Although spring seems to be taking her sweet time coming to certain areas, summer will undoubtedly be upon us soon, and with summer comes the usual summer fun-barbeques, beach days, and of course, spending those lazy summer evenings around the pool drain pumps with friends.  

Before these summer days can begin, however, you have to make sure your pool is squared away from being covered over the winter; naturally, we do want leaves, dirt, and various insects to invade the pool so we take the necessary precautions to avoid this as best as possible, which is where pool covers water pumps come in.

Unfortunately, even these may be a hassle to deal with at times, with the numerous puddles and debris that can accumulate on top of the cover, which you have to deal with before even uncovering the pool itself! 

How to pump water off pool cover?

This is where the best 10 rated submersible pool cover pumps come into play and we here at wgap will review them below:

Best Submersible Pool Cover Pumps 2023

 APCP-1700 Little Giant

This is a very powerful pump that will easily move water from the pool to your sump or other location. It has a large capacity and can handle up to 3,000 gallons of water per day. The automatic shutoff feature allows you to leave it unattended for long periods of time without having to worry about running out of power. This unit comes complete with an easy-to-use remote control and a 25 ft. cord.

What We Like

  • Powerful enough to handle 3,000 gallons of liquid per day
  • Automatic shut off feature
  • Easy to use remote control
  • 25 ft. cord included

What We Don’t Like

  • Does not come with any accessories
  • Not recommended for pools with no drain system

Acquaer 1/4 HP Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump

The Acquaer 1/4 HP 115-volt submersible swimming pool cover pump features a high flow rate of 2,250 gph (gallons per hour) and a maximum operating depth of 15 feet. This pump is ideal for small residential swimming pools and hot tubs. It also works well in larger commercial applications such as spas, whirlpools, saunas, and jacuzzis. The pump includes a check valve adapter which makes installation quick and simple. The pump is equipped with a built-in float switch which automatically shuts off when the water level reaches its lowest point. The pump is designed to operate on both 110 and 220 volts AC. The pump’s heavy duty steel housing provides excellent durability and resistance to corrosion. The pump is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

What We Like

  • High flow rate of 2,500 gph
  • Maximum operating depth of 15 feet
  • Built-in float switch
  • 110/220 volt operation
  • Durable steel housing
  • Limited lifetime warranty

What We Don’t Like

  • Doesn’t include any accessories
  • Does not work with all types of pool covers

Wayne 57729-WYNP WAPC250 Pool Cover Pump, Blue

quarter hp water pump Automatic ON OFF Water Removal Pool Cover Pump

The WAYNE WAPC250 costs $150.00 on Amazon (a bit more if you decide to add on a protection plan) and is equipped with iSwitch technology which turns the pump on and off by sensing the presence of water; simply plugin and leave the pump unattended for worry-free water removal while you go about other chores.

The strainer base that comes with this pump filters debris to minimize clogging and to prevent the pump from tipping over; there is also automatic freeze protection within the iSwitch technology to prevent pump damage in any extreme temperatures. Additional features include an Auto On option that activates when water at, or above 2 1/8 in., has been detected; the Auto-Off option activates when water at, or below 3/4 in. has been detected.

Pros

  • The WAYNE WAPC250 is energy efficient, completely oil-free and with high flow; it empties any standing water at an impressive rate.

Cons

  • The design of the pump, although fairly stable, causing the motor to fail pretty easily, with it ceasing to work only after several uses in some cases.

Fibropool Electric Swimming Pool Winter Cover Drain Pump (600 GPH)

Fibropool Electric Swimming Pool Winter Cover Drain Pump

This particular pump is one of the most inexpensive pumps currently on the market, costing only about 30 bucks on Amazon. The Fibropool Pump is designed for both in-ground and above ground pools and is a durable, lightweight chassis that will not weigh down pool covers.

The Fibropool pump comes with a 16-foot power cord that plugs into any standard 110-volt wall outlet, as well as a 16-foot drainage hose that effectively and efficiently removes water from any pool depth.

Pros

  • The lightweight design of the Fibropool reduces the chances of weighing down your pool cover while pumping at a rate of 600 gallons per hour, which is impressive.

Cons

  • The drainage hose that comes with this pump can snap off fairly easily and even though it removes water pretty well when it is working at full capacity, the plastic that the pump is made from is pretty cheap, thus making for a not-so-durable build.

Blue Wave Dredger Jr. 350 GPH Above Ground Pool Winter Cover Pump

Blue Wave Dredger Jr 350 GPH Above Ground Pool Winter Cover Pump

The Blue Wave Dredger Jr. approximately pumps up to 350 gallons per hour and comes equipped with a manual on/off switch. This pump is also fully submersible and includes a foam inlet filter, as well as a stabilizing base platform that prevents the pump from moving too much while it is on or tipping over. The Blue Wave Jr. removes water to within 1/8-inch deep and comes with a garden hose adapter and 25-foot power cord.

Pros

  • This is an amazing pump even in extreme temperatures and can be pretty efficient, even though it is relatively small in size.
  • Also, as we say below, the pump can pump to remove water from the pool cover somewhat slowly, it is incredibly reliable for it to be so inexpensive.

Cons

  • This is another water removal pool cover pump where the attachment hose can come off easily after one too many uses; also, although it is advertised that it pumps up to 350 gallons per hour, this does not seem to be the case, with the pump actually only removing a gallon of water every 2-3 minutes (obviously it can take quite a while to reach 350 gallons).

FAQs on Submersible Pool Cover Pumps

What is the difference between a submersible pool cover pump and a sump pump?

A submersible pool cover has no moving parts; it’s just a box with an impeller inside. It sits on top of your pool and sucks up debris from the bottom of the pool. A sump pump has a motor, impeller, and a screen basket. It sits at the bottom of your pool and pushes water into a separate tank where it filters out dirt and other particles.

How much does a submersible pool pump cost?

The price of a submersible pool covers depends on how many cubic feet per minute (CFM) it produces. Most models produce about 50 CFM, while others can reach 100 CFM. You can find them online for less than $200. If you want more power, you’ll pay more money. For example, a model rated at 150 CFM will cost around $400.

Are there any benefits to using a submersible pool covering pump over a sump pump? What are the disadvantages?

The biggest advantage of a submersible pump is its simplicity. There are no moving parts to break down or wear out. This makes maintenance easier and cheaper. Also, since the pump doesn’t move, it won’t interfere with your landscaping. On the downside, submersible pumps aren’t very powerful. They usually only produce 50 CFM or less. This means that if you have a large pool, you may need multiple units.

What size should I get?

You should purchase a submersible poolcover pump based on the size of your pool. Smaller pools require smaller pumps. Larger pools require larger ones. Your local pool store can help you determine what size you need.

What kind of warranty does my submersible pool cover come with?

Most manufacturers offer a 1 year warranty on their products. However, this warranty isn’t transferable to another owner. So, if you sell your house, you’ll lose your coverage. Some companies offer lifetime warranties on their products.

Should I use a submersible poolcovers pump with a built-in filter?

Yes! Many people think that a submersible pool pumps without a built-in filter are useless. But, they’re actually quite useful. First, they provide a constant flow of water, even when the pool isn’t being used. Second, they keep your pool clean. Third, they prevent algae growth. Fourth, they reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning your pool. Finally, they make your life easier.

Conclusion

It seems to be that out of this group, the Blue Wave Dredger could be a good fit if you are looking for the best in-ground pool cover pump on a budget, naturally, if you don’t mind spending a few extra dollars, there are several other pumps out there that may work for your needs as well. Regardless of what brand you purchase, be sure to buy a good protection plan for it as well!

Happy shopping!

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