Keep Your Pool Safe and Clean All Winter: Why Pool Cover Pumps Are a Must-Have!

When pool season winds down, most pool owners start preparing their pool for winter. But covering your pool is just one part of winter maintenance—you also need a pool cover pump to keep it safe, clean, and protected during the colder months. At Infinity Pool Solutions, we know the importance of maintaining your pool cover through the off-season, and a pool cover pump is one of the best tools to make that happen.

Let’s dive into why pool cover pumps are so helpful, how they work, and why every pool owner should have one.

What Is a Pool Cover Pump?

A pool cover pump is a small pump that sits on top of your pool cover and removes any water that collects on it. Rain, melting snow, and ice can all leave pools of water on your pool cover during winter and rainy months. Over time, this water buildup can cause a lot of problems for your cover and your pool.

Pool cover pumps come in two main types:

1. Manual Pool Cover Pumps: These require you to plug them in and turn them on when water collects. You’ll need to monitor them and turn them off when they’re done pumping.

2. Automatic Pool Cover Pumps: These start automatically when they detect water on the cover and shut off once the water is removed.

Automatic pumps are often more convenient because they do the work for you, but either type will get the job done.

Why Is It Important to Remove Water from Your Pool Cover?

You might be wondering why you can’t just leave the water on top of the cover and let it evaporate or drain off on its own. Here’s why removing water from the cover is so important:

1. Prevents Damage to the Pool Cover

Pool covers are designed to protect your pool from dirt, debris, and sunlight during the off-season, but they aren’t meant to hold large amounts of water for long periods. When water builds up on top of the cover, it adds extra weight and stress. Over time, this weight can cause the cover to stretch, tear, or even sink into the pool. This is especially true during the winter months when melting snow can add a lot of water quickly. Using a pool cover pump to remove this water helps protect your cover from damage, so it lasts longer and does a better job of keeping your pool safe.

2. Keeps Your Pool Water Clean

The purpose of a pool cover is to keep out leaves, dirt, and anything else that could get into your pool water and make it dirty. But when water sits on top of your pool cover, it can collect dirt, leaves, and even bugs. If this water isn’t removed, there’s a higher chance that debris could seep into the pool and create a mess in your pool water. By using a pool cover pump to keep the water off, you’re helping to keep your pool water clean and reducing the need for extra cleaning in the spring.

3. Reduces the Risk of Pool Cover Collapse

When too much water collects on a pool cover, especially if it’s a solid cover, it can cause the cover to sag or even collapse into the pool. This is a serious problem because if the cover collapses, all the water and debris on top of it will spill into the pool. Then, instead of starting with a clean pool in the spring, you’ll have a big mess to deal with. A pool cover pump prevents this by keeping the cover clear and well-supported.

4. Prevents Safety Hazards

Standing water on top of a pool cover can create a safety hazard for people and animals. Small children, pets, or even wildlife might see the water on the cover and assume it’s safe to walk on. If they step onto the cover, they could easily slip or fall into the water, putting them at risk of injury or even drowning. Using a pool cover pump to remove water ensures the cover stays as dry as possible, reducing the likelihood of accidents.

How Much Water Can Collect on a Pool Cover?

You might be surprised at how much water can gather on a pool cover in just a short amount of time! Just one inch of rain on an average-sized pool can add around 250 gallons of water to the cover. Snow and ice add even more weight, as frozen water is heavier than liquid. Even in places that don’t get much snow, rainy weather can quickly lead to a lot of water sitting on top of the pool cover.

The Benefits of a Pool Cover Pump

Pool cover pumps are a simple but effective tool that can save you time, money, and hassle. Here’s a quick look at some of the biggest benefits:

• Extends the Life of Your Pool Cover: Removing excess water keeps the cover from sagging, stretching, and wearing out prematurely.

• Saves You Money on Pool Repairs: By protecting your pool cover and preventing debris from entering the pool, a pool cover pump can save you the cost of extra repairs and cleaning.

• Reduces Your Maintenance Work: When you use a pool cover pump regularly, your pool will stay cleaner, making it easier to get things back in shape for summer.

• Adds Safety for Your Family and Pets: By keeping water off the pool cover, you’re helping to reduce the risk of accidents for children, pets, and wildlife.

Tips for Using a Pool Cover Pump

Using a pool cover pump is simple, but here are a few tips to get the most out of it:

• Position the Pump Correctly: Place the pump in the lowest part of the cover, where water is likely to collect. Many pumps have feet or stands to help them stay upright.

• Keep an Eye on the Weather: Use your pump after every rain or snowfall. This prevents water from building up and makes it easier to stay on top of maintenance.

• Clean the Pump: Leaves, twigs, and other debris can clog the pump. Check it regularly and clean it to make sure it’s working effectively.

• Consider an Automatic Pump: If you want to avoid having to check the pump all the time, an automatic pool cover pump will turn on whenever water is detected, making it a “set it and forget it” option.

Why Choose Infinity Pool Solutions for Your Pool Cover Pump Needs?

We understand that maintaining a pool through the winter can seem like a big task. But with the right tools, like a pool cover pump, it’s easier to protect your pool and keep it in great condition all year. Our team can help you choose the right pool cover pump for your pool’s size and needs, and we’re always here to answer any questions you might have.

The Bottom Line

A pool cover pump might seem like a small addition, but it plays a big role in keeping your pool cover and water in great shape throughout the off-season. By preventing water buildup, you protect your cover, reduce maintenance, save money, and keep your pool area safer for everyone.

Ready to take the next step in winterizing your pool? Reach out to us today, and we’ll help you find the perfect pool cover pump for your pool. With the right equipment and a little bit of care, your pool will be ready to shine come summer!