best automatic pool cover pump

Pump to Remove Water from Pool Cover

Whether you own an in-ground or above-ground pool, you probably understand that pools come with a lot of maintenance including the use of pool covers. Your pool cover is always exposed to debris, leaves, and build-up of excess water from rain or snow. This is why you need a pool cover pump that can help you remove excess water or dirt from the top of your pool. More innovative options are the best automatic pool cover pumps that can do the job without any intervention.

The best automatic pool cover pumps are capable of handling any amount of water accumulation by turning on and off when required and like inground and above ground pumps some also present with a filter feature and hence, their versatility. In other to help you choose the right pool cover pump, we have reviewed 6 of the best automatic pool cover pumps. Read on to see the main considerations to make when purchasing one.

Top 3 Pump to Use to Remove Water from Pool Cover

Pool pumpKEY FEATURESDETAILS
Little Giant Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Submersible Pump
Little Giant 577301
Flow Rate:1745 GPH
Power Cord:25-ft.
Motor:1/3 HP
Material:Polypropylene
Weight:13 lbs.
PriceDetail review
Wayne WAPC250 Pool Cover Pump
Wayne WAPC250
Flow Rate:3000 GPH
Power Cord:25-ft.
Motor:1/4 HP
Material:Thermoplastic
Weight:10.6 lbs.
PriceDetail review
Little Giant 5-APCP Automatic Pool Cover Submersible Pump
Little Giant 5-APCP
Flow Rate:1700 GPH
Power Cord:25-ft.
Motor:1/6 HP
Material:Other
Weight:10.98 lbs.
PriceDetail review

View all

How do automatic pool cover pumps work?

The pool cover pump works by removing water from pool covers. A hose is attached to the pump and the pump is placed directly on top of the cover. Automatic pool cover pumps can sense inch-level water accumulation and turn on by themselves. The water is pumped off through an outlet hose and the pump switches off automatically when the accumulated water has been removed. An automatic pool cover pump is a relatively inexpensive and lightweight piece of equipment and is a helpful accessory for pool maintenance.

Top 6 Pool Cover Pump Reviews

It’s tough to pick one product when you have many products from different brands making similar claims. So, we’ve done the hard work for you. Here are the best six pool cover pump on the market. After reading this review, making a decision will become easier for you.

So, let’s get started.

1
Best Overall

Little Giant Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Submersible Pump

Little Giant Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Submersible Pump

  • Flow Rate: 1745 GPH
  • Motor: 1/3 HP
  • Weight: 13 lbs.

Check Price

Little Giant Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Submersible Pump comes in a compact size for stable operation. It is compatible with a 3-4 inches garden hose connection and comes with a 25 inches power cord.

It helps to remove excess water from your pool cover, maintaining your pool serenity. Made by the little giant brand – a trusted brand when it comes to garden appliances. It is easy to use and carry from place to place. It automatically activates with a difference of 1-2 inches of water.

The machine does not clog thanks to the built-in screen. A garden hose adapter has also been included with side discharge to prevent pump tipping over by the hose.

2
Best for Flow Rate

Wayne WAPC250 Pool Cover Pump

Wayne WAPC250 Pool Cover Pump

  • Flow Rate: 3000 GPH
  • Motor: 1/4 HP
  • Weight: 10.6 lbs.

Check Price

Wayne WAPC250 Pool Cover Pump is a high technology pool cover pump with high sensitivity for small changes in water level. It automatically turns on when the water level goes higher so you do not need to be physically present to monitor it.

It comes with a filtering option removing germs and dirt thanks to its strainer base. It works with a high flow and does not consume too much energy operating at 115V. It protects your pool cover throughout winter.

It is made from thermoplastic material, 4 inches garden hose, and a 3 inches adapter. The pump is designed with a unique protection circuit to protect itself from clogging, overheating, or excessive damage.

