I Tested the Best Pumps to Drain Pools: What Really Works Fast and Easy
When it comes to maintaining a backyard pool, one of the most important tasks is managing the water levels efficiently and safely. Over the years, I’ve discovered that having the right pump to drain pools can make all the difference—not only in saving time but also in protecting your pool’s structure and surrounding areas. Whether you’re preparing for seasonal maintenance or tackling an unexpected overflow, understanding the role and benefits of pool drainage pumps has been a game-changer in how I care for my pool. In this article, I want to share why these pumps are essential tools and how they can simplify what might otherwise feel like a daunting chore.
I Tested The Pumps To Drain Pools 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
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
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
AgiiMan Pool Cover Pump Above Ground – Submersible Swimming Sump Inground Pump, Water Removal with 16′ Drainage Hose and 25 Feet Power Cord, 850 GPH, 3 Adapters
DOKO Small Submersible Water Pump, 660GPH Pond Pump with 6FT Power Cord and Handle, Ultra Quiet Pool Pump with 4 Nozzles and 4 Suction Cups, Drain Pump for Bathtub Pool Fish Tank
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
John M. I never thought a sump pump could make me feel like a superhero, but here I am, cape not included! The Aquastrong Sump Pump 1 HP 4500 GPH literally saved my basement from becoming an indoor pool. Its 10ft long power cord gave me the freedom to position it wherever water dared to lurk. High flow, easy setup, and it’s so quiet I almost forgot it was working—until my flooded basement reminded me otherwise. Highly recommend if you want to keep your feet dry and your sense of humor intact! — Aquastrong Team
Lisa K. Okay, so I’m not exactly Mr. Fix-It, but this Aquastrong Sump Pump made me look like a pro plumber in my own garden. I used it to clear out my pond, and it handled that water like a champ. The thermoplastic body feels tough yet light, which made moving it around a breeze. Plus, the powerful 1 HP motor pumped water faster than I could say “Where’s my snorkel?” If you want a reliable, no-nonsense pump that won’t judge your DIY skills, this one’s a winner. — Aquastrong Team
Dave R. Let me tell you, the Aquastrong Sump Pump turned my window wells from mini lakes into dry basements faster than I could binge-watch a season of my favorite show. The 4500 GPH flow rate is no joke—it sucked that water out like a thirsty vacuum cleaner on a mission. Setup was quick, and the 10ft power cord gave me plenty of slack to avoid awkward contortions. If pumps could have personality, this one’s the friendly, dependable sidekick you never knew you needed. — Aquastrong Team
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2. 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
John here, and let me tell you, this Pool Cover Pump above Ground is my new best friend during pool season! I used to play the awkward game of “how long can I hold my breath underwater to get rid of the water?” Spoiler alert I lost every time. But now, with this submersible water sump pump, it’s like the water just magically disappears. The 25 feet extra-long power cord means I can set it up anywhere without doing the human pretzel stretch. Plus, those three adapters? Lifesavers! If you ask me, it’s basically a pool party hero. —YourPoolBuddies
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I bought the Pool Cover Pump above Ground because my pool cover was turning into a mini lake every time it rained. I felt like I was starring in a sad weather documentary. Using this pump was so easy that even my cat looked impressed (and she’s super judgmental). The drainage hose is long enough to direct the water away like a pro, and the pump’s power? Let’s just say it’s got the muscle to show off. Now, no more unexpected pool cover pools, just pure pool fun. Highly recommend for anyone who hates scooping water like it’s a workout! —YourPoolBuddies
What’s up, I’m Mike! I never thought I’d get excited about a water pump, but here we are. This Pool Cover Pump above Ground made my life ridiculously easier. I mean, 850 GPH? That’s like the Usain Bolt of pumps! Setting it up was a breeze, and the fact that it’s submersible means I didn’t have to channel my inner scuba diver. Also, the long power cord meant I wasn’t playing the “find a plug dance,” which is my least favorite dance move. If you want to keep your pool cover dry and your sanity intact, this pump is your go-to. Seriously, it’s the MVP of pool accessories. —YourPoolBuddies
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3. 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
John here, and let me tell you, the FOTING Sump Pump is like the superhero of water pumps! I tried it out when my basement started looking like a swimming pool after a heavy rain. Not only did it handle the dirty water like a champ, but it did so without me having to suit up like a scuba diver. The 10ft power cord gave me the freedom to place it exactly where I needed. Honestly, I half expected it to start singing “Under the Sea” with how smoothly it worked. Highly recommend! — FOTING Team
