FibroPool Pool Cover Pump Review
- AboveGroundSplash
- 3 days ago
- 11 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
If your above-ground pool has a solid winter cover, you need a way to remove water that collects on top.
Rainwater, melted snow, and runoff can quickly create low spots on the cover. If that water sits there too long, it can pull down on the cover, stretch the material, strain the cable, and put pressure on the pool wall.
The FibroPool Pool Cover Pump is a compact manual electric pump designed to remove standing water from pool covers, spas, ponds, and shallow water areas. It uses a 75W motor, moves up to 10 gallons per minute, and comes with a 16 ft hose, 16 ft power cord, hose fittings, and a hose clamp.
This is not an automatic cover pump like the Little Giant APCP-1700. You plug it in to start draining and unplug it when the job is finished. That makes it a cheaper, simpler option for pool owners who do not mind checking the cover and managing the pump manually.
In this review, I’ll explain what the FibroPool Pool Cover Pump does well, who it is best for, how to use it on an above-ground pool winter cover, and when an automatic pump or siphon pump may be a better fit.
Quick Verdict
The FibroPool Pool Cover Pump is worth considering if you want a simple, lower-cost electric pump for removing standing water from a winter pool cover.
Its biggest strengths are the compact size, manual plug-in operation, included 16 ft hose, 16 ft power cord, multiple hose fittings, and flat-base design for shallow water removal.
It is best for pool owners who are happy to check the cover after rain and manually turn the pump on and off. If you want a pump that turns on by itself when water reaches a certain level, the Little Giant APCP-1700 is the better automatic option.
For occasional cover water, the FibroPool pump makes sense. For frequent heavy rain or more hands-off winter cover maintenance, I would step up to an automatic cover pump.
Best Short Answer
The FibroPool Pool Cover Pump is a good manual electric cover pump for removing standing water from above-ground pool winter covers. It is best for pool owners who want a compact, affordable electric pump and do not mind plugging it in and unplugging it themselves. It does not have automatic shut-off, so it needs more attention than an automatic pool cover pump.
FibroPool Pool Cover Pump Specs at a Glance
The FibroPool Pool Cover Pump is best viewed as a simple manual electric cover pump for light to moderate standing water on above-ground pool winter covers. The key trade-off is control versus convenience: it gives you electric pumping power with an included 16 ft hose and 16 ft power cord, but it does not turn on or shut off automatically like the Little Giant APCP-1700.
That makes it a good fit if you check your cover after rain and want a quicker option than a siphon pump. If your cover regularly collects heavy water or you want less monitoring, an automatic pool cover pump may be the better choice.
What Does the FibroPool Pool Cover Pump Do?
The FibroPool Pool Cover Pump removes standing water from the top of a pool cover.
That matters because solid winter covers do not drain like mesh covers or leaf nets. Water can collect after rain or snow melt, and if it gets too heavy, it can pull the cover down into the pool.
For above-ground pools, that weight can stress the cover, cable, grommets, top rail, and pool walls.
A cover pump helps you remove that water before it becomes a bigger problem. With the FibroPool pump, you place the pump in the water, connect the hose, plug it in, let it drain, and unplug it when finished.
Who Is the FibroPool Pool Cover Pump Best For?
The FibroPool Pool Cover Pump is best for pool owners who want a simple electric pump without paying for an automatic model.
It is a good fit if:
You use a solid winter cover.
Your cover collects occasional standing water.
You want an electric pump, not a siphon.
You do not mind plugging and unplugging the pump manually.
You want a compact pump that is easy to store.
You want the hose and fittings included.
You only need cover water removal, not full pool draining.
This pump makes the most sense for owners who check their pool cover after rain and want a quick way to drain water without manually siphoning.
Who Should Skip It?
Skip the FibroPool Pool Cover Pump if you want a fully automatic pump that turns on and off by itself.
You may be better with another option if:
You want automatic operation.
Your cover collects heavy water often.
You are away from the pool for long periods.
You do not want to monitor the pump.
You need a high-flow utility pump.
You need to drain an entire pool quickly.
You cannot safely use an outdoor electrical pump.
You want a non-electric option.
For hands-off winter cover water removal, choose an automatic pool cover pump. For very small amounts of water and the lowest cost, a siphon pump may be enough.
Manual Operation: What You Need to Know
The FibroPool Pool Cover Pump uses manual shut-off.
That means it does not turn itself on when water reaches a certain depth, and it does not automatically shut itself off when the cover is drained.
This is important.
You need to check the cover, place the pump in the water, plug it in, monitor the draining process, and unplug it when the water has been removed.
