Blue Wave Pool Cover Siphon Pump Review
- AboveGroundSplash
- 4 days ago
- 11 min read
If your above-ground pool uses a solid winter cover, rainwater and melted snow can collect on top during the off-season.
A little water on the cover is normal, but too much standing water can become heavy. Over time, that weight can pull the cover down, stretch the material, strain the cable, and put pressure on the pool wall.
The Blue Wave Pool Cover Siphon Pump is a simple non-electric option for removing water from a winter pool cover. Instead of plugging in an electric pump, you use the small hand squeeze pump to start the siphon, then gravity helps drain water away through the hose.
It is not as fast or convenient as an electric pool cover pump, but it is inexpensive, power-free, easy to store, and useful if you only deal with light to moderate cover water.
In this review, I’ll explain how the Blue Wave siphon pump works, who it is best for, who should skip it, and how it compares with manual electric and automatic cover pumps.
Quick Verdict
The Blue Wave Pool Cover Siphon Pump is worth considering if you want a cheap, simple, non-electric way to remove standing water from an above-ground pool winter cover.
Its biggest strength is simplicity. It does not need electricity, batteries, an outdoor outlet, or a power cord. You place the drain pad where water collects, start the siphon with the hand pump, and let the hose drain water away from the cover.
The main limitation is speed and convenience. A siphon pump is slower and more hands-on than an electric cover pump. It is best for smaller amounts of water, occasional use, and pool owners who do not mind manually starting the siphon.
If your cover regularly collects heavy water, or you want faster draining, a manual electric pump or automatic cover pump will usually be a better choice.
Best Short Answer
The Blue Wave Pool Cover Siphon Pump is a good budget option for removing light to moderate water from an above-ground pool winter cover without electricity. It is best for pool owners who want a simple, low-cost, power-free drain setup. Skip it if you need fast water removal, automatic operation, or a pump for heavy standing water.
Blue Wave Pool Cover Siphon Pump Specs at a Glance
The Blue Wave siphon pump is best viewed as the simple, budget-friendly cover water option. It is not built for fast, high-volume draining, but it gives above-ground pool owners a way to remove standing cover water without using electricity.
What Does the Blue Wave Pool Cover Siphon Pump Do?
The Blue Wave Pool Cover Siphon Pump helps remove standing water from the top of a winter pool cover.
It uses a drain pad, hose, and hand-operated squeeze pump. Once the siphon is started, water can drain away from the cover without an electric motor.
That makes it useful for pool owners who do not have a safe outdoor outlet near the pool, do not want to run an extension cord, or simply want the cheapest practical way to remove cover water.
It is especially helpful after light rain, small snow melt, or occasional water buildup on a solid winter cover.
Who Is the Blue Wave Siphon Pump Best For?
The Blue Wave siphon pump is best for pool owners who want a simple, low-cost way to remove water from a winter cover without electricity.
It is a good fit if:
You use a solid winter cover.
You only deal with light to moderate standing water.
You want the cheapest cover water removal option.
You do not have a convenient outdoor outlet.
You do not want to use an electric pump near the pool.
You are happy to start the siphon manually.
You want something small and easy to store.
This is a practical option for occasional use. It is not the pump I would choose if the cover regularly collects heavy water after storms.
Who Should Skip It?
Skip the Blue Wave siphon pump if you want fast or automatic water removal.
You may be better with another option if:
Your winter cover collects a lot of water.
You want electric pumping speed.
You want automatic operation.
You do not want to manually start the siphon.
Your drainage area is uphill from the cover.
You need to move water a long distance.
You want a pump for draining a pool.
You need something for frequent heavy rain.
For heavier water removal, use a manual electric cover pump or automatic cover pump instead.
How a Non-Electric Siphon Pump Works
A siphon pump works by using gravity.
The drain pad sits in the water on top of the cover. The hose runs from the drain pad to a lower drainage area away from the pool. You use the small hand pump to start the water moving through the hose.
Once the siphon starts, water continues flowing as long as the outlet end of the hose is lower than the water source and the siphon is not interrupted.
That is why placement matters. The hose needs a clear path downhill or to a lower point. If the hose outlet is too high, the siphon may not work well.
How to Use the Blue Wave Pool Cover Siphon Pump
The setup is simple, but it does need the right placement.
