Seesii SP550C-5E Automatic Pool Cover Pump: features, specs and uses

The Seesii SP550C-5E is a submersible pump built to clear standing water off a pool cover, with a detachable base that lets it double as a general-purpose utility pump. It switches itself on and off, so rain or melt water doesn't have to be pumped out by hand. Here is what its specs mean and what to check before using it.

What a pool cover pump does

A pool cover collects rain and melted snow over the off-season. Left alone, that weight can stress the cover and its anchors. A cover pump sits on top of the cover, draws in the shallow water around it and pushes it out through a hose. Because the water layer is thin, these pumps are designed to work in very little depth.

Reading the 3035 GPH and 1/3 HP figures

Seesii rates the pump at 3035 gallons per hour (about 11,500 litres) with a 1/3 HP motor. GPH figures are normally measured at little or no lift, so real output falls as the water has to climb higher or travel further through the hose. The listing mentions a 30-foot lift, which is the maximum height the pump can raise water. Hose length, kinks and hose diameter all reduce the flow you actually get.

The automatic level sensor

The pump has a built-in water level sensor. According to Seesii, it starts pumping at 2.5 inches of water and shuts off at 0.75 inches. The gap between those two points means the pump doesn't cycle on and off constantly as the last of the water drains. Switching off before it runs dry also protects the motor, since most pumps are not meant to run without water. Because 0.75 inches is left behind, any pump with this kind of sensor leaves a thin film on the cover.

Detachable base and other uses

The base detaches without tools. With it on, the pump is set up for flat covers. With it removed, Seesii describes it as a submersible pump for hot tubs, garden ponds, flooded basements and similar jobs. Check the manual for how each configuration should be used, and whether the pump suits the liquid you have, since it is described for water only.

Debris filter and power cord

A filter net around the intake is meant to keep out leaves, pine needles and yard dirt, which are the usual causes of blocked pumps on a cover. Even with a net, it's wise to clear heavy debris off the cover and rinse the net now and then. The pump has a 25-foot power cord, which helps reach an outdoor outlet. Seesii lists a three-year warranty.

Size

The pump measures about 7.1 x 5.5 x 8.5 inches (18 x 14 x 22 cm), small enough to keep in a cupboard or garage over the summer.

Who it suits

It suits pool owners who use a cover through the winter or rainy season, and anyone who wants one pump for occasional jobs such as draining a small pond or clearing shallow water.

What to check before you buy

• Hose and fittings: confirm the outlet size and which hose adapters you need.
• Power: use a suitable outdoor outlet with ground-fault protection, as local electrical codes and the manual describe.
• Cover type: check that the pump's size and base suit the type of cover you have.
• Water type: the pump is described for water; confirm it suits any other use.
• Upkeep: clean the filter net regularly and keep the pump dry.

The short version

• A 1/3 HP submersible pump rated at 3035 GPH with a 30-foot maximum lift.
• Automatic sensor starts at 2.5 inches of water and stops at 0.75 inches.
• Tool-free detachable base for use as a general utility pump.
• Debris filter net and a 25-foot power cord.
• Three-year warranty, as stated by Seesii.

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