💧 CTE1108: Coverstar Submersible Pool Cover Pump with 20m Cable | 1/3 HP Automatic
Protect Your Pool Cover Year-Round with Powerful, Fully Automatic Water Removal – No Manual Draining Required
📋 Product Overview
The Coverstar Submersible Pump (CTE1108) is a professional-grade automatic pool cover pump engineered specifically for UK pool owners with safety covers. This robust 1/3 HP pump sits directly on your pool cover and automatically activates when water accumulates from rain, melting snow, or general condensation, removing up to 6,814 litres per hour without any manual intervention.
Featuring a uniquely designed wide base for exceptional stability, the APCP-1700 motor incorporates energy-efficient PSC (Permanent Split Capacitor) technology housed within a sealed stainless steel casing. The motor is water-cooled by the liquid being pumped, ensuring quiet, reliable operation even during extended periods of use. With its generous 20-metre power cable, this pump offers unmatched installation flexibility for pools of any size or configuration.
Designed for permanent placement on pool safety covers, this pump provides year-round protection against water damage, cover sagging, and safety hazards caused by standing water accumulation.
⭐ Key Features
✅ Fully Automatic Float Switch Operation – Activates at 51mm water depth and deactivates at 38mm, requiring zero manual intervention or monitoring
✅ Powerful 1/3 HP Motor – Delivers up to 6,814 litres per hour (LPH) flow rate for rapid water removal from pool covers
✅ Extended 20-Metre Power Cable – Provides exceptional installation flexibility for pools of all sizes and configurations
✅ Energy-Efficient PSC Motor Design – Quiet operation with sealed stainless steel motor housing for maximum durability
✅ Wide Base Stability Design – Unique oversized base (305mm x 305mm) prevents tipping and ensures reliable positioning on pool covers
✅ Water-Cooled Motor System – Motor is cooled by pumped water, enabling continuous operation without overheating
✅ IP68 Waterproof Rating – Fully submersible design rated for complete water immersion
✅ Maintenance-Free Operation – No servicing required; simply connect discharge hose and plug in
✅ Dual-Purpose Emergency Use – Can also function as a submersible pump for draining flooded areas when needed
✅ 3-Year Limited Warranty – Comprehensive manufacturer warranty for peace of mind
🔧 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Number | CTE1108 (APCP-1700) |
| Pump Type | Automatic Submersible Cover Pump |
| Motor Power | 1/3 HP |
| Voltage | 230V |
| Frequency | 50Hz |
| Current Draw | 1.2 Amps |
| Power Consumption | 270 Watts |
| Maximum Flow Rate | 6,814 LPH (at 0.5m head) |
| Flow Rate at 1.5m Head | 5,678 LPH |
| Flow Rate at 3.0m Head | 4,637 LPH |
| Flow Rate at 5.0m Head | 2,200 LPH |
| Flow Rate at 6.0m Head | 1,250 LPH |
| Maximum Shut-Off Head | 6.55 metres (0.642 bar) |
| ON Level (Activation) | 51mm (2 inches) |
| OFF Level (Deactivation) | 38mm (1.5 inches) |
| Power Cable Length | 20 metres |
| Discharge Connection | 1″ FNPT with 3/4″ garden hose adapter included |
| Dimensions | 305mm x 305mm x 211mm (L x W x H) |
| Weight | 5 kg |
| IP Rating | IP68 (Fully Submersible) |
| Motor Housing | Sealed Stainless Steel |
| Motor Type | PSC (Permanent Split Capacitor) – Continuous Duty |
| Thermal Protection | Automatic Resetting Thermal Protector |
| Warranty | 3 Years Limited |
💰 Usage Costs & Running Expenses
📊 Annual Running Cost Calculation
The CTE1108 operates at 270 Watts (0.27 kW). Here’s what you can expect to pay based on typical UK usage patterns:
Current UK Energy Rate: £0.2635 per kWh (Q4 2025 Ofgem Price Cap)
🏊 Scenario 1: Seasonal Outdoor Pool (6 Months Cover Season)
Typical usage during autumn/winter/spring when cover is deployed:
- Power Consumption: 0.27 kW
- Average Daily Runtime: 2 hours (rainy/wet periods)
- Active Days per Season: 90 days (intermittent rain events)
- Total Annual Hours: 180 hours
✅ Annual Running Cost: 0.27 kW × 180 hours × £0.2635 = £12.79 per year
☔ Scenario 2: Heavy Rainfall Area (Extended Operation)
For pools in wetter regions of the UK (Wales, Scotland, North West):
- Power Consumption: 0.27 kW
- Average Daily Runtime: 4 hours
- Active Days per Season: 120 days
- Total Annual Hours: 480 hours
✅ Annual Running Cost: 0.27 kW × 480 hours × £0.2635 = £34.15 per year
🌧️ Scenario 3: Year-Round Protection
For covered pools requiring continuous protection:
- Power Consumption: 0.27 kW
- Average Daily Runtime: 1.5 hours
- Days per Year: 365 days
- Total Annual Hours: 548 hours
✅ Annual Running Cost: 0.27 kW × 548 hours × £0.2635 = £39.00 per year
💡 Energy Efficiency Comparison
| Usage Scenario | Annual Hours | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Light Use (Dry Climate) | 100 hours | £7.11 |
| Moderate Use (Average UK) | 180 hours | £12.79 |
| Heavy Use (Wet Regions) | 480 hours | £34.15 |
| Year-Round Protection | 548 hours | £39.00 |
⚡ Key Efficiency Point: The PSC motor design ensures the pump only draws power when actively pumping. The automatic float switch means zero standby consumption – the pump is completely OFF when water levels are below 51mm.
