¾ inch garden hose, a check valve, and a 25-foot power cable
Functionality:
- Once you’ve plugged in the pump, you can leave it unattended without any worry.
- The base has a filter to keep out debris that may clog the pump or make it tip over.
- Assembling the pump is easy and straightforward.
Notable cons:
- Only recommendable for large pools; if you have a small pool then it will just be a waste of its high output capability.
- The unit is also prone to constant breakdowns and excess electricity consumptions.
#3. Rule Pumps 1800 GPH
This unit can easily pump up to 1800 gallons an hour, consumes 100 watts of power. It’s worth clarifying that this is a multipurpose pump that can also be used to drain water from basements, stairwells, garages, and so on.
Features:
- Totally submersible, it’s silent and vibration free.
- A heavy duty thermoplastic cover ensures the pump is protected from adverse conditions.
- Rust and corrosion free
- It’s fully automatic
Functionality:
- The multi functionality of this pump means that it’s not made specifically to act as a pool cover
- In fact, using it as a pool cover pump makes the warranty null and void.
- However, people still use it as a pool cover pump and with impressive results.
- For a few extra coins, you can add a 24ft cord and a base.
Major Cons:
Not specifically designed as a pool cover pump.
#4. EZ Travel Hot Tub and Pool Submersible Drain Pump
The EZ Travel Hot Tub Submersible Drain Pump provides an output of up to 2000 GPH, very ideal for pumping water out of pools or hot tubs. It’s totally submersible and you just need to lower it directly into the water.
Features:
- Works as a 2-in-1 draining unit
- 2000 Gallons per hour output flow
- Under water depth; 16ft, Hose length; 20ft
- Auto shut off, with a shut off float device.
- 1-1/2” thick drain hose and hose clamp
- Removable, adjustable spigot
- Automated internal switch
Functionality:
- The unit comes with a long hose/attachment system.
- Just lower tie pump into the pool, plug it in and it starts right away.
- As the water levels go down, you may need to hold the pump with your hands or a makeshift rig, for the hose to continue sucking water out.
Verdict:
This is one of the best pool cover pumps you can get in the market today, very powerful efficient, and more importantly, energy efficient.
Top Manual Pool Cover Pumps
Although automatic pumps are more convenient and preferable to most people, there are pool owners who prefer being in control, getting their hands dirty-if you will.
For this hands-on type of approach, there are a couple of top quality manual pool cover pumps that are considered quite effective.
#1. Little Giant PCP550
With the Little Giant PCP550 Pool cover pump, you just place it on your pool cover, then come back every once in a while to operate it. It offers an output of 550 gallons per hour, which is not so bad for a manual pump.
Features:
- 550 gallons an hour output.
- Thermoplastic casing; means more protection, less maintenance
- Power pack that can do more than drain pool covers
- Contains a 25ft cord
- ¾”garden hose connection
- Has a 2 year warranty
Functionality:
- This is a great manual unit for protecting your pool cover from accumulation of melting snow or rain.
- It’s durable, easy to maintain, and fits perfectly with the standard garden hose.
- If your current cover pumps keep breaking down, upgrading to a Little Giant PCP550 would be greatly recommendable.
Final Verdict:
Ideal for a small pool, it’s durable and sturdily built, we also found it quite easy to assemble and plug in.
#2. Fibropool Electric Drain Pump (600 GPH)
The Fibropool Electric Swimming Pool Winter Cover Drain Pipe is famed for its compact, portable design. It pumps out an amazing 600 gallons per hour; a highly practical and energy efficient pool cover pump
Features:
- Easily recognizable for its compact, sturdy and lightweight weight appearance; it doesn’t weigh down the pool covers.
- 600 GPH output.
- 16ft power cord, plugged in a standard outlet of 110 Volt and above
- 16ft drainage hose, can be extended by attaching to standard garden hose.
- Weighs 3.6 pounds
Major con:
The absence of automatic shut-off mechanism is a huge disadvantage, considering that the pump shouldn’t be left to run dry. Some users have reported a burning smell when the pump is left to run dry; we however didn’t experience that so it’s not something we’d authoritatively list down as a con.
#3. Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP
The unit can pump up to 35 gallons a minute, which equates to about 2100 gallons per hour. It’s so powerful; you can literally pump water from your pool cover up a wall.
Features:
- 2100 gallons per hour output
- Thermoplastic casing/ more protection, less maintenance
- 25ft power cable
- 1-1/4 inches wide hose, suitable for high capacity pumping
- Utility pump has many applications
- Comes with a garden hose adapter
Functionality:
- This is a durable, high performance, fully submersible pool cover pump.
- It’s multipurpose, can also be used to drain water from other flooded areas.
- You’ll enjoy using this pump especially for tough tasks, it rarely breaks down.
Our verdict:
The garden hose adapter is a godsend; you can reach all depths and lengths when pumping out water. This is a true beast of burden, plus it doesn’t cost much.
