When it comes to maintaining a clean and safe swimming pool, especially during off-seasons or heavy rain, an efficient pool cover pump is indispensable. The Little Giant APCP-1700 stands out as a highly regarded automatic submersible pump designed to tackle standing water on pool covers. This review dives deep into its capabilities, performance, and overall value for pool owners.
Quick Summary
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars (Based on 5579 reviews)
Price: $154.50
Key Pros:
- Automatic Operation: Activates and deactivates based on water presence, requiring minimal supervision.
- High Pumping Capacity: Moves water quickly with a 1745 GPH flow rate, clearing covers efficiently.
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and continuous use.
- Versatile Use: Effective for various pool cover types and other dewatering tasks.
Key Cons:
- Sediment Sensitivity: Can be prone to clogging if large debris is present.
- Cord Management: The 25-ft cord, while generous, might require careful routing to prevent tangles.
Table of Contents
Little Giant APCP-1700 Overview
The Little Giant APCP-1700 is an automatic submersible pool cover pump designed to efficiently remove standing water from various types of pool covers. This crucial function helps prevent damage to the cover from excessive weight, prolonging its lifespan and ensuring pool safety. Its automatic operation is a standout feature, allowing for hands-free maintenance.
This pump activates automatically when water levels rise and deactivates once the water is removed, meaning you don’t have to constantly monitor it. This convenience is invaluable, especially during periods of heavy rain or when you’re away from home. The pump’s robust design is built to endure the elements, making it a reliable tool for outdoor use.
With a 1/3 horsepower motor, the APCP-1700 delivers a substantial flow rate of 1745 gallons per hour (GPH). This high capacity ensures that even significant accumulations of water are cleared quickly and effectively. Such efficiency is vital for preventing the breeding of mosquitoes and other pests in stagnant water.
The pump is suitable for both above-ground and in-ground pools, making it a versatile choice for many pool owners. Its compact footprint also means it doesn’t take up excessive space on your pool cover. The 25-foot power cord provides ample reach, reducing the need for extension cords in many setups.
Understanding the basic function of a submersible pump like the Little Giant APCP-1700 is key to appreciating its value. Submersible pumps are designed to be fully immersed in the liquid they are pumping, which allows them to push water rather than pull it. This design makes them highly efficient for dewatering applications, as detailed by sources like Wikipedia on submersible pumps.
The Little Giant brand has a long-standing reputation for producing durable and effective water pumps, and the APCP-1700 continues this legacy. It’s often chosen by homeowners looking for a set-it-and-forget-it solution for pool cover maintenance. Its robust construction minimizes the risk of corrosion and wear, even with prolonged exposure to pool water and chemicals.
This model is particularly favored for its balance of power, automation, and reliability. It addresses common pain points for pool owners, such as the manual effort of draining covers or the risk of cover collapse. The automatic switch mechanism is a critical component, ensuring the pump operates only when necessary, saving energy and reducing wear on the motor.
The 115-volt operation means it can be plugged into standard household outlets, making setup straightforward. No special wiring is required, which simplifies installation for the average homeowner. Its light blue color is distinctive, making it easily identifiable on a pool cover.
Ultimately, the Little Giant APCP-1700 is more than just a pump; it’s a peace-of-mind investment for pool owners. It protects your pool cover from damage, maintains water quality by preventing debris from entering the pool, and saves you significant time and effort. Its proven track record in the market speaks volumes about its performance and dependability.
Little Giant APCP-1700 Key Features & Specs
The success of the Little Giant APCP-1700 lies in its well-engineered features and robust specifications, all designed for optimal pool cover dewatering. Understanding these elements helps highlight why this pump is a top choice for many.
The primary feature is its automatic operation. An integrated float switch senses the presence of water, activating the pump when water reaches a certain level, typically around 1-3 inches. Once the water is removed, the pump automatically shuts off, preventing dry running and extending motor life. This automation is a significant convenience, especially during prolonged periods of rain.
Powering this efficiency is a 1/3 horsepower (HP) motor. While not the largest motor on the market, it provides an excellent balance of power and energy consumption for typical pool cover applications. This motor is capable of moving a substantial amount of water without excessive strain.
The pump boasts an impressive flow rate of 1745 gallons per hour (GPH). This high capacity means water is removed rapidly, reducing the time your pool cover is under stress from standing water. A faster drainage time also minimizes the chances of leaves and debris settling and decomposing in the water on the cover.
Durability is built into its design with a corrosion-resistant housing. Made from rugged thermoplastic, the pump can withstand the harsh outdoor environment, including exposure to UV rays, varying temperatures, and pool chemicals. This robust construction ensures a long operational lifespan.
A generous 25-foot power cord is included, providing ample reach for most pool sizes without the need for additional extension cords. This length helps ensure a safe and secure power connection, reducing trip hazards and potential electrical issues associated with multiple cord connections.
The pump is designed for submersible use, meaning it operates effectively when fully immersed in water. This design ensures maximum pumping efficiency and helps cool the motor, preventing overheating. The intake screen at the bottom helps filter out larger debris, protecting the impeller from damage.
