If you want to buy the best pool cover pump, the most important things to consider are its type, flow rate, durability, and size, among other factors. Below, I have listed my favorite products based on these features. Read on to learn why they might be important to you.
When I think about taking care of my pool during the off-season, the first thing on my mind is to install a pool cover. It is the best way to keep debris from the water. However, I did not take into account that the pool cover itself is still susceptible to damage from rain and leaves.
Fortunately, I recently discovered pool cover pumps that can protect against harsh outdoor elements. These devices lay on top of the cover and drain water from the surface. Thus, they can keep your pool and cover in topmost condition.
Below, I will discuss the best pool cover pumps in detail. I will delve into each product’s pros and cons, so you can easily make comparisons.
I will also go over the factors you need to look into when purchasing a pool cover pump.
Finally, a handy FAQ section awaits you below. This is where I will be answering some of your questions about pool cover pumps.
Let us dive right into the article!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| Image | Product | Details | ||
| Editor’s Pick |  | Little Giant APCP-1700 Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Submersible Pump | Material: Polypropylene Dimensions: 11.8 x 12 x 9.5 inches Weight: 13 pounds Color: Blue | Check price |
| Runner-Up |  | Wayne 57729-WYNP WAPC250 Pool Cover Pump | Material: Thermoplastic Dimensions: 11.2 x 7.9 x 11.9 inches Weight: 10.6 pounds Color: Blue | Check price |
| Best Budget |  | FibroPool Electric Swimming Pool Winter Cover Drain Pump | Material: ABS Plastic Dimensions: 10.04 x 9.84 x 5.2 inches Weight: 4.86 pounds Color: Black | Check price |
 | Acquaer 1/4 HP Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump | Material: Thermoplastic Dimensions: 16.9 x 12.4 x 7.7 inches Weight: 12.27 pounds Color: Black | Check price | |
 | EDOU Direct Submersible Pool Cover Pump | Material: ABS Plastic Dimensions: 10.39 x 6.57 x 5.91 inches Weight: 4.59 pounds Color: Black | Check price |
5 Best Pool Cover Pump Reviews
These best pool cover pumps will drain rainwater and any debris that might accumulate on your cover during the off-season.
1. Little Giant APCP-1700 Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Submersible Pump – Editor’s Pick
Starting off this list of the best pool cover pumps is the Little Giant APCP-1700 Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Submersible Pump.
It features a motor with a maximum 1/3 horsepower rating. Meanwhile, it offers a flow rate of 1745 gallons per hour (GPH). This pool cover pump effectively drains excess water on top of your pool blanket. Hence, it extends the lifespan of your pool cover so that you can use it for long periods.
Additionally, the Little Giant APCP-1700 has a wide weighted base. It draws in water to the pump while keeping it from tipping over.
Furthermore, this automatic pool cover pump comes with an integrated mechanical float switch. You can rely on the automatic operation that instantly activates in two inches of water.
There is even a removable intake screen to prevent clogging in the automatic pool cover pump. It also allows for convenient pool maintenance.
Finally, it is compatible with a ¾-inch garden hose connection. The 25-foot-long insulated power cord makes it easy to place on your pool cover.
With all these benefits in mind, it comes as no surprise that most customer reviews were positive. However, there are still a few criticisms to keep in mind. First, the automatic pump feature can leave the motor running, even when there is no water. Second, it is relatively expensive.
But as you can tell, the pros outweigh the cons. For this reason, I highly recommend getting the Little Giant APCP-1700. It is one of the best pool cover pumps available today.
Pros:
- The ⅓ HP motor can remove excess water from pool covers
- It has a weighted base to attract moisture into the pump
- The removable intake screen can prevent clogging
- It offers automatic operation
- The package includes a ¾-inch standard garden hose connection and a 25-foot cord for your convenience
Cons:
- It continues to run even if there is little water on the pool blanket cover
- The water pump is on the expensive side
2. Wayne 57729-WYNP WAPC250 Pool Cover Pump – Runner-Up
The Wayne 57729-WYNP WAPC250 Pool Cover Pump is another high-quality automatic pool cover pump.
It boasts iSwitch technology that automatically activates the pump when the water level reaches two and ⅛ inches of water. There is also an auto-off feature that stops pumping once moisture is below ¾ inches. This convenient on/off setting ensures water removal without you having to think about it or bother going outside.
