Little Giant Automatic Pool Cover Pump APCP-1700 Review

(Last Updated On: November 20, 2023)

When a small pool cover is flooded from a heavy rain, or even moderate rain on a large pool cover, the Little Giant automatic pool cover pump is the best choice.

The durability of this pump is why customers choose it when other cover pumps have failed.

Letting too much water collect on the pool cover can cause the cover to rip or tear apart. Pool cover repairs or replacement is expensive. So, get this cover pump and save money.

This best-selling pool cover pump is made by Western Electric company which owns the Little Giant brand. They have been making pumps in Oklahoma City since 1941. So, this pump can be relied upon to keep the pool cover water free.

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Table of Contents

Features and Benefits of The Little Giant Automatic Pool Cover Pump APCP-1700

Automatic operation: Works even when you are not at home.
Pumps 1700 gallons per hour at a 1-foot lift height. Or 1400 gallons per hour at a 5-foot lift height.
Starts pumping when water depth is 2 ½ inches and shuts off at 1 inch of water depth. When the temperature is near freezing the starting depth could be as much as 4 inches. Also, the shut off depth will be higher at up to 2 inches.
Easily removed intake screen and float switch. No tools needed. Which makes cleaning the screen and float switch fast and easy.
Use any 3/4-inch garden hose or 1 inch outside diameter plastic tubing for draining the water away from the pool. The water discharge port has a 1-inch female NPT (National Pipe Thread) fitting with a garden hose adapter.
25 ft power cord for easy connection to a power outlet.
Low maintenance. Just clean the screen and float switch as needed to ensure proper operation.
36-month limited warranty.
Electrical: For use with any USA household current. 115 V, 60 Hz, 2.2 Amps
Weight: 12 pounds. Which is easy to move with the built-in handle. Also, it is not too heavy to use on pool covers that are held by water bags.

Little Giant APCP-1700 115-Volt, 1/3 HP, 1745 GPH, Automatic, Submersible, Swimming Pool Cover Pump with 25-Ft. Cord, Light Blue, 577301

APPLICATIONS: designed for automatic removal of water from pool covers, boat covers or rooftops – pump activates in 2-inches of water and shuts off when water drops to 1-inch
EASY MAINTENANCE: access to pump float and air lock for cleaning; requires no tools or screws; see video for demonstration
WELL DESIGNED: ergonomically built-in handle for portability and ease of placement and removal; compact weighted design for stability
EASY SET-UP: 1-inch FNPT discharge with 3/4-inch garden hose adapter included to fit standard 3/4 garden hose; convenient 25-foot power cord ensures easy-reach of power source in most installations
SPECIFICATIONS: 115 Volts; 60 Hz; 2.2 Amps; 270 Watts; 1/3 HP; 1745 GPH at 1-ft. lift; 25-ft. shutoff; 1-inch FNPT discharge with 3/4-inch garden hose adapter; integrated float switch; 25-ft. cord

Will This Work on Any Spa or Pool Cover?

Use this on:

Above ground pool covers such as the Intex brand pools.
In-Ground pools with automated covers or winter tarps.
Mesh safety covers.
Solid vinyl pool covers.
Hybrid Covers.
Soft Spa Covers.

Can Little Giant Automatic Pool Cover Pump Be Submerged in Water?

Absolutely yes. Just keep the electrical plug out of the water. The power cord is 25 feet long, so that should be easy.

Can I Put This on The Pool Steps or Drain the Pool?

Sure can. Put the Little Giant automatic pool cover pump on the second step to keep water levels in check.

To drain the pool, place the pump on the bottom if possible. However, the lower the pump is placed, the slower the water will be pumped out. That is because the “head height” or lifting height makes the pump work harder.

Also, pool cover pumps are not meant to run continuously for days at a time. So, that could shorten the life of the pump. Obviously, smaller pools are a better choice than larger pools. However, several hours of continuous running should not be a concern.

Can This Pump Be Used During Freezing Weather?

Customers are very happy with how the pump handles cold weather.

The owner’s manual simply states to keep the pump connected to electrical power during freezing temperatures.

However, keep in mind that water expands as it freezes. Which can break the water filled pump and plug up hoses.

Also, when the water in the hose is frozen, the pump will keep running but not pump any water. This can cause the pump to overheat and burn out.

Will Leaves Clog the Little Giant APCP 1700 Pool Cover Pump?

Since the pump sucks water from the bottom of the pump, leaves are blocked by the body of the pump. So, only little bits of leaves would be able to get under the pump.

Eventually every pool cover pump will get clogged up. However, many customers report that they do not have such problems.

Some customers wrap the entire pump with a screen to ensure the pump stays leaf free.

It is difficult to say if this pump screens leaves any better than other brands. As I said, all pumps will get clogged up sometime.

Little Giant Automatic Pool Cover Pump APCP-1700 Image credit Little Giant — Image credit: Little Giant

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Internal Float Switch Location and Cleaning

The main reason that owners have any problems with the pump is that the float switch gets clogged with dirt or slime. Fortunately, that is easy to do.

Bottom view of the Little Giant APCP-1700 pool cover pump. Showing the black float switch access cover.

To remove the internal float switch (#2 in the diagram) use your fingers to twist off the float access cover. Pull out the float and clean it and all dirt inside the pump. Then replace the float and switch cover.

Little Giant Automatic Pool Cover Pump APCP-1700 float switch diagram. Image credit Little Giant

Where Is the Weep Hole and How Do I Clean It?

If the pump is running but not pumping water, the vent hole is probably blocked up with some dirt.

Remove the five screws that attach the pump cover case to the base. Four of the screws are shown at #2. The vent hole is shown at #4.

Use a pin, toothpick, the end of a paperclip, or a brush to clean the dirt away from the vent hole. Then reattach the cover and test the pump anywhere convenient. Such as in a bucket of water.

Little Giant Automatic Pool Cover Pump APCP-1700 internal parts diagram. Image credit Little Giant

Little Giant Automatic Pool Cover Pump APCP-1700 vent hole location. Image credit Little Giant — Little Giant APCP-1700 vent hole location. Notice the white bit that is being removed from the vent hole. Image credit: Little Giant

How To Position the Pump on The Pool Cover. 2 Ways.

Use the handle to place the pump on the pool cover. Use a pool brush or something that has a long handle to push the pump into place.
Attach a thin rope or cord to the eyelet located opposite from where the water discharges from. Or attach the rope to the handle. Use the rope to pull the pump into position.

Caution: Don’t let the end of the power cord enter into the water.

Using the rope is the best way to remove the pump from the cover. It won’t stress the discharge hose or the power cord which could otherwise be damaged.

Side Discharge Keeps the Pump from Tipping Over

The discharge hose connects to the side of the cover pump which helps prevent the pump from falling over. Also, the pump has a low center of gravity and a broad base for additional stability.

Has your current cover pump failed? Get this one now!