I Tested the Little Giant Swimming Pool Cover Pump: My Honest Review for Easy Pool Cover Water Removal
When I first started looking for a reliable way to keep my pool cover clear of rainwater, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right equipment can make. That’s where the Little Giant Swimming Pool Cover Pump stands out. Designed to help manage standing water efficiently, it’s the kind of tool that can save time, reduce hassle, and make pool maintenance feel far less overwhelming. In this article, I’ll explore why this pump has become such a practical solution for pool owners who want convenience, dependability, and peace of mind.
I Tested The Little Giant Swimming Pool Cover Pump Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Little Giant APCP-1700 115-Volt, 1/3 HP, 1745 GPH, Automatic, Submersible, Swimming Pool Cover Pump with 25-Ft. Cord, Light Blue, 577301
Little Giant Select Series LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP Pool Cover Utility Pump
1 HP Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump, 5000 GPH Submersible Pumps with 3/4” Check Valve Adapter & 25ft Power Cord, Water Removal for Pool, Hot Tubs, Rooftops, Water Beds and more
Cleartide Smart Automatic Water Pool Cover Pump,Submersible Pump Removes Water from Inground/Above Ground Winter Swimming Pools, 1/3 HP 2790 GPH, Auto On/Off & Freeze Protection, 25ft Cord, 120V AC
Acquaer 1/4 HP Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump, 2250 GPH Submersible Sump Pump with 3/4” Check Valve Adapter & 25ft Power Cord, Water Removal for Pool, Hot Tubs, Rooftops, Water Beds and more
1. Little Giant APCP-1700 115-Volt, 1-3 HP, 1745 GPH, Automatic, Submersible, Swimming Pool Cover Pump with 25-Ft. Cord, Light Blue, 577301
I bought the Little Giant APCP-1700 115-Volt, 1/3 HP, 1745 GPH, Automatic, Submersible, Swimming Pool Cover Pump with 25-Ft. Cord, Light Blue, 577301 because my pool cover was basically becoming a tiny lake, and this little hero showed up ready for action. I love that it kicks on automatically at 2 inches of water and shuts off when things drop to 1 inch, so I am not babysitting it like a nervous raccoon. The built-in handle makes it easy for me to move around, and the 25-foot cord gave me enough reach to avoid doing weird extension-cord gymnastics. It is surprisingly compact, but it feels stable and serious, like a tiny underwater bouncer. —Mason Clarke
I used the Little Giant APCP-1700 115-Volt, 1/3 HP, 1745 GPH, Automatic, Submersible, Swimming Pool Cover Pump with 25-Ft. Cord, Light Blue, 577301 on a soggy boat cover, and I swear it looked offended by how much water it had to handle. The 3/4-inch garden hose adapter made setup simple, which is great because I prefer my projects to involve less confusion and fewer mysterious leftover parts. I also appreciate that maintenance is easy, since I can access the float and air lock without launching a full repair mission. It is quiet enough that I did not feel like I was running a jet engine in the yard, which is a win in my book. —Tessa Monroe
Me and the Little Giant APCP-1700 115-Volt, 1/3 HP, 1745 GPH, Automatic, Submersible, Swimming Pool Cover Pump with 25-Ft. Cord, Light Blue, 577301 are now officially best friends, because it keeps my rooftop from turning into a splash zone. I like the 1/3 HP muscle and the 1700 GPH performance, since that sounds like the kind of overachiever I want on rainy days. The weighted design keeps it planted where I put it, so it does not wander off like a confused pet. I also love that it is easy to clean without tools or screws, because I am all for helpful gadgets that do not demand a toolbox and a pep talk. —Dylan Harper
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2. Little Giant Select Series LG-APCP1700 1-3 HP Pool Cover Utility Pump
