Best Pool Cover Pumps

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 23, 2024
All pools require regular sanitation and maintenance. But once it is covered, there is not much you can do to manually remove the ...Read more
PROS

The automatic freeze protection system negates the risks involved in using the pump in cold weather. On top of that, the kit comes equipped with a 25-foot pull-to-shore cable that allows moving the unit all across the pool cover.

CONS

The filter cleaning part takes quite a lot of time.

OUR VERDICT

This model is one of the most powerful pumps in its class. With a water displacement rate of 3000 gallons per hour, it beats any competition out of the water when it comes to removing the excess moisture fast. Recommended for large pools and water reservoirs.

detailed parameters
Power

1/4 HP (up to 3000 gallons per hour)

Minimal water level

0.75"

Auto-on feature

iSwitch™ technology (activates when water at or above 2.125")

Extras

Strainer base filter, Automatic freeze protection, 25 ft power cord, 25 ft "pull to shore" rope included

Warranty

3 years

PROS

The design of this model features a special stabilizing plate, which ensures that the pump won't fall over regardless of the pool cover's shape or layout. Fully removable, it can be detached at any time, making the pump maintenance simple and easy.

CONS

The plastic hose quality that comes together with the pump leaves something more to be desired.

OUR VERDICT

This automatic pump for pool covers is an ideal turn-and-forget option for users that don't want to bother with pool controls. Once primed, the device will quietly do its job without your assistance. Designed for small-to-medium pools and water reservoirs.

detailed parameters
Power

1/6 HP (up to 1200 gallons per hour)

Minimal water level

1.75" (0.125" in manual mode)

Auto-on feature

Yes (activates when water at or above 3.25")

Extras

Strainer base filter, 25 ft power cord, Removable stabilizing plate

Warranty

2 years

PROS

An all-upgraded filter effectively removes any debris that may get into the pump system from the surface of the pool cover. Moreover, the filter can be detached and washed for maintenance reasons and put back at any time.

CONS

The AC cord is rather short compared to similar products.

OUR VERDICT

This affordable yet convenient pump from Superior Pump will be a great addition to your pool maintenance tools. To add more, the appliance can be used in virtually any reservoir with water inside, thanks to its simple design.

detailed parameters
Power

1/4 HP (up to 1800 gallons per hour)

Minimal water level

0.125"

Auto-on feature

None

Extras

Strainer base filter, 10 ft power cord

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The unit's housing is made of durable plastic that ensures the long service life of the whole pump. Furthermore, the pump also features a convenient handle, which simplifies the transportation of the 13-pound unit.

CONS

The pump works loudly at high speeds.

OUR VERDICT

If you are looking for a powerful submersible pump, then this model will be right up your alley. Thanks to its heat-resistant construction, it can be utilized in 120°F water without any overheating risks. Meant for small-to-medium pools and water reservoirs.

detailed parameters
Power

1/3 HP (up to 1700 gallons per hour)

Minimal water level

1.5"

Auto-on feature

Yes (activates when water at or above 2")

Extras

Strainer base filter, 25 ft power cord

Warranty

3 years

PROS

The package comes with 3 adapters, so you can connect hoses with a diameter of 1 inch, 1.25 inches, as well as 1.5 inches. When used with a 1.5-inch hose, the maximum flow rate of the pump can be boosted to up to 2115 gallons per hour.

CONS

Doesn't pump water below the 4.7-inch mark.

OUR VERDICT

This particular model from Flyerstoy is meant for continuous and intensive use. Thanks to its powerful 1/2 HP motor, it deals with most tasks with ease to match. Designed for large pools, it can also be utilized on other reservoirs that hold water.

detailed parameters
Power

1/2 HP (up to 2115 gallons per hour)

Minimal water level

4.7"

Auto-on feature

Yes (activates when water above 4.75")

Extras

Strainer base filter,  16 ft power cord

Warranty

1 year

No More Hassle With Your Swimming Pool Cover

The Wayne WAPC250 may seem a bit too standard to most users, however, under thick housing there hides a powerful automatic pool pump that every pool owner should have.

The iSwitch technology implemented in this unit turns the pump on and off automatically when the water level gets below the 2.125-inch point above ground. This way, you can leave the pump on top of the cover while being away without the risk of pool overflowing. What is more, the electric motor of this compact pump is quite powerful and can remove up to 3000 gallons of water per hour, which is quite fast for a pool cover model.

The kit comes equipped with a strainer base filter with an automatic freeze protection system. Thanks to this, the pump can be utilized outdoors in cold weather as long as the iSwitch feature is turned on. That being said, it is still recommended to get the pump out of the pool if the temperature drops below the freezing point.

Furthermore, the automatic switch activates when the water has been detected above 2 ⅛ inches. What makes this model convenient for larger pools is that it’s fully submersible, which allows utilizing the pump as long as the water hasn’t been frozen.

All things considered, the Wayne WAPC250 is arguably the best pool cover pump out there. Thanks to the great build quality and multiple protection systems, it will serve you well for years to come.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $164.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B008PPPRUK

Small yet Capable

The 5-APCP from Little Giant is a relatively compact, portable pool utility device that can do a lot more than any regular model.

For your convenience, the pump features a special auto-on feature that turns on the pump once the water level reaches the mark of 3.25 inches. Once activated, the pump will automatically drain all the water down to 1.75 inches and turn off on its own. In case that is not enough, you can always use the pump manually. When engaged, the manual mode enables removing the water up to ⅛ inches down, so even small puddles don’t stand a chance.

