Making necessary preparations ahead of winter is particularly important for pool maintenance. This also includes acquiring appropriate tools and accessories that can save you money in the long run and protect your pool as a whole. One of the most popular pool maintenance tools is a pool cover pump. While pool cover pumps may seem excessive, many pool owners know the tidiness and integrity of your pool water depends on how fast and effective you are at cleaning the pool cover since it protects what lies underneath throughout the winter.
Pool cover pumps can be rather expensive, but their functionality, as well as their substantial service life, are generally worth the initial investment. There are plenty of affordable pool cover pumps for each upscale top-performing model you encounter, so it is possible to find a serviceable cleaning appliance for your pool cover even if you are working with a limited budget.
What to consider when choosing a pool cover pump?
Some of the current top-selling pool cover pumps share a lot of key features, with a few deviations in operation and design. While there might be more than one model that could be the right fit for the needs of your pool, the final choice comes down to the actual size of your pool and the weather specifics of your climate zone.
Pool cover pumps can be divided into manual and automatic based on the way their switch is activated and deactivated. Some models feature both types of pump control, and those are generally more flexible in use.
List of Top-Rated Pool Cover Pumps
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Wayne 57729-WYNP |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | Superior Pump 91330 |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | Little Giant 14942702 PCP550 |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | FibroPool Pool Winter Cover |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | Little Giant 577301 APCP-1700 |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | Ocean Blue 195091 |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | Little Giant 5-APCP 505600 |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | Yescom 3434GPH |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | Blue Wave NW2300 |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | Superior Pump 92341 |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | Pumps Away BS 27316 |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | Rule A53 Series 1800 |
| Check Price Amazon |
The efficiency of a pump is typically rated by its flow intake measured in gallons per hour—and the higher the flow rate, the better. High-flow pumps are naturally the most expensive, but midrange pumps with 500-600 GPH flow rates are also quite powerful and sometimes more energy-efficient.
Some manufacturers specify the total dynamic head of their pumps, while others choose to skim over it; the total dynamic head describes the total amount of pressure that the water system experiences when allowing water to pass. The higher the vertical rise of water passing through the system, the more loss in flow rate the pump experiences.
As such, a pump may be capable of moving a large number of gallons per hour at 0 feet of head discharge, but due to friction loss during transfer, the flow will drop in correspondence with the head increase; for example, a 3000 GPH flow at 0 feet will drop to 900 GPH at 9 feet of discharge height.
Table of Contents
- What to consider when choosing a pool cover pump?
- List of Top-Rated Pool Cover Pumps
-
Review of the Best Pool Cover Pumps
- Wayne 57729-WYNP Pool Cover Pump
- Superior Pump 91330 Pool Cover Pump
- Little Giant PCP550 14942702 Pool Cover Pump
- FibroPool Electric Swimming Pool Winter Cover Pool Cover Pump
- Little Giant APCP-1700 577301 Pool Cover Pump
- Ocean Blue 195091 Pool Cover Pump
- Little Giant 5-APCP 505600 Pool Cover Pump
- Yescom 3432GPH 37PUM007-SUM750W-03 Pool Cover Pump
- Blue Wave NW2300 Pool Cover Pump
- Superior Pump 92341 Pool Cover Pump
- Pumps Away BS 27316 Pool Cover Pump
- Rule A53 Series 1800 Pool Cover Pump
- In Conclusion
Review of the Best Pool Cover Pumps
Wayne 57729-WYNP Pool Cover Pump
The Wayne WAPC250 is a reinforced thermoplastic pool cover pump that supports full submersion as well as automatic activation.
This pump is equipped with a highly efficient iSwitch® technology that engages the draining process automatically once it detects water on the surface of your pool cover. There is no need to watch over the activated pump since the automatic switch will shut down the appliance after all of the water is effectively removed.
The pumping action is powered by a PSC oil-filled motor with a centrifugal impeller, generating high flow while keeping the process energy-efficient. The pump’s automatic freeze protection feature is designed to shield the appliance from extreme temperatures, while the special protective circuit installed around the motor prevents any damage that could be caused by a locked impeller.
If the pump’s impeller becomes clogged with debris such as leaves and small twigs, the entire unit will be automatically shut down to avoid internal damage and motor overheating. However, the likelihood of clogging is greatly reduced with the addition of a suction screen at the base designed to keep out harmful debris out of the interior chamber.