Additionally, the Wayne Pool Cover Pump has a maximum flow rate of 3000 gallons per hour (GPH). Together with the one ¼-inch drain hose, it can drain excess water in no time.
Moreover, the package includes a 25ft power cord and a 25ft rope. The former ensures convenient placement over the pool cover. Meanwhile, the latter helps you position the pump on the cover blanket.
As for its material, the Wayne WAPC250 uses reinforced thermoplastic. It can survive harsh environments to an extent and prevent damage to the pump.
Finally, this winter pool cover pump comes with a strainer base. It filters out any debris to avoid clogging and tipping over.
Despite its benefits, it is best to check the cons of this pool pump cover. First, some users received a twisted lead-in hose that blocked water flow. Second, a few customers noticed small cracks on the pump after exposing it to freezing temperatures.
Nevertheless, the Wayne WAPC250 is one of the best pool cover pumps on the market today.
Pros:
- The iSwitch technology offers an automatic on/off feature for convenient water removal
- It has a maximum flow rate of 3000 GPH
- A 25-foot rope makes it easier to set the pump on the pool cover
- The reinforced thermoplastic construction prevents damage to the pump
- It includes a strainer base to filter out debris
Cons:
- The lead-in hose comes with tangles that block the water flow
- A few users noticed cracks when they left the pump in freezing weather
3. FibroPool Electric Swimming Pool Winter Cover Drain Pump – Best Budget
Are you looking for a high-quality yet budget pool maintenance device? Then, the FibroPool Electric Swimming Pool Winter Cover Drain Pump might suit your needs.
It features a 75-watt motor that pumps water up to 600 gallons per hour. This maximum flow rate can save you time and energy in draining moisture.
The package also comes complete with a 22-foot heavy-duty hose. It helps you remove water from any pool depth and type. It is compatible with both in-ground and above-ground pools.
Furthermore, this manual pool cover pump includes a 16-foot power cord. This length makes it easier to position the pump anywhere on top of your pool blanket cover. At the same time, it plugs into any standard 110-volt wall outlet to eliminate the need for adapters.
Finally, the durable and lightweight ABS casing is weather- and rust-resistant to last you for years to come. It also does not weigh down pool covers.
However, this winter cover drain pump requires manual shut-off operation. A few users also complained about the top-heavy design, which led to the pump occasionally falling on its side.
But for its affordable price, the FibroPool Electric Swimming Pool Winter Cover Drain Pump is hard to beat. It is one of the best pool cover pumps available today.
Pros:
- It has a maximum flow rate of 600 GPH per hour
- It is built for in-ground and above-ground pools
- A durable ABS casing can resist heavy impact and weather
- The 22-foot hose can remove water from any pool depth and shape
- It includes a 16-foot power cord for your convenience
Cons:
- The swimming pool pump does not have automatic features
- It has the tendency to tip over due to the top-heavy design
4. Acquaer 1/4 HP Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump
The Acquaer 1/4 HP Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump features an automatic switch. It instantly turns on when the water level reaches a mere two inches. It also stops operation once it removes water to ⅖ inch.
Additionally, this pool cover pump has a bottom suction design. It can help you empty water down to ¼ inch.
Furthermore, the Acquaer Pool Cover Pump comes with a strainer base to filter out debris. At the same time, it keeps the submersible pump stable.
There is even a built-in temperature control core. This feature prevents the motor from dry burning and damage when it is short of water.
Finally, the package is equipped with a 25-feet power cord and a ¾-inch garden hose adapter. Both items make it convenient to install and operate the pump.
But before buying this product, it is best to look into its disadvantages. First, the water pump produces a loud noise when running. Second, a few users said that it kept pumping, even if there was no water coming out of the hose.
Overall, though, the Acquaer 1/4 HP Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump is one of the best pool maintenance devices available today.
Pros:
- An automatic switch offers worry-free water removal from the pool cover
- The maximum flow rate of 2250 GPH can drain moisture two times faster than a standard pump
- It has a strainer base to filter out all kinds of debris
- The built-in temperature control core prevents pump damage
- It is easy to install with the included power cord and garden hose adapter
Cons:
- Some users complained about the loud noise that the submersible pump produced when running
- A few customers noticed the pump kept running, but there was no water coming out of the hose
5. EDOU Direct Submersible Pool Cover Pump
The EDOU Direct Submersible Pool Cover Pump offers professional drainage to pool owners in an affordable set-up.
