Winter is fast approaching, and this signals bad news for all swimming lovers and pool owners. Essentially, as the temperatures begin to fall, you have no option but to take a break from swimming, and cover your pool!
However, that’s not all. As rainwater and melting snow begin to collect on top of the pool cover, you have to siphon it out before it becomes a problem. You may either use a bucket to scoop out water (the traditional way) or invest in the best pool cover pump to do the job for you.
From the two, a pool cover pump seems to be the most viable option, especially if you reside in an area that experiences regular rainfall and heavy snow. The pump works by discarding the excess water from your pool cover, thus keeping snow, rain, leaves and other debris at bay.
Today, we have compiled a list of some of the top-rated pool cover pumps that you should consider buying. These include:
COMPARISON OF Best Pool Cover Pumps
Name | Voltage | Brand | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
WAYNE 57729-WYNP WAPC250 | 115 Volts | WAYNE | ||
Little Giant APCP-1700 | 115 volts | Little Giant | ||
Fibropool Electric Swimming Pool | 110 volts | Fibropool | ||
Little Giant PCP550 Pool Cover Pump | 115 volts | Little Giant | ||
Little Giant 505005 | 115 volts | Little Giant | ||
Splash Pools 500 GPH Universal Pool Cover Pump | | Splash Pools |
1. WAYNE 57729-WYNP WAPC250 Water Removal Pool Cover Pump
The WAYNE WAPC250 is undeniably one of the best automatic pool cover pumps available in the market. The reason for this assertion is that the pump has a maximum flow rate of 3,000 gallons per hour, which is the highest in the industry. Moreover, it uses a 1 1/4-inch discharge hose with a 3/4 inch adapter to discard water from your pool cover quickly and efficiently.
Most importantly, this unit incorporates WAYNE’s iSwitch technology that automatically turns the pump ON and OFF when it senses the presence of water. This is extremely convenient for the busy pool owner as it means that you do not have to be around to turn on the pump.
Moreover, the iSwitch technology comes with automatic freeze protection that shuts down the pump to prevent damage in case the water temperature is below freezing point.
Another highlight about this pump is that it features strainer base filters that trap leaves and debris, consequently minimizing clogging. The Base also keeps the pump in place, thus preventing it from tipping over.
In terms of maintenance, the pump features an oil-free mechanism. This means that this pump is easy to maintain, given that you drain or replenish the unit with fresh oil.
Advantages
- Does not require any complicated installation
- Easy to operate (automatic operation)
- The pump has a high flow rate of up to 3000 gph
- Energy-efficient, oil-free pump
Disadvantages
- Only recommended for larger pools
- The pump is somehow bulky
2. Little Giant APCP-1700 1/3 HP Pool Cover Pump
The Little Giant APCP-1700 is a submersible pool cover pump that delivers a powerful and efficient performance. The pump features a 1/3 HP, 115V motor that can pump up to 1,750 gallons of water per hour. Moreover, it comes with an integrated float switch that automatically activates the machine once the water reaches a certain level.
Moreover, the pump comes with a 25-foot power cord and a 3/4-inch garden hose connection that allows for faster and efficient water removal even if your pool is some distance from the house. Moreover, the pump comes with an inbuilt handle for better placement and enhanced portability.
Another feature that is not so common with other pool cover pumps is that this little beast comes with a removable intake screen that allows for easy cleaning and maintenance. The intake screen traps leaves and debris, consequently preventing clogs. The icing on the cake is the fact that this pool cover pump has a side discharge designed for optimal water removal.
In terms of durability, this quality cover pump by Little Giant consists of a glass-filled polypropylene housing that can withstand harsh weather, corrosion and oxidation. With proper care, the pump can serve you for years without requiring a replacement.
Advantages
- Durable housing
- Comes with a built-in handle for enhanced portability
- Easy to maintain
- Offers great value for money
Disadvantages
- The pump does not self-prime efficiently
3. Fibropool Electric Swimming Pool Winter Cover Drain Pump
Very few pool cover pumps are capable of handling both in-ground and above ground pools. However, this is not the case with the Firbopool Electric Swimming Pool Cover Drain Pump. Even though the pump is not very large, it is capable of pumping up to 600 gallons of water per hour. Moreover, it has a simple, compact design for easy placement, thus making it possible to carry from site to site.
Due to its simplicity, the pump is easy to set up. You do not have to call a professional to assemble the pump. Besides, it comes with a 16-foot power cord that plugs in into any standard 110V wall outlet. The pump also consists of a 16-foot drainage hose that efficiently discards water and melting snow from any pool depth.
