Best Pool Cover Pump for In-ground and Above-ground Pools

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Having a pool in your backyard means that as a pool owner, you have to find a way to deal with the debris that accumulates over the offseason. Having a pool cover should help prevent dirt from accumulating, but you also don’t want dirt falling into your pool when you finally open it on-season. Investing in the best pool cover pump will not only protect the pool cover but will also keep your pool in great condition.

Other than debris, you also have to deal with rain or snow accumulating on the pool cover, which can cause problems. The easiest way to deal with this is a pool cover pump. If you’re not careful, harsh weather conditions can take a toll on the pool cover and cause it to let in all kinds of nasty stuff into the pool, making a mess that you’ll have to clean up when you finally open it.

Not to worry, a pool cover pump will come to the rescue. However, before picking one up, make sure you know what features to look out for so you can best choose the one that is most suitable for you.

The Best Pool Cover Pump For Your Pool

1. Wayne Automatic Pool Cover Pump

Wayne 57729-WYNP WAPC250 Pool Cover Pump, Blue
  • Pool Cover Maintenance - The WAYNE 1/4 HP Reinforced...
  • Automatic Pumping - Water level must be at least 2-1/8” for the...
  • Efficient Design - Energy efficient, high flow, oil-free pump....
  • Additional Features - The strainer base filters out debris to...
  • Quality You Deserve - Proudly assembled in the USA for quality...

The Wayne automatic pool cover pump is one of the best pool cover pumps choices you have if you’re looking for a hands-free operation. Like many automatic pumps,  you don’t have to worry about it damaging your pool cover since it automatically turns off when it gets to a specific level.

The Wayne WAPC250 ¼ HP pool cover pump is equipped with iSwitch technology that automatically turns the pump on and off when melted ice and water accumulates on top of the pool cover. The iSwitch technology is an incredible feature, especially if you don’t have the time to check on your pool after every snow or rain. What's more, this submersible pump comes with a strainer base filter that removes any debris that might clog up the pump.

The pump has a rate capacity to pump water out at 3000 GPH (Gallons Per Hour) using a 1.25-inch drain hose. It comes with a 25-ft power cord that can spread out the automatic pump in different directions to easily adjust it over your pool cover. It also has an automatic freeze protection technology to protect the motor against freezing temperatures. 

The Wayne pool cover pump is one of the most energy-efficient cover pumps that has a high flow and that doesn't use any oil. It is relatively pricey but fairly so for its incredible features and the iSwitch technology that helps ensure the durability of the Wayne pool cover pump.

Features and specifications include:

  • It has a 3000 GPH maximum flow rate
  • It has a 1/4 HP motor
  • It is 6 pounds in weight

Pros:

  • It is a submersible machine with an impressive flow speed
  • It has a high rate speed
  • It is an energy-efficient oil-free pump
  • It has an automatic freeze protection technology
  • It has a 25 ft. cord length that makes it simple to use
  • It is an environmentally friendly option

Cons:

  • It doesn't do so well with too much debris
  • It is priced higher than alternative models

2. Little Giant Submersible Automatic Pool Cover Pump

Sale
Little Giant APCP-1700 115-Volt, 1/3 HP, 1745 GPH,...
  • APPLICATIONS: designed for automatic removal of water from pool...
  • EASY MAINTENANCE: access to pump float and air lock for cleaning;...
  • WELL DESIGNED: ergonomically built-in handle for portability and...
  • EASY SET-UP: 1-inch FNPT discharge with 3/4-inch garden hose...
  • SPECIFICATIONS: 115 Volts; 60 Hz; 2.2 Amps; 270 Watts; 1/3 HP;...

The Little Giant submersible automatic pool cover pump comes in a high-quality thermoplastic material. This compact automatic pump will automatically start pumping water and any melting ice on your pool cover using its detachable suction screen and 25 ft. long power cord for a hassle-free cleaning and easy manoeuvrability. 

It has a float switch and broad base to help keep this submersible machine sturdy and prevent it from tipping over. It has a 1/3 HP motor pump that delivers a smooth performance throughout the process. Unlike other pool cover pumps submersible machines, it can pump water out at a maximum of 1745 GPH.