This model comes with a long 25-foot power cord to give you the freedom of moving and operating the pump around the pool without fearing it would tip over or fail to reach past the lip of the pool. Moreover, it includes the “pull-to-shore” rope for easier handling of the pump.
As for the pump’s flow rate, this WAPC250 can put out 3000 gallons per hour when the flow is at its maximum and gives a steady 2350 gallons per hour when the total dynamic head is at the 5-foot mark.
This pump uses a 1-¼-inch discharge hose for its main action, though its check valve is also supplied with a ¾-inch adapter for garden hoses. It is recommended that you always plug the pump in a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet.
Features:
- Max. flow rate: 3000 GPH
- Motor: 1/4 HP
- Power cord length: 25 ft
- Color: Blue
- Item weight: 10.6 lbs
Pros:
- Unique automated motor control
- Flexible discharge connection
- Superior flow speeds
- Easy to use extended cord
- Environmentally-friendly operation
Superior Pump 91330 Pool Cover Pump
The Superior Pump 91330 is a versatile utility pump designed for collecting water at a steady rate while also filtering out unwanted debris like leaves and dirt particles.
As a utility pump of submersible variety, the 91330 is designed to pump out large amounts of excess water from pool cover surfaces, slurries, shallow basins, and work sites.
This heavy-duty model delivers continuous pumping action powered by a copper-winded split capacitor motor which can sustain ⅓ HP output thanks to its thermal protection and reinforced shaft seals.
Maximum flow reaches 2400 gallons per hour and drops to 2040 gallons per hour at the 5-foot head height, making the action highly consistent, especially in cases of regular application.
The pump’s tough thermoplastic construction is further enhanced by a special strainer design at the bottom that protects the interior parts as it filters debris as large as ⅛ inches without risk of clogging.
In addition to the top-positioned discharge, the pump also works with 6-inch floor drains and supports a 1-¼ inch hose connection. It also acts as a sump pump as long as it’s equipped with a float switch for collecting water in a basement sump basin.
Features:
- Max. flow rate: 2400 GPH
- Motor: 1/3 HP
- Power cord length: 10 ft
- Color: Black
- Item weight: 7.8 lbs
Pros:
- Powerful flow rates even with vertical application
- Adaptable intake
- Durable interior components
- Efficient motor output
Little Giant PCP550 14942702 Pool Cover Pump
The Little Giant PCP550 is a sturdy midtier pump able to eliminate standing water from pool covers as well as small reservoirs and containers.
The pumping power of this Little Giant reaches 1-1/50 HP, providing stable action that could be applicable for multiple tasks in addition to its main purpose of collecting water off pool covers.
Located on the side of the appliance, the intake screen sorts through debris, solids, and other harmful particles. The screen can also be easily removed when you need to conduct maintenance.
In terms of performance, the pump falls into a midrange category with a steady flow that maxes at 550 gallons per hour, sustaining 400 gallons per hour at the 3-foot water lift mark.
The pump’s lightweight thermoplastic construction gives it certain mobility since it is easy to carry and move around the pool. To expand the work area, even more, the unit is equipped with a long 25-foot power cord, allowing you to safely power the pump even if your closest outlet is far from the pool.
This is a rather compact model meant for easy storage since it measures 5.6 inches in height, 7 inches in width, and only 3.2 inches in length. The pump supports ¾-inch garden hoses which makes the connection easy and the installation fast.
As a model designed primarily for winter use, the PCP550 offers a powerful combination of reliable flow—an important feature to sustain in colder months—and a superior energy exchange rate, making it compatible with other water transfer activities.
Features:
- Max. flow rate: 550 GPH
- Motor: 1 1/50 HP
- Power cord length: 25 ft
- Color: Black
- Item weight: 3.4 lbs
Pros:
- Minimal efficiency loss during head drop
- Superior motor power
- Light and compact design
- Suitable for winter use
FibroPool Electric Swimming Pool Winter Cover Pool Cover Pump
The FibroPool swimming pool cover pump is a powerful yet affordable draining appliance designed specifically for water discharge in winter. As such, it shows considerable resistance to the effects of rust and prevents bacteria growth.
What separates this model from regular pool pumps is its heavy-duty construction. Incorporating sturdier materials into the pump’s design and reinforcing it with a strong but light thermoplastic case, FibroPool increases both the longevity of service and resistance to outside damage, whether it’s generated by weather or water.