When it comes to durability, the Fibropool cover drain pump boasts of an ABS casing that is impact resistant and resilient to dynamic weather conditions. The durable design is also resistant to rust, mildew and other harsh elements. Even though the pump has a heavy-duty design, it comes with a lightweight chassis that will not weight down your pool cover.
Advantages
- Very easy to set up and operate
- Lightweight chassis does not weigh down your pool cover
- Durable casing designed to withstand harsh elements
- Reasonable pricing
Disadvantages
- It has a very short power cord
- The flow rate is only 600 gallons per hour
4. Little Giant PCP550 Pool Cover Pump
The Little Giant brand does not require any introduction as far as pool cover pumps are concerned. Besides, we have already covered one of their products in our pool cover pumps review. With that said, the Little Giant PCP550 is an immersible, manual pool cover pump recommended for small swimming pools and household water removal applications.
Like most products in our review, this thermoplastic pump is easy to install and operate. Notably, you can set up the pump quickly without involving a professional pool technician. Moreover, it features a 25-foot power cord that comes in handy in case the pool is some distance away from the wall outlet.
As far as its performance is concerned, the Little Giant PCP550 cover pump is capable of discarding 550 gallons per hour. It also comes with a 3/4-inch discharge hose that supports quick and efficient water removal.
What’s more, is that this pool cover pump is relatively lightweight. This ensures that the pump does not weigh down your pool cover.
Advantages
- Do-it-yourself installation
- Very easy to clean and maintain
- Silent operation
- Comes with a 25-foot power cord
Disadvantages
- You have to operate the pump in person since it is manual
- The plastic material is not so durable
5. Little Giant 505005 1/6 HP Submersible Hydroponic Pump
The Little Giant 505005 is another pool cover pump worth checking out. This submersible pump features a 1/6 HP thermally protected motor that is capable of pumping down to 1/8 inches with a maximum flow rate of 1,200 gallons per hour. It also comes with a bottom intake design that prevents leaves and debris from clogging the pump during water removal.
Despite having a powerful motor, the pump is very quiet. You will never notice that the pump is running until you get closer to it. This makes it ideal for use in places such as hospitals and residential homes.
As if that is not enough, you can use the pool cover pump to drain water from flooded basements and hydroponic applications as well. Moreover, it comes with a long, 25-foot power cord for extra reach and enhanced portability.
The best part is that the pump is extremely durable thanks to its epoxy coated cast aluminium housing. In effect, you can use this pump for many years without worrying about its ability to withstand harsh conditions.
Advantages
- Quiet operation
- Versatile pump ideal for a wide range of applications
- Bottom intake prevents clogging
- Durable housing
Disadvantages
- Contains dielectric oil that requires regular re-filling
- The pump tends to leak when subjected to heavy duty tasks
6. Splash Pools 500 GPH Universal Pool Cover Pump
The last product in our reviews is the Splash Pools Universal Pool Cover Pump. This cover pump is renowned for its simplicity, versatility and reliability. It comes in a simple design that is easy to set up and operate. Essentially, you can use the pump with any standard electrical outlet without having to buy an adapter separately. MoreIn addition, the pump features a 24-foot power cord. This long cord makes it easy to place the pump on any position on your pool cover.
The pump is also extremely versatile, given that you can use it to drain water from your pool cover, flood basement, ponds and other wet surfaces. Moreover, it is capable of flushing up to 500 gallons per hour without wavering.
With proper maintenance, you should expect this Splash Pools Universal Pool Cover Pump to serve you for years without malfunctioning.
Advantages
- Simple, lightweight design
- Compatible with a standard wall outlet
- Extremely versatile as it can also remove water from wet basements
- Little to no maintenance required
Disadvantages
- The plastic casing wears out quickly
- Not ideal for larger pools
What To Look For When Buying The Best Pool Cover Pumps
As with any other piece of equipment, choosing the top pool cover pump will always be a hassle. You have to toil and shop around until you find the ideal pump for your pool. Here are a few pointers that will certainly make your search for a high-quality pool cover pump a lot easier:
Size of pool
The size of your pool will largely determine the type of pool cover pump you need. If your pool is large, you will need to invest in a large cover as well. Considering this, an automatic pool cover pump could be the perfect choice for a larger pool given that using a manual pump may be tiring and cumbersome.
