When it’s springtime in Minnesota (or elsewhere), it’s time to uncover the pool. April showers bring May flowers but it also means a lot of water on top of the pool cover. Which can damage the pool cover and it prevents removal of the pool cover so you can enjoy your pool. If you need help on how to get water off a pool cover you are in the right place.
The cheap way to remove water off of a pool cover is to siphon it off with a garden hose. However, that won’t get all the water off the pool cover and it takes a lot more time an effort on your part. The smart way to get water off a pool cover is with a pool cover pump.
First: Skim Out The Leaves, Dead Bugs, Etc.
You must remove whatever might plug up the pool cover pump or you will waste time and effort constantly cleaning the pool cover pump.
So, get out the pool skimmer net and collect all the stuff floating on the pool cover.
Alternatively, you could wait until the sun and wind evaporate the water. Then you could use a leaf blower to help clean off the pool cover.
However, that will leave a lot of dirt stuck to the cover. Which really should be cleaned off before storage or to prevent decay of the cover. So, lets get that pool cover pump ready to go.
Get The Pool Cover Pump Ready To Use
This is pretty simple but impportant. Is the power cord safe to use? If there are any exposed wires – don’t use the pump! Being electrocuted is deadly. Either replace the pool cover pump or have it professionally repaired. Also, be sure to use a GFCI electrical outlet when using anything electrically powered near the pool.
Is the pool cover pump clean so there are no obstructions to prevent the pump from sucking up water? Good. Now attach the garden hose to where the water exits the pump.
The Best Location To Place The Pool Cover Pump
Place the pool cover pump in the deepest water location so that the most water is removed from the pool cover. Most automatic cover pumps will turn on when there is at least 2.5 inches of water depth. Also, they will shut off when the water level is about 3/8th of an inch deep.
Usually the deepest water is near the center of the pool cover. So, use something with a long handle, such as a broom, to push the pool cover pump where it is needed.
Next, get the garden positioned to drain the water to a safe location. Make sure the hose isn’t kinked, which would slow down the water flow.
Using An Extension Cord With The Pool Cover Pump?
The connection between the extension cord and the pump cord is NOT waterproof – it must not get wet! The very least that could happen is that the GFCI circuit will trip and shut off the water pump. The worst thing that could happen is that you get electrocuted.
Using The Cover Pump To Remove Water
Don’t let the pump run dry because that will burn out the motor. So, if you have a manual sump pump you must watch it and stop the pump before it starts sucking air.
Whereas an automatic sump pump will turn on when there is enough water to activate it, and shut off when the water level drops to about 3/8ths inch deep.
Every pool cover sump pump will have a gallons per hour (GPH) rating. A pump with a lower GPH will take longer to empty the pool cover. Which could be a problem if a rain storm dumps a lot of water onto the pool cover, because all that weight can damage the cover. In which case you want to remove that water sooner than later.
After the pump starts working be sure to watch how it is performing. Make sure the water is flowing where you intended it to go. Once the garden hose fills with water the hose may move from the position you placed it in. Also, if the hose moves, that could tip the sump pump over where it could suck air and burn out.
Once you know everything is working properly you might be able to leave a manual cover pump for awhile if the pump’s GPH rating is low. However, you are better off staying with the sump pump until it has finished.
With an automatic pool cover pump you can let it do its job.
Can I Leave The Cover Pump Out In The Rain Or Freezing Temperatures?
Do you remeber that I said the connection between the extension cord and the pump’s power cord is not water proof? So, if it rains that connect will short out and possibly ruin the pump’s motor. Hopefully, just the GFCI circuit breaker will activate and shut off the power with no harm done.
Never leave your pump out in freezing weather. The water inside the pump will expand when it freezes and damage the pump. No manufacturer’s warranty will cover freeze damage.
Removing The Pool Cover Sump Pump
Removing the cover pump is simple enough. First, unplug the pump. Grab the garden hose and pull the pump towards you. Disconnect the garden hose and store it. Then check the pump to see if it needs to be cleaned. Removing trash and dirt now will be much easier than later.
An Inexpensive Alternative For Smaller Pools
A pool air pillow placed under the pool cover will raise up the pool cover. Which will let water flow towards the edge of the pool. Typically some of the water will puddle at the edge of the pool but much of the water will flow over the side.
The bigger the pool is, the more pool pillows that will be needed. Additionally, pool pillows will reduce the amount of pool cover material that is available for securing the cover to the edge of the pool.
A pool pillow will also cause leaves to slide to the edge of the pool for easier removal.
Aquabeacon Pool Pillow 4′ X 4′ Ultra Thick & Super Durable Premium Pool Pillow. Can be used summer and winter. Take a closer look > Click Here
Final Thoughts On How To Get Water Off A Pool Cover
There are manual and automatic pool cover sump pumps that have different horse power and Gallons Per Hour (GPH) ratings. If you can afford the higher priced automatic and higher horse power pumps, that will be the best choice. Automatic sump pumps will let you do other things while the pump is working. Whereas, manual pumps or lower horse power pumps will make you wait longer to get into the pool.
If you need an automatic pool cover sump pump take a look at this selection.
Whereas, the more budget friendly manual pool cover sump pumps will get the job done. After all you don’t need a pool cover pump very often. So, check out these manual sump pumps to drain the pool cover >> Click Here
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