READ MORE: 6 Best Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pool

3
Best Overall

Little Giant 5-APCP Automatic Pool Cover Submersible Pump

Little Giant 5-APCP Automatic Pool Cover Submersible Pump

  • Flow Rate: 1700 GPH
  • Motor: 1/6 HP
  • Weight: 10.98 lbs.

Check Price

The Little Giant 5-APCP Automatic Pool Cover Submersible Pump is a reliable pump that operates with maximum sensitivity. This versatile pump is designed to be self-priming and reduces the frequency of maintenance.

It comes with stabilizing plate to reduce the chances of capsizing to the barest minimum. It also allows the pump to be used for other applications. It safeguards and protects your pool cover from excess water due to rain and melting snow. it is rated 1/6HP and works at 115V.

The switch automatically activates at 3-1/4 inches and turns off automatically at 1-3/4 inches. It can also work well in manual mode. It is made with durable material and can survive harsh weather conditions.

4
Best Overall

EDOU Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump

EDOU Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump

  • Flow Rate: 1200 GPH
  • Motor: 1/6 HP
  • Weight: 7 lbs.

Check Price

The EDOU Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump is a high-quality pump solution for draining accumulated water from the surface pool. It has a stable base that makes it sit on top of the water with customized sturdy housing.

It is made with durable materials that can adapt to any weather. It has a temperature control core that helps to prevent burning. It is compatible with 1/2 inches drain hose and 3/4 inches garden hose. A 16ft hose has been included in the package. An integrated on/off switch triggers when the water is 2 inches higher and goes off in 1 inch of water.

The pump works with 110V and provides 1-6 HP that can pump up to 1200GPH.

5
Best Overall

Ocean Blue Water Winter Electric Cover Pool Pump

Ocean Blue Water Winter Electric Cover Pool Pump

  • Flow Rate: 350 GPH
  • Motor: 1/6 HP
  • Weight: 3.36 lbs.

Check Price

Ocean Blue Water Winter Electric Cover Pool Pump is an economical pump suitable for removing all the excess build-up of water in winter. It comes with an automatic switch that turns on when water is 2-3 inches higher at the surface.

It is a highly efficient pool cover pump that can remove up to 350 gallons of water from your pool every hour. It is connectively compatible with a standard garden hose.

The power cord is long enough to connect to a distant power source for reliable operation. It includes a mesh filter that can be re-used easy to clean and can resist clog. It is suitable for both in-ground and above-ground pools.

READ MORE: 6 Best Above Ground Pool Cartridge Filter and Pump.

6
Best Overall

HydraPump Smart Standard Submersible water pump

HydraPump Smart Standard Submersible water pump

  • Flow Rate: 2100 GPH
  • Motor: 1/4 HP
  • Weight: 9.28 lbs.

Check Price

The innovative HydraPump Smart Standard Submersible water pump is an automatically operational pump that turns on when water at the pool top is 1/3 inches.

It is manufactured with a compact heavy-duty motor that works at 120V with a pumping capacity of 2100 gallons per hour. The hose connection has great versatility and can connect with different hose sizes. It comes with a detailed manual for easy use. It can be used in pools, basements, and other water-logged areas.

The pump is highly efficient and can work for a long time. It is easy to set up and use. This pump can operate automatically without any human intervention

Factors to Consider When Getting a Pool Cover Pump

Size

The bigger the size of your pool, the larger the pool cover pump needed. If you own a small pool you cannot use a large pump to prevent your cover pump from falling into the pool. Therefore the right pool cover size and weight have to be matched with the pool size.

Flow rate

Pool cover pumps will pull out water from the surface of the pool cover based on their flow rate, which is measured in gallons per hour. The flow rate will determine how long your cover pumps will work to remove water. The time of the year and amount of water that will be accumulated is also a major factor in deciding the flow rate of the cover pump to choose.

Automatic pool pump cover does not have to work for a long period and most of them come with a flow rate up to 1500 GPH. This is enough to remove excess water from the surface of a large pool cover.