At 13 pounds, it doesn’t put excess strain on your body or your pool cover. This automatic pool pump automatically turns on in two inches of water which is notably higher than the ¾ inch of water that the Wayneautomatic pump automatically recognizes to begin pumping.

Unlike many other pool cover pumps, it has a removable intake screen that makes it easy to clean and maintain. It also has an in-built pump handle and a power cord that is 25 feet long, which makes it easy to place precisely where you need it and pull it out when you are done.

The Little Giant APCP-1700 attaches to a ¾-inch garden hose, and has a side discharge both of which make it easy to drain water from the pool cover. It has a manual switch that you can use when you want the pump to run on manual mode. This is a great unit; the reason it does not make it to the top is because of the two-inch automatic water removal height.

Overall, this cover pool cleaner is durable and affordable, which you'd happily settle for in the long run. 

Specifications include :

  • It has a 3/4-inch garden hose connection and a 25 ft Power Cord
  • It has an integrated float switch for a reliable automatic operation that automatically activates at 2 inches of water
  • It has a 1745 GPH maximum flow rate
  • It has a 115 Volt compatibility
  • It has a 1/3 HP motor
  • It has a 25 ft power cord length
  • It weighs 13 pounds

Pros:

  • The removable intake screen makes it easy to clean for manageable maintenance
  • It has a pump float that is easy to access and doesn't require any tools or screws
  • It is ergonomically built for portability, ease of placement and removal
  • It has a compact size for maximum stability
  • It has both an automatic and manual operation mode
  • It has a durable, submersible design
  • It efficiently works in cold temperatures
  • It comes with a 3-year warranty

Cons:

  • It requires a 2-inch high water level to automatically start
  • It is relatively pricey

3. Superior Pump 91250 Utility Pump

Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Submersible...
  • 1/4 HP Utility pump moves up to 1,800 gallons per hour; pump will...
  • Tough thermoplastic construction; 10' cord length
  • 1-1/4 inch NPT discharge for high capacity pumping; includes 3/4...
  • Removable suction screen and handles up to 1/8 inch solids
  • Superior Pumps are Built to Last, engineered with quality...

The Superior Pump 91250 utility pump is an excellent versatile utility pump and universal pool cover pump that can also be used with other equipment around the house. It has the ability to pump up a maximum of 1800 GPH. It is simple to operate and has an impressive thermoplastic construction that not only prolongs its durability but also increases its efficiency since it can withstand pressure, vibrations, ice, snow, and dirt.

It has a 10ft. power cord to provide flexibility, a 3/4-inch water hose adapter for maximum efficiency, and a removable suction screen to ensures cloggers such as leaves and grass clippings don't get caught up and clog the pump.

Specifications and features include:

  • It has a 1/4 HP electric motor utility pump that moves a maximum of 1,800 gallons per hour
  • It has a tough thermoplastic construction with a 10' cord length
  • It has a 1-1/4 inch NPT discharge for high capacity water pumping
  • It has a 3/4-inch garden hose adapter
  • It has a detachable suction screen that can handle a maximum of up to 1/8 inch sized solids
  • It has a 10 ft power cord
  • It weighs 5 pounds

Pros:

  • It has a sturdy and durable thermoplastic construction
  • It has a detachable suction screen to remove debris
  • It can pump a maximum of 1800 GPH
  • It is simple to install and easy to operate

Cons:

  • It only has a 1-year warranty

4. VIVOSUN Submersible Water Pump

Sale
VIVOSUN Submersible Water Pump, 1/4HP 1620GPH Utility...
  • Powerful Performance: Powerful Performance: This 115Volts/60Hz,...
  • Built to Last: The pure copper wire motor and the...
  • Removable Suction Screen & Adapters: This water pump features a...
  • Portable & Compact: This thermoplastic pump weighs only 7.05lbs...
  • Wide Applications: The low bottom design removes all water to...

VIVOSUN Submersible Water Pump, 1/4HP 1620GPH Utility Pump is one of the best utility pumps in the market regarding efficiency, durability, and application. Intended for use at home and in companies, it provides the water flow rate of 300L per minute, which is equal to 1,620 gallons of water per hour; thus, it is effective in pumping water out of flooded basements, water tanks, pools, etc., and may also be used for watering the garden.

