Spring start-up doesn't need to be complicated. With a pool cover pump from Pool Supply Unlimited, it won’t be! We offer today’s best selection of pumps for pool covers, all so you can make your pool winterizing efforts go further.
What is a Pool Cover Pump?
A pool cover pump is a device designed to pump water off of your pool cover as it collects. Typically, these pumps will activate when the water level reaches 1/4 inch, and they will shut off when the water level is too low to create any suction.
For maximum convenience, most modern pool cover pumps can connect to a garden hose, so you don't have to buy specialized hoses to drain water off the cover.
Maximizing Pool Cover Efficiency with Pool Cover Pumps
When it comes to winterizing your pool, covering it is essential to prevent debris from entering the water and to inhibit algae growth due to sunlight exposure. However, while a solid pool cover is effective in keeping the pool clean, it can accumulate water from rain and snow during the winter months. This is where the benefits of pool cover pumps come into play.
Why Use a Pump for Pool Covers?
Water is heavy and can put additional stress on the anchors of your pool cover. If too much water accumulates, it could lead to the anchors ripping out, necessitating expensive repairs and reinstallation of the cover. A pool cover pump, positioned at the center or wherever water tends to collect, efficiently drains water out to your yard. Many pumps are designed to operate automatically, activating when excess water is detected.
However, during cold snaps and freezing temperatures, it's advisable to use the pump only when necessary to prevent damage to its internal components. Continuous operation is generally recommended only if you're away for an extended period, and even then, caution is advised if snow or ice is expected.
The Benefits of Pumps for Pool Covers
A pool cover pump is a simple yet effective solution for removing any accumulated water on your winter pool cover, thereby extending the life of both above ground winter pool cover or winter inground pool covers.These pumps are lightweight, compact, and easy to use, with options available that can handle from 170 gallons per hour to 2,100 gallons per hour.
How to Choose a Pool Cover Pump
At Pool Supply Unlimited, we have a wide selection of pool cover pumps to suit your needs. You need to make sure you get the right pump for your particular situation. To that end, here are the factors to pay attention to when comparing different models.
Manual vs. Automatic
- As a rule, an automatic pool cover pump is a much better choice, and most of our pumps work this way. With a manual pump, you have to prime it by adding water to the system. Otherwise, you could damage the components. With an automatic pump, you can just leave it on the cover, and it will drain water until there's none left, so you don't have to supervise it.
Flow Rate
- Flow rate is measured in gallons per hour, and the higher the rate, the faster the pump drains water off your pool cover. However, there's no reason to buy a larger pump if your cover only collects a small pool of water. Not only are larger pumps more expensive, but they're heavier and could cause wear and tear on the cover.
Size and Weight
- Because the pump sits on the cover, you want something as lightweight as possible. Since water is already weighing the cover down, you don't want to make the situation worse by adding a 10-pound pump. Also, keep in mind that your cover won't have gallons of water sitting on it. So, while it's tempting to buy a pump that can move more than 500 gallons in an hour, it likely won't be necessary (unless you have a really big pool).
Discover More Winterizing Essentials from Pool Supply Unlimited
If you're not sure which kind of pump for pool covers you need,
contact us! We can walk you through the different features and benefits, so you buy the perfect pump for your pool.