Cover pumps are vital for protecting your pool cover and the pool itself. Their primary function is removing excess water that accumulates on top of the cover. This prevents sagging, rips, and damage that can occur when too much weight builds up. Beyond just protecting the cover material, cover pumps enhance safety by eliminating potential hazards. They also make cover removal easier in the spring and extend the overall lifespan of the cover by preventing premature deterioration.
A cover pump's effectiveness is determined by its gallon per hour (GPH) rating. This measures how many gallons of water the pump can remove in one hour. Higher GPH equals faster water removal and better performance. Most pumps can handle several hundred gallons per hour, while top models offer even higher capacities. Cover pumps come as garden hose attachment models or submersible designs that operate directly in standing water to clear away debris.
Cover pumps require minimal setup - they just need to be plugged into a standard electrical outlet to operate. Many pumps, like those from WinterPoolSupplies.com, include a 19-foot power cord to provide ample reach around the pool area when doing winter cover prep.
It is not advisable to leave cover pumps and hoses outdoors once temperatures drop below freezing. Remove standing water while it is still liquid before the cold arrives. If melted snow refreezes, it can cause pumps to freeze up and become inoperable. Prompt water removal is recommended to prevent this.
Deploying a cover pump is an essential winter pool maintenance task. The pump extracts water weight to prevent damage and safety issues. Choosing the right GPH capacity and removing the pump before hard freezes ensures it functions properly each season to protect your pool.