Pool covers protect your pool throughout the winter, preventing debris and rainwater from entering your pool. That said, during the winter, snow and rain can build up on your pool cover, and eventually, this added weight could damage your cover or even your pool structure. The best way to get rid of this added weight is to use a pool cover pump. Investing in a pool cover pump is the best way to protect your pool cover and keep it in top condition throughout the off-season.
In this article, I’ll go over my top picks for pool cover pumps and walk you through some features to look out for.
Looking for a new pool cover? Be sure to check out my research on the best pool covers!
Pool Cover Pumps: My Top Picks
Wayne Automatic Pool Cover Pump
⭐ Best Overall
This Wayne pool cover pump is about as hands-off as you can get. It does all the hard work for you.
Research Score: 4.55 / 5
- Performance: 5
- Durability: 4
- Installation: 5
- Price: 4
Specs:
- Automatic
- 3000 GPH max flow rate
- 1/4 HP motor
- 25 ft. Power cord length
- 6 pounds of weight
What’s Great:
- Impressive flow speeds
- Simple to use extended cord
- Automated motor control
- Flexible discharge connection
- Environmentally-friendly operation
Limitations & What Needs Improvement:
- May fail to strain some debris
Research Notes
Out of all the pool cover pumps I tested, the best overall was the Wayne Automatic pool cover pump with ¼ horsepower. This is the easiest and most hands-off option, as it automatically turns on and off when the water level reaches a specific point. This heavy-duty pool cover pump also has a filter to prevent debris from clogging up the system and comes fully stocked with a 25-foot power cord and rope for adjusting its positioning. If you are in the market for a high-quality and worry-free pool cover pump, this is the option for you!
Performance
The Wayne pool cover pump is high-performing and effective at removing water from your winter pool cover. The ¼ horsepower pump is powerful enough to get rid of water quickly. It can pump up to 3,000 gallons per hour (GPH). This pump automatically turns on when the water builds up on your pool cover above 2.125 inches and automatically turns off at .75 of an inch. This is extremely handy as you won’t need to monitor your water levels and can count on the pump to do the work for you!
Durability
Assembled in the USA, the Wayne ¼ horsepower pool cover pump is durable and built to last. The Wayne pool cover pump is made of sealed heavy-duty plastic that can be fully submerged in water. These pumps can withstand the wear and tear of being outside, exposed to the elements for the entire winter season. The pump also contains a strainer for filtering debris. However, during my testing, the piping occasionally clogged up. But other than that, this pool cover pump is a powerhouse that will last for many pool seasons.
Installation
Setting up this pool cover pump is simple and quick. Simply plug in the 25-foot power cable, screw in a standard garden hose to the garden hose adapter valve, attach the 25-foot rope to the pump, and place the pump on the cover. You can use the rope (included) to maneuver the pump in the center of the pool cover. I found that this pump was very easy and straightforward to install. Pool owners with little to no experience should still be able to set this up relatively fast.
Price
One of the major downsides of this pool cover pump is the price. At $160, it is quite a bit more expensive than other pool cover pump models. That said, you get what you pay for. The Wayne pool cover pump is very effective and has sensors that automatically turn it on and off. This saves you lots of time spent checking and turning on the pump. And as I always say, “time is money!”
Notes From Other Testers
Out of more than 4,000 reviews, the Wayne ¼ horsepower pool cover pump has a rating of 4.4 out of 5. Other pool owners are pleased with this pump’s durability and ease of use. Some testers have even used it for more than ten seasons!
Some were a bit disappointed with the product as it costs more than other pumps, but it still has a few issues with clogging. Additionally, for some pool owners, the pump only lasted a few years, which is not ideal when spending over $150 on a product.
Little Giant Submersible Automatic Pool Cover Pump
⭐ Easiest to Use
Little Giant lives up to its name with a small but mighty pool cover pump that is really compact and easy to use.
Research Score: 4.55 / 5
- Performance: 5
- Durability: 4
- Installation: 5
- Price: 4
Specs:
- Automatic
- 1745 GPH max flow rate
- 1/3 HP motor
- 25 ft power cord length
- 13 pounds
What’s Great:
- Portable and easy to maneuver
- Comes with a long power cord
- Automatic activation system
- Effective in cold weather
- Has a submersible design
- 115-volt compatibility
Limitations & What Needs Improvement:
- Automatically turns off at a higher water level
- Float switch does not work 100% of the time
Research Notes
Another premium automatic pool cover pump is the Little Giant with ⅓ horsepower. You’ll be pleased with this pump’s high flow rate and efficiency, as it will quickly expel water from your pool cover. This pump is fully submersible and will automatically turn on and off, meaning you won’t have to monitor the water level on your pool cover. This pool pump weighs around 13 pounds and can remove 1,745 GPH. A heavy-duty pump with a reliable performance and attractive price point, the Little Giant automatic pump is a great choice for most pool owners.
