Why a Pool Cover Pump is Your Pool’s Best Friend

For pool owners, the off-season, or even just a period of heavy rain, brings a unique challenge: standing water on the pool cover. Whether you use a solid winter cover, a safety cover, or an automatic cover, accumulation of rain, snowmelt, and debris-laden water is inevitable. Ignoring this accumulation is a costly mistake. Just one inch of rain on a standard 12×24 pool cover adds over 1,400 pounds of pressure, which can cause the cover to sag, stretch, tear, or even damage the pool structure itself. This is where the humble, yet essential, pool cover pump steps in, acting as your pool’s dedicated protector against water damage and premature cover wear.

A specialised submersible utility pump efficiently removes water from the surface of your swimming pool cover. By performing this critical duty, it dramatically extends the life of your cover, simplifies spring pool opening, and enhances the overall safety of your backyard.

Manual vs. Automatic Pool Cover Pumps:

Choosing the right pump for your needs involves weighing convenience against cost. Pool cover pumps primarily fall into two categories: manual and automatic.

Manual Pool Cover Pumps:

Manual pumps are the budget-friendly and straightforward option. They require an attentive user to plug them in, monitor the draining process, and unplug them once the water is removed.

• Pros: Generally less expensive, simple to operate, and effective for smaller pools or areas with infrequent heavy rainfall.
• Cons: Requires manual intervention, meaning you must be home and vigilant to prevent dangerous water buildup. Leaving a manual pump running dry can also lead to motor damage.

Automatic Pool Cover Pumps:

For maximum convenience and peace of mind, the automatic pool cover pump is the undisputed champion. Equipped with a built-in water-sensing technology (often a float switch or electronic sensor), this pump detects when water has reached a specific level,typically around 2 to 3 inches—and turns on automatically. Once the water is drained to a low level (normally 1/8 to 3/8 inch), it automatically shuts off.

• Pros: Requires virtually no attention, works around the clock, significantly reduces the risk of cover damage, and ensures water is removed promptly, even if you are away.
• Cons: Higher initial cost than manual models.

For most pool owners, especially those with larger pools or who live in areas with significant precipitation, they quickly offset the initial investment in an automatic pump by the time saved, the extended lifespan of the pool cover, and the invaluable peace of mind it provides.

Key Benefits of Pool Cover Pump:

The benefits of incorporating a quality cover pump into your pool maintenance arsenal extend far beyond simple water removal:

1. Extends Pool Cover Lifespan: The most critical function. Relieving the immense strain caused by standing water prevents premature stretching, tearing, and degradation of the cover material, saving you the cost of early replacement.
2. Prevents Contamination of Pool Water: If someone removes a heavy, water-filled cover, the stagnant, dirty surface water, often filled with leaves, algae, and debris, will inevitably cascade into your pool. A pump ensures that you safely drain this contaminated water away, making spring opening and chemical balancing much easier and less costly.
3. Reduces Algae and Pest Growth: Standing water is a prime breeding ground for mosquitoes and can lead to the growth of unsightly, difficult-to-clean algae and mildew on the cover’s surface. Prompt removal keeps the cover clean and your yard safer.
4. Minimises Freezing Damage: During cold weather, pooling water can freeze, becoming heavier and exerting tremendous pressure. By consistently removing the liquid water, a pump helps minimise the amount of destructive ice that can form on your cover.
5. Enhances Safety: Large puddles of water on a solid surface pose a significant drowning risk to small children or pets who might be drawn to the water’s edge. By keeping the cover clear, you maintain the safety barrier intended by the cover itself.

Choosing and Using Your Pool Cover Pump: Performance Factors

When selecting your pump, consider the following technical specifications for optimal performance:

• Flow Rate (GPH): Measured in Gallons Per Hour (GPH), this indicates the pump’s capacity to move water. A higher GPH means faster drainage. For a small to medium-sized pool (under 20,000 gallons), a pump with 300-800 GPH is often sufficient. However, larger pools or areas with heavy rainfall may benefit from a pump with 1,200 GPH or more.
• Discharge Connection: Most cover pumps connect to a standard garden hose (for discharge), but ensure the pump is compatible and that you have a hose long enough to direct the water safely away from the pool deck and your home’s foundation.
• Cord Length: A long power cord (often 25 feet or more) is crucial to reach the centre of your cover and a safe, GFCI-protected outdoor electrical outlet.

Installation and Maintenance Tips:

1. Placement: Always place the pump on a relatively flat area of the cover where water naturally collects. If your cover is wavy, you may need to reposition the pump periodically to ensure optimal performance.
2. Check for Debris: Ensure the intake screen at the base of the pump is clear of leaves and debris, as a clogged screen will significantly reduce the pump’s efficiency and can cause it to overheat.
3. Winter Caution: Though pumps are durable, always follow the manufacturer’s advice regarding freezing temperatures. If extreme cold is expected, it is often best to drain the pump and store it indoors to prevent internal freezing damage.

Conclusion:

A pool cover pump is not merely an accessory; it is a fundamental tool for responsible pool ownership. By diligently removing standing water, you protect your pool cover, simplify maintenance, and ensure a smooth start to your swimming season. Invest wisely, and enjoy the lasting protection it provides.