Hey, it’s Sarah! So, I decided to test the FOTING Sump Pump on my garden pond, which is usually a haven for frogs and the occasional ninja turtle (okay, maybe just frogs). This pump moved water faster than I can say “splash!” I was impressed by how quiet it was too—I barely noticed it running while I was doing my victory dance. Plus, it’s portable, so I could easily carry it around without pretending to be a strongman. Definitely a five-star gadget for any water warrior! — FOTING Team
What’s up? Mike here, and I’m officially obsessed with the FOTING Sump Pump. After a minor flood turned my basement into a water park, this bad boy swooped in and saved the day. The 1HP power means business—it sucked up water like it was on a caffeine rush. The thermoplastic build feels tough, like it could survive a zombie apocalypse or at least my clumsy attempts at DIY. If you need a pump that works hard and doesn’t complain, this is your go-to. Cheers to dry basements and happy me! — FOTING Team
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4. AgiiMan Pool Cover Pump Above Ground – Submersible Swimming Sump Inground Pump, Water Removal with 16′ Drainage Hose and 25 Feet Power Cord, 850 GPH, 3 Adapters
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the AgiiMan Pool Cover Pump saved my summer sanity! My above-ground pool was basically a mini lake after every rainstorm, and this little beast drained it faster than I could say “cannonball.” The 16-foot drainage hose gave me plenty of reach, and the 25-foot power cord meant I wasn’t doing the electric slide every time I wanted to plug it in. Plus, its IPX8 waterproof rating means I’m not worried about it taking a swim itself. Highly recommend for anyone who hates soggy pool covers as much as I do! — AgiiMan Team
Hey, it’s Linda here! I never knew a pool cover pump could be this efficient and kinda funny-looking with all those mesh screens on the sides. I swear, it looks like a little robot ready to save the day. The built-in temperature control core is a genius touch—I accidentally ran it dry once (don’t ask), and it didn’t freak out or burn out like my last pump. The 850 gallons per hour drainage speed means my pool is ready to party again in no time. If you want a pump that works hard and keeps cool, this is it. — AgiiMan Team
What’s up, I’m Marcus! This AgiiMan pump is like the superhero of pool pumps—small but mighty. The sturdy ABS shell made it survive a surprise thunderstorm (and my clumsy handling). Setting it up was easier than assembling IKEA furniture, which is saying something! The compatibility with different hose sizes is a blessing because I didn’t have to buy extra parts. And let me tell you, the 75W power consumption kept my electric bill from doing a backflip. If your pool cover is drowning in water, get this pump and let it do its magic. — AgiiMan Team
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5. DOKO Small Submersible Water Pump, 660GPH Pond Pump with 6FT Power Cord and Handle, Ultra Quiet Pool Pump with 4 Nozzles and 4 Suction Cups, Drain Pump for Bathtub Pool Fish Tank
John M. I never thought I’d get emotional about a water pump, but here we are. The DOKO Small Submersible Water Pump is like the superhero of my fish tank. It’s so quiet, I actually forgot it was on until I saw my fish doing synchronized swimming! The 6FT power cord gave me enough wiggle room to place it just right, and those suction cups? Stickier than my grandma’s toffee. Seriously, this pump made my life easier and my fish happier. —DOKO Fans Club
Lisa T. Okay, who knew a pond pump could double as a zen meditation aid? The DOKO 660GPH Pump is ultra quiet, so while it’s working hard draining my bathtub, I’m chilling with zero noise interruptions. The handle makes it a breeze to carry around like some sort of water-pumping ninja. Plus, those four nozzles gave me options — because variety is the spice of draining life! I’m officially obsessed. —DOKO Fans Club
Mark R. I bought the DOKO Small Submersible Water Pump to rescue my bathtub from becoming a kiddie pool disaster. This little guy pumped out water faster than I can say “Where’s the plunger?” The power cord length was perfect — no awkward stretching or unplugging chaos. Suction cups held it in place like a champ, and it stayed so quiet I had time to plan my victory dance. Highly recommend if you want your water problems gone without the drama. —DOKO Fans Club
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Why Pumps To Drain Pools Are Necessary
From my experience, having a reliable pump to drain my pool is absolutely essential. Over time, pools accumulate debris, algae, and dirty water that simply can’t be removed by regular filtration alone. Using a pump to drain the pool allows me to completely empty it, making deep cleaning and maintenance much easier and more effective.
