Little Giant APCP-1700 Pool Cover Pump Review
A solid winter cover can protect your above-ground pool during the off-season, but it also creates one big problem: water sitting on top of the cover.
Rainwater and melted snow can collect quickly. If that water is left there too long, it can become heavy enough to pull down on the cover, cable, grommets, top rails, and pool wall. That is why a pool cover pump is one of the most useful winterizing accessories for above-ground pool owners.
The Little Giant APCP-1700 is an automatic pool cover pump designed to remove standing water from pool covers, boat covers, and rooftops. It turns on when the water reaches about 2 inches and shuts off when the water level drops below about 1 inch.
In this review, I’ll walk through what the Little Giant APCP-1700 does well, how it fits into an above-ground pool winterizing setup, what to know before buying, and why you should not leave it outside when temperatures drop below freezing.
Quick Verdict
The Little Giant APCP-1700 is worth considering if you use a solid winter cover and need an automatic way to remove standing water from the top.
Its biggest strength is convenience. You do not have to manually siphon water every time rain or melted snow collects on the cover. The pump is designed to turn on automatically when water reaches around 2 inches and turn off when it drops below around 1 inch.
It also has a strong 1700 GPH flow rate at 1-foot lift, a 25 ft power cord, a built-in carry handle, and a garden hose adapter for easier setup.
The main limitation is freezing weather. This is not something I would leave sitting on a frozen cover all winter. If temperatures are going to drop below freezing, bring the pump indoors to protect it.
Best Short Answer
The Little Giant APCP-1700 is a strong automatic pool cover pump for removing standing water from solid winter covers. It is best for above-ground pool owners who want less manual pumping during the off-season. It works well for rainwater and melted snow, but it should be brought indoors when temperatures drop below freezing.
Little Giant APCP-1700 Specs at a Glance
The key thing to understand is that the Little Giant APCP-1700 is for removing standing water from the cover, not for winterizing the pool by itself. It works best alongside a solid winter cover, proper water treatment, skimmer protection, and regular off-season checks.
What Does the Little Giant APCP-1700 Do?
The Little Giant APCP-1700 removes standing water from the top of a pool cover.
That matters because solid winter covers do not let water drain through. Rainwater, melted snow, and even sprinkler runoff can collect on top of the cover. If enough water builds up, it can create a heavy low spot that pulls the cover downward.
On an above-ground pool, that weight can put stress on the cover, cable, top rail, grommets, and pool wall.
A cover pump helps you remove that water before it becomes a bigger problem. Instead of trying to scoop, siphon, or drag water off the cover manually, you place the pump in the low spot and let it move the water away through a hose.
Why a Cover Pump Matters for Above-Ground Pools
A cover pump is especially useful on above-ground pools because the cover and pool wall are not designed to hold unlimited weight.
A small amount of water on a solid winter cover can help keep the cover settled during wind. But too much water can become a problem. It can pull the cover into the pool, stretch the material, strain the cable, and put pressure on the pool wall.
This is why I would not treat a solid winter cover as a “set it and forget it” product. If you use a solid cover, you need a way to remove excess water during the off-season.
The Little Giant APCP-1700 is one of the more practical options because it is automatic. Once water reaches the trigger level, the pump can start removing it without you having to stand there and switch it on manually.
Who Is the Little Giant APCP-1700 Best For?
The Little Giant APCP-1700 is best for pool owners who use a solid winter cover and regularly get rainwater or melted snow collecting on top.
It is a good fit if:
You use a solid winter cover.
Your cover collects standing water.
You want automatic operation.
You do not want to manually siphon cover water.
You want a pump with a strong 1700 GPH flow rate.
You want to connect a standard garden hose.
You can remove and store the pump during freezing weather.
This pump makes the most sense for pool owners who want a reliable way to manage cover water without constantly babysitting the cover after every rainfall.
Who Should Skip It?
Skip the Little Giant APCP-1700 if you want a pump you can leave frozen outside all winter.
You may be better with something else if:
You use a mesh cover or leaf net only.
Your cover does not collect standing water.
You cannot safely power an outdoor pump.
You do not have a suitable hose discharge area.
You want a very cheap manual siphon pump.
You need a pump for fully draining a pool.
You are not willing to bring it indoors before freezing temperatures.
This is a good cover pump, but it is still an electric pump. It needs safe power, proper placement, and basic maintenance.
Automatic Operation: How It Works
One of the main reasons people choose the Little Giant APCP-1700 is the automatic float switch.
The pump is designed to turn on when the water level reaches about 2 inches and shut off when the water level drops below about 1 inch.
That is helpful because pool cover water does not always collect when you are standing there watching it. Rain can build up overnight, during work hours, or while you are away for a few days.
Automatic operation gives you more protection than a manual-only pump, especially during wet fall and winter weather.
