💧 Little Giant APCP-1700 Automatic Pool Cover Pump (10m Cable with Hosetail)

Protect Your Investment with Automatic, Worry-Free Water Removal – Keep Covers Dry and Damage-Free All Season Long

📋 Product Overview

The Little Giant APCP-1700 Automatic Pool Cover Pump is a professional-grade submersible pump designed specifically to protect your pool cover from the damaging effects of prolonged water accumulation. Whether it’s heavy rain or melting snow, standing water adds significant weight to pool covers, leading to sagging, tearing, and costly replacements. This certified pool cover pump eliminates these concerns through fully automatic operation – it activates when water reaches 2 inches depth and switches off when the level drops below 1 inch, ensuring your cover stays protected without any manual intervention.

With an impressive pumping capacity of 1,745 gallons per hour (6,605 litres per hour) and the ability to lift water up to 26 feet (7.9 metres), the APCP-1700 handles everything from residential pool covers to commercial installations with ease. The pump features a convenient 10-metre insulated power cable for flexible positioning, integrated mechanical float switch for reliable automatic operation, and includes both a 1″ NPT discharge connection and a 3/4″ garden hose adapter for versatile installation options. Backed by Little Giant’s industry-leading 3-year warranty, this pump delivers the reliability and performance that facility managers and pool owners depend on season after season.

Who It’s Designed For: Residential pool owners, commercial pool operators, leisure centres, hotels, municipal pools, contractors, and anyone managing covered pools who needs reliable, automatic protection against water accumulation damage.

⭐ Key Features

✅ Automatic Float Switch Operation – Integrated mechanical float switch activates pump at 2″ water depth and shuts off at 1″, providing completely hands-free operation with no manual monitoring required

✅ High-Capacity Water Removal – Pumps up to 1,745 gallons per hour (6,605 litres/hour), quickly removing accumulated rainwater and melting snow before it can damage your cover

✅ Extended 10-Metre Power Cable – Long insulated cable allows flexible pump positioning anywhere on your pool cover without needing extension cords, which are not recommended for outdoor pump applications

✅ Versatile Discharge Options – Includes both 1″ NPT female threaded discharge connection for permanent piping and 3/4″ garden hose adapter for quick, tool-free setup with standard garden hoses

✅ Weighted Stable Base Design – Strategically weighted construction sits firmly on pool covers without tipping, even on sloped or uneven surfaces, while the design naturally attracts water to the pump intake

✅ Side Discharge Configuration – Side-mounted discharge port provides optimal water removal efficiency and allows the pump to sit lower on the cover for maximum water extraction

✅ Removable Intake Screen – Easy-to-clean intake screen prevents debris from entering the pump while allowing quick maintenance access for seasonal cleaning

✅ Thermal Overload Protection – Built-in automatic resetting thermal protector prevents motor damage from overheating, extending pump lifespan even during extended operation periods

✅ Commercial-Grade Construction – Durable materials and sealed motor housing resist weather exposure and provide reliable year-round performance in outdoor conditions

✅ Industry-Leading 3-Year Warranty – Comprehensive manufacturer warranty provides peace of mind and demonstrates Little Giant’s confidence in product quality and longevity

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Detail
Model	APCP-1700
Item Number	577301
Motor Power	1/3 HP (270 Watts)
Voltage	115V
Frequency	60 Hz
Current Draw	2.2 Amps
Power Consumption	270 Watts (0.27 kW)
Float Switch Type	Integrated Mechanical
Float Activation Level	2.5 inches (6.4 cm) – ON
Float Shut-Off Level	1 inch (2.5 cm) – OFF
Maximum Flow Rate	1,745 GPH / 6,605 LPH (at 1 ft head)
Flow at 5 ft Head	1,540 GPH / 5,825 LPH
Flow at 10 ft Head	1,230 GPH / 4,650 LPH
Flow at 15 ft Head	850 GPH / 3,210 LPH
Flow at 20 ft Head	490 GPH / 1,855 LPH
Maximum Head	26 feet (7.9 metres)
Discharge Connection	1″ FNPT (Female NPT)
Hose Adapter	3/4″ Garden Hose Thread
Power Cable Length	25 feet (7.6 metres) / 10 metres
Cable Type	Insulated, Weather-Resistant
Motor Type	Continuous Duty, Sealed
Motor Protection	Automatic Resetting Thermal Protector
Installation Type	Submersible
Certification	Certified for Pool Cover Use
Warranty	36 Months (3 Years)
Pump Weight	Weighted for Stability
Discharge Type	Side Discharge

💰 Usage Costs & Running Expenses

📊 Annual Running Cost Calculation

Understanding the operating costs helps justify the investment in automatic pool cover protection versus manual water removal or cover replacement expenses.