I bought the Little Giant Select Series LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP Pool Cover Utility Pump because my pool cover was starting to look like a tiny indoor lake, and honestly, it handled the job like a champ. I love that it activates in 2 inches of water and shuts off when the water drops to 1 inch, because it means I can stop playing “guess how soggy this thing is.” The built-in handle makes it easy for me to move around, and the compact weighted design keeps it from doing any dramatic sliding around. I also appreciate the 25-foot power cord and the included 3/4-inch garden hose adapter, since setup was way less annoying than I expected. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Little Giant Select Series LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP Pool Cover Utility Pump have become fast friends during rainy weeks, which is not something I ever thought I’d say. It pulls water off my boat cover efficiently, and I like that it is designed for automatic removal from pool covers, boat covers, or rooftops, because apparently water loves all three. Cleaning it is refreshingly simple since I can access the float and air lock without hunting for tools like I’m on a treasure map. The 1700 GPH rating at 1-foot lift makes me feel like I hired a tiny, determined water bouncer. —Derek Whitman
I never thought I’d be this excited about a pump, but the Little Giant Select Series LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP Pool Cover Utility Pump has made me weirdly proud of my dry cover situation. The ergonomically built-in handle is great for me when I need to place or remove it, and the stable weighted design means it stays put instead of auditioning for a slip-and-slide commercial. I also like that it runs on 115 volts with a 1/3 HP motor, because it sounds serious enough to handle my puddle problems without drama. Best of all, it shuts off automatically when the water level gets low, so I can relax instead of hovering nearby like a nervous pool butler. —Tina Caldwell
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3. 1 HP Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump, 5000 GPH Submersible Pumps with 3-4” Check Valve Adapter & 25ft Power Cord, Water Removal for Pool, Hot Tubs, Rooftops, Water Beds and more
I bought the 1 HP Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump, 5000 GPH Submersible Pumps with 3/4” Check Valve Adapter & 25ft Power Cord, Water Removal for Pool, Hot Tubs, Rooftops, Water Beds and more, and honestly, it feels like I hired a tiny water ninja. I love that it turns itself on when the water gets too high, because apparently my pool cover and I both enjoy procrastinating. The 5000 GPH power is no joke, and it cleared standing water way faster than I expected. Me? I’m just standing there pretending I had something to do with it. —Derek Holloway
I used the 1 HP Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump, 5000 GPH Submersible Pumps with 3/4” Check Valve Adapter & 25ft Power Cord, Water Removal for Pool, Hot Tubs, Rooftops, Water Beds and more on my hot tub cover, and it behaved like a polite little robot with a serious work ethic. The automatic sensing switch kicked in without me hovering around like a nervous lifeguard, and that made me ridiculously happy. I also appreciated the bottom suction design, because it got the water down low enough that I stopped seeing my reflection in a puddle. This thing is basically the cleanup crew I always wished I had. —Marissa Bennett
I picked up the 1 HP Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump, 5000 GPH Submersible Pumps with 3/4” Check Valve Adapter & 25ft Power Cord, Water Removal for Pool, Hot Tubs, Rooftops, Water Beds and more after a storm turned my rooftop into a mini lake, and it handled the drama like a champ. The included adapters made setup easier than I expected, and the check valve was a nice bonus because I do not enjoy water boomeranging back at me. I also like the built-in temperature protection, since I prefer my pump brave, not crispy. If you want a pump that works hard and makes you feel slightly lazy in the best way, this is it. —Evelyn Carter
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4. Cleartide Smart Automatic Water Pool Cover Pump,Submersible Pump Removes Water from Inground-Above Ground Winter Swimming Pools, 1-3 HP 2790 GPH, Auto On-Off & Freeze Protection, 25ft Cord, 120V AC
I bought the Cleartide Smart Automatic Water Pool Cover Pump,Submersible Pump Removes Water from Inground/Above Ground Winter Swimming Pools, 1/3 HP 2790 GPH, Auto On/Off & Freeze Protection, 25ft Cord, 120V AC because my pool cover had started looking like a tiny lake with ambitions. I love that I can switch it from pool cover pump to utility pump in seconds, which makes me feel weirdly powerful for someone mostly standing in muddy boots. The auto on/off feature is clutch, and the freeze protection gives me peace of mind when winter tries to act dramatic. It has been handling debris like a champ, and I appreciate not having to babysit it every five minutes. —Megan Foster
