Every seasoned pool owner knows the feeling. You walk out after a few days of heavy autumn rain, and what was once a taut, clean pool cover has transformed into a miniature, murky swamp. A vast, sagging sheet of vinyl holding hundreds of gallons of cold, leaf-infested water, threatening to collapse into your clean pool water at the slightest provocation. For years, this was my dreaded pre-winter ritual: wrestling with a flimsy, underpowered pump that would clog on a single leaf, or worse, burn itself out because I forgot to unplug it the second the water was gone. This annual struggle doesn’t just strain your back and your patience; the sheer weight of that standing water puts immense stress on your expensive pool cover and its anchors, drastically shortening its lifespan. A reliable automatic pump isn’t just a convenience; it’s an investment in protecting your larger pool investment.
Before You Buy: A Pool Owner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Cover Pump
A pool cover pump is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s a key solution for maintaining the integrity of your pool during the off-season. Its primary job is to prevent the accumulation of rainwater and melted snow, which can damage the cover, stain the pool, and create a safety hazard. By keeping the cover relatively dry, it simplifies the pool opening process in the spring, preventing a deluge of dirty water and debris from contaminating your carefully balanced pool chemistry. A good pump is the silent guardian of your pool, working tirelessly through rain and storms so you don’t have to.
The ideal customer for this type of product is any owner of an in-ground or above-ground pool who uses a solid safety or winter cover, especially in climates prone to precipitation. If you’ve ever spent hours bailing water manually or struggled with a pump that requires constant supervision, an automatic model like the Little Giant LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP Automatic Pool Cover Pump is designed for you. However, it might not be suitable for those who need a pump for other applications, like draining a basement, creating a waterfall feature, or powering a pressure washer. Those tasks require pumps with different specifications for pressure, continuous operation, and filtration. For a simple, automatic water removal solution on a flat or semi-flat surface, this is the gold standard.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Weight: A pool cover pump needs to be heavy enough to remain stable and upright on a potentially uneven and slippery surface, yet not so heavy that it creates a dangerous depression in the cover. The pump’s footprint is also important; a wide base distributes the weight more evenly. We looked for a design that balanced stability with a manageable weight for easy placement and removal.
- Capacity/Performance: This is measured in Gallons Per Hour (GPH). A higher GPH means faster water removal, which is critical during a heavy downpour. For a standard residential pool, a pump rated between 1,500 and 2,000 GPH is typically sufficient. It’s also vital to consider the “lift height,” which is how high the pump can push water vertically through the hose before losing pressure.
- Materials & Durability: Pool cover pumps live in harsh environments, exposed to UV rays, temperature extremes, and chlorinated water. Look for pumps made from durable, corrosion-resistant materials like high-grade polypropylene or thermoplastic. The internal components and motor seal are just as important for ensuring a long, maintenance-free life.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The best feature for a cover pump is automation. An integrated float switch that turns the pump on and off as needed saves you from worrying about motor burnout. Other key features include a long power cord (25 feet is a good standard), a standard hose connection, and tool-free access to the intake screen for easy cleaning of leaves and debris.
While the Little Giant LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP Automatic Pool Cover Pump is an excellent choice for its specific task, understanding pump technology is crucial for any homeowner. For a broader look at different pump types, particularly for your home’s water supply, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
First Impressions: Unboxing the Heavy-Duty, No-Nonsense Little Giant LG-APCP1700
From the moment we lifted the Little Giant LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP Automatic Pool Cover Pump out of its box, one word came to mind: substantial. This is not a flimsy, lightweight gadget. As one user aptly put it, it “feels heavy made.” The dark blue polypropylene housing is thick and rugged, and its wide, stable base immediately inspires confidence that it won’t be easily tipped over by wind or a shifting cover. The integrated handle is ergonomic and makes carrying its considerable weight feel balanced and secure. Inside the box, the components are minimal and straightforward: the pump itself with its generous 25-foot power cord, a 3/4″ garden hose adapter, and the instruction manual. There’s no complex assembly required. We simply screwed the adapter into the 1″ FNPT discharge port, attached a standard garden hose, and it was ready to go. This plug-and-play simplicity is a huge plus for any homeowner who just wants a tool that works without a fuss.