Besides, the pump is capable of handling colder temperatures and performing admirably in freezing conditions. When placed strategically close to the problematic water-clogged area, the pump can completely get rid of excess water and snowmelt while filtering out rainstorms and snowstorm debris.
Maximum flow reaches 600 gallons per hour, providing a regular draining action with a minimal head drop. The manual shut-off is also available for quick disengagement of the pump in case of clogging or overheating.
Supplied with a compatible 16-foot hose, the pump is easy to install and use since it could be hooked up right after the purchase, saving you the need to shop for additional parts.
Features:
- Max. flow rate: 600 GPH
- Motor: 1/10 HP
- Power cord length: 16 ft
- Color: Black
- Item weight: 4.2 lbs
Pros:
- Corrosion-resistant materials
- Strong quality of filtration
- Stable flow rate at zero head
- Can be adapted for various hoses
Little Giant APCP-1700 577301 Pool Cover Pump
The APCP-1700 is an automatic pool cover pump manufactured by Little Giant to service solid swimming pool covers in challenging weather conditions. As a submersible model, the APCP-1700 can undertake particularly voluminous rainwater puddles, including standing water with high debris content.
The efficiency of this model is upheld by its automated shut-off system that incorporates a responsive float switch to determine the input water levels. The pump requires only 2 inches of water for automatic activation, so you can simply leave it close to the puddle on top of the pool cover and let it do the work.
The design of this pump features a wide underside surface to provide a more stable grip on the pool cover, while the 1-inch FNPT side hose connection is meant to optimize the discharge through the process of horizontal intake.
Moreover, the base is intricately screened to provide reliable filtration upon water intake, making it easier for you to clean the pump after every usage. You can also carry the pump with less effort since it includes a neat handle, and the unit’s overall glass-filled polypropylene construction is light and easy to move around.
Though the pump offers a ¾ adapter for garden hose connection, it is recommended to use it with a 1-inch FNPT tube if you want to take advantage of its full potential. With a maximum flow of 500 gallons per hour and a maximum head of 23 feet, this model allows for the fast removal of rainwater in a single run.
Features:
- Max. flow rate: 500 GPH
- Motor: 1/3 HP
- Power cord length: 25 ft
- Color: Blue
- Item weight: 13 lbs
Pros:
- Long power cord included
- Automatic activation system
- 115 Volt compatibility
- Improved head sustainability
- Submersible design
Ocean Blue 195091 Pool Cover Pump
The Ocean Blue Genius 195091 is a fully submersible pool cover pump designed for assisting water discharge in difficult winter conditions. This is a multi-purpose pump that can be applied for various small man-made reservoirs, such as indoor and outdoor pools, backyard ponds, garden basins, and more.
With its single-speed motor and balanced water intake system, this winter cover pump reduces its energy consumption levels by half. While maintaining this energy-efficient operation, the pump manages to put out the maximum flow rate of 350 gallons per hour with a minimal head drop in case of long continuous use.
The mesh screen located underneath the base prevents clogs from forming even in cases of high levels of water contamination, while the foundation itself is designed to give the pump more stability when placed on the cover surface.
The Genius 195091 is compatible with standard garden hoses, and its long 25-foot power cord allows you to freely maneuver it around your pool area.
Features:
- Max. flow rate: 350 GPH
- Motor: 0.03 HP
- Power cord length: 25 ft
- Color: Blue
- Item weight: 3 lbs
Pros:
- The design allows complete submersion
- Extended power cord
- Stable filtration of debris
- Versatile usage
Little Giant 5-APCP 505600 Pool Cover Pump
The Little Giant 5-APCP is a high-speed pool cover pump with a submersible design and automatic activation that comes with manual backup.
With this model you can choose between automatic and manual activation or deactivation, a function most useful when you require either more control of the processor, on the contrary, need to engage with other tasks while the pump is working.
When the switch is automatic, the appliance starts pumping as soon as it senses water with a minimal level of 2-¼ inches. In addition to automation, the pump can be fully submerged to deal with larger amounts of water.
The maximum flow rate of this model reaches 1200 gallons per hour at the total head of 1 foot, supporting prolonged discharge of all types of water including snowmelt.
Features:
- Max. flow rate: 1200 GPH
- Motor: 1/6 HP
- Power cord length: 25 ft
- Color: Pale blue
- Item weight: 11 lbs
Pros:
- Features stabilizing base
- Removable automatic switch
- Can be used with various small bodies of water
- Stable flow rate with minimal loss at 1 ft of the total head
Yescom 3432GPH 37PUM007-SUM750W-03 Pool Cover Pump
The Yescom 3432GPH is a heavy-duty pump with submersible construction suited for water transfer work with ponds, pools, basements, and other shallow to medium water bodies.
