Tips for buying swimming pool cover pumps

A swimming pool cover pump works to remove water that has formed on top of your pool cover, either by rain or any other means. Depending on the size of your pool, and the type of cover you have, a quarter inch of water can weigh hundreds of pounds - far too much for you to remove on your own.

There are automatic level sensing pumps, and manual ones. With the manual types, you have to monitor the progress of the pump and turn it off when the water has been evacuated. It's a little inconvenient, but cost is lower for this type of pool cover water pump.

The automatic type of pool cover pump has sensors that monitor the water level on the cover and will automatically turn itself on, and run until all the water has been removed. At that point, the sensors cause the pump to shut itself off until the next time water is detected. I can do this all winter long, or for as long as the rainy season.

If you need to buy a swimming pool cover pump, there are some simple guidelines you can follow.

1. Consider the performance - a good pool cover pump can remove as much as 1200 gallons of water in an hour or more. That may sound like a lot, but a large pool cover can collect this much water in a heavy rain quickly.

2. Consider also the horsepower rating on the pump. Pool cover pumps can range in from sixth of a horsepower up to 1 horsepower. The higher the value is the wattage is wattage consumed by the device. Always check with your pool cover manufacturer to see what they recommend for your sized pool cover.

3. Features - You want your pool cover pump to be clog-resistant since three leaves get blown around a lot during the seasons your pump sees it's greatest use. Also, a fully submersible pump is convenient since it can simply be placed on top of the cover, while it's own weight causes the water to concentrate for easy pickup.

See what other adapters or attachments the unit comes with. Keep in mind, these pumps can be used for many things - from a boat sump while docked or for that little extra peace of mind in the basement when it's needed most.

5. Automatic types are the most versatile. Wether it's keeping water off your pool cover, out of your docked boat, or basement, a submersible pool cover pump is far more versatile for other needs if it automatically senses when to turn on, and when to turn off.

6. Price, as always - your pool cover pump should be economical in cost, but not cheap. They can be found as low as forty dollars, and as high as two hundred. All pumps being equal, you go for the forty dollar model except that all pumps are not created equal. Choose something in between that meets the needs of your pool size.

7.  Check the warranty. For any electric or electronic device that you buy, always look for the warranty. The longer the warranty, the mode confident the manufacture is of their quality.

Follow these seven points when buying a swimming pool cover pump. Whether your pool is above ground, or built in, if you buy the best unit you can afford, and you'll get years of flawless, carefree operation.