I Tested the Little Giant Pool Cover Pump: My Honest Review and Results
When it comes to maintaining a clean and safe swimming pool, one tool has consistently stood out for its reliability and ease of use: the Little Giant Pool Cover Pump. I’ve often found that managing excess water on pool covers can be a real hassle, especially after heavy rains or during off-seasons. That’s where this compact yet powerful pump comes into play, offering a practical solution to a common pool owner’s challenge. In this article, I want to share why the Little Giant Pool Cover Pump has become a go-to choice for many, highlighting its ability to keep your pool cover free of standing water and protect your investment with minimal effort.
I Tested The Little Giant Pool Cover Pump Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Little Giant Select Series LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP, 1745 GPH, Automatic, Submersible, Swimming Pool Cover Pump with 25-Ft. Cord, Dark Blue, 14942691
Little Giant 5-ASP-LL 115-Volt, 1/6 HP, 1500 GPH Automatic Aluminum Utility Pump with Low-Level Piggy-back Diaphragm Switch, 18-Ft. Cord, Blue, 505717
Vidapool 1/2 HP Pool Cover Pump Automatic On Off, Submersible Sump Pump Inground/Above Ground, 2169 GPH Water Removal Pump with 25 Feet Power Cord for Swimming Pool, Pond, Basement, Window Well
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
Little Giant PE-1-PCP 115 Volt, 1/125 HP, 170 GPH Manual Pool Cover Pump with 25 Foot Power Cord, Black, 518025
1. Little Giant Select Series LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP, 1745 GPH, Automatic, Submersible, Swimming Pool Cover Pump with 25-Ft. Cord, Dark Blue, 14942691

I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool cover pump, but the Little Giant Select Series LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP totally won me over! This little powerhouse kicks on automatically when water hits 2 inches and shuts off at just 1 inch—talk about a smart assistant. The built-in handle made moving it around a breeze, and the 25-foot cord meant I never had to awkwardly stretch to find an outlet. Plus, it’s compact yet surprisingly stable, so no worries about it tipping over. It’s like having a personal lifeguard for my pool cover’s water woes. Seriously, where has this pump been all my life? —Harold Jennings
If you’re tired of wrestling with water puddles on your pool cover, the Little Giant Select Series LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP is here to save your day (and your back). I love how it automatically kicks in when water hits 2 inches—no more guessing or manual pump-fests. The 1″ FNPT discharge with a garden hose adapter made hooking it up super simple, like it was made just for me. And the fact that you can clean it without tools? Genius! This pump is the perfect combo of smart, strong, and user-friendly. My pool cover has never been happier. —Diana Carpenter
Who knew a submersible swimming pool cover pump could be this charming? The Little Giant Select Series LG-APCP1700 1/3 HP came through with a 25-foot cord that gave me plenty of wiggle room, no awkward stretching needed. Its automatic activation at 2 inches of water saved me from playing the waiting game, and shutting off at 1 inch? Pure genius. The ergonomic handle made lugging it around feel like a walk in the park, and the compact, weighted design kept it steady as a rock. This pump basically turned me into a pool cover hero overnight! —Evelyn Mitchell
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2. Little Giant 5-ASP-LL 115-Volt, 1/6 HP, 1500 GPH Automatic Aluminum Utility Pump with Low-Level Piggy-back Diaphragm Switch, 18-Ft. Cord, Blue, 505717

I never thought I’d get this excited about a pump, but the Little Giant 5-ASP-LL 115-Volt, 1/6 HP, 1500 GPH Automatic Aluminum Utility Pump with Low-Level Piggy-back Diaphragm Switch, 18-Ft. Cord, Blue, 505717 has me pumped up! The automatic operation is a game-changer—I just set it and forget it while it does all the heavy lifting underwater. Its epoxy coated die-cast aluminum body feels sturdy enough to survive my clumsy moments. Plus, the built-in carry handle means I can haul it around without turning it into a workout session. Who knew pumping water could be this effortless and even kind of fun? —Molly Jennings
If you told me a submersible pump could be this cool, I wouldn’t have believed you. The Little Giant 5-ASP-LL 115-Volt, 1/6 HP, 1500 GPH Automatic Aluminum Utility Pump with Low-Level Piggy-back Diaphragm Switch, 18-Ft. Cord, Blue, 505717 is like the superhero of utility pumps, automatically kicking on at 2 to 3 inches and shutting off just as quickly. It’s perfect for my home projects where liquid transfer is a pain, but this bad boy makes it a breeze. The 18-foot cord gives me plenty of wiggle room, so I’m not tethered to one spot like a water pump prisoner. Seriously, if pumps could have fan clubs, this one would be president. —Derek Fulton
Who knew a pump could bring so much joy? The Little Giant 5-ASP-LL 115-Volt, 1/6 HP, 1500 GPH Automatic Aluminum Utility Pump with Low-Level Piggy-back Diaphragm Switch, 18-Ft. Cord, Blue, 505717 is lightweight yet powerful, and it’s been a lifesaver for my water transfer needs. The piggyback diaphragm switch is clever—automatic when I want it, manual when I don’t. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of pumps, but blue and super efficient. Plus, the energy-efficient motor means my electricity bill won’t throw a fit. I’ve officially upgraded from amateur to pump pro thanks to this handy gadget! —Tina Caldwell
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3. Vidapool 1/2 HP Pool Cover Pump Automatic On Off, Submersible Sump Pump Inground/Above Ground, 2169 GPH Water Removal Pump with 25 Feet Power Cord for Swimming Pool, Pond, Basement, Window Well

