There’s a specific kind of dread that sets in for pool owners after the first heavy autumn rainstorm. You look out the window and see it: a vast, murky puddle forming in the center of your pool cover, sagging menacingly under hundreds of pounds of water. You know that leaving it there is a recipe for disaster. The immense weight can stretch, tear, or even rip the cover, leading to costly replacements. Worse, it can strain the pool walls themselves. For years, my solution was a clumsy dance with buckets or a frustrating siphon hose that never seemed to work right. It was a chore I loathed, a constant battle against the elements to protect my investment. Failing to remove this water not only risks damage but also creates a breeding ground for algae and mosquitoes, turning your pristine offseason cover into a swampy mess that makes pool opening day a nightmare. This is the precise problem the FizZeal 850 GPH Pool Cover Pump promises to solve, turning a dreaded task into a simple, automated process.
What to Consider Before Buying a Pool Cover Pump
A pool cover pump is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for safeguarding your pool and cover throughout the offseason. Its primary benefit is prevention—preventing the catastrophic failure of a cover under the weight of accumulated rain or melted snow. By automatically and efficiently removing this water, it preserves the lifespan of your cover, protects your pool’s structure, and simplifies the spring opening process by keeping dirty water and debris out of the pool itself. A good pump is an investment in peace of mind, ensuring your pool remains protected, clean, and ready for the next swimming season without any surprise damages or intensive clean-up.
The ideal customer for this type of product is any owner of an above-ground or in-ground pool who uses a solid (non-mesh) cover during the fall and winter months. It’s for the person who values their time and wants to avoid the manual labor of bailing water, especially in regions with significant precipitation. However, it might not be suitable for those who use a mesh safety cover designed to let water pass through, as there would be no standing water to pump. Likewise, someone with a very small spa or hot tub might find a dedicated pump to be overkill. For those users, a simple siphon or a small utility bucket may suffice, though it lacks the convenience and automation of a dedicated pump.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A pool cover pump needs a stable base to operate effectively. Consider the unit’s footprint (the FizZeal is a compact 6.2″ x 4.7″). A smaller, lighter pump is versatile enough to be used on soft-sided pool covers or even to drain water from patio furniture covers without causing damage, while a larger, heavier unit might be more stable but less adaptable.
- Capacity/Performance: This is measured in Gallons Per Hour (GPH) and Maximum Lifting Height (HMAX). The FizZeal 850 GPH Pool Cover Pump boasts an 850 GPH flow rate, which is substantial for residential use, and a 10.5-foot lift height, meaning it can easily pump water up and over the side of most above-ground pools. Ensure the GPH is adequate for the amount of rainfall you typically receive.
- Materials & Durability: Look for pumps made from durable, corrosion-resistant materials. The FizZeal uses a robust Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) shell, which is common and effective for submersible pumps as it withstands prolonged water exposure and minor impacts. An IPX8 waterproof rating is the standard for full submersion and is a critical feature to look for.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The best pumps are “set it and forget it.” Key features include a long power cord (FizZeal’s is an excellent 25 feet), an automatic on/off sensor, and an effective debris filter. Regular maintenance involves checking the intake screen for clogs, so a model with an easily accessible screen and an extra filter bag is a significant long-term advantage.
Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a pump that not only works but works for your specific pool and climate conditions, making offseason maintenance truly effortless.
While the FizZeal 850 GPH Pool Cover Pump is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
First Impressions: A Complete Kit Ready for Action
Unboxing the FizZeal 850 GPH Pool Cover Pump, the first thing we noticed was that this wasn’t just a pump—it was a complete water removal system in a box. The vibrant blue ABS housing felt sturdy and well-sealed, giving an immediate impression of durability. It’s surprisingly lightweight and compact, easy to handle with one hand. What really stood out was the sheer number of included accessories: a 16-foot drainage hose, a generous 25-foot power cord, a mesh filter bag, and a small bag containing four different hose adapters. This comprehensive kit is a major plus, as many competing pumps require you to purchase a hose and adapters separately. The long power cord immediately solves the common problem of needing an extension cord near the pool, which is always a safety concern. The setup is intuitively simple: select the right adapter, connect the hose, place the pump in the water, and plug it in. It’s designed for immediate, hassle-free operation right out of the box.