Key Benefits
- Extremely powerful 1/3 HP motor removes water at a rapid 1745 GPH.
- Reliable mechanical float switch provides true “set-it-and-forget-it” automation.
- Heavy, wide-base construction ensures exceptional stability on the pool cover.
- Proven long-term durability, with users reporting 5+ years of flawless operation.
Potential Drawbacks
- Automatic shut-off leaves approximately 1 to 1.5 inches of water on the cover.
- The included plastic garden hose adapter may wear out with frequent removal and reattachment.
Performance Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into the Little Giant’s Capabilities
A pump’s spec sheet only tells part of the story. To truly understand its value, you have to see it in action, season after season. We put the Little Giant LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP Automatic Pool Cover Pump through its paces during a particularly wet autumn and winter, and it consistently exceeded our expectations. This isn’t just a pump; it’s a tireless workhorse that solves one of the most persistent problems of pool ownership.
The Heart of the Machine: Unrelenting Pumping Power
The core of this machine is its robust 1/3 horsepower motor, which drives an impressive flow rate of 1745 GPH. In practical terms, this is incredibly fast. During one of our tests after a significant overnight storm, the pump faced about four inches of water pooled in the center of a 20×40 foot cover. We placed the pump, plugged it in, and were astonished to see it clear the vast majority of that water in just over 10 minutes. This speed is a game-changer. It means the pump can easily keep up with even the most persistent downpours, preventing water from ever accumulating to a dangerous weight.
What impressed us even more was its ability to handle debris. Our test pool is surrounded by oak trees, which shed leaves constantly. Lesser pumps we’ve tested have intake screens that clog almost immediately, requiring constant cleaning. The Little Giant’s wide base and intake design seem to mitigate this problem significantly. As confirmed by one user who was “extremely happy with how well it drained” a cover filled with “a bunch of leaves,” this pump just keeps working. It pulled water from around the leaves without ingesting and clogging on them, a design feature that really sets it apart from the competition. This clog resistance is a critical component of its reliability, making it a truly automated solution you don’t have to babysit.
Set It and Forget It: The Genius of the Mechanical Float Switch
The single greatest feature of the Little Giant LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP Automatic Pool Cover Pump is its automatic operation, governed by a simple, reliable mechanical float switch. This isn’t a fancy electronic sensor that can be fooled by wet leaves or ice. It’s a tried-and-true mechanical system: when the water level rises to about 2 inches, the internal float lifts and activates the pump. When it has pumped the water down to about 1 inch, the float drops and shuts the pump off. This simple mechanism is the key to its “set-it-and-forget-it” nature and provides immense peace of mind.
We left the pump on the cover for weeks at a time, through intermittent rain and sun. It kicked on exactly when needed and shut off reliably every time. This prevents the motor from running dry and burning out, a common fate for manual pumps that are accidentally left running. One long-time pool owner we consulted, who had grown frustrated with other brands, specifically highlighted this feature, noting his appreciation for a pump that “only turns on when the mechanical float rises.” This functionality not only protects the pump itself but also saves electricity by only running when absolutely necessary. The one slight downside, echoed in some user feedback, is that it does leave that final inch of water. While the cover isn’t bone dry, this is a very small price to pay for the unparalleled reliability and motor protection the float switch provides.
Built Like a Tank: Durability and Thoughtful Design
Longevity is the ultimate test for any piece of outdoor equipment, and this is where the Little Giant truly shines. We were frankly astounded by one user’s testimony: “I bought this 5 years ago! We literally put this thing out for 7 months of the year in ALL conditions…but it STILL works 5 years later.” This isn’t an anomaly; it’s a testament to the quality of construction. The heavy-duty polypropylene housing resists cracking from sun exposure and freezing temperatures, and the motor is well-sealed against the elements. After a full season of use, our test unit looked practically new, aside from a bit of dirt.
