Quick answer
If you have a solid winter cover, you need a cover pump. Water sits on top of a solid cover, and one inch of rain on a 16 x 32 cover weighs about 2,600 pounds. An automatic pump senses the water, turns itself on, and shuts off when the water is gone, so you don't have to keep checking.
Our cover pump kit is $314 plus tax, and we can set it up when we close your pool.
If your pool has a solid winter cover, rain and melted snow have nowhere to go. They sit on top of the cover. An automatic cover pump moves that water off for you, all winter, without you having to check it every day.
Why water on the cover is a problem
Water is heavy. One inch of rain on a 16 x 32 cover weighs about 2,600 pounds. Two inches is over 5,000 pounds. Here is what that weight can do:
- It stretches the cover. The longer the water sits, the more the cover sags and loses its shape.
- It can tear the cover. Extra weight puts stress on seams and edges. A small tear can turn into a big one fast.
- It can pull the cover into the pool. If enough water builds up on a solid cover, it can drag the cover down into the water, along with all the leaves and dirt on top.
- It breeds mosquitoes. Standing water is where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
- It can mean a green pool in spring. Water mixed with leaves and dirt can end up in the pool, and that can lead to algae when you open.
This is only for solid covers. Rain passes through a mesh cover into the pool, so mesh covers do not need a cover pump.
Manual pump vs. automatic pump
A manual pump works only when you turn it on and stand there. You have to watch it, move it, and shut it off when the water is gone. If you forget, or you are away when a big storm hits, the water keeps piling up.
An automatic pump does the watching for you. You set it on the cover and plug it in. It senses the water, turns itself on when water builds up, and shuts off when the water is gone. It is ready for the next rain without you doing anything.
That matters most at night and during long storms. If your pump is not automatic, do not wait until morning to run it. By then you could have inches of water on the cover.
What is in our cover pump kit
Our kit is $314 plus tax. It includes:
- A 1,700 GPH automatic cover pump. GPH means gallons per hour. It turns on and off by itself.
- A 50 ft outdoor extension cord, so you can reach an outlet from the middle of the cover.
- A garden hose to carry the water off the cover and away from the pool.
- A milk crate that the pump sits in. It keeps the pump steady and up out of the leaves, so it does not tip over or clog.
On Long Island, we can bring the kit and set it up for you when we close your pool.
How to set it up
- Put the pump in the milk crate.
- Set the crate in the middle of the cover, where water collects.
- Run the hose from the pump off the cover, so the water drains away from the pool and the deck.
- Plug the extension cord into an outdoor GFCI outlet.
- Leave it plugged in all winter.
How to take care of it
- Keep it clear. Check the pump and crate for leaves and twigs, especially after storms. A clogged pump can’t move water.
- Look it over. Check the pump and cord for cracks, cuts, or worn spots. Replace a damaged cord right away.
- If it stops working, check that it is plugged in and the outlet has power, then check the intake for debris.
- In spring, rinse the pump with fresh water and let it dry.
- Store it in a cool, dry place, up off the ground.
Want us to keep an eye on it?
A pump helps a lot, but it still needs someone to check on it. Our Winter Watch visits check your cover, pump, and water level for you through the winter. To add a cover pump kit or Winter Watch, call or text our office at (631) 472-6275.
Skip the snow boots. We will check it for you.
Winter Watch visits clear your cover, check the water level and chemistry, test the cover pump and adjust safety cover straps.
Questions? Call or text (631) 472-6275
Common questions
Do I need a cover pump in the winter?
If you have a solid cover, yes. Rain and snow melt sit on top, and the weight can stretch the cover, tear it, or pull it into the pool. Mesh covers let water through, so they don't need one.
How does an automatic cover pump work?
You set it on the cover and plug it in. It senses the water, turns on when water builds up, and shuts off once the water is gone.
What comes in your cover pump kit?
A 1,700 GPH automatic cover pump, a 50 ft outdoor extension cord, a garden hose, and a milk crate to keep the pump steady. The kit is $314 plus tax.
How do I take care of my cover pump?
Keep leaves off the pump and crate, check the pump and cord for damage, rinse the pump with fresh water in spring, and store it somewhere cool and dry, off the ground.
First published Apr 6, 2024. Last updated Oct 5, 2026.