The Pool Owner’s Guide to the Pool Cover Pump for Easier Maintenance

Pool cover pumps are a smart investment that can save you a lot of money over time. In this guide, we will tell you about the different types of pumps, how to choose a cover pump, and how to have a low maintenance pool cover. Read more here.

Whether you’re a professional or just starting with your swimming pool, a pool cover pump will ensure that you don’t have to do more maintenance after a close swimming season.

A pool cover pump removes water from pool covers quickly and is an essential pool closing accessory. Water accumulated on top of your pool cover is heavy and may cause ripping or tearing of the cover. You can’t just avoid water from accumulating on top of your pool cover during the winter or rainy season, but you can make efforts to avoid or minimize the damage this has to your pool cover.

In this article, we will dive into why a pool cover pump is a great investment for anyone with a pool.

Pool Pump in a Shed

Why Is a Pool Cover Pump an Excellent Investment?

A winter cover pump is affordable and very easy to install. Installation of a swimming pool cover pump takes just a few minutes, which is excellent for those who don’t have the time and saves money on maintenance. 

It may likely be more expensive than you’d expect, but the price difference will pay off in the long run as it decreases the amount of work needed to keep an in-ground pool clean and ready for swimming.

This small investment will save you loads of time and money as it removes water from the top of your pool cover as needed, preventing any damage that might come with letting water stay on top of the pool cover during cold or rainy climates.

Why Do Pool Owners Need a Pool Cover Pump?

Pool with Metal Stairs in Winter

A pool cover keeps rain, melted snow, and debris such as leaves and twigs from entering the pool. Unfortunately, all of these possible pool contaminants do not suddenly disappear on top of your pool cover. They have to sit on top of your pool cover until they’ve been taken care of. 

As the water accumulates in the middle of your pool cover, it gets heavier and eventually overflows. In worst cases, this can tear your pool cover and cause more headaches in the opening season.

Sooner or later, you’ll have to plan for opening your pool. That accumulated water will have to be removed at some point, which means you’ll either have to do it yourself by using a pool cover pump or hire someone else to do it for you.

What Does a Pool Cover Pump Do?

When your pool is not in use, any type of pool cover keeps rain and debris out of an outdoor pool. It also efficiently regulates the temperature of the water and avoids evaporation. 

However, removing the pool cover might be difficult, especially when rainwater has accumulated there in a period of time. Fortunately, a swimming pool cover pump swiftly and effectively drains water from the pool cover. 

Pool cover pumps can be quite expensive, but they are cheaper than hiring a swimming pool expert to drain out the water from your pool cover.

Another advantage of having your pool cover pump is that you may drain the water from your pool cover regularly rather than just once a season. This way, you won’t have to worry about breaking or tearing it because of excessive accumulated water.

“A note about snow: A pool cover pump removes water, not snow. You don't want to leave snow on your cover and wait for it to melt since it may turn to ice instead, causing an even greater problem. To avoid melted snow from becoming too heavy and causing damage to your pool cover, use a snow removal tool with a non-abrasive foam.” - Matt Giovanisci, swimuniversity.com

Manual, Electric, or Automatic Pool Cover Pumps?

There are several advantages to using a pool cover pump, and one of them is that it keeps your pool safe. Swimming pool cover pumps are available in three different types: manual, electric, and automatic electric models.

Manual

If opting for a manual pump, you must press the siphon ball until the water flows out from the tube. This type is sort of the easiest to use and least expensive to operate. The design is simple, so there aren’t many things that can go wrong if you’re using this one. Just follow the guidebook that comes with it, and you’ll be able to use it effectively. 

However, one downside is that you have to monitor your pool cover, and when you see the water begin to accumulate, you’ll need to manually make the pool pump work.  If you forgot to check for a couple of days, you could have a problem with your hands.

Automatic

Automatic operation cover pumps activate when water accumulates and switch off when the cover is pumped dry. For these types of pumps, you’ll need to have a standard garden hose for it to operate correctly. 

You’ll still want to keep an eye on an automatic cover pump to make sure everything is functioning correctly, but you’ll be able to relax a bit more.

Electric

Electric pumps are operated with an on and off switch button. Moreover, you must monitor this pool pump closely to ensure that it only activates and deactivates after the water accumulates or is pumped out.

All pumps should be checked regularly during the harsh winter season since they freeze up in colder climates.

Conclusion

A pool cover is quite an essential item in the world of swimming pools. With a swimming pool cover pump, pool owners can protect their ground pools from rain and snow without having to worry about the cover ripping or tearing.

You can find articles about swimming pool safety and maintenance on our website. We have listed a few below. Happy Swimming!

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