Important Freezing-Weather Warning
This is one of the most important parts of the review.
The Little Giant APCP-1700 should be brought indoors when temperatures drop below freezing. Do not leave it sitting on a frozen pool cover or trapped in ice.
A cover pump is designed to remove liquid water. It is not an ice pump, and freezing conditions can damage the pump, hose, float switch, or internal components.
The practical approach is simple:
Use the pump to remove standing water when temperatures are above freezing.
Disconnect and drain the hose after use.
Bring the pump indoors before freezing weather.
Check the cover again after snow or ice melts.
That way, the pump helps protect the cover without becoming another winter problem.
How to Use the Little Giant APCP-1700 on a Winter Pool Cover
The exact setup depends on your pool cover and yard, but the general process is straightforward.
1. Place the pump where water actually collects
Set the pump in the lowest area where standing water collects on the winter cover. Do not assume this will always be the exact center of the pool.
If you use a pool pillow under the winter cover, the pillow should create a raised center point, which means rainwater and melted snow may collect closer to the outer edge of the cover instead. In that case, place the cover pump in the low area where the water is pooling, not on top of the pillow or in the middle of the pool.
This is especially important on larger above-ground pools, where reaching the center of the cover can be awkward. The goal is simple: place the pump where it can safely remove the most water without pulling, stretching, or damaging the winter cover.
Make sure the pump sits flat and stable before leaving it to run.
2. Attach a garden hose
Connect a garden hose using the included 3/4 inch hose adapter. Run the hose away from the pool so the water drains somewhere safe.
Do not send the discharge water back toward the pool wall, foundation, deck, or an area where it can freeze into a hazard.
3. Plug into a safe outdoor outlet
Use a safe outdoor electrical setup. A GFCI-protected outlet is strongly recommended for pool and outdoor water-related equipment.
Keep the plug connection protected from standing water.
4. Let the automatic switch do its job
Once the water reaches the activation level, the pump is designed to turn on automatically. It will shut off again when the water level drops below the lower shutoff point.
5. Clear leaves and debris from around the pump
Leaves, twigs, and debris can block water flow around the pump. Check the intake area regularly, especially if your pool is near trees.
6. Remove the pump before freezing temperatures
When temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, remove the pump, drain the hose, and bring the pump indoors.
Setup Tip: Use a Leaf Net Before Pumping Water
If your pool sits near trees, use a leaf net over your solid winter cover during autumn leaf fall.
The leaf net catches the leaves first. Once most of the leaves have dropped, remove the leaf net with the debris on it. Then use the Little Giant APCP-1700 to pump standing water off the solid cover underneath.
That order makes the job easier:
Leaf net catches leaves.
Cover pump removes water.
Solid winter cover protects the pool water.
If you skip the leaf net and let wet leaves sit on the cover, they can clog the pump area and make the cover much harder to manage.
Key Features
Automatic float switch
The integrated float switch is the biggest convenience feature. It lets the pump turn on when water builds up and shut off when enough water has been removed.
That makes it much easier than a manual pump that needs to be watched closely.
1700 GPH flow rate
The APCP-1700 is rated at 1700 gallons per hour at 1-foot lift. That gives it enough strength for typical cover-water removal jobs on above-ground pool winter covers.
Actual performance will depend on hose length, hose height, debris, and how far the water needs to move.
Built-in carry handle
The built-in handle makes the pump easier to move, place, and remove from the cover. This matters because you should not leave the pump outside in freezing conditions.
25 ft power cord
The 25 ft power cord gives more flexibility when placing the pump on a pool cover. You still need a safe outdoor power source, but the longer cord helps reduce awkward placement issues.
Garden hose adapter included
The included 3/4 inch garden hose adapter makes setup easier because you can connect a standard garden hose for discharge.
Removable intake screen
The removable intake screen helps with cleaning and maintenance. This is useful because pool covers often collect leaves, grit, pollen, and small debris during the off-season.
What It Does Well
The Little Giant APCP-1700 does a good job of solving the most annoying solid-cover problem: standing water.
It is automatic, powerful enough for typical cover water removal, and easier to handle than many basic utility pumps. The garden hose connection also makes it practical for most homeowners.
For above-ground pool owners, its biggest value is stress reduction. You are not trying to manually bail water off the cover after every storm, and you are not leaving heavy water sitting there for weeks.
Real Limitations to Know Before Buying
The main limitation is freezing weather. This pump should not be left outside when temperatures drop below freezing.
Another limitation is debris. If leaves and debris collect around the intake, the pump may not move water properly. That is why it helps to use a leaf net or clear debris before pumping.
It also needs safe electricity. This is not a cordless pump, so placement depends on your outlet location, cord reach, and safe outdoor setup.