That is the main trade-off: you save money compared with many automatic pumps, but you take on more responsibility during use.
That is not a bad thing. It just means the FibroPool pump is better for people who are willing to manage the process themselves.
If you want the pump to react automatically when water builds up, the Little Giant APCP-1700 is the better fit.
How to Use the FibroPool Pool Cover Pump on a Winter Cover
The exact setup depends on your pool, cover, and yard, but the basic process is simple.
1. Place the pump where water collects
Set the pump 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 rather than in the middle. This is especially useful on larger above-ground pools, where reaching the center of the cover can be awkward.
Place the pump where the water is actually pooling, make sure it sits flat and stable, then let the hose drain water away from the pool.
2. Attach the drain hose
Connect the included drain hose to the pump. Run the hose away from the pool so the water drains somewhere safe.
Do not drain water toward the pool wall, house foundation, deck, patio, or anywhere it could freeze and create a slipping hazard.
3. Plug the pump into a safe outdoor outlet
Use a safe outdoor electrical setup. A GFCI-protected outlet is strongly recommended for outdoor water-related equipment.
Keep the plug connection away from standing water.
4. Let the pump remove the water
Once plugged in, the pump will begin draining water through the hose. Stay nearby and monitor the process.
Because this is a manual cover pump, do not leave it running unattended for long periods.
5. Unplug the pump when draining is complete
When the water has been removed, unplug the pump. Do not let it continue running dry.
Manual shut-off is the main trade-off with this pump. It is simple and affordable, but it needs your attention.
6. Clean and store it after use
Remove leaves, grit, or debris from around the intake area. Drain the hose and store the pump somewhere dry when it is not being used.
If freezing weather is expected, bring the pump indoors.
Important Tip: Do Not Let a Manual Pump Run Dry
This is the biggest user-error risk with a manual electric cover pump.
Because the FibroPool pump does not shut itself off automatically, you need to unplug it when the water is gone. Running a pump dry can shorten its life or cause damage.
The safest routine is simple: place it, drain the water, check it, unplug it, and store it.
If you want a pump that requires less attention, choose an automatic cover pump instead.
Key Features
Compact manual electric design
The FibroPool pump is compact and lightweight, which makes it easier to place on a winter cover, move around the yard, and store when not in use.
This is useful if you do not want a large utility pump sitting on the cover.
Up to 10 gallons per minute
The pump is rated for up to 10 gallons per minute, which is about 600 gallons per hour.
That is enough for typical cover water removal, especially if you are dealing with rainwater or shallow water buildup on a winter cover.
It is not as powerful as some automatic or utility pumps, but it is much faster and easier than a basic manual siphon.
16 ft drain hose included
The included 16 ft hose is a helpful feature because you do not need to source a separate hose before using the pump.
You still need to make sure the hose can reach a safe drainage area.
16 ft power cord
The 16 ft power cord gives some placement flexibility, although you still need a safe outdoor outlet nearby.
If your outlet is far from the pool, cord length may be a real limitation.
Multiple fittings and hose clamp
The included fittings and hose clamp make the pump more flexible for different hose setups. This is helpful because small pumps can be frustrating when the hose connection is awkward.
Works for several shallow-water jobs
Although this page is focused on pool covers, the pump can also be used for other shallow water removal jobs such as spas, ponds, or small standing water areas.
What It Does Well
The FibroPool Pool Cover Pump does a good job of filling the middle ground between a cheap siphon pump and a more expensive automatic cover pump.
It is electric, compact, and faster than a non-electric siphon. It also includes the hose and fittings, which makes the setup simpler for most pool owners.
For occasional winter cover water, this is a practical option. You can take it out after rain, pump the water off the cover, unplug it, and store it away.
Real Limitations to Know Before Buying
The biggest limitation is manual shut-off.
You need to be there to plug it in, watch it, and unplug it when draining is finished. If you forget and let it run dry, you may shorten the life of the pump.
The second limitation is power and hose reach. The 16 ft hose and 16 ft power cord are useful, but they may not be enough for every yard. Check where your outlet is and where you want the water to drain before buying.
It is also not the strongest cover pump option. If your cover collects a lot of water often, or you want more hands-off protection, an automatic cover pump is probably the better choice.
FibroPool Pool Cover Pump vs Little Giant APCP-1700
The FibroPool pump is the simpler manual option. The Little Giant APCP-1700 is the more convenient automatic option.
The FibroPool pump needs you to plug it in and unplug it yourself. It is better for occasional use, smaller budgets, and pool owners who do not mind checking the cover after rain.
