Cover pump with auto and manual on & off?

[Nectarologist]

Hello. I'm looking to buy a cover pump that has automatic on and off as well as a manual option to turn on & off. I haven't seen anything via search here or online. Does such a thing even exist? (Not sure if this a true pump forum topic or more suited for "everything else")
Thanks, Chris

 

[mknauss]

Seems like there would be a pump with a float that would work. Have you checked with someone like InyoPools for what they might have?

 

[Nectarologist]

Seems like there would be a pump with a float that would work. Have you checked with someone like InyoPools for what they might have?

Yes, no luck. Seems they are either manual or automatic. I'll stick with the manual pump.

 

[Homebrewale]

My automatic pump becomes manual when I plug and unplug it from the electrical outlet.

 

[Nectarologist]

My automatic pump becomes manual when I plug and unplug it from the electrical outlet.

What is the make/model? Thanks

 

[Homebrewale]

I assume that is sarcasm back at me.

 

[Nectarologist]

I assume that is sarcasm back at me.

LOL, no. I thought you meant that you could toggle the mode, haha. I get it after reading it again

 

[z3540i]

Hello Nectarologist
I have used both automatic and manual pool cover pumps over the years. I have found that the automatic ones from local Lowes burn out after 1 to 2 seasons and now have manual ones. Current one has lasted over 5 years/seasons. I just turn on and off as needed. As you know, it is very inconvenient to plug in and out in inclement weather. I have overcome this by buying an outdoor smart plug. I recommend/use the Kasa KP400 for about $30 (https://www.bestbuy.com/site/tp-link-kasa-smart-wi-fi-outdoor-plug-black/6341148.p?skuId=6341148). I can turn it on and off via an app on my phone. I also have it connected to Google Home. I can now tell Google to turn on the pool pump & set a timer on google for 15 min to remind me to turn it off. That model has 2 plugs, each one you can separately control via app/smart device. I use the 2nd plug for Xmas lights and program it on my phone to automatically turn on/off. I leave the KP400 out year round and have had no problems. I've had it for about 2 years. This is a way to turn your "dumb" manual pump into a "smart" pump. Hope this helps and good luck

 

[z3540i]

I just realized that this may not work for you if you just want to "set and forget" the pump with an automatic one. That is what I wanted when I used the automatic ones as I didn't want to go out to plug and unplug the pump in cold & rainy days. However, they burn out too frequently and I can't/refuse to pay for a new one every year or every other year.

 

[Nectarologist]

I just realized that this may not work for you if you just want to "set and forget" the pump with an automatic one. That is what I wanted when I used the automatic ones as I didn't want to go out to plug and unplug the pump in cold & rainy days. However, they burn out too frequently and I can't/refuse to pay for a new one every year or every other year.

Thanks for the info Z. I'm going to go with the Kasa for now.

 

[z3540i]

Thanks for the info Z. I'm going to go with the Kasa for now.

As an update, I was looking at the different "controls" in the app for the plug. You can connect to Google or Alexa to tell it to turn on and a Timer feature to automatically turn it off after a set number of minutes. This is what I will do now, no need to tell Google/Alexa to set a timer to remind me to turn pump off.....so now it's set and forget! The only thing you have to do is turn it on as needed via voice or app. Please update on your experience.