Performance
The Little Giant automatic ⅓ horsepower pool cover pump is an excellent option for quickly removing water from your pool cover. Like the Wayne pool cover pump, this product automatically turns when the water level reaches 2” and turns off after it drops to an inch. This pump is also a bit more powerful than some other products I’ve worked with, so it quickly relieves pressure from your pool cover. The one downside in terms of performance is that the Little Giant pool cover pump turns off automatically when the water level is at 1”. At this level, there will still be quite a bit of weight on the cover, so you may have to manually remove it.
Durability
This product is extremely durable and made from heavy-duty polypropylene. It is built well and should last you many pool seasons. One problem I noticed is that the float switch does not always work. Occasionally, even when the water level was above 2”, the pump would not turn on, and I would have to switch it on automatically. Besides this issue, the Little Giant automatic pool cover pump is a workhorse that will be your trusty steed for many pool seasons.
Installation
Installing this pool cover pump is relatively straightforward. Simply attach the 25-foot power cord, insert the garden hose adapter, attach your garden hose, and place it in the lowest part of your pool cover. One downside is that the pool cover pump doesn’t come with a rope for maneuvering it in larger pools, but you can easily attach your own rope or use a telescopic rod to move it into place.
Price
The Little Giant automatic pool cover pump is cheaper than the Wayne automatic pump, but still comes at a premium cost. In general, automatic pumps cost more than manual options because they are more complicated and save you time and effort. If you are on a tighter budget and don’t mind spending the extra time checking your pool cover and turning the pump on and off, I recommend looking for a cheaper manual option. But this is one of your best options if you want a high-quality automatic pool cover pump.
Notes From Other Testers
This is a very popular and highly rated pool cover pump. Out of more than 4,500 reviews, it retains a 4.6-star rating out of 5. In fact, nearly 90% of all testers rated the pool cover pump four stars or higher! The Little Giant pool cover pump is acclaimed by users for being durable, powerful, and reliable. Many pool owners used this pump for years with minimal issues! Other pool owners were disappointed with certain aspects of the pool cover pump, such as the float switch and the short warranty. A few testers claimed the pump only lasted two pool seasons before they had to completely replace it. That said, in general, most pool owners were more than happy with their winter pool cover pump purchase.
Superior Pump 91250 Utility Pump
⭐ Most Durable
This pool cover pump is incredibly durable and can suck up pretty much any debris in its path.
Research Score: 4.6 / 5
- Performance: 4
- Durability: 5
- Installation: 5
- Price: 5
Specs:
- Manual
- 1800 GPH max flow rate
- 1/4 HP electric motor
- 10 ft, power cord
- Five pounds
What’s Great:
- Has a sturdy thermoplastic construction
- Comes with a removable suction screen to remove debris
- Ability to pump 1800 GPH
- Simple to install and operate
- Can be used with different products around the house
Limitations & What Needs Improvement:
- It only comes with a one-year warranty
Research Notes
If you’re looking for a versatile utility pump that you can also use around the house, pool, basement, or just about anywhere, the Superior Pump 91250 Utility Pump is an excellent choice. This small pump packs a powerful punch and is useful for just about any application. It is easy to set up, affordable, and will pump out around 1,800 gallons of water per hour. These aren’t rookie numbers! If it rains and snows a lot in your region, you may want to invest in an automatic pool cover pump. But if you don’t mind turning your pump on and off, this is an excellent and affordable choice!
Performance
The Superior Pump ¼ horsepower utility pump is a simple but effective design. You will have to turn this pump on manually when the water level is high on your pool cover, but as long as you turn it on and off at the right time, this product will work wonders. With a 1,800 GPH flow rate, you’ll be able to quickly clear the water from your pool cover, especially if you have a smaller above ground pool. Additionally, while this pump is manually activated, you can add a float switch to turn it into an automatic submersible pump.
Durability
Due to its simple, sturdy design, the Superior Pump is one of the most durable options out there. This pump should last you for several pool seasons without experiencing any major issues. You may need to occasionally clear debris from the piping, but other than that, the pump will work like a charm. It contains a thick, sealed plastic shell and a suction screen that filters out larger debris.
Installation
This is one of the easiest pool cover pumps to set up. All you need to do is plug it into a power outlet, connect your garden hose to drain the water, and turn the pump on when the water level on your pool cover is too high. It is crucial to monitor the pool pump whenever you turn it on because it may damage the pool cover if it continues to pump when the water is already removed.
