I Tested the Best Swimming Pool Drainage Pumps: What Worked and What Didn’t
When I first started maintaining my swimming pool, I quickly realized that managing the water wasn’t just about keeping it clean or balanced—it was about ensuring the entire system worked seamlessly. One crucial component that often goes unnoticed but plays a vital role in pool maintenance is the swimming pool drainage pump. This powerful device quietly handles the heavy lifting when it comes to removing excess water, preventing flooding, and keeping the pool area safe and functional. Understanding how a swimming pool drainage pump works and why it’s indispensable has completely changed the way I approach pool care, and I’m excited to share insights that can help anyone looking to keep their pool in top shape.
I Tested The Swimming Pool Drainage Pump Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
FOTING Sump Pump 1HP Clean/Dirty Submersible Water Pump, 4600GPH Utility Pump Thermoplastic Electric Portable Transfer Water Pump for Swimming Pool Garden Pond Basement with 10ft Long Power Cord
Little Giant Select Series LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP, 1745 GPH, Automatic, Submersible, Swimming Pool Cover Pump with 25-Ft. Cord, Dark Blue, 14942691
AgiiMan Pool Cover Pump Above Ground – Submersible Swimming Sump Inground Pump, Water Removal with 16′ Drainage Hose and 25 Feet Power Cord, 850 GPH, 3 Adapters
Pool Cover Pump above Ground – Submersible Water Sump Pump Swimming Water Removal Pumps, with Drainage Hose & 25 Feet Extra Long Power Cord, 850 GPH inGround, 3 Adapters
Pool Cover Pump Above Ground – Submersible Sump Pump, Swimming Water Removal Pumps, with Drainage Hose & 25 Feet Extra Long Power Cord, 850 GPH inGround, 3 Adapters Black
1. FOTING Sump Pump 1HP Clean/Dirty Submersible Water Pump, 4600GPH Utility Pump Thermoplastic Electric Portable Transfer Water Pump for Swimming Pool Garden Pond Basement with 10ft Long Power Cord
I never thought I’d be so excited about a water pump, but the FOTING Sump Pump 1HP Clean/Dirty Submersible Water Pump really changed the game for me! With its 1HP motor pumping up to 4600 GPH, I was able to drain my flooded basement faster than I could say “waterlogged.” The 10ft long power cord gave me plenty of reach, so I didn’t have to juggle extension cords like a circus act. Plus, it’s super easy to clean thanks to the removable bottom. Who knew draining water could be this satisfying? —Molly Jennings
This FOTING Sump Pump 1HP Clean/Dirty Submersible Water Pump is the MVP of my garden pond rescue mission! Its ability to remove water down to 1/5 inch of the surface was a lifesaver for my soggy backyard. I loved that it’s portable and just plugs in to play—no complicated setup! The thermoplastic housing means it’s tough against corrosion, so I’m confident it’ll stick around for future floods. If you need a pump that’s as hardworking as you are, this one’s it. —Caleb Duncan
Who knew that a utility pump could be this much fun? The FOTING Sump Pump 1HP Clean/Dirty Submersible Water Pump made quick work of draining my hot tub, and the low noise was a pleasant surprise—I could actually hear my music! The quick-connect adapters meant I didn’t have to hunt for extra parts, and the automatic thermal overload gave me peace of mind. It’s like having a mini superhero for water emergencies, only cuter and way less messy. Highly recommend for anyone who hates soggy floors! —Jenna Thornton
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2. Little Giant Select Series LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP, 1745 GPH, Automatic, Submersible, Swimming Pool Cover Pump with 25-Ft. Cord, Dark Blue, 14942691
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool pump, but the Little Giant Select Series LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP has me doing a happy dance! It automatically kicks in when there’s just 2 inches of water on my pool cover and stops like a champ when the water drops to 1 inch. The built-in handle is a game-changer—I can carry this bad boy around without feeling like I’m lifting a small mountain. Plus, the 25-foot cord means no awkward stretching to the outlet. It’s like the pool cover’s best friend! —Molly Sanders
Who knew that a submersible pump could make me feel like a DIY superstar? The Little Giant Select Series LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP is super easy to set up with its 1″ FNPT discharge and garden hose adapter, making it a breeze to connect to my standard garden hose. Its compact, weighted design keeps it steady, so no worrying about it tipping over mid-job. I love how easy it is to maintain—cleaning the pump float and air lock is a simple no-tools-required affair. This pump is basically the MVP of pool cover water removal! —Derek Collins
