How to Get Water Off a Pool Cover Without a Pump

You may have noticed ample water accumulation on your pool cover after a heavy rainfall. Pool owners occasionally deal with this. Water accumulation poses risks to your pool cover and incurs maintenance problems. While a pump is a go-to solution, you may opt to remove water from a pool cover manually. If you are wondering how to remove water from a pool cover, this guide is for you. It enlists the various methods of removing water from a pool cover without a pump.
Table of Contents
- Why Removing Water from Pool Covers is Essential
- Methods to Remove Water Without a Pump
- Bonus Tip: An Alternative for Small Water Pools
- Tips for Preventing Water Build-up on Your Pool Cover
Why Removing Water from Pool Covers is Essential
Removing ample water from a pool cover is pretty important. Water standing on the pool cover for a long time poses several risks to the pool cover, including wear and tear and maintenance issues. Here’s why removing water from pool covers is essential.
- Avoids Damage: Excess moisture could stretch or tear the cover, which would result in expensive repair or replacement bills.
- Health and Maintenance: A congregation of standing water develops into an ideal breeding ground for algae, debris, and bacteria that eventually contaminate your swimming pool.
- Safety Issues: Too many people standing in the water on pool covers can slip, causing high chances of casualties.
Methods to Remove Water Without a Pump
The best way to remove water from pool cover is through siphoning. This is how it works.
Step-by-Step Guide on Using a Garden Hose for Siphoning.
You can try calling an aqueduct for a pump if you don't have one adjacent to your person. A garden hose is a friend's best friend when wanting to get water off a pool cover with gravity's aid. Here's how to start:
What You’ll Need:
- A garden hose (long enough to reach from the pool cover to your drainage area)
- A place to drain the water (like a yard, gutter, or drain)
Step 1: Connect the Hose
Place one end of the hose above the pool cover where water has accumulated. Position the hose in the center or lowest point where water is most collected.
Put the other end in a lower location, such as a yard or drain nearby. To ensure the siphon works effectively, the end of the hose must be positioned at least 2-3 feet below the water level on the pool cover.
Step 2: Fill the Hose to Start Flowing
Fill the garden hose with water: You must fill the hose with water to siphon the water from the pool. Bring the whole hose in until it is completely submerged under pool water.
Put your thumb over the pool hose's end so the water does not ooze out.
Quickly move away from the thumb: Move the thumb from the pool end of the hose to allow a flow path for water. It begins siphoning, and the water will flow toward the lower end of the hose.
Step 3: Let Gravity Do The Work
Keep that lower end of the hose below the water level: After the siphoning is established, gravity will take over, sucking the water down the hose and draining it outside the pool cover. Until the water level on the cover drops considerably, the process will keep going.
Watch the flow: Ensure that the siphoning happens uninterrupted. You should repeat step 2 if the water stops flowing.
Step 4: Unclamp the Hose
Remove the hose: Lift it off the pool cover when most of the water has finished draining from it.
Inspect the pool cover. Check for any remaining pools of water. If necessary, move the hose to the siphon until it is entirely empty.
Step 5: Clean and Store the Hose
Flush the hose: Give it a rinse now that you are done to remove any debris or contamination.
Store hose properly: Keep in a clean, dry place until needed again.
This method is simple, economical, and based on fundamental physics principles. It is best for pool owners who want to clear their pool covers of water without using a pump.
Bonus Tip: An Alternative for Small Water Pools
If your pool cover has just a tiny amount of water, skip the hose and grab some towels or sponges. Soak the water, wring it out, and repeat until the cover is dry. This method is quick, easy, and perfect for lighter tasks.
Tips for Preventing Water Build-up on Your Pool Cover
Here are a few handy tips for preventing water accumulation on your pool cover.
- Use a cover pump for regular maintenance.
- Ensure proper cover installation with sufficient slope.
- Invest in a cover with a drainage system.
The Bottom Line
This guide addressed the most effective methods for removing water from the pool cover. Whether you siphon with a garden hose or manually remove the water with towels, these simple techniques can save you time and effort. Regular maintenance ensures your pool cover stays in top condition, extending its lifespan and keeping it ready for use.

Consider investing in a reliable product like the Aiper Scuba S1 Pro for daily pool cleaning. It’s a game-changer for keeping your pool in perfect condition with minimal effort.