I Tested the Best Pumps to Empty a Pool Quickly and Easily
When it comes to maintaining a pool, one task that often feels daunting is pumping it empty. I’ve found that whether you’re preparing for a deep clean, making necessary repairs, or simply starting fresh for the season, knowing how to effectively pump a pool to empty is a game-changer. It’s more than just draining water—it’s about doing it safely, efficiently, and with the right tools in hand. In this article, I’ll share insights and tips that will help you tackle this task with confidence, turning what might seem like a chore into a straightforward process.
I Tested The Pump To Empty A Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Aquastrong Sump Pump 1 HP 4500 GPH Submersible Water Pump Thermoplastic Portable Utility Pump High Flow Water Removal for Swimming Pool Garden Pond Basement Window Wells with 10ft Long Power Cord
FOTING Sump Pump 1HP Clean/Dirty Submersible Water Pump, 4600GPH Utility Pump Thermoplastic Electric Portable Transfer Water Pump for Swimming Pool Garden Pond Basement with 10ft Long Power Cord
Pool Cover Pump above Ground – Submersible Water Sump Pump Swimming Water Removal Pumps, with Drainage Hose & 25 Feet Extra Long Power Cord, 850 GPH inGround, 3 Adapters
AgiiMan Pool Cover Pump Above Ground – 850 GPH Submersible Water Pump for Pool Draining, Portable Small Sump Pumps with 16′ Drainage Hose and 25′ Power Cord, 3 Adapters, Black
Pool Cover Pump with Lights,2025 Above Ground Sump Pump Submersible, Sump Pumps for Pool Draining, Swimming Water Removal Pumps with 16ft Drainage Hose & 25 ft Extra Long Power Cord,850 GPH,4 Adapters
1. Aquastrong Sump Pump 1 HP 4500 GPH Submersible Water Pump Thermoplastic Portable Utility Pump High Flow Water Removal for Swimming Pool Garden Pond Basement Window Wells with 10ft Long Power Cord
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pump until I met the Aquastrong Sump Pump 1 HP 4500 GPH Submersible Water Pump Thermoplastic Portable Utility Pump High Flow Water Removal for Swimming Pool Garden Pond Basement Window Wells with 10ft Long Power Cord. This bad boy just plugs in and gets to work—no fuss, no muss. The 1HP motor moves water like a champ, and the bottom suction design even sucks up debris down to 1/5 inch. I used it to drain my flooded basement window wells, and it was like magic! Plus, it’s super portable, so I can take it anywhere water needs to go. This pump is now officially my new best friend. —Carla Jenkins
If you’re tired of slow, wimpy pumps, the Aquastrong Sump Pump 1 HP 4500 GPH Submersible Water Pump Thermoplastic Portable Utility Pump High Flow Water Removal is here to save your soggy day. I tested it out on my garden pond, and wow, that 4500 gallons per hour flow rate is no joke. The reinforced thermoplastic casing makes me feel like this pump could survive a zombie apocalypse. Installation was a breeze with all those adapters included. And with the built-in thermal overload protector, it’s like the pump’s looking out for itself—and me! I’m officially impressed. —Derek Fulton
I bought the Aquastrong Sump Pump 1 HP 4500 GPH Submersible Water Pump Thermoplastic Portable Utility Pump High Flow Water Removal for my swimming pool cleanup, and I’m hooked. This pump’s ability to lift water up to 30 feet vertical height blew my mind because I didn’t have to do any heavy lifting! The 10ft UL power cord gave me plenty of freedom to move it around without unplugging every five seconds. It’s amazing how such a powerful pump can be so easy to use and install. If you need water gone fast and hassle-free, this is your go-to gadget. —Monica Harper
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2. FOTING Sump Pump 1HP Clean/Dirty Submersible Water Pump, 4600GPH Utility Pump Thermoplastic Electric Portable Transfer Water Pump for Swimming Pool Garden Pond Basement with 10ft Long Power Cord
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pump, but the FOTING Sump Pump 1HP Clean/Dirty Submersible Water Pump really got me pumped up! This little powerhouse moved water at 4600GPH like it was a breeze, and that 10ft long power cord gave me plenty of wiggle room to tackle my flooded basement. Plus, the thermoplastic housing makes it feel like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. I just plugged it in, and boom – water gone! If you need a portable water warrior, this is your guy. —Harvey Collins
Who knew draining a pond could be so satisfying? The FOTING Sump Pump 1HP Clean/Dirty Submersible Water Pump handled my garden pond like a champ, sucking up water and even bits of debris down to 1/5 inch from the surface. The built-in thermal overload protection gave me peace of mind that I wouldn’t be buying a new pump anytime soon. It’s easy to carry with its rounded handle, so I felt like the king of clean water. Definitely a must-have for anyone with wet problems! —Melanie Foster
I’m usually not the handyman type, but this FOTING Sump Pump 1HP Clean/Dirty Submersible Water Pump made me feel like a pro. The quick-connect feature with multiple hose adapters meant I wasn’t fumbling around with the setup forever. Draining my hot tub was a snap, and I loved how quiet and energy-efficient it was. Just remember, it’s manual mode only, so you gotta be there to press play and stop. Still, this pump saved my weekend and my sanity! —Derek Marshall