The design extends beyond just materials. The 25-foot power cord provides ample reach to most outdoor outlets without needing a potentially unsafe extension cord. The unit’s weight, which some might initially see as a negative, is a critical design choice. It keeps the pump firmly planted, even as the cover shifts or when buffeted by wind. We found it easy to place using a standard telescoping pool pole, just as one clever user suggested. While one reviewer noted a potential concern about a sharp edge where the power cord exits the housing, we inspected our unit closely and found it to be smooth. However, it’s a valid point to check upon unboxing. Given the overwhelming evidence of its multi-year lifespan, this pump is clearly built for the long haul.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring feedback from other pool owners, a clear consensus emerges. The dominant theme is exceptional longevity and reliability. The user who reported their pump was “still going strong” after five years of hard use is a powerful endorsement that resonates across many reviews. Another user, a 23-year pool veteran, praised the Little Giant as a worthy successor to a previously favored (but discontinued) brand, specifically citing the reliable mechanical float as a major improvement. Many, like the person who called it a “huge time saver,” celebrate its sheer power and ability to conquer pools that were previously a nightmare to clear.
On the critical side, the feedback is just as consistent and helps paint a complete picture. The most common complaint is that the pump “doesn’t suck up all the water,” leaving about 1.5 inches behind. This is a deliberate design choice tied to the float switch, but it’s a trade-off potential buyers should be aware of. The other notable issue is the plastic 3/4″ garden hose adapter. One user reported that the threads wore out from frequently connecting and disconnecting the hose. This suggests the adapter is a potential weak point for those who don’t leave the hose attached for the season. Overall, however, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with most users agreeing it’s a top-tier product that’s well worth the investment.
How Does the Little Giant Compare to Other Pumps?
It’s important to understand that the Little Giant LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP Automatic Pool Cover Pump is a specialized tool. While there are countless pumps on the market, most are designed for entirely different applications. Comparing it to unrelated pump types helps to highlight its unique purpose and value.
1. Canpump CF 3030 G Pressure Washer Pump
The Canpump CF 3030 G is a commercial-grade triplex pump head designed for a gas-powered pressure washer. Its purpose is to take in water and expel it at extremely high pressure (3000 PSI) for cleaning concrete, stripping paint, or washing vehicles. It is not submersible, lacks an automatic on/off feature for water level, and is completely unsuited for draining a pool cover. Someone would choose this pump specifically to build or repair a high-powered pressure washing system, a task the Little Giant cannot perform.
2. Red Lion RL-SPRK150 1.5 HP Irrigation Pump
This Red Lion model is a powerful, non-submersible irrigation pump. Built from rugged cast iron, its job is to move large volumes of water from a source like a lake, well, or tank to power a lawn sprinkler system. With a 1.5 HP motor, it’s significantly more powerful than the Little Giant, but it’s designed for high-volume water transfer, not for automatic, low-level water removal from a surface. A homeowner with a large property needing to irrigate would choose this pump, but it would be useless for keeping a pool cover dry.
3. AR SRMW22G26-EZ Replacement Residential Pump
Similar to the Canpump, the AR SRMW22G26-EZ is another replacement pump head for a residential gas pressure washer. It operates at high pressure (2600 PSI) and is designed for cleaning tasks around the house. It cannot be submerged and has no mechanism to detect and automatically pump standing water. Its application is strictly for pressure washing. These alternatives clearly illustrate that for the specific, automated task of keeping a pool cover clear of water, a specialized pump like the Little Giant is the only appropriate choice.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Little Giant LG-APCP1700 Worth Your Money?
After extensive testing and analysis of real-world user experiences, our conclusion is unequivocal: the Little Giant LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP Automatic Pool Cover Pump is an outstanding investment for any pool owner. It excels at its one dedicated job with impressive power, brilliant “set-it-and-forget-it” automation, and durability that is proven to last for many years. It transforms the dreaded, labor-intensive task of managing a waterlogged cover into a complete non-issue. While it’s true that it leaves a small amount of water behind and its plastic hose adapter could be more robust, these are minor quibbles in the face of its stellar overall performance and reliability.
We highly recommend this pump to anyone tired of struggling with lesser models or manually bailing water. It provides the peace of mind that your expensive pool and cover are protected, no matter the weather. If you’re ready to end the annual battle with your pool cover and invest in a solution that simply works, this is the pump you’ve been looking for. Check the latest price and make this the last season you worry about a soggy pool cover.