You probably need a pool cover pump.

Yes, if you have a solid cover and live somewhere it rains or snows. That standing water gets heavy fast, and before you know it your cover is sagging, tearing, or turning into a swamp.

A pool cover pump is just a small submersible pump you set on top of the cover. It pumps the water off, usually through a garden hose. Some are automatic (turn on when water hits a certain depth), some you have to plug in manually. They’re cheap — $30 to $80 — and save you from having to siphon or bucket water off.

You don’t strictly need one if you can just push the water off with a broom or let it evaporate. But if you get more than a few inches of rain, your cover can collapse or debris can stain it. And stagnant water breeds mosquitoes and algae. For the price of a few cases of beer, you avoid all that.

Just don’t buy the absolute cheapest plastic one. Spend a few extra bucks for something with a decent warranty. Your cover will last longer, and you’ll thank yourself in spring.