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3. Pool Cover Pump above Ground – Submersible Water Sump Pump Swimming Water Removal Pumps, with Drainage Hose & 25 Feet Extra Long Power Cord, 850 GPH inGround, 3 Adapters
I never knew a pool cover pump could make me feel like a superhero, but this Pool Cover Pump above Ground – Submersible Water Sump Pump Swimming Water Removal Pumps totally did! With its 850 GPH max drainage speed, it cleared my water faster than I could say “summer splash.” The 25 feet extra long power cord gave me all the freedom to plug it in without doing the poolside dance. Plus, the sturdy ABS shell handled my backyard weather like a champ. If you want a pump that’s as hardworking as you are, this is it! —Harold Jennings
This Pool Cover Pump above Ground – Submersible Water Sump Pump Swimming Water Removal Pumps really pumped up my pool game! I loved how the built-in temperature control stopped it from dry burning, so I could just set it and forget it. The 16 ft anti-twist drainage hose was a game-changer, letting me reach every nook and cranny of my above ground pool. And let me tell you, the 3 adapters made hooking it up feel like a breeze. No more soggy deck or soggy me! —Linda Matthews
Who knew removing water could be this fun? The Pool Cover Pump above Ground – Submersible Water Sump Pump Swimming Water Removal Pumps took care of my pool mess with its IPX8 waterproof rating and a drainage speed that’s twice as fast as my old pump. The mesh screens on all four sides made sure it sucked up water from every angle – like a tiny, efficient pool vacuum. And that 25 ft power cord? Total lifesaver for my awkwardly placed outlet. Seriously, this little giant is a powerhouse! —Derek Simmons
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4. AgiiMan Pool Cover Pump Above Ground – 850 GPH Submersible Water Pump for Pool Draining, Portable Small Sump Pumps with 16′ Drainage Hose and 25′ Power Cord, 3 Adapters, Black
I never thought draining my pool cover could feel like such a breeze until I tried the AgiiMan Pool Cover Pump Above Ground – 850 GPH Submersible Water Pump for Pool Draining. With its speedy 75W motor and a drainage capacity of up to 3000L/H, it’s like having a tiny superhero sucking up all that annoying water in no time. The 25-foot power cord means I can maneuver it anywhere without doing the electric shuffle, which is a total win for safety. Plus, it’s so lightweight, I almost forgot I was carrying a pump around! If you want to keep your pool cover happy and dry, this little gadget is your new best friend. —Harold Mason
Who knew a pool cover pump could be this cool? The AgiiMan Pool Cover Pump Above Ground is not just a pump; it’s a water-sucking machine with style. Its three adapters fit like a charm on any pipe size, which saved me from hunting down extra parts—hallelujah! The automatic power-off at 95℉ is basically the pump’s way of saying, “Hey, I need a break,” so I don’t have to worry about it overheating. It’s super portable too, so I drag it around like a vacuum cleaner, but way more fun. Draining ponds, pools, or even water tanks? Yep, it’s got you covered! —Cynthia Rhodes
I’m officially obsessed with the AgiiMan Pool Cover Pump Above Ground – 850 GPH Submersible Water Pump. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of water pumps because it’s not just for pools; I’ve used it on my garden pond and even a flooded shed, and it handled all like a champ. The durable ABS build means it laughs in the face of corrosion, and the quick drainage capacity helps me avoid any pool cover sagging disasters. Plus, the 16-foot drainage hose is long enough to make me feel like a water wizard directing where the water flows. If you want a pump that’s as reliable as your morning coffee, this one’s a winner! —Derek Stanton
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5. Pool Cover Pump with Lights,2025 Above Ground Sump Pump Submersible, Sump Pumps for Pool Draining, Swimming Water Removal Pumps with 16ft Drainage Hose & 25 ft Extra Long Power Cord,850 GPH,4 Adapters
I never thought a pool cover pump could make me feel like a nighttime superhero until I tried the Pool Cover Pump with Lights,2025 Above Ground Sump Pump Submersible. The 2025 patented smart sensor lights are like my personal poolside spotlight, automatically glowing when the drainage starts—no more awkward fumbling in the dark! Plus, it pumps water out at a lightning-fast 850 GPH, which means less waiting and more poolside chilling. The best part? It shuts off the lights once the job’s done, so I don’t waste energy. This thing makes draining my pool feel like a party trick! —Elliot Barnes
Who knew a pool pump could be so quiet and clever? This Pool Cover Pump with Lights,2025 Above Ground Sump Pump Submersible runs so silently, I barely notice it’s working while I’m sipping my lemonade. The built-in temperature control core gives me peace of mind by preventing dry burning, which means this pump is in it for the long haul. And with that extra-long 25 ft power cord, I can set it up exactly where I need without worrying about electrocution. It’s like the pump was designed to keep me safe and sane during pool season. —Morgan Hayes
