Pool cover pump to drain water from pool too?

[redoctober45]

Hi guys,

This seems like a question that is hard to find a direct answer too. Either because it is obvious or not good to do at all.

Can a pool cover pump also be used to drain a pool as well? This pool I got with my house didn't have a drain setup on the pump/filter and because of the distance from house/pool I don't really want to tackle that right now. I just want to mainly drain a couple inches off the pool when it fills with rain above the skimmer (we been getting a ton) and to also use to half drain the pool to close for winter. I can run a hose to a drain though. I am not concerned how long it would take but more if those pumps are made for that long of pumping and would burn out. I don't really want to spend $300+ on a gas pump that I will use only a few times a year. I was just thinking one of those ~$150 pool cover ones.

Thanks

 

[dfahrion]

Although I can't find any duty cycle specifications or anything like that for our cover pump, after 2 years (with us, not sure how old it actually is) of living in the elements and pumping nearly all of the rain/snow/ice from the cover it does seem quite durable. However if I needed to pump from the pool a few times a year and didn't have a main drain I would probably go buy a cheap utility or sump pump from a local hardware/DIY store instead of using a ~$150 cover pump. It doesn't sound like you need the automatic plug it in and forget it, freeze protection, pump to less than 1/8", etc features that the more expensive cover pump has.

 

[bmoreswim]

I used my cover pump over the winter to pump out about two feet of precip. No problems. It certainly won't overheat! But a utility pump is cheaper if you don't already have the cover pump.

 

[Kiss4aFrog]

Just a basic sump pump works for me. :lookhere: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Superior...1&ci_sku=204589831&ci_gpa=pla&ci_src=17588969

With either a garden hose of for faster pumping a larger diameter sump pump hose. http://www.homedepot.com/s/sump+pump+hose?NCNI-5

 

[redoctober45]

Awesome, thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[mrramsey]

Does your pump / filter not have a waste setting on the valve? I turn mine to waste and let the pool pump drain it down.

 

[Kiss4aFrog]

Where are my manners . . Welcome to the forum

When you get a chance can you please add you pools info to your signature as outlined here :lookhere: http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/165-getting-started

 

[Durk]

Anthony & Sylvan had to do an acid start-up on my new plaster pool after the free Nature2 system cartridge ruptured and metal stained the brand new pool (Nature2 now long gone). They put a Little Giant cover pump (theirs, not mine) on top of the drain cover to circulate the acidified water. It ran for a week 24/7 and that was it's normal job.

More recently, I did the same thing with my Rule pump when my original pump motor fried. It ran 24/7 for about ten days. Brushing to circulate is for the birds--apologies to all who suggest it.

So I'd say they can take it.