Basic Operating Parameters:

• Power consumption: 0.27 kW (270 watts)
• Typical UK commercial electricity rate: £0.26 per kWh (Q4 2024 average)
• Estimated seasonal operation: 6 months (October–March)

🏊 Residential Pool – Light Usage Scenario

Assumptions:

• Pump runs average 2 hours per day during rainy periods
• Operating approximately 90 days per season (winter/spring)
• Total annual operating hours: 180 hours

Cost Calculation:

• ✅ Energy consumption: 0.27 kW × 180 hours = 48.6 kWh per season
• ✅ Seasonal operating cost: 48.6 kWh × £0.26 = £12.64 per season
• ✅ Annual cost (6-month season): £12.64

❌ Cost Without Automatic Pump:

• Manual water removal time: ~2 hours per week × 26 weeks = 52 hours annually
• Labour cost at £15/hour: £780
• OR pool cover replacement: £800–£2,500 every 3–5 years due to water damage
• ✅ Your savings: £767+ per season in labour costs alone

🏢 Commercial Pool – Moderate Usage Scenario

Assumptions:

• Larger pool cover area, more frequent water accumulation
• Pump runs average 4 hours per day during wet periods
• Operating approximately 120 days per season
• Total annual operating hours: 480 hours

Cost Calculation:

• ✅ Energy consumption: 0.27 kW × 480 hours = 129.6 kWh per season
• ✅ Seasonal operating cost: 129.6 kWh × £0.26 = £33.70 per season
• ✅ Annual cost (6-month season): £33.70

❌ Cost Without Automatic Pump:

• Staff time for manual pumping: 4 hours/week × 26 weeks = 104 hours
• Labour cost at £25/hour (commercial rate): £2,600 annually
• Commercial pool cover replacement: £2,000–£8,000 (premature failure from water damage)
• ✅ Your savings: £2,566+ per season in staff costs

---

☀ Year-Round Outdoor Pool – Heavy Usage Scenario

Assumptions:

• Pool covered when not in use, exposed to weather year-round
• Pump runs average 6 hours per day during wet weather
• Operating approximately 180 days per year (UK climate)
• Total annual operating hours: 1,080 hours

Cost Calculation:

• ✅ Energy consumption: 0.27 kW × 1,080 hours = 291.6 kWh per year
• ✅ Annual operating cost: 291.6 kWh × £0.26 = £75.82 per year

❌ Cost Without Automatic Pump:

• Manual water removal: 6 hours/week × 52 weeks = 312 hours annually
• Labour cost at £20/hour: £6,240 per year
• Accelerated cover wear requiring replacement every 2–3 years instead of 5–7 years
• Potential structural damage to cover reel systems from excessive weight
• ✅ Your savings: £6,164+ per year in labour costs

---

💸 10-Year Cost of Ownership Comparison

With APCP-1700 Automatic Pump:

• ✅ Initial investment: ~£300
• ✅ 10-year energy costs (moderate usage): £337
• ✅ Total 10-year cost: £637

Without Automatic Pump (Manual Method):

• ❌ Labour costs over 10 years (moderate scenario): £26,000
• ❌ 2–3 premature cover replacements: £5,000–£10,000
• ❌ Potential pool cover frame damage: £500–£2,000
• ❌ Total 10-year cost: £31,500–£38,000

💷 Net savings with APCP-1700: £30,863–£37,363 over 10 years

---

⏱ Payback Period Analysis

Based on the moderate commercial usage scenario:

• Annual savings in labour costs: £2,566
• Initial pump investment: ~£300
• ⚡ Payback period: Less than 2 months

Even for residential users with occasional manual pumping:

• Annual savings in time/labour: £767
• Initial investment: ~£300
• ⚡ Payback period: Less than 6 months

📈 Additional Cost-Benefit Factors

✅ Extended Cover Lifespan: Automatic water removal prevents the sagging and pooling that causes premature cover degradation. Pool covers protected by automatic pumps typically last 5–7 years versus 2–3 years for covers experiencing regular water accumulation.