🎯 Real World Examples & Applications
🏊♂️ Residential Outdoor Pools
The CTE1108 is ideal for homeowners with safety covers on outdoor swimming pools. During autumn and winter, rainwater and melting snow accumulate on pool covers, creating strain that can damage the cover material and hardware. This pump automatically removes water before it becomes a problem, extending cover life by years.
Typical Installation: Permanently positioned near the centre of the pool cover, with the discharge hose routed to lawn or drainage area. The 20m cable allows connection to outdoor sockets without extension leads.
🏢 Commercial Pool Facilities
Hotels, leisure centres, and holiday parks benefit from the reliable automatic operation. Staff don’t need to manually check and drain covers, reducing labour costs and eliminating the risk of forgotten maintenance causing cover damage.
Performance Note: At maximum efficiency (0.5m head), the pump removes 6,814 litres per hour – enough to clear a heavily waterlogged cover in under an hour.
🌊 Winter Cover Protection
For pools that remain covered throughout winter, standing water creates multiple problems: ice formation can tear cover material, excess weight strains cover anchors, and stagnant water attracts insects and debris. The automatic activation at just 51mm ensures water never accumulates to damaging levels.
🔄 Upgrade from Manual Drainage
Many pool owners currently remove cover water manually using buckets or siphon hoses – a time-consuming and physically demanding task. The CTE1108 automates this completely, operating 24/7 without intervention.
🏠 Emergency Flood Drainage
Beyond pool cover use, the pump can serve as an emergency submersible pump for draining flooded basements, garages, or garden areas. The 6,814 LPH capacity makes it effective for moderate flooding situations.
💡 Cost Savings Examples
📍 Scenario: Preventing Pool Cover Replacement
The Problem: Pool safety covers cost £800-£2,500+ to replace. Standing water is the #1 cause of premature cover failure, causing:
- Material stretching and tearing
- Hardware strain and anchor damage
- UV degradation acceleration from water pooling
The Solution: ❌ Without pump protection: Average cover lifespan 5-7 years ✅ With CTE1108 protection: Extended cover lifespan 10-15 years
💰 Potential Saving: £800-£2,500 avoided replacement cost ⏱ Payback Period: Immediate protection; pump pays for itself with first avoided repair
📍 Scenario: Labour Cost Reduction (Commercial)
The Problem: Commercial pools requiring staff to manually drain covers after rainfall.
Manual Drainage Cost:
- Staff time: 30 minutes per drainage
- Frequency: 40-60 times per season
- Labour rate: £12/hour
- ❌ Annual labour cost: £240-£360
CTE1108 Solution:
- ✅ Annual running cost: £12.79-£34.15
- 💵 Net saving: £200-£330 per year
- 📈 ROI achieved in first season
📍 Scenario: Comparison with Basic Manual Pumps
Manual Sump Pumps:
- ❌ Require manual operation and monitoring
- ❌ No automatic activation
- ❌ Risk of running dry and burning out motor
- ❌ Often lack stability on cover surfaces
- Average cost: £40-£80
CTE1108 Automatic Pump:
- ✅ Fully automatic float switch operation
- ✅ Thermal protection prevents motor damage
- ✅ Wide base designed specifically for pool covers
- ✅ 3-year warranty vs typical 1-year on cheap pumps
💷 Long-term value: The CTE1108’s durability and warranty protection typically outlast 3-4 budget pumps, making it more economical over time.
📥 Downloads & Resources
📄 User Manual – Complete installation, operation, and maintenance instructions with troubleshooting guide (PDF)
📄 Product Leaflet – Technical specifications, performance curves, and dimensional drawings (PDF)
🏆 Why Choose the Coverstar CTE1108?
✅ Purpose-Built Design – Unlike generic sump pumps, the CTE1108 is specifically engineered for pool cover applications with its wide, stable base and automatic operation
✅ Set-and-Forget Reliability – Automatic float switch activation means no manual intervention required; the pump protects your cover 24/7, 365 days a year
✅ Professional-Grade Construction – Sealed stainless steel motor housing and IP68 rating ensure years of reliable outdoor operation in all weather conditions
✅ Generous Cable Length – 20-metre power cable eliminates the need for extension leads, maintaining electrical safety and compliance
✅ Energy Efficient Operation – PSC motor technology delivers powerful performance (270W) while keeping running costs remarkably low at under £40/year even for heavy use
✅ Manufacturer Warranty – 3-year limited warranty provides confidence in your investment
🛒 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs?
✅ UK-Based Specialist – We understand the specific needs of UK pool and hot tub owners
✅ Expert Technical Support – Our team can answer your questions about compatibility, installation, and operation
✅ Fast UK Delivery – Quick dispatch to get your pump protecting your pool cover promptly
✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value on genuine Certikin/Little Giant products
✅ Complete Product Range – Everything you need for pool cover maintenance and water management
✨ Summary
The CTE1108 Coverstar Submersible Pump represents the smart choice for pool owners serious about protecting their investment. With its powerful 1/3 HP motor delivering up to 6,814 litres per hour, fully automatic float switch operation, and purpose-built pool cover design, this pump eliminates the hassle and risk of manual water removal whilst keeping running costs remarkably low. The 20-metre cable, IP68 waterproof rating, and 3-year warranty make this a reliable, long-term solution for maintaining dry, safe pool covers throughout the year.
Invest in automatic pool cover protection today – your cover (and your back) will thank you.