Price
This pump is manually activated, so it is a simple design, and you will need to purchase a float switch if you want it to work automatically. That said, you simply cannot complain about the price. This pool cover pump costs less than $60 and will last years, so you will definitely get your money’s worth!
Notes From Other Testers
The Superior ¼ horsepower utility pump is one of the most popular pool cover pumps on the market. It has over 35,000 reviews on Amazon and is still rated 4.6 stars out of 5! Over 90% of the 35,000 reviewers left this pump at least 4 out of 5 stars! So, it goes without saying that most pool owners were happy with the product. Other testers were extremely happy with how effectively the pump removed water from their pool covers. Additionally, most pool owners used the pump for over three seasons! A few testers had issues with the flow rate, stating that it didn’t pump as fast as advertised.
Little Giant Manual Pool Cover Pump
⭐ Best Manual Pump
Little Giant makes the best manual pump on the market based on my experience. If you want a little more control, go with them.
Research Score: 4.45 / 5
- Performance: 4
- Durability: 5
- Installation: 5
- Price: 4
Specs:
- Manual
- 550 GPH max flow rate
- 1/50 HP motor
- 25 ft. Power cord length
- 4 pounds
What’s Great:
- Good durability
- Simple to install and store
Limitations & What Needs Improvement:
- It may not work well in bigger pools of water
- Not the most budget-friendly
Research Notes
The Little Giant manual pool cover pump is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for more control over the water removal process. Despite being a manual pump, you’ll love its durability and affordability. This product comes with an intake screen on the pump to prevent the collection of dirt and debris on your hose. At 550 GPH, the flow rate isn’t anything to boast about, but it does a decent enough job and will last you years to come!
Performance
Unfortunately, I’ve had to dock off a point here since the Little Giant manual pool cover pump is certainly not the most powerful product on the market. With its ability to pump 550 gallons per hour, removing standing water may take longer. However, 550 GPH is more than sufficient for smaller pools of water. Additionally, since the Little Giant pool cover pump is not an automatic pump, note that you will need to turn it on and off manually.
Durability
Little Giant has created a little manual pool cover pump that some users state has lasted them over a decade! While the pump may be small, it is built to last, and you shouldn’t have any issues with durability. Plus, the brand has been well-recognized for its reliable pumps for almost a century!
Installation
Don’t worry if you’ve never used a pool cover pump before. The Little Giant manual pool cover pump is super easy to use. All you need is to attach a 0.75-inch garden hose to the pump and switch it on. That’s all there is to it! The product comes with a 3/4-inch garden hose adapter, too.
Price
While much more affordable than your automatic pool cover pump options, for a manual pool cover pump, the Little Giant is on the more expensive side. However, the reliable brand name and durability make the price worth it!
Notes From Other Testers
Boasting an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, the Little Giant manual pool cover pump is a great option if you’re looking for a little pool cover pump that will last you more than several pool seasons. Other testers love that this product does exactly what it’s supposed to do. Unfortunately, one complaint is that this Little Giant product is not very powerful, but that’s to be expected with a 550 GPH flow rate!
Fibropool Electric Manual Pool Cover Pump
⭐ Best Budget-Friendly Pump
If you have a lightweight pool cover that can't hold a ton of heavy equipment on it, check out this model from FibroPool.
Research Score: 4.6 / 5
- Performance: 4
- Durability: 5
- Installation: 5
- Price: 5
Specs:
- Manual
- 600 GPH max flow rate
- 16 ft. Power cord
- 1/10 HP
- 4 Pounds
What’s Great:
- Simple to set up and operate
- Works with both above ground and inground pools
- Lightweight
Limitations & What Needs Improvement:
- Some users had an issue with the hose
Research Notes
At only 3.4 pounds, the Fibropool electric manual pool cover pump is a must-have if you’re looking for a pump on a budget. It comes with a 16-foot hose, but it’s worth noting that some users have had issues with the diameter of the hose. This budget-friendly pool cover pump needs turning on as it’s a manual pump, but once it’s on, it can handle 600 GPH, effectively removing the water from your winter pool cover. Despite its lighter build, it is built with durability in mind, and the pool cover pump should last you several pool seasons.
Performance
Pumping at a rate of up to 600 gallons an hour with a 75-watt motor, the Fibropool manual pool cover pump still packs a punch in a small package. My testing showed that it effectively and quickly removes still water from your winter pool cover. As this is a manual pump, you must turn it on and off yourself. Other users rate the suction power of the Fibropool manual pool cover pump pretty highly at 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Durability
The Fibropool electric manual pool cover pump is made with a durable ABS casing that is heavy-duty. The pump is resistant to impact, weather, rust, and mildew, which is great since the pump will be exposed to many external elements, such as water, snow, and wind. After testing the pump’s quality and durability, I can assure you that this pump is sure to last you several pool seasons.