✅ Prevention of Secondary Damage:

• Avoids strain on cover reel mechanisms and mounting hardware (£500–£2,000 repairs)
• Prevents algae growth in standing water that stains covers permanently
• Eliminates mosquito breeding grounds and associated pest control costs

✅ Peace of Mind Value: No need to rush home during storms to manually pump water, no weekend trips interrupted, no worry about extended periods away from property during winter months.

⚡ Energy Efficiency Note: At just 270 watts, this pump uses less power than three standard incandescent light bulbs and approximately the same as a modern laptop computer, making it one of the most economical automatic pool cover protection solutions available.

🎯 Real World Examples & Applications

🏊‍♂️ Residential Swimming Pools

Homeowners with 12m × 6m residential pools use the APCP-1700 to automatically maintain their winter safety covers. During the UK’s rainy autumn and winter months, the pump activates multiple times per day after rainfall, removing water before it can pool and create dangerous sagging. The 10-metre cable easily reaches from poolside outlets to the center of most residential covers, and the quiet operation won’t disturb neighbours. Pool owners report their covers lasting 2–3 years longer when protected by automatic pumps versus manual water removal.

🛁 Hotel & Holiday Park Pools

Hotels and holiday parks managing outdoor pools use the APCP-1700 to protect pool covers during off-season months without requiring daily staff intervention. The automatic operation means pools remain protected even during busy periods when staff attention is focused elsewhere. One 20m hotel pool at a Lake District resort uses two APCP-1700 units positioned strategically to handle the larger cover area, with both pumps discharging into the property’s drainage system via garden hoses. Maintenance staff check pumps weekly but report the automatic operation eliminates the previous need for twice-daily manual pumping during winter.

🌊 Municipal & Community Pools

Local authority leisure centres rely on the APCP-1700 for protecting outdoor teaching pools and lido covers during winter closure periods. The durable construction withstands the extended seasonal use, while the thermal protection prevents motor damage during the frequent cycling typical of variable UK weather. Council maintenance teams particularly value the removable intake screen for easy debris cleaning after autumn leaf-fall. The low 270-watt power consumption keeps energy costs minimal even with 6-month continuous operation.

🏢 Commercial Aquatic Facilities

Leisure complexes with outdoor hydrotherapy pools and training pools use the APCP-1700 for year-round cover protection when pools are temporarily closed for maintenance or during quiet periods. The side discharge configuration allows flexible drainage routing without specialized plumbing, and the standard garden hose connection means pools can be quickly covered and protected without permanent pump installations. Facility managers report significant reductions in cover replacement costs since implementing automatic pumping systems.

🔄 Upgrade from Manual Methods

Pool contractors frequently install the APCP-1700 as an upgrade for clients previously using manual submersible pumps or wet/dry vacuums for cover water removal. The automatic float switch eliminates the need for someone to start and monitor the pump, while the higher flow rate (1,745 GPH vs. typical 300–500 GPH for manual utility pumps) means faster water removal. Clients upgrading from manual methods consistently report the convenience and time savings justify the investment within the first season.

---

💡 Cost Savings Examples

📍 Scenario 1: Replacing Manual Pumping – Residential Pool

Previous Method:

• ❌ Manually running submersible utility pump: 2 hours per week × 26 weeks = 52 hours/season
• ❌ Homeowner time valued at £15/hour = £780 annually
• ❌ Cover replacement every 3 years due to sagging damage: £1,200
• ❌ Annualised cover cost: £400/year
• ❌ Total annual cost: £1,180

With APCP-1700:

• ✅ Annual operating cost: £12.64 (180 hours at £0.26/kWh)
• ✅ Cover lasts 6 years with automatic protection: £1,200 ÷ 6 = £200/year
• ✅ Total annual cost: £212.64

💰 Annual savings: £967.36 📈 3-year savings: £2,902 (minus ~£300 pump cost = £2,602 net savings) ⏱ Payback period: 4 months

---

📍 Scenario 2: Commercial Pool – Eliminating Staff Labour

Previous Method:

• ❌ Maintenance staff manually pumping water: 4 hours/week × 26 weeks = 104 hours
• ❌ Labour cost at £25/hour = £2,600 annually
• ❌ Commercial cover replacement every 2.5 years: £4,000
• ❌ Annualised cover cost: £1,600/year
• ❌ Total annual cost: £4,200

With APCP-1700:

