How To Get The Water Off A Pool Cover Safely And Efficiently

Accumulating water on a pool cover stresses the material, risks pulling anchors or tearing seams, and creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Removing standing water requires selecting the correct equipment—such as a submersible cover pump or an automated siphon—and executing a methodical drainage process while safeguarding the integrity of your winter or safety cover.

Pre-Operation & Equipment Checklist

Proper management of standing water on a swimming pool cover preserves the structural lifespan of the membrane and protects the pool walls from shifting under unbalanced hydrostatic pressure. Neglecting accumulated rainwater or snowmelt invites premature degradation of vinyl or mesh surfaces, stretches springs, and risks tipping safety covers into the basin below. Before initiating extraction, assemble the correct apparatus and evaluate environmental conditions to ensure safe execution.

• Essential Gear and Tools: Submersible automatic pool cover pump, heavy-duty corrugated discharge hose, garden hose with a functional spray nozzle, push broom with soft bristles, debris leaf net or skimmer, and waterproof work gloves.
• Prerequisite Knowledge and Standards: Verify that the electrical circuit utilized for powering pumps features a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) to prevent electrical shock. Inspect the cover for tears, weak seams, or stress points along the pool perimeter before applying active weight or suction.
• Budget and Duration Benchmarks: Estimated completion time ranges between 45 minutes to 3 hours depending on pump flow rate (gallons per hour, or GPH) and total water volume. Initial equipment investment spans from $50 for a basic manual siphon up to $150 for a high-flow automatic submersible cover pump.

Step-by-Step Pool Cover Drainage Workflow

Step 1: Clear Surface Debris and Organic Matter

Before deploying any extraction equipment, remove large organic debris such as leaves, twigs, pine needles, and dead insects from the pool cover. Use a leaf rake or a flat-edged skimmer net attached to a telescopic pole to gently scoop away surface matter.

Warning: Never drag sharp objects or heavy debris across the pool cover material, as abrasive friction can puncture vinyl or fray woven mesh covers.

Step 2: Position the Submersible Cover Pump

Place your automatic or manual submersible cover pump at the deepest point of the standing water depression, usually near the center or a designated low-end sag. Connect a durable discharge hose to the pump outlet nozzle, ensuring the line remains free of kinks or sharp bends that could restrict water flow. Route the terminal end of the discharge hose far away from the pool's structural foundation, preferably toward a designated drainage swale, street gutter, or lawn area capable of handling high-volume runoff.

Pro-Tip: Elevate the pump slightly using a specialized protective base or a flat plastic tray if the cover surface is heavily silted; this prevents the intake vents from clogging with mud and particulate matter.

Step 3: Initiate and Monitor the Pumping Process

Plug the pump power cord into a weather-resistant, GFCI-protected outdoor outlet or a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord connected to a protected circuit. Observe the initial water draw to verify that the discharge hose is flowing freely and that water is successfully moving away from the pool perimeter.

Warning: Never leave a manual cover pump running unattended once the water level drops below the intake housing, as dry running will rapidly burn out the motor and void equipment warranties.

Step 4: Sweep and Guide Residual Puddles

As the water level decreases, stubborn pockets of water will form in minor depressions across the cover surface due to stretched anchoring or uneven settling. Use a soft-bristled push broom or a specialized foam squeegee to gently guide remaining puddles toward the intake zone of the active submersible pump. Work systematically from the shallow perimeter edges inward toward the center drain point.

Step 5: Final Inspection and Post-Drainage Maintenance

Disconnect the power supply, detach the discharge hose, and remove the submersible pump from the pool cover. Clean any residual silt, algae, or organic slime off the pump intake screen and housing with clean tap water before storing the unit. Inspect the newly drained cover for any signs of physical damage, loose anchor springs, or accumulated debris that requires secondary cleaning.

Pool Cover Water Removal Methods Comparison

Common Cover Drainage Failures and Field Fixes

• Root Cause: Pump motor hums or vibrates but fails to discharge water.
  
  
  • Actionable Fix: Unplug the unit immediately and inspect the impeller housing for trapped debris, small pebbles, or scale buildup. Clear any blockages manually and ensure the check valve is not stuck in the closed position.
• Root Cause: Water level refuses to drop despite the pump operating continuously.
  
  
  • Actionable Fix: Check the discharge hose for internal kinks, clogs, or elevated pinch points where water weight prevents upward travel. Ensure the hose route slopes downward continuously from the pump to the final drainage destination.
• Root Cause: The pool cover is being sucked upward into the pump intake during extraction.
  
  
  • Actionable Fix: Reposition the pump onto a rigid, flat plastic base plate or milk crate (without sharp edges) to create a protective buffer between the cover material and the suction intake.
• Root Cause: Algae and foul-smelling organic sludge clogging the pump mesh instantly.
  
  
  • Actionable Fix: Pre-treat heavily contaminated standing water with a small dose of chlorine-free pool cover cleaner or shock to break down organic slime before initiating mechanical pumping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave my pool cover pump running all winter?

Yes, modern automatic submersible cover pumps feature built-in electronic water sensors that activate only when water accumulates above a specific depth, typically around two inches. These units are engineered for continuous submersion and can remain plugged in safely throughout the rainy or winter season as long as freezing temperatures do not ice over the discharge line.

Where should I direct the pumped water?

Direct the discharge water away from the pool patio, retaining walls, and building foundations to prevent soil erosion and hydrostatic pressure buildup against the pool structure. Ideal drainage locations include street storm drains, municipal storm sewers, or sloped lawn areas where water can infiltrate safely without flooding neighboring properties.

What causes water to pool in the middle of a safety cover?

Standing water in the center usually indicates that the cover springs have lost tension, the straps require tightening at the anchors, or winter water levels inside the pool basin have dropped too low. Maintaining proper pool water levels relative to winterization guidelines ensures the cover has adequate structural support from underneath.

Is it safe to pump pool cover water directly onto the lawn?

Generally, yes, rainwater and melted snow collected on a cover are safe for lawns and landscaping. However, if you have applied heavy winter algaecides, chlorine treatments, or heavy chemical winterizing kits directly onto the cover surface, route the discharge water toward a street gutter or storm sewer to protect delicate turfgrass.

Implement these precise drainage techniques today to protect your investment and maintain a clean, resilient swimming pool cover all season long.