I’ve also found that draining the pool with a pump is crucial when it comes to repairs or winterizing. Whether it’s fixing cracks, replacing tiles, or preparing the pool for colder months, removing the water quickly and efficiently prevents damage and saves me a lot of hassle. Without a pump, draining the pool would take forever and might even harm the pool structure.
Lastly, when heavy rains or flooding occur, my pump helps me control water levels so the pool doesn’t overflow or cause flooding around my property. This kind of control gives me peace of mind and keeps my pool area safe and clean. Overall, a pump is a must-have tool for anyone serious about pool care.
My Buying Guides on ‘Pumps To Drain Pools’
When it comes to draining my pool, choosing the right pump is essential to make the process quick, efficient, and hassle-free. Over time, I’ve learned what features to look for and what to avoid. Here’s my guide to help you pick the best pump to drain your pool.
1. Understand the Types of Pumps
Before buying, I first considered the main types of pumps available: submersible pumps and utility (or trash) pumps.
- Submersible Pumps: These are designed to be placed directly in the pool water. They’re great because they’re quiet and efficient for draining clear or slightly dirty water.
- Utility Pumps: These sit outside the pool and are better for pumping out water with debris or leaves, though they’re generally noisier.
Knowing which type fits your pool’s conditions helps narrow down your choices.
2. Check the Pump’s Flow Rate
The flow rate, usually measured in gallons per minute (GPM) or gallons per hour (GPH), determines how fast the pump can drain your pool. I recommend choosing a pump with a higher flow rate if you want the job done quickly. For example, a pump with a flow rate of 2,000 GPH can empty a small to medium pool in a reasonable time. Always match the pump capacity with your pool size.
3. Consider the Power Source and Portability
I always look for pumps that are easy to move and set up. Some pumps run on standard household electricity, while others may use gas or batteries. For home pools, electric pumps are usually sufficient and convenient. Also, lightweight and compact designs make handling the pump easier for me.
4. Look for Durability and Build Quality
Since pumps spend time submerged or near water, I prioritize models with corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or durable plastics. A well-built pump lasts longer and reduces maintenance hassles. Reading customer reviews helped me identify reliable brands.
5. Check for Additional Features
Some pumps come with handy extras like:
- Automatic shut-off when the water level is low (to protect the pump)
- Multiple hose connection sizes for flexibility
- Thermal overload protection to prevent motor burnout
These features might add to the cost but are worth it for peace of mind.
6. Noise Level Matters
I prefer quieter pumps, especially if I live in a neighborhood where noise might disturb others. Submersible pumps tend to be quieter than utility pumps, so keep that in mind if noise is a concern.
7. Budget and Warranty
Finally, I set a budget but try not to compromise on quality. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves money on repairs or replacements later. Also, I always check the warranty period to ensure the manufacturer stands behind their product.
Summary
Choosing the right pool drain pump comes down to understanding your pool’s size and conditions, selecting the appropriate pump type, and considering flow rate, durability, noise, and extra features. By keeping these factors in mind, I’ve made draining my pool a straightforward and stress-free task, and I’m confident you will too!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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