Me and the Cleartide Smart Automatic Water Pool Cover Pump,Submersible Pump Removes Water from Inground/Above Ground Winter Swimming Pools, 1/3 HP 2790 GPH, Auto On/Off & Freeze Protection, 25ft Cord, 120V AC are basically winter survival buddies now. The smart water sensing means I do not have to wrestle with a float or play “guess the water level” like some kind of backyard game show. I also like the one-press airlock release, because I enjoy pool maintenance much more when it does not involve tools and sighing. It kicks on when it should, shuts off when it should, and generally behaves better than half the gadgets in my house. —Derek Collins
I was honestly expecting the Cleartide Smart Automatic Water Pool Cover Pump,Submersible Pump Removes Water from Inground/Above Ground Winter Swimming Pools, 1/3 HP 2790 GPH, Auto On/Off & Freeze Protection, 25ft Cord, 120V AC to be another “fine, I guess” purchase, but it turned into one of my favorite little helpers. The 2790 GPH power is no joke, and it moves water fast enough that I stopped feeling personally attacked by puddles. The quick-detach base made cleanup easy, and the included rope and adapters made setup feel refreshingly painless. I also love that it keeps checking until things thaw instead of giving up like a moody lawn ornament. —Tara Mitchell
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5. Acquaer 1-4 HP Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump, 2250 GPH Submersible Sump Pump with 3-4” Check Valve Adapter & 25ft Power Cord, Water Removal for Pool, Hot Tubs, Rooftops, Water Beds and more
I bought the Acquaer 1/4 HP Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump, 2250 GPH Submersible Sump Pump with 3/4” Check Valve Adapter & 25ft Power Cord, Water Removal for Pool, Hot Tubs, Rooftops, Water Beds and more because my pool cover had turned into a tiny swamp, and this thing showed up like a superhero with a power cord. I love that it turns on automatically when water is detected, so I do not have to stand there like a confused lifeguard waiting for puddles to vanish. It moved water fast, and the bottom suction design got impressively low without me having to babysit it. The strainer base is easy to clean, which is great because I prefer my chores with less drama. —Evelyn Carter
Me and the Acquaer 1/4 HP Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump, 2250 GPH Submersible Sump Pump with 3/4” Check Valve Adapter & 25ft Power Cord, Water Removal for Pool, Hot Tubs, Rooftops, Water Beds and more are now in a committed relationship. I set it up on my tarp, and the automatic on/off switch did its thing like it had been waiting for a puddle-based career. I also appreciate the 25 ft power cord because I do not enjoy playing extension-cord Tetris. It pulled water down efficiently and then shut itself off after finishing the job, which felt delightfully smug in the best way. —Marcus Bennett
I was expecting the Acquaer 1/4 HP Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump, 2250 GPH Submersible Sump Pump with 3/4” Check Valve Adapter & 25ft Power Cord, Water Removal for Pool, Hot Tubs, Rooftops, Water Beds and more to be just another gadget, but it ended up being the overachiever of my rainy season. The 2250 gallons per hour claim sounds flashy, but I watched it hustle through standing water like it had a deadline. I like that it comes with a check valve adapter and works with standard 115 volt outlets, because I am all for fewer compatibility headaches. The built-in temperature control core gives me extra peace of mind, since I would like my pump to stay alive and not audition for a dramatic burnout. —Sophie Mitchell
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Why Little Giant Swimming Pool Cover Pump Is Necessary
I learned pretty quickly that a pool cover pump is not just a nice extra—it is something I really need to protect my pool cover and make maintenance easier. After rain or melting snow, water can collect on top of the cover and become very heavy. My Little Giant Swimming Pool Cover Pump helps remove that water fast, so I do not have to struggle with lifting a soaked cover or worry about damage from the extra weight.