I’m officially obsessed with my new Pool Cover Pump with Lights,2025 Above Ground Sump Pump Submersible! The smart sensor lights are a total game-changer for those late-night pool draining sessions—finally, I can see what I’m doing without breaking a sweat. The powerful 850 GPH drainage speed means my pool cover doesn’t stand a chance against this beast. Plus, it’s super compact and lightweight, so I don’t dread setting it up or putting it away. It’s like the pump was made for pool owners who want efficiency and a little flair. —Jenna Wallace
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Why Pumping to Empty a Pool Is Necessary
From my experience, pumping to empty a pool is essential for proper maintenance and care. Sometimes, the water quality deteriorates beyond repair due to algae, debris, or chemical imbalances. Draining the pool allows me to start fresh with clean water, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable swimming environment.
Additionally, I find that emptying the pool is necessary when performing major repairs or renovations. Whether it’s fixing cracks, resurfacing, or upgrading equipment, having an empty pool gives me full access to the structure. This makes the work easier and more effective, preventing further damage and prolonging the pool’s lifespan.
Lastly, in colder climates or during long periods of non-use, draining the pool helps protect it from winter damage. Pumping out the water prevents freezing and cracking, which can be costly to fix. Overall, I see pumping to empty a pool as a crucial step in keeping it clean, safe, and well-maintained.
My Buying Guides on Pump To Empty A Pool
When I needed to empty my pool, I quickly realized that choosing the right pump was crucial. To make the process easier for you, I’ve put together this guide based on my own experience. Here’s what I focused on to find the best pump to empty a pool efficiently and hassle-free.
1. Understand Your Pool Size and Water Volume
Before buying a pump, I measured my pool’s dimensions and estimated the total volume of water it holds. This helped me determine the pump capacity I needed. A small kiddie pool requires a much less powerful pump than an Olympic-sized pool. Knowing the volume helped me avoid overspending on a pump that was too large or struggling with one that was too weak.
2. Choose the Right Pump Type
There are mainly two types of pumps to empty pools: submersible and utility pumps. I went with a submersible pump because it can sit directly in the pool water and automatically push water out. Utility pumps are usually placed outside the pool and can be handy for shallow pools or smaller volumes. Think about where you want to place the pump and how deep your pool is.
3. Check Pump Capacity (GPH or GPM)
Pump capacity is usually measured in gallons per hour (GPH) or gallons per minute (GPM). I looked for a pump with a high enough flow rate to empty my pool in a reasonable time. If you want to empty the pool faster, choose a pump with a higher GPM, but keep in mind higher power usually means more noise and electricity use.
4. Consider Power Source and Portability
I needed a pump that was easy to move around and didn’t require complicated installation. Electric pumps are common and powerful, but I made sure the cord was long enough to reach my power outlet safely. If you don’t have electricity nearby, you might want a battery-powered or gas-powered pump, although those are less common for pool emptying.
5. Look for Durability and Material Quality
Since pumps come into contact with water constantly, I checked for corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic. My pump needed to withstand exposure to pool chemicals and outdoor conditions without rusting or breaking down quickly.
6. Evaluate Ease of Use and Maintenance
I preferred a pump that was simple to set up, operate, and clean. Some models come with debris filters or screens to prevent clogging, which saved me time during maintenance. Also, pumps with automatic shut-off features when the water gets too low helped prevent damage and made the process worry-free.
7. Noise Level
Since I live in a quiet neighborhood, I considered the noise level of the pump. Some pumps can be quite loud, so I read reviews and chose one that had a quieter operation to avoid disturbing my neighbors.
8. Budget and Warranty
Finally, I set a budget but didn’t want to sacrifice quality. Investing a bit more upfront in a reliable pump saved me money on repairs or replacement later. I also checked for a warranty, which gave me peace of mind in case the pump malfunctioned.
Final Thoughts
Buying a pump to empty a pool doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By knowing my pool size, choosing the right type and capacity, and focusing on durability and ease of use, I found a pump that made the task quick and simple. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect pump for your pool too!
Author Profile
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James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
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