Poolbee, type of pump isn't all that important, they all work the same - however, if you have a DoughBoy, the motors are shrouded and should minimise the effects of being left out all winter. (BTW - my brother lives in Jamestown and either you don't get the same weather or are a master of litotes).
What kind of heater do you have? The mice don't destroy all, they just get fried when it fires (:evil grin