1. Place the drain pad where water collects
Set the drain pad in the lowest area where standing water collects on the winter cover.
If you use a pool pillow under the cover, water may collect closer to the outer edge instead of the middle. Place the drain pad where the water is actually pooling.
Make sure the drain pad sits flat and the small holes are not blocked by leaves or debris.
2. Run the hose away from the pool
Run the hose away from the pool wall, deck, patio, and house foundation.
The end of the hose needs to be lower than the water on the cover so gravity can keep the siphon moving.
Avoid draining water where it can freeze into a slippery patch.
3. Start the siphon with the hand pump
Use the hand squeeze pump to start the water flow.
You may need several squeezes to get the water moving properly, especially if the hose is not positioned well.
4. Let the water drain
Once the siphon starts, let the water drain through the hose.
This is not as fast as an electric pump, so be patient. It is best for light or moderate standing water, not deep heavy cover water.
5. Check the drain pad during use
Leaves, dirt, and debris can reduce flow. If the water slows down, check the drain pad and hose position.
A leaf net can help reduce the amount of debris sitting in the water before you start draining.
6. Remove, drain, and store the pump
After the water has drained, remove the siphon pump, drain the hose, and store everything somewhere dry.
Because there is no electric motor, storage is simple, but you still do not want water sitting inside the hose through freezing weather.
Important Tip: The Hose Outlet Must Be Lower Than the Cover Water
This is the main thing that makes or breaks a siphon pump.
A siphon needs gravity to keep water moving. If the hose outlet is higher than the water sitting on the pool cover, the pump will struggle or stop working.
Before assuming the pump is faulty, check the hose path. The hose should run downhill or to a lower drainage point away from the pool.
That one setup detail matters more than anything else with a non-electric siphon pump.
Key Features
No electricity required
The biggest benefit is that this siphon pump does not need power.
There is no plug, no extension cord, no outlet, no batteries, and no electric motor sitting on the cover.
That makes it appealing for pool owners who want a safer-feeling, low-cost way to remove light cover water.
Complete kit included
The kit includes the drain pad, 13 ft hose, and hand pump. That means you have the main parts needed to start draining without buying a separate hose.
The 13 ft hose is useful for smaller setups, but check your yard before relying on it. Some pools may need a longer drainage path.
Porous drain pad
The drain pad is designed to collect water from the cover while reducing clogging from debris.
It still needs to be kept clear. Wet leaves, dirt, and small debris can slow down the water flow.
Power-free self-draining setup
Once the siphon is started and the hose is positioned correctly, water can continue draining without electricity.
That makes it simple, but also slower than an electric pump.
Compact and easy to store
The whole setup is small and easy to store during the off-season. This is a nice advantage if you do not want a larger electric pump taking up space.
What It Does Well
The Blue Wave Pool Cover Siphon Pump does a good job as a low-cost, non-electric water removal option.
It is simple, small, and easy to understand. For pool owners with occasional standing water on a solid winter cover, it can be enough.
It also removes one of the main concerns some people have with electric pumps: outdoor power near water. Because it works without electricity, it feels less complicated and less intimidating.
For light cover water, it is a practical winterizing accessory.
Real Limitations to Know Before Buying
The biggest limitation is speed.
This siphon pump will not remove water as quickly as an electric pool cover pump. If your cover often collects a lot of water, you may get frustrated waiting for it to drain.
The second limitation is setup. The hose outlet needs to be lower than the water on the cover. If your yard is flat or the drainage area is awkward, the siphon may not work as well.
It can also be affected by leaves and debris. If the drain pad clogs or the hose kinks, water flow will slow down.
This is a simple tool, not a high-powered pump. Buy it for light to moderate water removal, not heavy-duty draining.
Blue Wave Siphon Pump vs FibroPool Manual Electric Pump
The Blue Wave siphon pump is the cheaper, non-electric option. The FibroPool pump is the faster manual electric option.
Choose Blue Wave if you want the lowest-cost option and do not want to use electricity.
Choose FibroPool if you want faster water removal and do not mind plugging in a manual electric pump.
The Blue Wave siphon pump is better for light water buildup. The FibroPool pump is better if you want more speed and less waiting.
