Top 6 Best Quality Above Ground & Inground Pool Cover Pumps

Allowing too much water or snow to build up in your pool covers often leads to problems like the cover caving in and hence not serving its purpose. However, this is an easy problem to avoid by investing in the best pool cover pump.

A pool cover pumper is a unique pump type explicitly made for pumping out water that accumulates on a pool cover. It is a lightweight pump that will not add a lot of weight to the cover, and many have convenient functionalities like automatic on and off.

If you are looking for a reliable pool cover pump, our review of top-performing models and buying guide below will make it easier to narrow down your options.

6 Best Pool Cover Pumps – Review

1. Best Overall: Little Giant 577301 APCP-1700 Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Submersible Pump

• Capacity (gallons per hour): 1,745 GPH                    
• Weight: 13 pounds
• Power Cord Length: 25 feet  
• Hose Diameter: 3/4 inch

The Little Giant 577301 APCP-1700 is our best overall pool cover pump as it is a convenient automatic model that will make removing water from your cover a breeze.

With this pump, you never have to worry about water pooling in the cover even when you are away, as it senses and pumps out water automatically once it is above 2 inches. Also, it will remain in place throughout as it includes a broad base that makes it more stable.

Placing the pump on the cover should be more effortless as it includes an easy-grip handle and an ergonomic design that makes it more portable. Another convenient feature is the side discharge that will ensure optimal water removal.

When using this pump, you will get a flow rate of at least 1,745 GPH, which should be good enough for most pool owners. Also, it comes with a long 25-foot cord and will connect to a standard 3/4-inch garden hose. Furthermore, the intake screen is removable to make cleaning the pump a breeze.

At 13 pounds, this pool cover pump is heavier than all others on our review. However, it makes up for the extra weight with the ergonomic design and convenient handle, ensuring it is still super easy to handle.

Pros

• Convenient and easy to use with automatic activation
• Easy-grip handle
• Discharges water more optimally
• Removable intake screen for easy cleaning

Cons

• Relatively heavier

2. Value for the Money: Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Utility Pump

• Capacity (gallons per hour): 1,800 GPH                    
• Weight: 6.8 pounds
• Power Cord Length: 10 feet  
• Hose Diameter: 1-1/4 inches drain hose or 3/4 inch garden hose

For a pool cover pump with 1,800 GPH capacity and a powerful 1/4 HP motor, the Superior Pump 91250 is unbeatable for the price. It is hard to get something better without spending more cash.

Additionally, the pump will give you many years of excellent service as it has heavy-duty thermoplastic construction and uses stainless steel pump hardware.

Another feature many users will love is that this pump can lift the water to a vertical height of 25 feet, which allows you to use it on any pool and almost anywhere. What’s more, it is easy to clean and maintain thanks to the removable suction screen.

Although the 10-foot cord on this pool cover pump is one of the shortest on our list, it should not be the deal-breaker for its price.

Pros

• Great value for money
• Heavy-duty overall construction
• Higher vertical height water lift
• Removable suction screen for easy cleaning

Cons

• Relatively shorter power cord

3. Best Durable: FibroPool Electric Swimming Pool Winter Cover Drain Pump

• Capacity (gallons per hour): 600 GPH
• Weight: 4.88 pounds
• Power Cord Length: 16 feet

The heavy-duty ABS casing makes this FibroPool Pool Cover highly durable as it is more resistant to impact and the elements. Additionally, the construction resists mold and mildew to ensure an even longer pump life.

Besides the durable construction, this pump also comes with a heavy-duty 22-foot drainage hose. Hence, you will not need to use your garden hose with this pump. Also, you can use the pump for both inground and above swimming pools.

Overall this pool cover pump is also relatively lightweight as it weighs around 4.88 pounds. With the lightweight chassis, the pump will not weigh down your pool cover.

Some pool owners might not like that this pump requires a manual shut-off as it means it needs close monitoring when in operation. But, this is a minor issue that does not make the pump less effective.

Pros

• Highly durable build
• Works for all pool types
• Lightweight chassis
• Comes with a kink-free hose

Cons

• Requires manual shut off

4. Most Powerful: Wayne 57729-WYNP WAPC250 Pool Cover Pump

• Capacity (gallons per hour): 3,000 GPH        
• Weight: 10.6 pounds  
• Power Cord Length: 25 feet  
• Hose Diameter: 1-1/4 inches drain hose or 3/4 inch garden hose

Wayne 57729-WYNP runs on a powerful 1/4 HP motor that ensures it pumps water more efficiently. The powerful motor also gives it the highest capacity on our pool pump cover review as it can pump up to 3,000 gallons every hour.

You never have to monitor the pump as it uses iSwitch technology to switch on or off automatically. The technology switches on the pump when the water is over 2-1/8 inches high and off when it goes below 3/4 inch.

With this pump, you never have to worry about the cold weather causing damages as it has automatic freeze protection. What’s more, it has a strainer base that keeps debris out to ensure there is no clogging and minimizes the likelihood of the pump tipping.

Price is the biggest shortcoming of this pump as it is our priciest model. However, it still gives you good value for money, as it is a powerful automatic pump with a high capacity. Also, at 10.6 pounds, it is a little heavier, but it should still be easy enough to handle.