The only thing we didn't like is the relatively poor quality of the plastic hose that comes together with the pump. On the bright side, however, this product can be utilized during colder months using a heated hose. When connected with the pump, it will prevent the internal components from freezing, so the only thing you’ll have to worry about is cleaning it from debris.

As for the power, the unit has a 1/6 HP motor on board, making this little giant capable of pumping the water with a speed of up to 1200 gallons per hour. Alternatively, the kit comes equipped with a special adapter cable that you can use as a cable extender since it can be connected to a power outlet.

All in all, this model is the best pool cover pump for medium-sized pools that can be used throughout the year. Small, easy to maintain and clean, it has a superior suction power compared to other products of the same caliber.

Last updated price $159.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B000JGD34U

Gets the Job Done

The Superior Pump 91250 is made of thermoplastic and can be submerged into the swimming pool when needed to remove water when it reaches a certain limit. The housing protects the unit from heat, which makes this model much more durable compared to the usual deal.

The thing that did disappoint us is the fact that this model doesn’t have any automatic switch options. Due to this little design quirk, it can only be utilized in manual mode, which is a bummer, to say the least. Nevertheless, the 91250 can be used as a utility pump for larger reservoirs since it only shuts off when you unplug it.

Fortunately, the high-quality build allows using this model not only to pump the water out of pools but also from various reservoirs containing technical water. Moreover, in case of heavy rain, you can utilize the pump to remove excess waters from puddles, as long as all hoses are connected tightly.

When it comes to the pumping speed, the ¼ HP electric motor of the unit allows the model to pump the water out with speed of up to 1800 gallons per hour, which is fairly standard for a utility model.

As a preventive measure, we recommend using an inlet filter which won’t let any debris get stuck inside the pump, allowing it to operate for prolonged periods of time without cleaning.

Wrapping things up, this model from Superior Pump is an ideal pick for most tasks and simply the best pool cover pump for tough jobs.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $49.85
Stock In stock
ASIN B000X05G1A

Removes Any Water Left Without a Trace

When small pumps just don’t cut it, you can always opt for a device that stands out thanks to its reliable engine, which pumps the water from the pool fast. Additionally, it has to be autonomous and powerful so you won’t have to restart it every time it stops pumping water.

Speaking of power, the pump’s heart is an electric ⅓ HP motor is capable of displacing up to 1700 gallons of water per hour without breaking a sweat. Even though the main purpose of the device is to get the water off your pool cover, it can be utilized on any surface, as long as there’s water on top. Thanks to these specifications, the pump can be used for both small and large pools (or other reservoirs that hold water) quite conveniently.

As a neat bonus, the pump comes equipped with an extra-long 25-foot power cable that should be more than enough to suffice the needs of demanding users.

For added autonomy, the unit is equipped with a floating switch that activates the pump when the water level reaches the 2-inch mark above ground, which makes the whole water removal operation a tad bit simpler. Aside from the regular pumping hoses, the pump can be connected to any garden hose as long as its connector’s diameter is ¾ inches.

Great for both home and professional use, the Little Giant APCP 1700 is a real steal for the money. Powerful and versatile, it makes all the difference when it comes to pumping out the water fast.

Last updated price $115.49
Stock In stock
ASIN B000WQZCQO

Pool Equipment You Can Rely On

The Flyerstoy ½ HP_Red is one of the most powerful pumps in this selection, nevertheless, it’s not solely power that makes this device worth your attention.

First things first, let’s take a look at the specifications of the unit to figure out what it’s best used for. Owing to its 270-watt motor, the pump is capable of displacing up to 1700 gallons of water per hour, which makes this model suitable for most household applications. This includes removing water build-ups that usually occur after rain or when there is melting snow on top of your swimming pool cover during winter.

Furthermore, there are accessories that come together with the pump. This Flyerstoy model is equipped with a 16-foot power cord that will make powering a real breeze and a special strainer base filter that won’t let any debris get stuck inside the pump itself.

The autonomy aspects, on the other hand, include an integrated float switch that activates the pump when the water rises over the 2-inch mark above ground, making it a great option for most swimming pool layouts out there.

In the end, if you are looking for a reliable piece of pool equipment, then this model will fit that bill just right. Easy to use, clean, and maintain, it will serve you well for years to come.

Last updated price $49.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07DPN3BPB

What Is a Pool Cover Pump?

Using a pump on a swimming pool when it has a cover on can be problematic. Since not all pools can be utilized 24/7, owners usually cover them when they are not used. Fortunately, there is a handy device that is designed specifically for removing the excess moisture from the top of your favorite swimming pool.

Pools can gather up dirt, leaves, twigs, and a lot of other stuff you wouldn’t want to touch with your hands, let alone swim near. So having a pool cover pump at your disposal is a must to maintain a pool and keep it in a good shape until the next season comes.

A standard pool pump is usually placed on top of the pool cover to remove water build-ups that inevitably occur over time. The user only has to clean the pump from time to time to avoid debris getting stuck inside the device.

While some models have an anti-freeze function, others may require a heated hose in order to operate properly in cold water. It is recommended to check the unit's specifications before using it outdoors during colder months.

If you are looking for more pool maintenance devices, we also recommend these robotic pool cleaner reviews. If you want to swim in warm water all year round, a simple pool heater would be a great option to achieve that goal.

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