Installation
This pool cover pump is super easy to use and is compatible with almost every type of pool, whether above ground, inground, or even a spa. Just plug the pump into a standard 120-volt outlet, and voila! That’s it! Shut the pump off whenever you want by unplugging the unit. The Fibropool manual pool cover pump also comes with a conventional hose adapter ready to fit and operate in most situations, saving time and money.
Price
Priced at around $50, the Fibropool pool cover pump is great value for money. While it is not an automatic pool cover pump, it still does the job it needs to and is great value for money, especially when you take its high performance into consideration. In fact, other testers also love that this little unit packs a punch and rate it a 4.4 out of 5 for value for money.
Notes From Other Testers
From more than 5,000 reviews from other testers around the world, the Fibropool manual pool cover pump is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars – no mean feat! Other testers especially love that this unit doesn’t make a lot of noise, is easy to use, has good suction power, and is good value for money. The durability of the pool cover pump comes in rated pretty highly, too! On the flip side, unfortunately, some users have had issues with the hose the unit comes with. Specifically, the diameter of the hose makes it so that the flow rate is not as high as you would expect, but this is easily remedied by getting another hose.
Recap: Best Pool Cover Pumps
- Wayne Automatic Pool Cover Pump: Best overall
- Little Giant Submersible Automatic Pool Cover Pump: Easiest to use
- Superior Pump 91250 Utility Pump: Most durable
- Little Giant Manual Pool Cover Pump: Best manual pump
- Fibropool Electric Manual Pool Cover Pump: Best budget-friendly pump
My Research Criteria
When researching the available types of pool cover pumps, it can be confusing to know what to choose, given the multiple options available. I understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Here are the factors I considered in my research criteria to find the best picks.
Performance
The most important consideration when it comes to the pool cover pump is performance. After all, the whole purpose of the pool cover pump is to effectively remove the water from your winter pool cover. So, make sure it is powerful enough to handle the water load and is able to get rid of the water quickly. If it’s an automatic pool cover pump, check what water level the pump turns on.
Performance made up 40% of the total product score.
Durability
When it comes to longevity, you need to consider specific things. Reputable brands like Little Giant, Wayne, and Superior, among others, are famous for their quality pumps. It’s critical to pay attention to the quality and build. The most durable cover pumps are not cheap, but they will guarantee years of winterizing your pool. You can also check out the most popular products in the market based on user reviews to find a durable pump that will last you several pool seasons.
Durability accounted for 30% of the score.
Installation
Is the pool cover pump easy to install? Does it come with all the necessary attachments? Would a novice be able to figure out how to use it? These are all important questions to ask when purchasing a pool cover pump. After all, you don’t want to purchase one only to discover that you may need some extra help just to set it up! You want it to be simple enough that any pool owner can use it without a struggle.
Installation made up 15% of the score.
Price
Of course, price is one of the most important considerations when purchasing anything. But rather than simply looking at the numbers (though that’s important, too!), you should consider the overall value of the purchase. For example, if the pool cover pump is of durable build and should last you eight years, that is good value compared to a slightly cheaper pool cover pump that will only last you two years.
Price totaled 15% of the product score.
What Else To Consider
Here are some additional considerations when buying a pool cover pump.
Automatic or Manual
Pool cover pumps can either be automatic or manual. Note that both pumps remove any water buildup and snow on your cover, something that prevents damage to the pool and prevents the cover from sagging. The difference comes in operation. With manual pumps, you need to go outside and plug it in as you wait for it to drain. You’ll need to go back out and unplug once it’s done. However, you don’t have to do the work with automatic pumps as they can detect any buildup and drain by itself. Manual pumps are more affordable, but if you already have an automatic pool cover, you may want to grab the automatic cover pump as well.
Flow Rate
It’s essential to consider the amount of water the pool cover pump can move before purchase. The maximum flow rate is measured in gallons per hour. You may want to consider a pump with a higher flow rate if you have a large pool, so you can get rid of the water on top of your cover.
While I’m talking about flow rate, if you need a new pool pump, too, check out my pool pump size calculator to help you determine the right fit.
Extra Features
Other features you may want to look at when comparing pool cover pumps include the cord length, activation level, debris filter, freeze protection, and submersible design. The best pump should operate while fully submerged under the water. You should also find a pump that can filter debris as well to avoid clogging up the pump. Automatic pool pumps turn on when the water buildup gets to a specific depth; that helps to protect the plastic cover. Some pumps come with an activation level, but the depths differ from one pump to another. And that’s about it. For more product recommendations, head to my guide on the best pool products.
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