Hose compatibility

The hose is usually attached to a pool cover pump. Check the size of the outlet which water is expected to leave through. Some models offer multiple hose size outlets to fit into your garden hose.

Additional features

Some other factors to consider include the length of the cord,  submersible feature, and debris collector. You should go for pool cover pumps with a long power cord so they can be easy to place in any area of your pool.

Submersible features are useful for pumps that can be used in water removal aside from pool cleaning. Some pool cover pumps don’t just clean the pool by filtering water, they also feature a debris collector which collects debris and reduces maintenance costs.

READ MORE: 6 Best Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pool

Advantages of an Automatic Water Pump

These are some of the factors to consider when considering the efficacy of a pool cover pump:

It keeps the pool clean

An automatic pool cover pump helps to prevent accumulated water, snow, debris, and other particles from getting into the water. It also helps to keep your water level at a balance. Some pool cover pumps are designed with a pump filter, which helps to remove debris and microorganisms that might have gained entry into the water. With that, your pool will be in a better condition with the PH of the water kept at normal values.

It saves energy and time

With pool cover pumps, you don’t have to remove accumulated water yourself. This saves you stress and time of working for hours.

Automatic pool cover pumps can turn on and off on their own giving you unattended and safe operation. Automatic pool cover pump is best for situations where it will take some time to do the job yourself as they can remove water faster

It offers continuous protection

Pool cover pumps help to eliminate heavy water before it damages the pool cover or causes overweight. This prevents the pool cover from possible drowning

How to Maintain a Pool Cover Pump

Although the device is automatic and comes with a robust design, it sometimes comes down with some faults due to bad maintenance. To properly maintain the pool pump for long-lasting use, consider the following tips carefully:

  • Avoid using the pump when there is already too much debris than there is water. If possible, clean out a part of the place to an extent before allowing your pool cover pump to run
  • Do not leave the power cord plugged in all of the time.
  • Ensure to use the right voltage specification of the cover pump.
  • Always place your pump in an upright position
  • Pool cover pumps also come with a screen to keep leaves and debris from entering the pump. Simply check the screen regularly to remove any stuck object
  • Clean the pump parts and empty the debris collector as frequently as you can. 

FAQs

What happens if I don’t remove water from my automatic pool cover?

If you don’t remove the water on your pool cover, it may cause water accumulation and lead to pool cover damage. When rain and snowfalls, water build-up and over-floods your pool. The excess water puts a lot of weight on your pump cover and causes damage. As often as you should, pump the water off your pool cover with automatic pool cover pumps.

Should I choose a manual or an automatic pool cover pump?

Both a manual cover pump and an automatic cover pump simply do the same thing. They both work to remove excess water from the surface of your pool cover.

Automatic pool cover pumps are widely preferred because they can turn on /off reliably on their own. So unlike manual, you will not have to physically turn on the switch before it starts pumping off excess water.

Automatic pool cover pumps can sense a rise in accumulated water and turn on by themselves to begin the process of water removal. In terms of pricing, there is a little difference.

If you are on a budget, you can go for the manual pool cover pump, otherwise, the automatic pool cover pump is a better choice.

How to manually remove water from the pool cover without a pump?

If you do not buy a pool cover pump, you may need to remove water from your pool cover with your hands. In this case, you will have to draw out water by yourself. To do this, take one end of the hose and place it in the accumulated water. Take the other end to the area where you would like to drain the water too. Start sucking on the hose to pull out water from the pool cover. Be careful not to suck a mouthful of dirty pool water.

Conclusion

It has been established that removing accumulated water from your pool cover is a necessary step in pool maintenance and should not be taken for granted. Although selecting a pool cover pump might look simple, getting it wrong may leave your pool cover looking unpleasant and leave you with a lot of challenges. We hope this guide has been able to enlighten you on the need to use pool cover pumps and how to pick the right one.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *