8 Best Pool Cover Pumps of 2024 | Buyer’s Guide and Reviews

As good as your pool cover may be, when you remove it, the dirt from the pool cover will enter the water during the process. It means you will always need to clean the surface water from the pool before you jump in – unless you can do something about it.

A lot of people with outdoor pools use pool cover pumps to ensure the pool cover stays clean before they remove it. This allows them to use the pool without having to go through the extra effort of cleaning it every time.

A cover pump is not just an added accessory for a swimming pool, it has become a basic requirement for owning an outdoor pool.

In this guide, we will help you to learn about the 8 best pool cover pumps in 2024 so you can make the best possible buying decision for your pool’s needs.

Best Pool Cover Pumps

Here's the list of the 8 best pool cover pumps of 2024, comprising top models carefully selected and tested from the market, as not all pool cover pumps are created equal.

1. Superior Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump - Best for Large Pools

We will start off the list with our top choice for the best pool cover pumps you can get in 2022. The Superior Pump Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump is the leading choice for us because it is the most fantastic unit you can get your hands on right now.

This highly powerful unit stays submerged underwater to remove dirt in a fast and effective way. The unit is able to pump out 1800 gallons of water in an hour. With a greater RPM, the motor makes easy work of all the suction power necessary to do an effective job of cleaning up the pool and preparing it for a fun swim.

A highly durable product, this is a superior pump that can perform well in large pools. The 1-1/4-inch NPT discharge rate is one of its winning qualities, which makes the pump compatible with most standard-sized hose connectors.

2. Little Giant Cover Submersible Pump - Best for Easy Maintenance

Second, on our list of the best pool cover pumps is the Little Giant. Another submersible model, this pump comes with a detachable suction screen that allows you to maintain it without a problem as well as keep it clean. It makes its way on the list because of the fact that it is incredibly easy to use and clean.

The unit also boasts a solid 1/3 horsepower motor that gets a good RPM going for improved suction capabilities. The inbuilt handle makes it easy to move around and the pump is strong enough to pump out water even from a 2-inch water level.

The 25-foot long cord for the power on the Little Giant means that you can use it to clean a large pool without worrying about extending the cable. The portable pump is also easily compatible with most ¾ inch garden hose adapters, so you can enjoy a greater level of convenience.

3. Little Giant Pool Cover Pump - Best for Compact Size

This model of the Little Giant Pool Cover Pump is another excellent entry on the list of the best pool cover pumps. Despite having an incredibly tiny size, it offers powerful cleaning abilities. Made from high-grade thermoplastic material, the unit is also a fantastic choice for pool owners because it is easy to clean and maintain.

The pump comes with a 25-foot-long cord that ensures maneuverability, including in the largest pool. It gets better – the pool pump doesn’t just take care of the dirt, it also removes rainwater and melted snow from the pool so you can use it in any season.

Compatible with most ¾-inch garden hose adapters, this is a pretty convenient tool for your swimming pool.

4. Wayne Water Removal Pool Cover Pump

The ¼ horsepower motor on the Wayne Water Removal Pool Cover pump comes with an auto on/off switch, which makes it an energy-efficient unit. A highly functional unit, the Wayne Water Removal Pool Cover Pump is on the list of the best pool cover pumps because it allows you to clean up the pool water without the need to monitor it yourself.

This unit takes care of the cleaning on its own and turns it off by itself, based on the sensors detecting water levels automatically. The auto-shutoff feature on the pool cover pump also ensures a longer lifetime. The fact that it doesn’t operate longer than required means that it also protects itself from overheating.

The best part about the Wayne Water Removal Pool Cover Pump is that the motor in this unit doesn’t need any maintenance or oiling.

5. Fibropool Electric Winter Cover Drain Pump

Due to the ease of use of this energy-efficient swimming pool cover pump, it just had to be on this list of the best pool cover pumps. The 16-foot-long power cable is more than capable of providing it good maneuverability in decent-sized pools. This pool cover pump also pumps out around 600 gallons of water within an hour.

The pump also comes with its own 16-foot-long drainage hose, so you do not need to worry about connecting it to any other garden hose. The whole set is also lightweight and portable.

The best thing about this pool cover pump is that it is suitable for above and in-ground swimming pools.

6. Wayne WaterBUG

The compact and hassle-free Wayne WaterBUG Submersible pump is a pretty neat tool for pool owners who want to keep their pools clean after a long time of no use. The unit can remove standing water from any pool and if you need it, it can even perform the same task for your yard after a very rainy day.

Make no mistake, as tiny as this unit is, it is one of the most powerful ones on the list. With the capability to remove more than 1250 gallons of water within an hour, you can rely on it for the maintenance of your pool.

The pump also features discharge outlets with a scratchproof outer layer that removes water from flooded basements and boats, making it a reliable tool.