Type
Pool cover pumps come in different types and designs. With that said, you have two choices as far as types of pool cover pumps are concerned. You can either go for a manual pool cover pump that requires your intervention or opt for an automatic pump that does most of the work on its own.
Flow rate
The flow rate refers to the time in hours a pump takes to flush water out of the pool cover. It is a pointer to how efficient a particular pool cover pump is. If you reside in an area that receives frequent rainfall, you should go for a pump with a higher flow rate to dispel water from your pool cover quickly and efficiently.
Durability
A pool cover pump might not be the most expensive unit in your inventory, but it is still a worthwhile investment. The quality of the pump will largely determine how long it can last before requiring cover pump repairs and replacements. Considering this, you should invest in a durable pool cover pump, preferably from a reputable brand. Start by checking the materials used and remember to ask for warranty before making your final purchase decision.
Cord length
If your pool is some distance from the house, it is imperative to acquire a pool cover pump that comes with a long cord. Besides, connecting a pool cover pump to an extension could be dangerous given that the extension may not be able to handle the power ratings of the pump.
Filter efficiency
Apart from pumping out water, pool cover pumps also filter out debris and prevent grass and leaves from amassing on the cover. For this purpose, they come designed with a filter that traps all these particulates. Considering this, you should check out on the filter efficiency to make sure that the pump is capable of handling the extra work.
Price
Price is not always a significant issue when investing in pool equipment. After all, pool cover pumps are more of a necessity, especially if you reside in an area that experiences frequent rainfall. However, this does not mean that you should opt for the most expensive pool cover pump in the market. Instead, always stick to your budget, while keeping an eye on the quality.
Tips on How to Use a Pool Cover Pump
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Types of Pool Cover Pumps
The types of pool cover pumps available include automatic and manual pumps. The difference between these two varieties is their mode of operation.
Automatic Pool Cover Pumps
This type of pump consists of sensors that detect the presence of water on the cover and automatically trigger the pump into action when water reaches a certain level. The sensor will then again shut off the pump when the cover is dry.
The fact that it is automatic means that you do not have to be around to check out your cover. The pump will deal with excess water efficiently before it becomes a problem. Most automatic pool cover pumps are capable of pumping water at rates of up to 2,500 gallons per hour, thus making them ideal for larger swimming pools.
Manual Pool Cover Pumps
A manual pool cover pump requires human intervention to operate. In essence, you have to turn on the pump physically when you want to remove water from the pool cover. This can be utterly inconvenient given that you have to be available in-person to activate and deactivate the pump.
Comparatively, manual pool cover pumps are smaller, and they tend to be cheaper. In addition, they are only capable of delivering a maximum flow rate of 500 gallons per hour due to their small size. Despite these few shortcomings, manual pool cover pumps are ideal for small pools thanks to the fact that they are light, compact and extremely portable.
pool cover pump maintenance tips
Taking care of your pool cover pump is vital if you want to make the most of this equipment. You run the risk of contaminating your pool with dirty water, in case the pool cover pump malfunctions. With this in mind, it is imperative to take the necessary measures to look after your pump.
The good news is that most cover pumps require little to no maintenance. They come with a screen and filter that prevents leaves and debris from infiltrating into the pump. All you have to do is to check whether the screen is full in order to remove stuck debris.
Here are additional maintenance tips that you should consider:
- Always keep your pump indoors when temperatures begin to drop to prevent the motor from freezing
- Clean the strainer basket and filter regularly to remove clogs. If you suspect that the pump still has a clog, consider putting it in a bucket of water and turning it on
- Follow the pump’s user manual to disassemble and clean removable parts thoroughly
- Never pull the pump’s power cord near accumulated water to prevent the risk of electrocution
- Avoid carrying or swinging a cover pump by the cord
- The purpose of a pool cover pump is to drain water and melted snow only. You are therefore advised to avoid using the pump to discard snow as this may damage the motor.
- Always consult a professional technician in case your pump malfunctions beyond DIY repair Take advantage of your warranty to enjoy free servicing and repairs.
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Conclusion – So what is the best pick?
If you want your pool to survive torrential rains, melted snow and dirt, then you have no option than investing in a pool cover and an attuned pump.
The cover will protect your pool when not in use, while the pool cover pump discards accumulated dirty water. This ensures that contaminants do not find their way into your pool.
With that said, finding the best pool cover pump might not be easy. However, by using our buying guide, selecting the ideal equipment for your swimming pool will be easier than expected.
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