Blue Wave Siphon Pump vs Little Giant APCP-1700
The Little Giant APCP-1700 is the more convenient automatic option.
It turns on when water reaches about 2 inches and shuts off when the water drops below about 1 inch. That makes it better for regular rain, repeated standing water, or pool owners who want less babysitting.
The Blue Wave siphon pump is much simpler. It has no motor, no power cord, and no automatic switch. You start it manually and let gravity do the work.
Choose Blue Wave if you want a cheap, power-free option.
Choose Little Giant if you want automatic electric water removal.
Blue Wave Siphon Pump vs Utility Pump
A utility pump or sump pump is much stronger, but it is not always necessary for cover water.
A high-flow utility pump can move a lot of water quickly, but it usually needs power, careful placement, and more monitoring. It may also be more pump than you need for light cover water.
The Blue Wave siphon pump is slower but simpler. It is best for small amounts of standing water on a winter cover.
Choose Blue Wave for occasional light water.
Choose a utility pump for faster, higher-volume water removal.
What Should You Use With a Siphon Cover Pump?
A siphon cover pump removes standing water from the top of a solid winter cover. It does not replace the rest of your winterizing setup.
For best results, use it with the right cover system for your pool.
A solid winter cover helps protect the pool water from leaves, debris, sunlight, rain, and snow.
A pool pillow can help create a raised center point under the cover so water moves toward lower areas instead of sitting flat across the cover.
A leaf net can catch leaves before they sink into standing water and clog the drain pad.
A winterizing kit helps treat the pool water before closing.
The Blue Wave siphon pump handles light water removal. The other accessories help protect the cover, pool water, fittings, and pool structure through winter.
Is the Blue Wave Pool Cover Siphon Pump Worth It?
The Blue Wave Pool Cover Siphon Pump is worth considering if you want a simple, inexpensive, non-electric way to remove light standing water from a winter pool cover.
It is not the fastest option, and it is not ideal for heavy water buildup. But for occasional rainwater or melted snow, it can do the job without electricity, batteries, or a larger pump.
The main thing is to use it correctly. Place the drain pad where water collects, keep debris away from the intake, and make sure the hose runs to a lower drainage point.
If you want fast electric draining, choose the FibroPool pump. If you want automatic operation, choose the Little Giant APCP-1700. But if you want the simplest power-free option, the Blue Wave siphon pump is a useful budget pick.
Related Winterizing Guides
If you are closing your pool this season, these guides may help next:
FAQ
Does the Blue Wave Pool Cover Siphon Pump need electricity?
No. The Blue Wave siphon pump does not need electricity or batteries. It uses a manual hand pump to start the siphon, then gravity helps drain water away from the cover.
How does a pool cover siphon pump work?
A pool cover siphon pump works by moving water through a hose from the cover to a lower drainage area. You start the flow manually, then gravity keeps the siphon moving as long as the hose outlet stays lower than the water on the cover.
Is the Blue Wave siphon pump automatic?
It is not automatic like an electric cover pump. However, once the siphon is started and positioned correctly, the water can continue draining until the water level is too low to keep the siphon going.
How long is the hose?
The Blue Wave siphon pump includes a 13 ft hose. Before buying, check that this is long enough to drain water safely away from your pool.
Can you use this on an above-ground pool winter cover?
Yes. It is designed to remove water from pool covers, including above-ground pool winter covers. It works best for light to moderate standing water.
Is a siphon pump better than an electric cover pump?
A siphon pump is better if you want the lowest-cost option and do not want to use electricity. An electric cover pump is better if you want faster water removal or more convenience.
Why is my siphon pump not draining well?
The hose outlet may not be low enough, the hose may be kinked, or the drain pad may be blocked by leaves or debris. A siphon needs a clear downhill path to keep water moving.
Can this remove heavy water from a winter cover?
It can remove standing water, but it is not the best choice for heavy water buildup. For large amounts of water, a manual electric pump or automatic cover pump will usually be faster.
Does a siphon pump replace a pool pillow?
No. A siphon pump removes water from the top of the cover. A pool pillow sits under the cover to help support and shape it.
Is the Blue Wave Pool Cover Siphon Pump worth buying?
It is worth considering if you want a simple, power-free way to remove light or occasional standing water from a winter pool cover. Choose an electric pump if you need faster or more frequent water removal.
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