Pros

• More powerful motor
• Higher pump capacity
• Worry-free use with auto on/off
• Automatic freeze protection prevents damage

Cons

• Relatively pricier
• A little heavier

5. Little Giant 14942702 PCP550 Pool Cover Pump

• Capacity (gallons per hour): 550 GPH                       
• Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Power Cord Length: 25 feet  
• Hose Diameter: 3/4 inch

The Little Giant 14942702 PCP550 features a removable intake screen that will provide maximum protection for the pump. The screen keeps out leaves and all kinds of debris to ensure easy cleaning and maintenance.

Using this pump should also be straightforward as you only need to connect a standard 3/4-inch hose and power it on to start pumping water. What’s more, the pump includes a 25-foot long cord to ensure you can get it to the middle of the pool safely.

The pool cover pump is also more energy-efficient as it runs on just 1.1 amps and 28 watts. Therefore, you do not need to worry about skyrocketing electricity bills even if you run the pump often.

One thing that pool owners might not like about this pump is that the hose connection is plastic and the threads are not very good. However, this does not seem to affect the overall performance and usability significantly.

Pros

• Easy cleaning and maintenance
• Quick and straightforward installation
• Cost-saving as it uses less energy
• Long enough power cord

Cons

• Plastic hose connection

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

• Capacity (gallons per hour): 350 GPH                                   
• Weight: 2.89 pounds
• Power Cord Length: 25 feet
• Hose Diameter: 3/4 inch

A fully submersible pool cover pump like the Blue Wave Dredger Jr. will ensure you can still pump water no matter how high the levels get. What’s more, it has an automatic on/off function that is highly convenient as it means it will do its job round the clock without your intervention.

At 2.89 pounds, it is also a lightweight pump that will be hassle-free to handle and does not add any significant weight to the cover. Despite being lightweight, the pump also includes a stabilizing base platform to keep it in place.

You can be sure the pump will not leave a lot of water on the cover as it pumps it out until the level is below 1/8 inches. Also, it comes with a reusable foam inlet filter and an adapter for your garden hose.

While this pool cover pump has a relatively lower flow rate of just 350 GPH, this should still be good enough for most pools, provided you do not get heavy rainfall.

Pros

• Completely submersible with no issues
• Convenient auto on/off function
• Lightweight but stable design
• Leaves very little water on the cover

Cons

• Relatively low flow rate

Guide to Buy the Best Pool Cover Pump

Photo: Little Giant

1. Manual vs Automatic

You can get pool cover pups in two main options: manual and automatic. Therefore, it is crucial to decide which one will work best for your specific situation before anything else.

Automatic Pool Cover

With the best automatic pool cover pump, you will never have to worry about water collecting on your pool when you are away.

This pump has an automatic on and off function. It uses sensors to detect when water in the cover reaches a certain point and switches on to pump it out. Once the water is removed, the pump switches off automatically.

These pumps are highly convenient, but they are also more expensive than the manual types.

Manual Pool Covers

Manual pool covers will require you to monitor the water level over your pool cover, and when it gets to an unsafe level, you have to switch on the pump to remove it.

Besides activating the pump manually, some of these pumps might also require you to push a lever up and down to remove water from the cover, which means more work for you. However, these pumps are the most affordable type.

2. Capacity

A pool cover pump’s capacity determines the speed at which it can remove the water, hence its effectiveness and usability.

You can get pool cover pumps with a capacity to pump out anything from 200 GPH (gallons per hour) to over 3,000 GPH like the Wayne 57729-WYNP.

The right capacity for you depends on your specific situation. For example, if you live in an area that gets a lot of rainfall, you will need something with a higher capacity than someone that lives in places that get little rain.

As you consider capacity, it is also worth noting that the vertical rise the pump has to push the water can reduce the flow rate significantly. For example, if you use a 3,000 GPH pump, the flow rate can reduce to as little as 900 GPH if the discharge height is 9 feet.

3. Power Cord Length

Pool cover pumps are electric fixtures that require you to plug them to work. Therefore, it is crucial to make sure what you buy has a long enough power cord to reach the nearest power outlet.

The good news is that most of these pumps will come with long cords. Typically, most have a power cord that is anywhere between 10 and 30 feet long.

While an extension might be helpful if the pump you buy has a short cord, in some cases, it might not be possible to use one, such as when it is raining.

Therefore, it is always better to go for something with a long cord. A pool cover pump with a 25-foot cord like the Little Giant 14942702 PCP550 and many others on our list should be good enough.

4. Durability

Given that you will typically need to use the pool cover pump outdoors, it is crucial to make sure what you choose is rugged and durable enough to give you a long service life.

Most of these pumps are mostly plastic, and it is essential to make sure the specific type the manufacturer uses is heavy-duty enough. ABS plastic and thermoplastic make some of the most durable pumps.

5. Price

You can expect to spend anything from $20 to over $500 on your pool cover pump. Hence, there is something for everyone, so it is up to you to decide how much money you are willing to spend.

That said, the price often reflects the capacity, build quality and pump efficiency. For example, a larger capacity 3,000 GPH pump will cost way more than a 350 GPH pump.

Also, manual pumps are more affordable than automatic ones, but they often have a smaller capacity and are not very convenient to use.

Bottom Line 

Keeping your pool cover water-free is crucial to ensure it continues protecting the pool when not in use. Finding the best pool cover pump to help with this should be more straightforward as our review and guide above explain what you need to know and provide recommendations.

For our recommendations, the powerful Little Giant 577301 APCP-1700 with a decent capacity and many other impressive functionalities like automatic operation is our best overall model.

However, the Superior Pump 91250 will give you the best value for your money as its power, quality, and performance are hard to beat without spending much more money.