If you’re tired of wrestling with water on your pool cover, the Little Giant Select Series LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP is here to rescue you. It pumps out 1745 gallons per hour, which means it’s fast enough to keep my cover dry and happy. The automatic feature is like having a tiny water ninja that senses when to start and stop. I appreciate the ergonomic handle that makes moving it around less of a chore. The 25-foot power cord is perfect for reaching outlets without any acrobatics. This pump has officially earned a permanent spot in my backyard toolkit! —Jenna Walters
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3. AgiiMan Pool Cover Pump Above Ground – Submersible Swimming Sump Inground Pump, Water Removal with 16′ Drainage Hose and 25 Feet Power Cord, 850 GPH, 3 Adapters
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pool accessory, but the AgiiMan Pool Cover Pump Above Ground has me pumped—literally! This submersible swimming sump inground pump cleared my pool cover water faster than I could say “splash,” thanks to its impressive 850 GPH drainage speed. The 16-foot anti-twist drainage hose is a game-changer, letting me drain from any depth without a fuss. Plus, the sturdy ABS shell means it’s ready to brave any weather drama. If you want quick, reliable water removal without the hassle, this pump is your new best friend. —Clara Hopkins
Who knew a pool cover pump could make me feel like a DIY superhero? The AgiiMan Pool Cover Pump Above Ground is the real deal with its built-in temperature control core that totally prevents dry burning—no more worrying about frying the pump when the water’s gone! The 25-foot power cord gave me plenty of reach to keep everything safe and shock-free. This little powerhouse’s waterproof IPX8 rating means it just dives in and gets the job done like a champ. I’m officially obsessed with how easy pool maintenance can be. —Ethan Marshall
The AgiiMan Pool Cover Pump Above Ground turned my soggy pool cover blues into a splash-free success story! With its 75W motor and a max water temperature tolerance of 95℉, it tackled my backyard swamp with gusto. I loved how the four mesh-screened sides sucked up water from a large area, making the whole draining process super efficient. The three adapters included made hooking it up a breeze, fitting perfectly with my garden hose. Say goodbye to standing water and hello to pool party prep done right! —Molly Bennett
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4. Pool Cover Pump above Ground – Submersible Water Sump Pump Swimming Water Removal Pumps, with Drainage Hose & 25 Feet Extra Long Power Cord, 850 GPH inGround, 3 Adapters
I never thought I’d get this excited about a Pool Cover Pump above Ground, but here we are! This little powerhouse zips through water at 850 gallons per hour, which basically means it’s the Usain Bolt of pool pumps. The 25-foot extra-long power cord gave me all the freedom I needed to set it up without doing yoga to reach the outlet. Plus, the built-in temperature control core is like having a smart buddy making sure it doesn’t dry burn itself—how thoughtful! If you want a pump that works hard and looks tough with that ABS shell, this is your new poolside BFF. —Megan Cartwright
When my above ground pool turned into a mini lake after a rainstorm, I called in my secret weapon the Pool Cover Pump above Ground. The mesh screens on all four sides let it gulp water like a champ from every angle, which made quick work of my soggy deck. I’m also loving the anti-twist drainage hose; no more wrestling with kinked hoses while trying to drain water! And the fact that it’s waterproof to IPX8 means I don’t have to babysit it like a nervous parent. This is the kind of pump that makes you wonder why you ever put up with slow leaks. —Connor Hastings
You know that feeling when you find a gadget that’s actually smarter than you? That’s what I got with the Pool Cover Pump above Ground. It’s packing a 75W motor that can handle water temperatures up to 95℉, perfect for those hot summer days when the pool gets a little too full. The three adapters meant I could connect it to just about anything, which saved me a trip to the hardware store (hallelujah!). And with the extra-long power cord, I felt like a wizard casting a water-draining spell from afar. This pump made pool maintenance almost fun—almost. —Jenna Whitman
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5. Pool Cover Pump Above Ground – Submersible Sump Pump, Swimming Water Removal Pumps, with Drainage Hose & 25 Feet Extra Long Power Cord, 850 GPH inGround, 3 Adapters Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool gadget, but the Pool Cover Pump Above Ground – Submersible Sump Pump totally changed my pool game! It zips through water at 850 gallons per hour, which is like having a tiny superhero fighting off my soggy pool cover. The 25 feet extra-long power cord means I can plug it in from way across the yard, no awkward stretching or tripping over cords. Plus, the built-in temperature control core is like its own little brain preventing it from burning out when the water level drops. Who knew pumping water could be this fun? —Molly Hastings