This pump is engineered to sustain continuous water discharge action for long periods regardless of its placement within the reservoir. Its powerful and insulated motor can supply steady pumping even when completely submerged while reaching the maximum head lift of 26 feet.
Since it includes automatic activation and deactivation features, the pump can be left on top of the pool cover without supervision until it finishes draining the water. It’s also particularly strongly built to withstand heavy usage while also filtering contaminated and murky water.
Given the power of its motor, the pump is exceptionally quiet, even when it does the work above the water surface. This Yescom also supports various hose connections, including 1-inch hoses, G1-½ hoses for medium pressure hydraulic application, and standard 1-¼-inch hoses.
Features:
- Max. flow rate: 3432 GPH
- Motor: 1 HP
- Power cord length: 25 ft
- Color: Blue + black
- Item weight: 12.65 lbs
Pros:
- Durable materials
- Versatile usage
- Automatic shut off
- Can be used for filling or draining ponds
Blue Wave NW2300 Pool Cover Pump
The Blue Wave Dredger Jr. NW2300 is a pool cover pump manufactured by Dirt Defender and made compatible with discharge work that requires full submersion.
This pool cover pump is both energy-efficient and consistent with its support of uninterrupted water discharge, reaching the maximum flow rate of 350 gallons per hour. It is activated manually, so you will be able to disengage it when you deem the work complete.
The pump is light but sturdy, and both its interior and exterior sections are thermally protected. The screened intake base can be cleaned and reused multiple times, while the construction of the appliance as a whole provides secure footing on top of the pool cover. It also comes supplied with a long 25-foot power cord and a standard garden hose adapter.
Features:
- Max. flow rate: 350 GPH
- Motor: 0.285A
- Power cord length: 25 ft
- Color: Black
- Item weight: 2.85 lbs
Pros:
- Stable foundation
- Insulated interior
- Stable water intake
- Completely submersible
Superior Pump 92341 Pool Cover Pump
The Superior Pump 92341 is a submersible pump designed for heavy-duty applications including the exchange of large amounts of water in a single run.
By moving up to 2760 gallons per hour, this high-efficiency model can exchange water even at 25 feet of vertical drop. All pumping action is activated and deactivated automatically with the help of the vertical float switch, though it also includes a piggy-back power plug for manual control.
On top of its reinforced construction, this cast iron pump offers hardware upgrades across its pumping and filtration systems, most notably the durable stainless steel impeller.
All seals are covered with protective stainless steel layers to withstand heavy usage, including the double o-ring seals on the protective motor plate. The motor’s split capacitors can be manipulated electronically for added versatility of operation.
The hose connection supports 1-½-inch NPT hoses that allow increased flow when necessary, and the pump’s filtration screen can sift through large debris, including ⅜-inch solids.
Features:
- Max. flow rate: 2760 GPH
- Motor: 1/3 HP
- Power cord length: 10 ft
- Color: Black
- Item weight: 16.95 lbs
Pros:
- Versatile control options
- Supports heavy duty action
- Cast iron design
- Exceptionally high flow rates
Pumps Away BS 27316 Pool Cover Pump
The Pumps Away BS 27316 is an affordable mid-level pump capable of supporting the drainage of substantial amounts of water in cold temperatures.
This pump is made for regular discharge as well as submersible work, achieving a flow rate of up to 350 gallons per hour. Manual control allows you to choose the duration of the main pumping action until your pool cover is completely clear of the water.
As for the pump’s screen intake, the base features a special sponge pad to double the effectiveness of filtration when dealing with leaves and solids.
The environmentally-friendly motor powering the pump requires and contains no oil, and the discharge connection supports standard garden hoses which are typically easy to install and maintain.
Features:
- Max. flow rate: 350 GPH
- Motor: 1/4 HP
- Power cord length: 25 ft
- Color: Black
- Item weight: 2.7 lbs
Pros:
- Gathers water up to ⅛ inches deep
- Can be submerged for faster discharge
- Manual shut off
- Balanced discharge speed for winter conditions
Rule A53 Series 1800 Pool Cover Pump
The Rule A53S is an efficient utility pump with submersible housing and a computerized switch off.