It provides a maximum flow rate of 850 gallons. It can drain water stuck on the pool cover faster than standard pool pumps.
This best submersible pump also features a durable ABS plastic casing. It has built-in temperature control to protect the pump from extreme weather.
Furthermore, this manual pool pump cover effectively filters out dirt and debris. It can leave you with clean water just in time for the summer season.
Finally, the package already includes two hose adapters and a long power cord. These items ensure convenience when placing the pump over the pool cover.
However, there are still a few disadvantages to this product. First, it does not offer an automatic cutoff, so you will need to remove the plug yourself after pumping water. Second, a few users said that the pump was easily clogged.
Nevertheless, the EDOU Direct Submersible Pool Cover Pump is among the best products to buy for your pool maintenance needs.
Pros:
- It can quickly drain water to keep your cover ready for the summer season
- A durable ABS plastic casing can withstand extreme temperatures
- It removes dirt and debris from the pool cover
- The package includes two hose adapters and a cord for your convenience
Cons:
- The lack of automatic feature requires you to turn the pump on and off yourself
- It tends to get clogged
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Pool Cover Pump
Below are the things to consider before purchasing a pool cover pump.
Type
Pool cover pumps are either automatic or manual. Both types of pumps can remove water and snow buildup on your cover. The difference lies in their operation.
Manual pumps require you to plug them in and wait for the water to drain before unplugging. Meanwhile, automatic pumps instantly detect water levels and drain by themselves. However, they are more expensive than manual pool cover pumps.
Ultimately, choosing between these two types will depend on your needs and budget.
Flow Rate
You also have to consider the maximum flow rate of the pool cover pump before purchasing. This factor is measured in gallons per hour (GPH). The higher the flow rate, the faster it can drain the water on top of your cover.
Durability
If you want your pump to last you for a long time, consider the material used. The most durable cover pumps are not cheap, but they can withstand exposure to even the harshest outdoor conditions.
Size and Weight
Make sure that your pool cover can handle the size and weight of your pump before finalizing your decision. The last thing you want is to cause the cover to collapse due to the heavy load.
Cord Length
Pool cover pumps require electricity to work. Each model includes a power cord that varies in length. It is best to choose one that reaches your outlet where you will plug the unit into.
Extra Features
You might also want to look into other features when shopping for the best pool cover pump. These include a debris filter, built-in freeze protection, and submersible design, among others. Each one can make pool maintenance more convenient.
Price
The price of a pool cover pump varies depending on the features and build quality it offers. It is best to set a budget before finalizing your purchasing decision. A good range is anywhere between $30 to $180. The higher the price of the pump, the more capabilities it has.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: manual vs. automatic pool cover pump?
When shopping for a pool cover pump, you will come across two types—manual and automatic. You might be wondering which one is better and why. But the answer largely depends on your needs, budget, and personal preferences.
Manual pumps require you to turn them on to start draining the water on the pool cover. Once they empty out the water, they need you to unplug them to turn them off. They are ideal if you only need to use the pump once or twice during the off-season. Otherwise, an automatic model makes more sense if you plan on checking your pool cover occasionally.
As their name suggests, automatic pumps instantly turn on when they detect water on the cover. They also shut off automatically once they fully drain the water. They are ultimately plug-and-play devices that you can leave behind in the pool as you do other chores. However, automatic pool pumps are significantly more expensive than manual models.
Where should you place a pool cover pump?
You must put a pump at the center of the pool cover. Doing so allows the pump to drain water or snow that collects on top of it.
How do you weigh down a pool cover?
Place sandbags on the edges of the pool cover to weigh it down. Avoid using rocks or bricks that can puncture the surface of the cover.
Conclusion
There you go—my top recommendations for the best pool cover pump on the market today. Each one removes water that accumulates on top of the cover to ensure your pool is ready for the summer.
But if I can only suggest one, I pick the Little Giant APCP-1700 Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Submersible Pump. It offers a maximum flow rate of 1745 GPH to drain excess water on your pool cover. Additionally, the mechanical float switch ensures automatic operation for your convenience. Moreover, it has a weighted base to prevent it from tipping over. There is even a built-in screen to trap debris and avoid clogging. Finally, the included hose connection and long cord make it easier to install the water pump.