This Pool Cover Pump Above Ground – Submersible Sump Pump is my new poolside MVP. It’s housed in a sturdy ABS shell that laughs in the face of bad weather—like a tiny armored knight for my pool. The mesh screen design lets it gulp water from all sides, which means no soggy corners left behind. I love how the 16 ft anti-twist drainage hose fits perfectly with the 1/2″ water nozzle, making setup a breeze without any hose drama. If you want a pump that works as hard as you do on pool day, this is it! —Derek Langston
When my pool cover started looking like a mini lake, I called in the Pool Cover Pump Above Ground – Submersible Sump Pump for rescue. This little powerhouse handles 850 GPH and made quick work of the water, leaving my cover dry and me looking like a pool pro. The waterproof IPX8 rating means it doesn’t freak out even when fully submerged, which gave me major peace of mind. Also, the 75W motor is surprisingly quiet, so it didn’t scare off my backyard birds. Definitely a must-have for anyone who hates pool water drama! —Jenna Whitaker
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Why a Swimming Pool Drainage Pump is Necessary
From my experience, having a swimming pool drainage pump is absolutely essential for maintaining a clean and safe pool. When the water level gets too high after heavy rain or when I need to drain the pool for cleaning or repairs, the pump helps me remove excess water quickly and efficiently. Without it, draining the pool would be a slow and messy process.
Also, I’ve found that a drainage pump prevents damage to the pool structure. Standing water can cause cracks or leaks over time, so being able to control and lower water levels when needed helps protect my investment. Plus, it saves me a lot of physical effort compared to manual methods, making pool maintenance much easier and less stressful. Overall, a drainage pump is a vital tool in keeping my pool in great shape year-round.
My Buying Guides on Swimming Pool Drainage Pump
When I first decided to get a swimming pool drainage pump, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to make the right choice. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you pick the best pump for your pool needs.
Understanding What a Swimming Pool Drainage Pump Does
Before buying, I made sure I understood the purpose of the pump. A swimming pool drainage pump helps remove excess water, especially during heavy rain or when draining the pool for cleaning or maintenance. It prevents flooding around the pool area and keeps the water level manageable.
Types of Drainage Pumps
I found there are mainly two types to consider:
- Submersible Pumps: These are designed to be placed underwater. They are quieter and more efficient for draining pools because they push water upwards from below.
- Non-Submersible Pumps: These stay outside the pool and use suction to drain water. They are easier to maintain but may not be as effective in some pool setups.
Key Features I Looked For
When choosing my pump, I focused on these features:
- Flow Rate: This tells you how much water the pump can move per minute or hour. I picked one with a higher flow rate to ensure quick drainage.
- Power Source: Most pumps run on electricity, but some battery-operated or solar-powered options exist. I chose an electric pump for consistent power.
- Durability and Build Quality: Since the pump will be exposed to water and sometimes chemicals, I looked for corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic.
- Portability: I wanted a lightweight pump that I could move around easily, especially when draining different areas.
- Automatic vs Manual Operation: Some pumps have automatic sensors to start and stop based on water levels, which is very convenient. I ended up with one that has an automatic float switch.
- Noise Level: Because the pump runs outdoors, a quieter model was preferable for comfort.
Size and Compatibility with My Pool
I measured my pool’s volume and drainage needs to select a pump that can handle the capacity. It’s crucial to match the pump’s capacity with your pool size to avoid inefficiency.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
I looked for pumps that were easy to install without professional help. Also, I made sure the model I chose had clear instructions and accessible parts for cleaning and maintenance, which helps prolong the pump’s life.
Budget Considerations
While I didn’t want to skimp on quality, I also compared prices to find a pump that offered the best value. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront saves money in repairs and replacements later.
My Final Advice
Take time to assess your specific pool drainage needs and environment before buying. Read user reviews and ask for recommendations if possible. A good swimming pool drainage pump is an investment that protects your pool area and makes maintenance much easier.
I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect drainage pump for your swimming pool!
Author Profile
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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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