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
  • The iSwitch technology turns the pump on and off by sensing the presence of water
  • It has a strainer base that filters debris to minimize clogging and keep the pump from tipping over
  • 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 has an automated motor control and flexible discharge connection
  • 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 is built to last and engineered with quality materials that are 100% factory tested
  • It weighs only 5 pounds and ideal for a small pool with a lightweight pool cover
  • It can pump a maximum of 1800 GPH
  • It is simple to install and easy to operate
  • It is a versatile universal pool cover pump that can be used with other different products in the house

Cons:

  • It only has a 1-year warranty

4. Little Giant Manual Pool Cover Pump

Little Giant 14942702 PCP550 Pool Cover Pump
  • POOL COVER PUMP: Manual pool cover pump removes standing water...
  • THERMOPLASTIC PUMP: It has removable intake screen for easy...
  • MANUAL POOL PUMP: It has 25' power cord 550 GPH at 0' lift - 400...
  • EASY INSTALLATION: It has 3/4-inch garden hose connection for...
  • LITTLE GIANT POOL COVER PUMP: Little GIANT Pool Cover Pumps help...

As a pool owner looking for more water removal process control, the Little Giant manual pool cover pump is a great place to start. For a manual pump, it's one of the best pool cover pumps with great durability that is also affordably priced. To start, you will need to attach a 3/4-inch water hose to the manual pump then switch it on.

It comes with an intake screen to prevent and filter out dirt and debris. The motor is completely submersible, which means it is capable of handling pool cover pump work with an ability to pump a maximum of 550 gallons per hour.

Specifications and features include:

  • It has a 25-foot power cord and takes 58 watts
  • It can take up to 550 Gallon/ Hour flow rate at a 0' lift - 400 GPH at 3' lift
  • It has a 3/4-inch garden hose hookup
  • It has a 1/50 HP motor
  • It weighs 4 pounds

Pros:

  • It has a sturdy lightweight thermoplastic construction
  • It has a removable intake screen that makes it easy to clean and maintain
  • It is easy to maintain and simple to clean
  • It has easy cleaning and storage
  • It is ideal for cold weather to pump out melted snow and standing water
  • It has a 1/50 HP superior motor power

Cons:

  • It doesn't work well in deep pools

5. Fibropool Electric Pool Cover Drain Pump

Little Giant 14942702 PCP550 Pool Cover Pump
  • POOL COVER PUMP: Manual pool cover pump removes standing water...
  • THERMOPLASTIC PUMP: It has removable intake screen for easy...
  • MANUAL POOL PUMP: It has 25' power cord 550 GPH at 0' lift - 400...
  • EASY INSTALLATION: It has 3/4-inch garden hose connection for...
  • LITTLE GIANT POOL COVER PUMP: Little GIANT Pool Cover Pumps help...

The Fibropool electric pool cover drain pump is designed for both in-ground pools and above ground pools. Weighing only 3.4 pounds, it is considered as the best pool cover pump for lightweight covers. A lightweight pump that works well with lightweight pool covers and ideal for a small pool.

If you're on a budget, Fibropool electric manual pool cover pump should be the first place to start. This cover pump comes with a 16-foot power cord that may work fine for some pool owners, but others might need several extension cords to this unit, although extension cords are not best around standing water.

It pumps a maximum of 600 gallons per hour and comes with a 16-foot removal hose that gets to the edge of most pools. This means that you won’t need to use garden hoses with this pump.

The Fibropool shell is made out of an ABS casing that is both weather resistant, impact resistant and will hold up to mould and mildew for durability. Also, the Fibropool pool cover pump is notably affordable than most cover pump options. Specifications and features include:

  • It is durable and lightweight
  • The 16-foot power cord that plugs into a standard 110-volt wall outlet
  • It has a 22-foot heavy-duty kink-proof hose that works to suck out water from any pool depth
  • It has a 75 Watts motor
  • It works with a manual shut off
  • It has a 600 GPH maximum flow speed
  • It has a 1/10 HP
  • It weighs 4 Pounds

Pros:

  • It is designed for both an in-ground pool and above ground pool
  • It is simple to install and operate
  • It is designed for both above ground pools and in-ground pools
  • It works with the standard 110V socket
  • It s affordably priced
  • It comes with its own water hose

Cons:

  • It doesn't have an automatic option

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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