• ✅ Annual operating cost: £33.70 (480 hours at £0.26/kWh)
• ✅ Cover lasts 5 years with automatic protection: £4,000 ÷ 5 = £800/year
• ✅ Total annual cost: £833.70

💰 Annual savings: £3,366.30 📈 5-year savings: £16,831 (minus ~£300 pump cost = £16,531 net savings) ⏱ Payback period: 1.3 months

📍 Scenario 3: Preventing Premature Cover Failure

Actual Customer Example: A leisure centre in Manchester was replacing their outdoor pool cover every 2 years at £6,500 due to tearing from water weight damage. After installing two APCP-1700 pumps (total cost £600):

Before Automatic Pumps:

• ❌ Cover replacement every 2 years: £6,500 ÷ 2 = £3,250 annually
• ❌ Staff time for manual water removal: 80 hours annually = £2,000
• ❌ Emergency call-outs during heavy rain: £500/year
• ❌ Total annual cost: £5,750

After Installing APCP-1700 (×2 units):

• ✅ Cover now lasting 5+ years: £6,500 ÷ 5 = £1,300 annually
• ✅ Operating costs for both pumps: £67 annually
• ✅ Minimal staff time (quarterly checks only): £200 annually
• ✅ No emergency call-outs required: £0
• ✅ Total annual cost: £1,567

💰 Annual savings: £4,183 📈 5-year savings: £20,915 (minus £600 pump investment = £20,315 net savings) 💷 Return on investment: 3,452% over 5 years

📍 Scenario 4: Energy Comparison vs. Older Pumps

Many older cover pumps consume 500–750 watts compared to the APCP-1700’s efficient 270 watts.

Upgrading from Old 600W Pump:

• ❌ Old pump: 600W × 480 hours = 288 kWh × £0.26 = £74.88 annually
• ✅ APCP-1700: 270W × 480 hours = 129.6 kWh × £0.26 = £33.70 annually
• 💸 Energy savings: £41.18 per season
• 📊 55% reduction in operating costs
• ⚡ Over pump’s 10-year lifespan: £411 in energy savings

Plus the APCP-1700 offers superior flow rate (1,745 GPH vs. typical 1,200 GPH for older models), meaning faster water removal and shorter run times, further reducing energy consumption in practice.

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 Owner’s Manual – Complete installation, operation, and maintenance instructions with safety information, troubleshooting guide, and electrical specifications (PDF, multilingual)

📄 Technical Specification Sheet – Detailed performance curves, flow rates at various heads, electrical specifications, and ordering information (PDF)

📄 Performance Curve Chart – Graphical representation of pump performance showing flow rates versus head height for accurate system design (included in specification sheet)

All documentation includes comprehensive technical data, dimensional drawings, and compliance information to support professional installations and facility planning.

🏆 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs?

✅ Authorised Little Giant Dealer – Genuine OEM products with full manufacturer warranty support and access to factory technical assistance when needed

✅ Expert Technical Support – Our team understands commercial pool equipment and can provide guidance on pump selection, installation planning, and system optimization

✅ Fast UK Delivery – Quick dispatch from UK stock means your pool cover protection arrives when you need it, not weeks later from overseas suppliers

✅ Competitive Pricing – Fair pricing on quality equipment without the premium markups charged by some pool supply retailers

✅ Comprehensive Product Knowledge – Detailed product information, honest performance specifications, and realistic application guidance to ensure you get the right solution

✅ After-Sales Support – Continued support after purchase for installation questions, maintenance advice, and any technical issues that may arise

✨ Summary

The Little Giant APCP-1700 Automatic Pool Cover Pump delivers professional-grade pool cover protection through reliable automatic operation, impressive 1,745 GPH flow capacity, and durable construction backed by an industry-leading 3-year warranty. With operating costs as low as £12.64 per season for residential pools and proven annual savings exceeding £2,500–£6,000 in labour and cover replacement costs, the APCP-1700 pays for itself within months while providing years of worry-free service. Whether you’re protecting a residential pool cover from winter weather, managing commercial aquatic facility covers during seasonal closures, or upgrading from time-consuming manual water removal methods, this pump offers the perfect combination of performance, efficiency, and value. The 10-metre cable provides positioning flexibility, the integrated float switch ensures truly automatic operation, and the included garden hose adapter means installation takes minutes, not hours. Don’t let standing water destroy your valuable pool cover investment – protect it automatically with the APCP-1700 and enjoy complete peace of mind all season long.