A raft for my cover pump

[PoolGato]

I ran into two cover pump concerns this fall. First, people say the cover pump can suck pool water out through the weave of the tarp. Second, the tarp maker said not to use a cover pump because the pool water supports the cover, and the rainwater holds the cover in place.

I think the first might be possibly true. I'm skeptical of the second, partly because I don't want six inches of dirty water sitting there until I reopen.

I hope this raft--the lid of a Costco storage bin--addresses both issues. It keeps the pump off the fabric of the tarp. And the little walls will keep some water on the tarp. A piece of styrofoam would also work.

 

[Newdude]

I think the first might be possibly true

It is for any permeable cover. Many have lowered the pool substantially through a tarp.

I'm skeptical of the second, partly because I don't want six inches of dirty water sitting there until I reopen.

Your choice if you want 6 inches of dirty tea, or a parachute everytime the wind blows.

 

[Mdragger88]

I’ve finally aquired a frisbee & plan to deploy it this year under my cover pump. (After all the free ones I’ve had in the past I actually had to go buy one)
Fingers crossed we both succeed in our mission of pumping cover water only!

 

[PoolGato]

It is for any permeable cover. Many have lowered the pool substantially through a tarp.

Your choice if you want 6 inches of dirty tea, or a parachute everytime the wind blows.

Well, sure, if the cover is permeable. Is a pool tarp permeable? I think it becomes more permeable as it wears out. Or at least some of them do.

The raft prevents the pump from operating until the water floods over its sides. This one should keep about an inch of water in the pool. I chose a plastic lid because I didn't want to damage the tarp, and I wanted to distribute the weight of the pump over a larger surface.

 

[Newdude]

. Is a pool tarp permeable? I think it becomes more permeable as it wears out

I think it depends on how saturated they are. Once good and wet they leak like a sieve. Then the worn and torn ones are even worse. Lol.

. I chose a plastic lid because I didn't want to damage the tarp, and I wanted to distribute the weight of the pump over a larger surface.

I am sure rooting for you and I love the idea on paper. I just hope a little water is enough, or your yard is somewhat protected from the wind. Often times it blows a couple inches of water to one side and then flaps the heck out of the dry side.

 

[Mdragger88]

My brand new solid (tarp style) cover seeped last year. Also, my pump really pumps so I don’t think it would have happened without the pump. My worn out 3 yr old cover had actual holes I had to avoid by the end of the winter - that’s a bit different.