If you are like me, as soon as I start draining a pool, something happens to pull me away from the pool area. Which is why this article is about selecting an automatic swimming pool sump pump and not manual pumps.
Also, there are plenty of reasons to have a pool pump operating while you are at work or asleep. So, what about those days when your pool gets a little too full?
Whether it’s due to heavy rain, regular maintenance, or prepping for winter, you’re going to need a reliable way to remove excess water. Enter the unsung hero of pool maintenance: the pool sump pump.
Whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool, a sump pump can help maintain a clean and safe pool environment.
The primary function of a pool sump pump is to prevent water accumulation in and around the pool. An overflowing pool can lead to flooding, water damage, and safety hazards.
The secondary purpose of a sump pump is for draining pools for maintenance. So, having a pump that can serve both purposes is what homeowners need.
Table of Contents
Importance of Effective Water Management
Proper water management is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and safety of swimming pools.
Sump pumps play a vital role in managing water levels, preventing damage to pool infrastructure, and ensuring a clean and safe pool environment.
Effective water management also helps comply with local regulations and standards for pool maintenance and safety.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Swimming Pool Sump Pump
A. Pool Size and Water Volume
• The size of the pool and the volume of water it holds are crucial factors in determining the appropriate sump pump size and capacity.
• Larger pools with greater water volumes will require sump pumps with higher flow rates and pumping capacities to effectively remove water within a reasonable time frame.
• Homeowners should measure the dimensions of their pool and calculate the approximate volume of water to ensure they select a sump pump that can handle the required drainage capacity.
B. Flow Rate and Pumping Capacity
• The flow rate and pumping capacity of a sump pump determine how quickly it can remove water from the pool.
• Higher flow rates and pumping capacities are necessary for larger pools or pools with higher water volumes.
• It’s important to choose a swimming pool sump pump with sufficient flow rate and capacity to meet the specific drainage needs of the pool. Including accounting for factors such as rainfall, splashing, and seepage.
C. Automatic vs. Manual Operation
• Automatic sump pumps feature a float switch that activates the pump when the water level in the sump pit reaches a certain threshold, providing hands-free operation and convenience.
• Manual sump pumps require homeowners to plug the pool sump pump into an electrical outlet to turn the pump on. Then they must come back to unplug it to turn it off.
Most if not all pool pumps will have a thermal overload shut off safety feature. So, if the pump is running without any water, hopefully it turns off before the motor burns out.
Relying on the safety overload feature will strain the pump motor to its limits and shorten the life of the pump motor. So, it is best not to rely upon this safety feature.
D. Depth of the Pool
• The depth of the pool can impact the selection of a sump pump, particularly in terms of the pump’s lifting capabilities. Commonly referred to as head height.
• Deeper pools may require larger horsepower sump pumps with greater lifting capacities to effectively remove water from the bottom of the pool and discharge it to a drainage area.
• Homeowners should consider selecting a pool sump pump that has an electric power cord capable of reaching the desired depth for safe water removal. The alternative is to lower the sump pump in stages as the water level decreases.
Best Automatic Swimming Pool Sump Pump Comparisons
All of the sump pumps below are rated at 4 stars and above.
All of them have a top discharge nozzle so that the discharge hose will be pointed upwards. Which requires less hose length than a side discharge sump pump which is common for pool cover sump pumps.
You can use a pool cover sump pump to drain the main pool but it might take longer due to lower pump capacities. Also, you might need a longer discharge hose.
If you want a pool pump with a side discharge read my article: How to Get Water Off Pool Cover Using Pool Cover Pumps
Benefits of Using a Swimming Pool Sump Pump:
A. Prevention of Water Damage:
• Sump pumps are essential for preventing water damage to the pool and surrounding areas by efficiently removing excess water.
• By keeping water levels in check, sump pumps help avoid overflow, which can lead to structural damage to the pool, deck, and surrounding landscape.
• Preventing water damage also reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth, wood rot, and other costly issues associated with prolonged exposure to excess moisture.
B. Maintenance and Cleanliness:
• Proper water management facilitated by swimming pool sump pumps helps maintain water quality and cleanliness in the pool.
• By removing stagnant water and preventing the buildup of debris and contaminants, sump pumps contribute to a cleaner and more enjoyable swimming environment.
• Regular drainage with a sump pump can also minimize the need for manual cleaning and maintenance tasks, saving time and effort for homeowners.
C. Safety:
• Sump pumps play a crucial role in maintaining a safe pool environment by preventing standing water, which can pose slip and fall hazards.
• By keeping water levels in check, sump pumps reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, especially for children and pets who may be playing around the pool area.
• Additionally, sump pumps help prevent electrical hazards associated with water accumulation near pool equipment and electrical outlets.
D. Compliance with Regulations:
• Many local building codes and regulations require the installation of drainage systems, including sump pumps, for swimming pools to comply with safety standards.
• By installing a sump pump, homeowners ensure compliance with these regulations and mitigate the risk of penalties or fines for non-compliance.
• Compliance with regulations also provides peace of mind and assurance that the pool meets the necessary safety requirements for use.
E. Enhanced Longevity of Pool Infrastructure:
• Proper water management facilitated by sump pumps helps extend the lifespan of pool infrastructure, including the pool shell, plumbing, and equipment.
• By preventing water damage and reducing the risk of corrosion and deterioration, sump pumps contribute to the long-term durability and functionality of the pool.
• Investing in a pool sump pump can ultimately save homeowners money on costly repairs and replacements associated with water-related damage to the pool.
How to Use a Swimming Pool Sump Pump:
I prefer a pool sump pump with a vertical water discharge connection for the drainage hose. That is because a side connection requires the discharge hose to travel some distance sideways before the hose can turn upwards and out of the pool.
Also, having the discharge hose connected to the side of the pool sump pump tends to make the sump pump tilt over and move out of place.
Whatever pump used, make sure it is level and stable.
Usually, the discharge hose is connected to the sump pump before lowering it into the pool.
For in-ground swimming pools, setting the pump on a pool step is the easiest place to put the sump pump to begin with. Especially if you just want to prevent the pool from overflowing from heavy rains.
Check your local regulations about where the discharge water can be sent to. That might be your yard if it doesn’t cause flooding problems. Otherwise, discharge the water into the city sewer system – not into the storm sewer.
Storm sewers send that water into local streams and lakes. All the chemicals in the pool water will harm everything living in the streams and lakes.
Most homeowners do not install a backflow check valve on the pool sump pump before attaching the discharge hose. However, if homeowners are pumping water uphill to a discharge location, then a check valve is needed.
The check valve will prevent the water inside of the hose from flowing back into the pool when the pump stops running.
Author at Best Sump Pumps
The first time I helped to install a drain tile and basement sump pump system was 1978.
Since then I have worked for a city water utility where I worked with and maintained pumps.
My rental properties and personal homes all needed sump pumps.
As a modular home dealer/builder, those new homes needed sump pumps.
I put that experience to good use by providing reliable, useful, and practical advice on buying, using, and maintaining sump pumps.