#4. Blue Wave Dredger Jr. 350 GPH
The Blue Wave Dredger Jr. 350 stands out, thanks to its square stabilizing base platform. It’s a manual on/off unit that’s fully submersible.
Features:
- 350 gallons per hour output
- The foam inlet filter is reusable
- Sucks out all water to 1/8 inches deep.
- 25ft power cord
- Comes with a garden hose adapter
- Multipurpose pump, can remove water from boat, spa, basement, and so on
- Ul approved, has a 1 year warranty.
Functionality:
- Most pumps are bulky and heavy when placed on pool covers; not the Dredger Jr 350.
- It’s light and sucks out water to the last inch on your pool cover.
- Doesn’t make noise, no vibrations.
Major con:
This unit is too slow, you’ll have to keep checking every now and then just to be sure it’s running.
#5. Splash Pools 500 GPH
The Splash Pools 500GPH is a fully submersible pump that’s recommended for removing water on your pool cover. Has a garden hose adapter, enables you to pump 500 gallons per hour.
Features:
- Fully submersible
- 500 GPH output
- Can be connected to a standard electrical outlet
- Has a garden hose adapter
- Multipurpose; can drain pool covers, flooded basements, etc
Functionality:
- This is a budget manual unit that is multipurpose in nature; you can drain water from pool cover, basements, bathtubs, boat, and much more.
- It’s economical, very energy efficient.
- Some users claim the pump is too slow; it’s more recommendable for use when you’re not in a hurry, indulge in other activities and keep an occasional eye on the pump.
Notable cons:
- Clogs too easily, it’s suggested you have a strainer to filer off small debris.
- Plus like aforesaid, the unit is too slow especially for use in large pools.
#6. Pumps away Giant Superior 800 GPH cover
Just like the name suggests this is a giant pump that drains water at an incredible rate of 800 GPH. It has a 7inch stabilization base and can be connected to your standard garden hose.
Features:
- Completely submersible
- 800 GPH, with a ¼ horsepower rated engine
- 25ft power cord that can be connected to standard outlets.
- UL listed
- The foam filter is reusable
- Sturdily built, doesn’t breakdown easily.
Functionality:
- This is a superior pump that will remove water from your pool cover faster than you expect.
- After about 10 minutes of draining water, you can switch off the pump and it’ll still continue siphoning water; saves you electricity cost.
- It’s easy removing leaves and other debris that gets trapped.
Major con:
Being a manual pump, it means you have to manually switch it on and off. It also consumes more power. Otherwise, in terms of performance, this unit carries the day.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Pool Cover pump:
- One of the first factors to consider is the presence or absence of children in your home.
- Where there are children or vulnerable adults within, an automatic pool cover pump would be more recommendable
- Some covers also act as solar heaters (both manual and automatic).
- Solar heating of the water means you save on alternative energy costs.
- Get a cover pump that is strong and sturdy, but light; otherwise the cover will cave in.
- The pump’s output is measured in GPH; gallons per hour. The higher the output, the faster the pump drains the water from your cover.
- Most pool cover pumps of repute come with a warranty, check to ensure that the cover has a warranty of at least 2 years.
Automatic Vs Manual Pool Cover Pumps, What You Need To Know:
- Automatic pumps tend to work much faster; they can drain large pool cover surfaces in a shorter period of time. They prevent the buildup of water in the first place.
- They are more recommendable for people with large pools
- Automatic pool cover pumps often consume more energy than manual pumps
- Manual pool cover pumps mean that you have to manually switch them on and off, and you have to constantly keep checking their progress.
- Either way, all types of pool covers will require some form of maintenance.
- It’s advisable that you keep your chlorine levels low when using automatic pool covers; chlorine and salt are corrosive.
- Automatic pool cover pumps are safer to have around especially when you have children around.
Pool Cover Maintenance Tips:
Apart from having the right pool cover pump, you’ll need to initiate extra measures to ensure that they serve you for long, efficiently.
- Trim all trees and hedges close to your pool so as to prevent leaves and bird droppings from falling over the cover. And even when using an automatic pool cover pump, check it out every day or two just to be sure everything is working fine. If you’re away or have traveled, get someone to check the status of the pump every now and then
- Inspect your cover closely for signs of tear and wear, does the cover sag extra ordinarily under the weight of the pump? A good pump will suck off water before it forms on the cover and shut itself off when it’s not working.
- Some of the most common problems that users mention have to do with the hoses breaking up, pump being too slow, or not working at all. If in doubt, get a professional plumber to come and install the pool cover for you otherwise tampering with the unit via trial and error method could very easily void its warranty.
Conclusion:
All the best and please feel free to share feedback; what has been your experience with any of the products we’ve reviewed above? Anything you feel we left out? Feel free to let us know! check out here the list of the best pool covers https://reviewrockers.com/best-pool-covers-guide/