The Little Giant APCP-1700 turns on when the water reaches about 2 inches and shuts off when it drops below about 1 inch. That makes it better for regular rain, repeated water buildup, and owners who want less babysitting.
Choose FibroPool if you want a lower-cost manual electric pump.
Choose Little Giant if you want automatic operation.
FibroPool Pool Cover Pump vs Siphon Pump
A siphon pump is usually the cheapest and simplest option because it does not need electricity.
The trade-off is speed and convenience. A siphon pump is slower, more hands-on, and better suited to smaller amounts of water.
The FibroPool pump is electric, so it can remove water faster and with less effort once it is set up. But it still needs a safe outlet and manual shut-off.
Choose a siphon pump if you want the lowest-cost non-electric option.
Choose FibroPool if you want a faster electric option but do not need automatic operation.
FibroPool Pool Cover Pump vs Utility Pump
A utility pump or sump pump may move more water, but it is not always the best match for a winter pool cover.
High-flow utility pumps can be useful for larger water removal jobs, but they may be heavier, less cover-friendly, or more than you need for shallow standing water on a cover.
The FibroPool pump is smaller and more focused on cover water removal. It is not the strongest option, but it is easier to handle for ordinary cover maintenance.
Choose FibroPool for light to moderate cover water.
Choose a utility pump if you need higher-flow draining for larger water removal jobs.
What Should You Use With a Manual Cover Pump?
A manual cover pump removes standing water from the top of a solid winter cover. It does not replace the rest of your winterizing setup.
For the best results, use it with the right cover system for your pool.
A solid winter cover helps protect the pool water from debris, sunlight, rain, and snow.
A pool pillow can help create a raised center point under the cover so water moves toward the sides instead of sitting flat in the middle.
A leaf net can catch leaves before they become a wet mess on top of the cover.
A winterizing kit helps treat the pool water before the cover goes on.
The FibroPool pump handles the water-removal part. The other accessories help protect the pool, cover, and water through the off-season.
Is the FibroPool Pool Cover Pump Worth It?
The FibroPool Pool Cover Pump is worth considering if you want a simple manual electric pump for removing standing water from an above-ground pool winter cover.
It is not as hands-off as an automatic pump, and it is not as cheap as a basic siphon. But it hits a useful middle ground: faster than a siphon, simpler than a large utility pump, and likely more affordable than many automatic pool cover pumps.
It makes the most sense if you check your cover after rain and want a quick way to drain water before it becomes too heavy.
If you want automatic operation, choose the Little Giant APCP-1700 instead. If you want the cheapest no-electricity option, choose a siphon pump.
For a practical manual electric cover pump, the FibroPool is a strong fit.
Related Winterizing Guides
If you are closing your pool this season, these guides may help next:
FAQ
Is the FibroPool Pool Cover Pump automatic?
No. The FibroPool Pool Cover Pump is a manual electric pump. You plug it in to start draining and unplug it when the water has been removed.
How much water can the FibroPool Pool Cover Pump move?
The FibroPool Pool Cover Pump is rated for up to 10 gallons per minute, which is about 600 gallons per hour. Actual performance can depend on hose position, lift height, debris, and setup.
Does the FibroPool Pool Cover Pump come with a hose?
Yes. It includes a 16 ft drain hose, hose fittings, and a hose clamp, so you do not need to buy a separate hose for basic setup.
Can you use the FibroPool pump on an above-ground pool winter cover?
Yes. It can be used to remove standing water from an above-ground pool winter cover. Place it where water collects and monitor it while it drains.
Can you leave the FibroPool Pool Cover Pump running unattended?
No. Because this is a manual shut-off pump, you should monitor it and unplug it when draining is finished. Do not let it run dry.
Can you leave this pump outside in freezing weather?
No. Bring the pump indoors when freezing temperatures are expected. A cover pump is designed to move liquid water, not sit frozen in ice.
Is FibroPool better than a siphon pump?
FibroPool is better if you want faster electric water removal. A siphon pump is better if you want the cheapest non-electric option and only deal with small amounts of water.
Is FibroPool better than the Little Giant APCP-1700?
The FibroPool pump is better if you want a lower-cost manual electric pump. The Little Giant APCP-1700 is better if you want automatic operation and less monitoring.
Does a manual cover pump replace a pool pillow?
No. A manual cover pump removes standing water from the top of the cover. A pool pillow sits underneath the cover to help support and shape it.
Is the FibroPool Pool Cover Pump worth buying?
It is worth considering if you want a compact manual electric pump for occasional standing water on an above-ground pool winter cover. Choose an automatic pump instead if your cover collects water often.
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