The VIVOSUN is a high performing pump with a 1/4 HP motor capable of delivering high performance under pressure. The housing is made from a thermoplastic that offers high durability , dimensional stability, anti-corrosion characteristics and low friction wear; its bottom suction makes it capable of draining water to at least a quarter of an inch. The pump also offers a convenient 26.2 ft power cord and the Evolution Series comes with 4 nozzle sizes to assist with hose compatibility. Moreover, the structure of the device is small and light so it is easy to transport and carry around.

Pros:

  • It has a sturdy and durable thermoplastic construction
  • It has a detachable suction screen to remove debris
  • It is simple to install and easy to operate

Cons:

  • It only has a 1-year warranty

5. Acquaer 1HP Sump Pump 4345GPH Submersible Water Pump

Sale
Acquaer 1HP Sump Pump 4345GPH Submersible Water Pump,...
  • High Performance: 1 HP submersible utility pump has large...
  • Easy and Safe Operation: Plug in to play while unplug to stop....
  • Portable and Durable Design: Reinfored engineering thermoplastic...
  • Multi Outlet Adpater: 1-1/2'' NPT discharge comes with 1-1/2''...
  • Wide Applications: Perfect for flooded basements, cellars, pools,...

There is no better sump pump for commercial water removal tasks than the Acquaer 1HP Sump Pump 4345GPH Submersible Water Pump. Intended for home and corporate use, this pump has fairly high throughput capacity – it can pump a lot of water at a time which makes it suitable for basements, pools, or construction sites.

This submersible pump features 1 horsepower motor giving a top flow rate of 4,345 GPH. Constructed from high-stensity thermoplastic for corrosion resistance and also features a long product life span, the float switch enables automatic control to avoid water ponding. It is suitable for difficult drainages mainly because it can pump water up to 30 feet vertically. The 1.5-inch NPT discharge is compatible with the majority of standard hoses, which makes it quite diverse as well.

Pros:

  • High 1HP motor delivers efficient and fast water removal.
  • Durable thermoplastic body resists corrosion, ensuring long-term use.
  • Automatic float switch enhances convenience and prevents overflows.
  • Impressive 4,345 GPH flow rate caters to high-demand applications.
  • Easy installation and compatibility with standard hoses.

Cons:

  • Slightly heavier than smaller models, which may impact portability.
  • Not suitable for debris-heavy water without additional filtering.

Factors to Consider to Buy the Best Pool Cover Pump for your Pool

A. Maximum Flow Rate

While looking to purchase the best pool cover pump, consider the amount of water the pool cover pump you are considering on buying can move. The flow rate is measured in gallons per hour. Consider a pump that has a high flow rate for a large pool, especially if you need a giant pool cover pump.

B. Weight and Size

For small pools with lightweight pool covers, carefully consider what pump you are placing on top. The weight of the pump should be supported by the cover on your swimming pool. Putting a heavy pump plus the weight of water or snow can cause the cover to collapse, making your pool maintenance even worse.

C. Durability

You can find affordable pool cover pumps, but when it comes to longevity, you need to consider the fact that the most durable cover pumps don't come cheap, but they should guarantee you years of winterizing your pool. The best pool cover pumps from reputable brands have a heavy-duty construction made from durable materials for durability.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Pool Cover Pump

1. Whis is it better an automatic cover pump or a manual pump?

The difference between the two comes in operation. With a manual cover pump, you will need to go plug it into the power source, wait for it to drain, then come back out again and unplug it once done.

However, automatic pumps don’t need all that work since they automatically detect buildup and drain it automatically. Manual pumps are comparably more affordable, but if you have an automatic pool cover on your swimming pool, then grab an automatic pump as well.

2. Can you leave the pool cover pump out on the pool cover during winter?

To help ensure that the pool stays full of water during winter, make sure that the pool cover pump is out on the cover during the entire winter season. Periodically monitor the water level and keep the swimming pool cover dry throughout the winter. 

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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