The discharge port is 1-1/4 inches NPT, which is a standard size for garden hoses or drainage hoses. This compatibility makes it easy to connect to existing drainage solutions. Many users simply attach a standard garden hose to direct the water away from the pool area.
Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to position and move around the pool cover. Despite its powerful performance, the pump is manageable for most users to deploy and retrieve as needed. This portability adds to its overall user-friendliness.
The thermal overload protection is another crucial safety feature. If the motor begins to overheat due to extended use or a blockage, the pump will automatically shut down to prevent damage. This protection safeguards the pump’s internal components, ensuring longevity.
The Little Giant APCP-1700 is designed for continuous duty, meaning it can run for extended periods without issues. This is particularly beneficial during heavy rainfall events where continuous pumping might be required for several hours. Its energy efficiency is also a consideration, designed to pump effectively without drawing excessive power.
When comparing these specifications to other pumps, the APCP-1700 often stands out for its balanced performance. While some pumps might offer higher GPH, they often come with a larger footprint, higher price, or more complex installation. The APCP-1700 strikes an excellent balance for residential pool owners. For more technical details on Little Giant products, you can visit their official site: Little Giant Pumps.
Pros & Cons
Evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of the Little Giant APCP-1700 provides a balanced perspective for potential buyers. No product is perfect, and understanding its strengths and weaknesses helps in making an informed decision.
Pros of the Little Giant APCP-1700:
- Exceptional Automatic Functionality: The integrated float switch is highly reliable, activating promptly when water is detected and shutting off when the cover is clear. This hands-off operation is a huge time-saver and provides peace of mind, especially during unexpected downpours. Many users praise its consistent performance in various weather conditions.
- High Pumping Capacity for its Size: With 1745 GPH, this pump clears water remarkably fast, even from large pool covers. This speed is crucial for preventing water accumulation that could damage the cover or allow debris to sink into the pool. It significantly reduces the risk of cover collapse.
- Durable and Weather-Resistant Construction: The robust thermoplastic housing and sealed motor are designed to endure continuous outdoor exposure. It resists corrosion from pool chemicals and is built to withstand freezing temperatures, making it suitable for year-round use in many climates. This longevity translates to better long-term value.
- Easy to Set Up and Use: The plug-and-play design means minimal installation effort. Simply place it on the cover, attach a standard garden hose to the discharge, and plug it in. The 25-foot cord offers flexibility in placement, and the automatic operation means you don’t need to manually turn it on or off.
- Versatile Application: While primarily for pool covers, its submersible design and powerful motor make it useful for other dewatering tasks. It can be used for flooded basements, boats, or other areas where standing water needs to be removed. This multi-purpose utility adds to its overall value.
- Reputable Brand Reliability: Little Giant has a strong reputation in the pump industry for quality and durability. This brand recognition often translates to better customer support and readily available replacement parts, though the APCP-1700 is known for its low maintenance.
Cons of the Little Giant APCP-1700:
- Susceptibility to Clogging from Debris: The intake screen, while effective for larger items, can become clogged by fine sediment, small leaves, or pine needles. This requires occasional cleaning, especially in areas with significant natural debris. A clogged screen can reduce pumping efficiency or even cause the pump to stop working.
- Potential for Hose Kinking: While the 25-foot cord is a pro, the discharge hose (not included) can sometimes kink, especially if a standard garden hose is used and not properly laid out. A kinked hose can impede water flow and put strain on the pump. Users often need to invest in a good quality, non-kinking hose.
- Float Switch Can Be Sensitive to Movement: In windy conditions, the pump might shift on the cover, potentially affecting the float switch’s ability to accurately detect water levels. This can lead to the pump cycling on and off unnecessarily or not activating when needed. Securing the pump’s position can mitigate this.
- Noise Level: While not excessively loud, some users report that the pump produces a noticeable hum during operation. For pumps placed near quiet areas, this might be a minor consideration. However, for most outdoor applications, the noise is generally acceptable.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the strengths of the Little Giant APCP-1700 generally outweigh its weaknesses, especially for those prioritizing automation and reliable performance. Proper maintenance and smart setup can easily mitigate most of the cons, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation throughout the season.
Who Should Buy the Little Giant APCP-1700?
The Little Giant APCP-1700 is an excellent investment for a specific demographic of pool owners and those with general dewatering needs. Understanding who benefits most from this pump helps in determining if it’s the right choice for your situation.
First and foremost, pool owners with winter covers or safety covers will find the APCP-1700 invaluable. If you regularly close your pool for the season or use a cover to protect it from debris, managing standing water is a constant chore. This pump automates that task, freeing up your time and effort.
Individuals living in regions with heavy rainfall or significant snowfall will particularly appreciate its high capacity and automatic operation. The pump can handle large volumes of water quickly, preventing your cover from becoming overburdened and potentially collapsing under the weight of water and ice. This is crucial for protecting your pool structure and cover.
Those who prefer a
