5 Things to Know About Pool Cover Pumps

You need a pool cover pump if you have a solid cover and live where it rains or snows. Standing water gets heavy fast and can sag, tear, or turn your cover into a swamp.

A pool cover pump is a small submersible pump that sits on top of the cover. It drains water through a garden hose, and some models turn on automatically when water reaches a certain depth.

Pool cover pumps are cheap, typically costing $30 to $80. That is less than a few cases of beer and saves you from having to siphon or bucket water off by hand.

You do not strictly need one if you can push water off with a broom or let it evaporate. But more than a few inches of rain can collapse the cover, stain it with debris, and breed mosquitoes and algae.

Avoid the absolute cheapest plastic pump. Spend a few extra dollars for one with a decent warranty to make your cover last longer and save you hassle in spring.