7. Pumps Away Winter Cover Pump

This mini pool cover pump by Pumps Away is user-friendly and that makes it one of the best pool cover pumps in 2022. An efficient unit, it is also compatible with most of the standard garden hose adapters, so you do not need to worry about having the right apparatus to operate it properly.

It is a highly functional unit that removes water from any place, so you can use it for a variety of applications, other than just cleaning the pool. A 25-foot-long cord allows you to keep your large-sized pool free from dirt and debris.

The Pumps Away Winter Cover Pump is particularly good at keeping melting snow at bay, so if you live in a snow-riddled region, this is the perfect tool for your pool.

8. Superior Pump Pool Cover Pump

While this is the last entry on the list of the best pool cover pumps, it is definitely not the least. This super mini pool cover pump is portable because of its lightweight, but it is incredibly powerful at the same time. You can take this pump anywhere outside the pool for applications where you need to remove a large quantity of water in a short time.

Capable of pumping out 2,100 gallons of water per hour, this is no minnow. The pump also features a large base that stabilizes it for superior performance. The pump is suitable for both indoor and outdoor pools.

The best thing about it is the fact that it is capable of connecting with almost all of the ¾ inch- standard garden hose adapters for ease of use.

Best Pool Cover Pumps Comparison Table

Buying Guide for the Best Pool Cover Pump

While we have narrowed down the best pool cover pumps available in the market right now, all of them are quite different from each other. In order to make it easier for you to decide which one of these will be the right option for you, here are some tips you should remember when you are considering the pool cover pumps to buy.

Operation Mode

Most pool cover pumps today offer manual and automatic operations. They are two different modes, which offer different advantages for specific applications. If you have a small swimming pool, using a manual pool cover pump will be the best option for you.

An automatic pump is a much better option to consider for a large pool where it would take some time to get the job done. You will not have to bother monitoring the pump for hours and just relax while the device does all the work for you.

Go with a model that offers both options so you can switch, based on your needs.

Flow Rate

A pump generally pulls out water, based on the gallons per hour rate. You need to know the size of your pool before you choose a pool cover pump. If you have a large pool, a pump with a flow rate of around 2,000 gallons per hour will be much faster than one with around 1,000 gallons per hour capability.

Longevity

There are expensive pool cleaners and affordable ones in the market. The best pool cover pump is the one that will last you the longest without the need for repairs or a replacement and that is where the longevity of the machine comes in.

It is better to go for a higher-priced model if you want one that will last you a very long time.

Additional Features

Length of Cord

More is always better. The best pool cover pumps have a long cord because it becomes easier to maneuver the pool and pump out water while collecting debris.

Submersible

The best pool cover pump has a submersible design for more optimal performance. This is a very useful feature, which allows you to use them in situations other than pool cleaning for water removal.

Debris Collector

The best pool cover pump models do not just clean the pool by removing water; they also collect any debris that might have been collected in the pool. Some models come with stabilizing plates, which provide the pump protection against debris and prevent them from clogging.

What are the different operation modes available for pool cover pumps?

Most pool cover pumps offer manual and automatic operation modes. Manual pumps are suitable for small swimming pools, while automatic pumps are ideal for larger pools where you can let the pump do the work without constant monitoring.

How does the flow rate of a pool cover pump affect its performance?

The flow rate of a pool cover pump indicates how much water it can remove in a given time, typically measured in gallons per hour (GPH). For larger pools, a pump with a higher flow rate, around 2,000 GPH, will be more efficient than one with a lower flow rate, such as 1,000 GPH.

Why is longevity an important factor to consider when choosing a pool cover pump?

Longevity is crucial because you want a pool cover pump that will last without frequent repairs or replacements. Investing in a higher-priced model with better durability is a wise choice if you want a pump that will serve you for a long time.

Conclusion

A pool cover is the first line of defense against dirt and debris that can contaminate your pool. Having a pool cover pump will also save you a lot of effort in cleaning the pool before you go for a swim. Here are the top three expert-recommended pool cover pumps of 2024, offering exceptional performance and convenience for pool owners.

The Superior Thermoplastic Submersible Utility Pump is an ideal option for large pools. With its powerful motor and high suction power, it effectively removes dirt and debris. Its durable construction and compatibility with standard-sized hose connectors make it a top choice for efficient pool cleaning. The Little Giant Cover Submersible Pump is a good option that offers ease of use and cleaning. Its detachable suction screen and 1/3 horsepower motor provide efficient suction capabilities, while the long power cord and compatibility with garden hose adapters add to its convenience.

For pool owners seeking a compact yet powerful option, the Little Giant Pool Cover Pump is the right choice. Despite its small size, it offers excellent cleaning abilities and is easy to maintain. Its 25-foot-long cord and ability to remove rainwater and melted snow make it suitable for all seasons. These top three pool cover pumps excel in different aspects, providing options for various pool sizes and cleaning needs.

We hope that this guide to the best pool cover pumps of 2024 will prove to be helpful when you make your purchase. After all, the best models are all right here on the list.

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