This pump can be entirely submerged in all types of fresh and saltwater; this covers both hot and cold temperature conditions since the pump’s durable injection molded thermoplastic housing combines the rust-resistant stainless steel interior components to ensure maximum protection of the whole structure.
Inside you may find the pump’s driving force: a water-cooled permanent magnet motor that generates up to 100 Watts of power while keeping the noise level and vibration to a minimum.
The pumping is activated when the pump detects as little as 1 inch of water with its computerized automation system, giving you more free time to work on your pool or garden.
Located at the base of the structure is the removable screen that can be taken off and cleaned after every application. This model can be used in a variety of settings, both indoor and outdoor, some of which include water removal in basements, gardens, backyards, drains, and even spas.
Features:
- Max. flow rate: 1800 GPH
- Motor: 1 HP
- Power cord length: 8 ft/24 ft
- Color: White
- Item weight: 2.7 lbs
Pros:
- Automatic motor control
- Energy-efficient and compact
- Long power cord
- Shuts off in case of clogging
- Sensitive to the lowest water levels
In Conclusion
What is the best pool cover pump?
A good solid pump to get for cleaning your pool cover could be any modern automatic model with preferably lightweight thermoplastic construction. But perhaps the best and most powerful pool cover pump for its price is WAYNE WAPC250 with automatic shut off, improved filtration, and submersible design.
How does a pool cover pump work?
A swimming pool cover is designed to maintain a pool cover clean by removing excess water and debris when a pool is not being used. Cover pumps are especially convenient for cleaning outside pool covers in winter when it is vital to remove rainwater before the freezing point.
Pumps also work to your advantage in warmer climates, especially when large amounts of rainwater tend to gather on the cover which can cause the pool water below to rise in temperature and begin to evaporate.
A standard pool cover pump uses a permanent split capacitor motor to power the pumping action. A PSC motor provides one continuous working speed instead of variable speed options and can be only engaged or disengaged automatically.
Most pool cover pumps feature a 1-¼ hose connection or ¾ garden hose connection located on the side of the top to provide horizontal or vertical pumping action respectively.
While the power of the pool cover pump motor is measured in standard horsepower units, the effectiveness of water discharge in these appliances is determined by the amount of flow they can sustain on an hourly basis. The more gallons per hour a pool cover pump can deliver, the more effective it is at removing water. Any pump’s maximum flow capacity differs from its flow at different heights of head lift.
Most pool cover pumps are made of durable yet lightweight materials and feature special screens or strainers to protect their interior from debris like leaves and large pieces of dirt. The screen’s location depends on the location of the pump’s hose connection, so you may find it either at the base or on the side.
Should I pump water off the pool cover?
Though swimming pool covers are made to be durable and protect the pool when it’s out of commission, too much excess water on top may lead to serious damage to the cover and subsequently the pool itself.
Frequent rainstorms can result in a massive accumulation of rainwater on top of pool covers and cause them to dent and even tear. When too much weight is put on top of a pool cover, the structure may sag enough to come in contact with pool water and disturb the temperature balance, sometimes even contaminating the water which can end up in costly repairs and tough cleaning jobs.
As such, pumping water off your pool cover is essential and should be done regularly. Removing excess water off the pool cover can be done in more than one way. One of the most basic methods is done with the help of a garden hose with which you siphon the water directly from the pool cover and clean up the debris afterward. Another method involves a standard bucket and a lot of effort: you simply scoop up the water manually and dispose of it into another container.
Even though traditional methods can be more accessible, swimming pool cover pumps present a more convenient cleaning tool, usually taking less time and manual effort to remove water from the cover and ensure its integrity.
How tight should my pool cover be?
It is generally recommended to secure a pool cover as firm as possible. It should be drum-tight in appearance, though a minimal indentation in the middle is allowed. If you fail to secure your pool cover properly, the whole structure can end up being too loose which allows debris to enter the pool itself.
Keeping your pool water at an optimal level when it’s covered is also vital for successful preservation. The pool water should not be too high, especially in spring and fall, since the pool cover gathers more leaves than it normally would, resulting in the cover sagging lower. When the pool water level is too high, the accumulated leaves will simply stagnate in the depressing cover which can eventually lead to mildew growth and unpleasant odors.