Advantages
- Powerful 850 GPH flow rate removes water quickly
- Automatic water sensor with dry-run protection
- Extra-long 25-foot power cord provides excellent reach
- Comprehensive accessory kit includes hose, adapters, and filter bag
Drawbacks
- Included 16-foot hose is soft and prone to kinking
- Some reports of inconsistent sensor activation or long-term reliability
Deep Dive: Performance Under Pressure
A pump’s true worth is measured when the skies open up and your pool cover starts to resemble a small lake. We put the FizZeal 850 GPH Pool Cover Pump through its paces during a week of relentless rain to see if its real-world performance lived up to its promising specifications. Our testing focused on its core functions: raw pumping power, the intelligence of its automated systems, its durability against the elements, and the practicality of its included accessories.
Performance and Pumping Power: The 850 GPH Promise
The advertised 850 GPH is a maximum theoretical flow rate, but in practice, the FizZeal is impressively powerful. We placed it in a pool of water that was, at its deepest point, nearly two feet high—a scenario confirmed as effective by one user who faced the same deluge. The moment we plugged it in, the pump kicked on with a quiet hum and began expelling a strong, steady stream of water through the 16-foot hose. It didn’t struggle or sputter; it simply got to work. Within a couple of hours, the massive pool of water that had been threatening to stretch our cover was gone, replaced by a nearly dry surface. The pump effectively removed water down to about an inch, at which point the automatic shutoff engaged, just as designed.
We found this performance to be more than adequate for any residential pool cover. As another long-term user noted, you won’t get the same pressure as a high-end, $200 unit, but that’s not its purpose. Its job is to move a high volume of water at a low pressure, and it excels at this. We even tested its versatility, using it to drain a fountain basin in the yard. It handled the task with the same quiet efficiency. For its price point and intended application, the pumping power is a standout feature, and you can see its full feature set and user reviews to gauge its power for yourself.
Intelligent Design: Automatic Sensor and Safety Features
The single most important feature of a modern pool cover pump is its automation. The ability to “set it and forget it” is what separates a useful tool from a genuine convenience. The FizZeal 850 GPH Pool Cover Pump is built around an automatic water sensor that detects the presence of water and activates the motor. When the water level drops below one inch, the sensor triggers an intelligent shutdown, preventing the motor from running dry, which is the quickest way to burn out a submersible pump. During our tests, this system worked flawlessly. It consistently came on when needed and shut off at the correct level, leaving the cover almost completely dry.
However, we did encounter a minor quirk mentioned by other users: the water sensor probe can sometimes be knocked loose from its socket during handling. It’s a simple fix—just ensure it’s snapped in securely before placing the pump—but it’s something to be aware of. We also saw reports of some units needing a “jiggle” to start or stopping intermittently. While our test unit was reliable, this feedback suggests some potential for inconsistency. Despite this, the core design is sound. The built-in overheating protection adds another layer of safety, making it a device we felt confident leaving plugged in and unattended, ready for the next downpour.
Built for the Elements: Durability and Debris Management
A pump that lives outdoors needs to be tough. The FizZeal’s IPX8 waterproof rating means it’s designed for continuous submersion, and its thick ABS shell feels capable of handling bumps and scrapes. The most compelling evidence of its durability, however, comes from a user who left their pump outside through two full winters, buried in snow and ice, only to have it fire up perfectly in the spring. This is an incredible testament to its robust construction and sealed motor housing.
Just as important is its ability to handle the gunk that inevitably collects on a pool cover. Leaves, twigs, and dirt can clog and disable a lesser pump. FizZeal tackles this with a two-stage approach. First, the base of the pump is a wide intake screen that blocks large debris like leaves and sticks. For finer particles, the kit includes a black mesh filter bag that the entire pump can be placed inside. This dual system is highly effective. We observed it operating in water filled with pine needles and decomposing leaves without any noticeable loss in suction. This superior debris management significantly reduces the frequency of maintenance, which is a feature that really sets it apart from more basic models.
The Complete Package: Unpacking the Accessories
The included accessory kit is what elevates the FizZeal 850 GPH Pool Cover Pump from a good product to a great value. The 25-foot power cord is a game-changer, eliminating the need for extension cords and providing the flexibility to place the pump anywhere on the cover and reach a distant outlet. The four included adapters offer versatility to connect different types of hoses. However, the weak link in this otherwise stellar package is the included 16-foot hose. As many users have pointed out, the material is very soft and kinks extremely easily, especially at the point where it connects to the pump’s vertical outlet. This can severely restrict water flow.