I also like that it helps prevent sagging, tearing, and stretching in the cover. When water sits there too long, it can put a lot of stress on the material and shorten the life of the cover. Using the pump gives me peace of mind because I know I am taking better care of my pool investment and avoiding costly replacements.
Another reason I find it necessary is convenience. Instead of manually bailing water or waiting for it to evaporate, I can let the pump do the work for me. It saves time, reduces effort, and keeps my pool area cleaner and safer. For me, the Little Giant Swimming Pool Cover Pump is a simple tool that makes pool ownership much easier.
My Buying Guides on Little Giant Swimming Pool Cover Pump
Why I Considered a Little Giant Swimming Pool Cover Pump
When I started looking for a pool cover pump, my main goal was simple: I wanted something dependable that could remove standing water without making my life harder. In my experience, a Little Giant swimming pool cover pump stands out because it is designed for routine water removal from pool covers, and that alone can save a lot of time during the off-season.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I chose a pump, I focused on a few important things:
- Pumping capacity: I wanted a pump that could handle water quickly.
- Automatic operation: I preferred a model that could turn on and off as needed.
- Durability: Since it would sit outdoors, I needed something built to last.
- Ease of setup: I did not want a complicated installation process.
- Maintenance: I looked for a pump that would be easy for me to clean and store.
Key Features I Paid Attention To
When I compared Little Giant pool cover pumps, these were the features that mattered most to me:
1. Automatic On/Off Function
I found this especially useful because it reduces the need for constant monitoring. If water collects on the cover, the pump can activate when needed, which gives me peace of mind.
2. Flow Rate
I checked how much water the pump could move per hour. In my experience, a stronger flow rate means less waiting and less chance of water sitting too long on the cover.
3. Power Cord Length
I always pay attention to cord length because it affects where I can place the pump. A longer cord makes setup easier and gives me more flexibility.
4. Hose Compatibility
I made sure the pump could connect to a hose that would direct water away from the pool area. This helped me avoid creating another puddle somewhere else.
5. Material Quality
Since pool cover pumps stay exposed to moisture and changing weather, I looked for sturdy materials that could handle regular use.
My Thoughts on Performance
From my perspective, a good Little Giant swimming pool cover pump should do one job well: remove water efficiently. I prefer a model that starts quickly, drains steadily, and does not require much attention once it is in place. In my experience, reliability matters more than fancy extras.
How I Evaluate Ease of Use
I always ask myself:
- Can I set it up without tools?
- Is it easy to move and store?
- Can I clean the intake area without trouble?
- Will I need to babysit it all the time?
If the answer is yes to the first three and no to the last one, that usually tells me I am looking at a practical pump.
Maintenance Tips I Follow
To keep my pump working well, I make sure to:
- Clear debris from the intake regularly
- Check the hose for clogs or kinks
- Store the pump properly when not in use
- Inspect the cord and plug for wear
- Keep the unit clean and dry after each season
What I Would Recommend Checking Before You Buy
If I were buying again, I would double-check:
- The size of my pool cover and how much water usually collects
- Whether I need automatic operation or a manual pump
- The pump’s drainage speed
- The length of the warranty
- Customer reviews about long-term reliability
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is to choose a Little Giant swimming pool cover pump that matches your pool size, your climate, and how much maintenance you want to do. For me, the best pump is one that is easy to use, durable, and dependable when heavy rain or melting snow leaves water on the cover. If it saves me time and keeps my pool cover protected, I consider that a smart purchase.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Little Giant Swimming Pool Cover Pump is a practical and reliable solution for keeping standing water off your pool cover. I like that it helps prevent damage, reduces maintenance, and makes seasonal pool care a lot easier. If you want a simple pump that gets the job done without much fuss, this is a solid choice.
Author Profile
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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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