But avoiding high water levels is not enough to prevent possible problems since too low levels can also cause damage. It is generally recommended to keep your pool water level at 18 inches or slightly higher from the top of the pool. When you drain your pool too much or perhaps don’t fill it enough, the water level falls below 18 inches from the top, putting a strain on the pool cover. This causes the cover to stretch, sometimes to the point of tearing. Aside from ripping, this strain can lead to the anchors that hold the cover tight to become dislodged from the pool deck, resulting in the collapse of the entire structure.
How do I get water and leaves off my pool cover?
The process of removing water and leaves from a pool cover is pretty similar across the board for most cover types, whether you have a solid safety cover, a see-through mesh cover, or an automatic winter cover.
The first step of tidying up the pool cover is to remove large debris and leaves before you attempt draining the water. If the cover is generally dry and only contains dry leaves, the entire process becomes fairly simple as it only needs you to get rid of the dry debris. For this, you can use a normal brush in case you have no special tools, though it will take longer.
The best tool for removing leaves is perhaps a pool cover rake. Those are designed to be used specifically with pool covers, ensuring no damage will be caused to the structure of the cover. Another useful tool for clearing off leaves is a standard leaf blower, though it should be applied with care.
However, more often than not you will find water on your cover, sometimes mixed with leaves and other debris. This situation usually complicates the cleaning and requires more care and forethought on your part.
First of all, wet leaves are prone to sticking to the cover and therefore make it tougher to clear off. Most wet leaves are much easier to clean when the excess water is removed, but herein lies the problem: it is dangerous to use the pump to remove the water when large debris is still present since it can clog and damage the appliance.
So cleaning wet leaves from the water that’s gathered on your cover still comes first, no matter how much of a hassle the whole process may seem. There are several ways of handling large debris, some more effective than others, though your best option would be to combine them.
The first step is to apply a swimming pool skimmer, or skimming net normally used to collect leaves from the pool water. It essentially works in the same way with the pool cover: first, you need to fix the skimmer net to the telescopic pole, then elongate the pole to the required length, and finally start gathering debris.
Since wet pool covers tend to accumulate more leaves than your pool water, it is easier to collect the leaves in larger portions. Clear away the leaves from each puddle that’s formed on the cover until the skimmer can’t gather the debris anymore.
If you are done with skimming but there are still individual leaves left sticking to the cover, it is time to apply the rake. Always use a pool cover rake to pick off stray leaves and avoid going for traditional garden rakes since they aren’t designed for pool covers and can puncture or rip the surface.
After all debris and leaves are removed, don’t rush to throw them out since they still contain water. It is best to put the leaves in a mesh bag or a plastic container with some sort of perforation to drain the water. Once you have gotten rid of leftover moisture, you may finally put the leaves in the trash.
How do you get water off a pool winter cover?
As with the cover-cleaning methods described above, you must first remove any debris from your winter cover before attempting to drain the water. Once there are no large objects or leaves left on top of the cover, it is safe to begin the drainage.
The fastest method of draining the water is by applying a pump specifically designed for safe water removal from solid pool covers in most weather conditions. Some pumps are quicker and more effective than others, though they are slightly more expensive; more affordable models take more time but still get the job done more efficiently than most manual methods.
However, if you haven’t purchased a pump yet or prefer to clean the pool cover manually, there is a popular time-proven method you can try that involves siphoning. This method is more effective with elevated pools or those located on a slope, though it works for pools with flatter bases as well, just at a slower rate.
How do you start a siphon with a hose?
A basic siphon involves a tube and two containers for water exchange. The container that receives the transferred water should be placed on a lower level than the one being withdrawn from, while the tube itself should be slung over an elevation or simply held up to allow the decrease of atmospheric pressure in that section which is responsible for the liquid being pushed through the tube.
In other words, to successfully start a siphon, you should always make sure the end of your siphon is lower than the source, in this case, the pool cover. To begin removing water from the pool cover via siphoning, first take a suitably long hose or a bendy plastic tube and fill it with water by submerging it in the water that’s gathered on your pool cover.
It is important to keep the water inside, so when you take out one of the tube’s ends, use your finger to plug it so it doesn’t leak. Often you would also need to keep the tube from floating up from the pool cover, so it is best to secure it with a weight of some sort. Then extend the other end over the lip of the pool and down while still covering it with your finger.
Once you have positioned the other end of the tube at a lower point than that of the pool cover water, you can remove your finger. The water will start flowing from the pool cover and into the previously arranged container over which you should be holding the tube.
Even if your pool is located in a flat or low-set area, a correctly arranged siphon can still push the water in an upward motion as opposed to a basic draining process. As long as the end of your siphon tubing is lower than the water source, it should create an uphill flow without any electrical assistance.
