When we Winterize our Pools, one of the crucial steps is to cover the swimming pool.
This prevents dirt and debris from getting in the water. If we don’t cover our pool and such debris sits in the water, it can actually wreak havoc. The leaves and other organic loads become what is known as phosphates. Phosphates are food for algae. You actually CAN get algae in the Winter, contrary to common myths. The leaves can also cause staining on the bottom of your swimming pool which can be difficult to remove come Summer.
The issue with a swimming pool cover as it sits through the perilous weather, especially during cold conditions, is that freezing temperatures increase the need for proper water removal. It starts to accumulate water build up. This can cause all sorts of issues if not tended to throughout the Winter season. Drains or skimmers can become blocked by debris, leading to further problems such as improper water flow and potential freezing damage. Do you have to have a cover pump? Not necessarily, but they do make life easier. If you are using a manual pump, you will need to manually add the pump onto the pool cover to remove the water. If you do decide to forgo the cover pump, there are a couple of less efficient ways to remove the water.
Water Accumulation
Why is water accumulation a bad idea? The accumulation of standing water can actually be dangerous on your swimming pool cover. The weight of the water by itself could tear, rip or sag your swimming pool cover. It is actually a drowning risk for small children and animals that could gain access to the top of your pool. No bueno! Stagnant water is also a breeding ground for mosquitoes and even algae. I do not advise allowing water to accumulate on your swimming pool cover. Snow can also melt on the pool cover, leading to additional water accumulation that needs to be managed to prevent damage.
There are some alternatives to a cover pump, but they require more energy and often money. Here are some of the other options. Automatic pumps reduce the need to check the pool cover for water accumulation every few days, making maintenance easier and more convenient.
Benefits of Using a Pool Cover Pump
Owning an above ground pool or inground pool means you want to protect your investment year-round, especially when winter brings freezing temperatures and unpredictable weather. That’s where a pool cover pump truly shines. One of the biggest benefits is its ability to automatically turn on and remove water from your pool cover, so you don’t have to worry about heavy rain, melting snow, or other debris building up and causing problems. By keeping the water level low, a cover pump helps prevent your pool equipment—like the filter and heater—from freezing or getting damaged, which can be a costly headache come spring.
A pool cover pump also makes winter maintenance much easier. Instead of spending time and effort manually removing water and leaves, the pump does the work for you, helping to keep your cover clean and free from clogging debris. This means less time spent on maintenance and more time enjoying your pool when the weather warms up. Plus, by preventing stagnant water from collecting, you reduce the risk of bacteria and algae growth, which means you’ll need fewer chemicals to get your pool ready for swimming season.
Another great advantage is peace of mind. With a reliable cover pump in place, you can rest easy knowing your pool is protected from the elements, no matter how low the temps drop or how much snow falls. It’s a simple way to prevent damage, avoid unnecessary repairs, and make sure your pool is in top shape when you’re ready to open it again. In short, a pool cover pump is a smart, cost-effective piece of pool equipment that helps you maintain your pool with less effort and worry, all winter long.
Shop Vac
You can attempt to use a shop vac to rid the excess water from atop of your cover. You will be required to climb and balance with an awkward piece of equipment. When using a shop vac, you will find that they also get full pretty quickly. A shop vac can only hold a few gallons of water at a time, making it less efficient than a pool cover pump. So you may find yourself having to stop and empty it multiple times. A word of caution: make sure your pool cover can withstand both the weight of the vacuum and the weight of yourself. This sounds like a risk I wouldn’t want to take!
Garden Hose Siphon
This could be a simple fix. This can be accomplished by grabbing your standard garden hose, a brick and your spigot. Make sure you have a hose that is long enough to reach both the spigot and the edge of the swimming pool cover. Attach the hose securely to the spigot to ensure proper siphoning. Take one end of the garden hose into the standing water. You’ll want to secure it on the edge of the swimming pool with the aforementioned brick. Your hose will be slightly squished and makes for slower draining. Take the other end of the hose and connect it to the faucet. Turn on the water from the spigot and let it run approximately one minute. Then, turn off the water and move quickly! Act fast and disconnect the hose from the end of the faucet. The idea is that this will create suction that will start draining the water from your pool cover. Note: this may not get all of the water off. Also remember the water will be directed to the other end so don’t point it towards your home.
Hire a Professional
This would be done prior to opening your pool. I asked some of my colleagues what the approximate rate was for removing the water build up when opening a pool. I found that some companies refuse to even do this service due to the risk of the damage the cover may have incurred while the water was standing. If you are able to find a company that will offer this service, you are looking at around $200! A few even said a flat rate of $250, while others said they simply charge their hourly rate. Some companies may charge by the hour, especially if the amount of water to be removed is significant and measured in gallons per hour (GPH). Depending on who you hire and how much water build up you have, this could get expensive! It is compounded if you also hire the same company to do the swimming pool start up. I suggest asking the professional for advice on how to protect your pool equipment during the winter.
Cover Pumps
Cover pumps are the most affordable as well as the easiest way to go. They are used all Winter long hanging out on your swimming pool cover, dealing with the water accumulation issue. This means less of a risk of damage to your swimming pool cover. However, do not leave the pump or standing water on the cover during winter, as this can lead to freeze damage. It also means less of a pain-in-the-rear task when it is time to open the swimming pool. It obviously helps with the risk of drowning that we chatted about above. Cover pumps also help prevent water from freezing on the cover and protect your pool during freezing weather.
You can get a cover pump in manual or automatic. With the manual, you are responsible for turning it on and off. If you have a bad memory, like I do, this may not be the type of cover pump for you. When you opt for an automatic cover pump, you can plug and put it out of your mind. You can almost forget about maintenance because the pump operates automatically. This is because they can sense when the water gets to the level required for it to turn on and get to work. The pump will begin operating as soon as the water reaches a certain level. It also senses when the water is low enough to shut itself off. The motor in these pumps is designed for efficient and reliable operation, even during winter conditions.
If you ask me, you are doing yourself a favor by investing in a cover pump. Using a pool cover pump can save a lot of time and effort during winter maintenance. Are you aware that you can get a quality, household name, American made BLACK + DECKER cover pump for less than those other brands? They are both reliable and affordable. Check them out here. A pool cover pump can help you maintain your pool more easily throughout the winter. See you poolside come Summer!