We found that by carefully positioning the hose, we could avoid the worst of the kinking, but it’s a frustrating design flaw. Many users will likely opt to use their own standard, more rigid garden hose for better performance. It’s also worth noting a strange omission: while four adapters are included, none of them are a perfect fit for a standard 3/4″ garden hose, which seems like an oversight. Despite the hose issue, the overall value provided by the long cord, filter bag, and multiple adapters is undeniable and makes this a very appealing package for any pool owner looking for an all-in-one solution.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings are strongly echoed by the experiences of other users. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with many people praising the pump’s power and efficiency. One user, after dealing with two feet of water from heavy rains, said it “worked perfectly” and “flowed full force until top of cover was completely drained dry.” Another highlighted its remarkable toughness, stating, “I’ve left it out in the snow and ice through two winters and it just kept on going.” The completeness of the kit, including the hose and filter bag, is another frequently mentioned positive, with one reviewer noting it was “by far the most efficient” of the three different pumps they owned.
However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect, and the criticisms are consistent. The most common complaint centers on the included hose, which is described as “so badly kinked, that it cracked in spots within a few days of use.” The other significant concern is long-term reliability. A handful of users reported their pumps failing after just a couple of months or exhibiting intermittent behavior, such as stopping for no reason while still in deep water. One updated their review to say, “Pump dead after less than 2 months. Cannot recommend.” This suggests that while most units are reliable workhorses, there may be some quality control inconsistencies.
How the FizZeal 850 GPH Pool Cover Pump Compares to Alternatives
When evaluating the FizZeal 850 GPH Pool Cover Pump, it’s essential to understand its specific role. It is a purpose-built submersible utility pump for water transfer. The broader “Pumps” category includes many different tools for different jobs, so it’s important to compare it to products that solve other, related problems.
1. Hayward SPX1500S8 Motor Switch for Pumps
This product is not a pump itself, but a replacement on/off switch for specific models of Hayward pool pumps (like the Power-Flo series). A user would choose this over the FizZeal pump if they already own a compatible, high-quality Hayward pump that has simply stopped working due to a faulty switch. Instead of replacing the entire unit for hundreds of dollars, this small part can bring an expensive piece of equipment back to life. It’s a repair component for a main pool circulation system, whereas the FizZeal is a standalone, auxiliary pump for removing standing water from a cover. The choice here is about repair versus a new tool for a different task.
2. SIMPSON 3400 PSI Pressure Washer Pump Kit
This SIMPSON kit is a replacement pump for a gas-powered pressure washer. Its function is to generate extremely high pressure (3400 PSI) to blast away dirt, grime, and old paint. This is fundamentally different from the FizZeal’s function, which is to move a high volume of water at very low pressure. You would never use a pressure washer pump to drain a pool cover, as its high pressure could easily destroy the vinyl. A customer would choose the SIMPSON kit if they need to restore a powerful cleaning machine, not gently drain a pool cover. The FizZeal is for water removal; the SIMPSON is for high-force cleaning.
3. CANPUMP CF 3030 G 3000 PSI Pressure Washer Pump
Similar to the SIMPSON, the CANPUMP is a commercial-grade triplex pump designed for heavy-duty pressure washing applications. It delivers 3000 PSI and is intended to be paired with a gas engine of around 6.5 HP. This is a robust component for professional cleaners or homeowners with demanding cleaning tasks, like stripping a deck or cleaning heavy machinery. The target user is someone focused on maintenance and repair of high-performance cleaning equipment. The contrast with the simple, electric, plug-and-play FizZeal pump is stark. One is a specialized component for a power tool; the other is a complete, standalone appliance for water management.
Final Verdict: An Indispensable Tool for Pool Owners
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently recommend the FizZeal 850 GPH Pool Cover Pump as a high-value, effective solution for one of the most tedious aspects of pool ownership. Its powerful motor, intelligent automatic operation, and robust, weather-resistant build make it a reliable guardian for your pool cover. The inclusion of an extra-long power cord and a comprehensive set of accessories means you have everything you need to get started immediately. While the flimsy, kink-prone hose is a notable disappointment and reports of long-term reliability issues are worth considering, these drawbacks are overshadowed by its performance and exceptional affordability.
If you’re tired of manually bailing water or worrying about your pool cover after every storm, this pump is a wise investment. It transforms a frustrating chore into a background task you’ll never have to think about again. For the price, it delivers peace of mind and protection that is hard to beat. If you’re ready to make your pool’s off-season maintenance truly effortless, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability for the FizZeal pump today.