How do you drain a pool with a pump?
Pool cover pumps are engineered to provide the fastest possible drainage of water, so they are usually easy to set up and operate.
- First, you need to prepare the discharge hose, either the one supplied with the pump or another tube that’s compatible with the pump’s connection. Some pumps come with adapters for regular ¾ garden hoses.
- Unwind the hose and hook it up to the pump’s connection. Place the other end into a container or hook it up to a drainage system.
- Dry your hands well and plug the pump’s power cord into the closest outlet, or use an extension cord if the pump’s cord is too short to reach the outlet.
- Place the pump as close as you can to the puddle on your pool cover. Usually, they work just fine even if they are only slightly touching the water source, but sometimes you might want to gently push down on the pump so it slightly dents the cover and gets the water moving towards it. This way automatic pumps detect the required water amount and begin pumping.
- Make sure the water is being drained and if so, leave the pump to it. It’s recommended to check on it from time to time to inspect the progress or make sure the pump isn’t clogged by debris.
- Once the water is removed from your pool cover, turn off the pump and unplug it from the power source. Automatic pumps will shut off without any intervention.
- Unhook the hose from the pump and shake out any remaining water.
- Check the pump’s filtration screen and clean it from any debris that might have stuck in the strainer.
Most manufacturers recommend storing your pump inside to protect it from extreme temperatures. Hot weather may overheat the pump’s motor while freezing conditions can cause ice formation inside the casing and hinder the pump’s functions.
Are pool cover pumps submersible?
Not all pumps are safe for complete submersion, but there are plenty of submersible models that could be placed even in deep puddles or on the pool steps. Many submersible pumps are also automatic, meaning they detect the water level they come in contact with and initiate the pumping when it exceeds the minimum level required for their activation.
How do I winterize my above ground pool?
Winterizing a pool means preparing it for cold weather and safely closing it. The time of closing depends on your location and how extreme the winters can get where you live.
A pool is usually closed when the outside temperature falls below 65°F. It is important to wait for the temperature to fall below that exact point since colder temperatures prevent various organisms like algae from thriving.
- Remove auxiliary parts. Before you can start draining your pool, it is best to strip away its parts, namely the ladders, the filters, and the pipes. The ladders need to be removed to allow a tighter seal for the winter cover as well as to protect the ladders from rusting. The filtration system comes next, then it’s the pipes that should be disassembled. Wash all removed parts and tools, then dry them thoroughly before storing them.
- Balance the water chemistry. This mainly includes the testing and adjustment of the water pH in your pool, the hardness determined by how much calcium the water contains, and the water’s total alkalinity. By testing each of those parameters, you will see how much altering each level needs to keep the pool sanitary in the offseason. For this, make sure your final levels before closing are as follows: the pH level should fall within the range of 7.2-7.4; calcium hardness is at 180-220, and the total alkalinity is at 80-120 parts per million, or ppm.
- Do the final cleaning of the pool. This is a vital step before you could close the pool. All debris, leaves, and small remaining algae must be removed since they represent particulate organic matter that could temper with the newly established chemical balance of the pool.
- Lower the overall water level. Drain the pool water until the level reaches just under the filtration grid. It is best to keep the water at or slightly below the 18-inch mark measured from the top of the pool.
- Secure the pool cover. A winter cover should be stretched tight so it covers the entire pool and leaves no gaps through which debris or wind can enter. Winter winds can be exceptionally harsh and often strong enough to rip the cover away from the pool, so you must take every precaution to ft the cover properly. Using an air pillow to install the cover can improve the overall insulation from rain, ice, and snow while applying special clips might help you keep the cover sealed even in strong winds. You can also add patches of thick canvas to cover gaps and holes to prevent various substances from falling into the pool, mainly rainwater, snowmelt, and organic debris.
- Dismantle the filtration system. This also includes removing the pool pump as well as the filtration system itself. Use a tutorial supplied with your pool assembly if you don’t know where to start. Once you have taken off each part, carefully dry them and leave them overnight for extra drying. Check the parts for any remnants of water, and if you find none move them to inside storage.
For those who experience winters with warm spells that push the outside temperature above 65°F for short periods, you can use this opportunity to check on your winterized pool, test water composition, and make any necessary adjustments. This can not only improve the overall hygiene of your pool but also preserve its ideal chemical balance until the swimming season.