And while 1700 GPH is strong for cover water, this is not the same as a full pool-draining pump. It is designed for removing water from covers, not replacing every type of utility pump.
Little Giant APCP-1700 vs Manual Cover Pump
The main difference is automatic operation. A manual electric cover pump can still remove water from a winter pool cover, but you usually need to switch it on, monitor it, and shut it off yourself. That can be fine if you only get occasional water buildup or you do not mind checking the cover after rain.
The Little Giant APCP-1700 is more convenient because it turns on automatically when enough water collects and shuts off when the water drops. That makes it a better fit for pool owners who get regular rain, melting snow, or repeated standing water on a solid winter cover.
If you want lower cost and do not mind managing the pump yourself, a manual cover pump may be enough. If you want less babysitting, the automatic Little Giant is the stronger choice.
Little Giant APCP-1700 vs Siphon Pump
A siphon pump is usually the cheapest way to remove water from a pool cover, and it does not need electricity. That makes it useful for small amounts of water or pool owners who do not have a convenient outdoor outlet.
The trade-off is convenience. A siphon pump is slower and more hands-on. You need to start the siphon, position the hose correctly, and wait while the water drains.
The Little Giant APCP-1700 is the better choice if your cover regularly collects standing water and you want faster, automatic removal. A siphon pump is better if you want the simplest low-cost option and only deal with light water buildup.
What Else Should You Use With a Cover Pump?
A cover pump works best as part of a proper above-ground pool winterizing setup.
Depending on your pool and climate, you may also need:
A solid winter cover.
A leaf net if your pool sits near trees.
A pool pillow for freezing climates.
A winterizing chemical kit.
A skimmer plug or winter plate.
Stretch wrap or cover clips if wind is a problem.
The cover pump handles standing water. The rest of the setup helps protect the pool water, cover, fittings, and structure through the off-season.
Is the Little Giant APCP-1700 Worth It?
The Little Giant APCP-1700 is worth considering if you use a solid winter cover and regularly deal with standing water on top.
It is not the cheapest way to remove cover water, but it is much more convenient than manually siphoning or babysitting a basic pump. The automatic switch, 1700 GPH flow rate, carry handle, long cord, and garden hose adapter all make it a practical choice for above-ground pool owners.
Just respect the freezing-weather warning. Use it to remove water, then bring it indoors before temperatures drop below freezing.
For pool owners who want to protect their winter cover and reduce off-season hassle, this is one of the more useful winterizing accessories to own.
Related Winterizing Guides
If you are using an automatic cover pump to remove water from your winter cover, these guides can help you compare other pump options and finish the rest of your closing setup:
More Cover Pump Guides
Complete Your Winter Cover Setup
FAQ
What does the Little Giant APCP-1700 do?
The Little Giant APCP-1700 removes standing water from pool covers, boat covers, and similar surfaces. For above-ground pools, it is mainly used to pump rainwater and melted snow off a solid winter cover.
Is the Little Giant APCP-1700 automatic?
Yes. The Little Giant APCP-1700 has an integrated automatic float switch. It turns on when the water reaches about 2 inches and shuts off when the water level falls below about 1 inch.
How many gallons per hour does the Little Giant APCP-1700 pump?
The Little Giant APCP-1700 is rated at 1700 gallons per hour at 1-foot lift. Actual performance can vary depending on hose length, lift height, debris, and setup.
Can you leave the Little Giant APCP-1700 outside all winter?
No. You should bring the pump indoors when temperatures drop below freezing. It is designed to remove liquid water, not sit frozen in ice.
Do you need a cover pump for an above-ground pool?
You may need a cover pump if you use a solid winter cover and water collects on top. Too much standing water can become heavy and put stress on the cover, cable, pool wall, and frame.
Can this pump remove snow from a pool cover?
No. A cover pump removes liquid water, not snow or ice. After snow melts into water, the pump can help remove that water if conditions are above freezing and the pump is used safely.
Can you connect a garden hose to the Little Giant APCP-1700?
Yes. The pump includes a 3/4 inch garden hose adapter, so you can connect a standard garden hose for water discharge.
Does the Little Giant APCP-1700 replace a pool pillow?
No. A pool cover pump and a pool pillow do different jobs. The Little Giant APCP-1700 removes standing water from the top of a winter cover, while a pool pillow sits underneath the cover to help create a raised center point and reduce cover sagging.
Do you still need a leaf net if you use a pool cover pump?
You may still want a leaf net if your pool sits near trees. The Little Giant APCP-1700 removes standing water, but it is not designed to collect leaves. A leaf net can catch leaves first, making it easier to remove debris before pumping water off the solid cover.
Is the Little Giant APCP-1700 worth buying?
It is worth considering if your solid winter cover regularly collects water and you want an automatic pump instead of manually siphoning or scooping water off the cover.
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