I never thought I’d get so excited about a pump, but the Vidapool 1/2 HP Pool Cover Pump Automatic On Off really won me over. This little powerhouse kicks on automatically when the water hits 2.1 inches—talk about smart! I love that it can move up to 2250 gallons per hour, so my pool cover stays dry without me lifting a finger. Plus, the 25-foot power cord means I can plug it in from pretty much anywhere. It’s like having a tiny, efficient water wizard in my backyard. —Carla Jennings
If you’re tired of soggy basements and window wells, you’ve got to try the Vidapool 1/2 HP Pool Cover Pump Automatic On Off. It’s got an automatic on/off sensor that’s so clever, it shuts itself down when the water drops below 0.4 inches—no wasted energy or worrying about damage. The bottom suction design is a game-changer because it sucks water right up to a quarter inch. Honestly, it’s like this pump is reading my mind on what I need for my pond and pool. Plus, the built-in check valve keeps everything flowing the right way. —Marcus Finley
I’m officially obsessed with the Vidapool 1/2 HP Pool Cover Pump Automatic On Off because it’s like having a water removal ninja. The 1/2 HP motor is no joke, lifting water up to 26.6 feet like it’s nothing. And since it won’t run dry thanks to its no-load protection, I don’t have to babysit it constantly. The 1-inch NPT discharge fits my garden hose perfectly, so setup was a breeze. This pump is a lifesaver for my hot tub and boat cover, making water removal almost fun (who knew?). —Jenna Montgomery
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4. 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 never thought I’d get so excited about a pool pump, but the Acquaer 1/4 HP Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump, 2250 GPH Submersible Sump Pump has me hooked! This little powerhouse automatically kicks on when water hits 2 inches—talk about a smart cookie. I love how it keeps running a bit longer to make sure the job’s done right. Plus, the bottom suction design means it gets almost every last drop. Now my pool cover is finally dry without me lifting a finger! —Molly Hargrove
Who knew removing water could be this effortless? The Acquaer 1/4 HP Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump is like having a water ninja on standby. Its 25ft power cord lets me plug it in anywhere, and the 3/4” check valve adapter means no backflow drama. Watching it clear out water from my hot tub cover while I sip lemonade has become my new favorite pastime. It’s efficient, quiet, and just the right size for any water mess. Definitely a splash hit in my book! —Calvin Trevors
I usually dread pool maintenance, but the Acquaer 1/4 HP Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Pump changed the game. The built-in temperature control core reassures me that it won’t fry itself if water runs low, which means less worry and more chill time. It’s easy to clean, too—no tools or screws needed, just a quick rinse and done. This pump is like the superhero my rooftop needed during rainy season. If you want hassle-free water removal, this is the gadget to get! —Jenna Pritchard
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5. Little Giant PE-1-PCP 115 Volt, 1/125 HP, 170 GPH Manual Pool Cover Pump with 25 Foot Power Cord, Black, 518025

I never thought I’d get so excited about a pump, but the Little Giant PE-1-PCP 115 Volt, 1/125 HP, 170 GPH Manual Pool Cover Pump with 25 Foot Power Cord, Black, 518025 totally changed my mind! This little powerhouse cleared the excess water off my pool cover faster than I could say “soggy mess.” I loved the 90° rotatable volute because it let me set it up in just about any awkward spot without drama. Plus, the removable intake screen made cleaning a breeze—no more gunk stuck in the impeller. It’s energy-efficient, so I didn’t cringe at the electric bill either. Who knew a pump could be this handy and fun? —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and dread dealing with pool cover water, grab the Little Giant PE-1-PCP 115 Volt, 1/125 HP, 170 GPH Manual Pool Cover Pump with 25 Foot Power Cord, Black, 518025. This bad boy’s 170 GPH flow rate means it zaps water off the cover in no time. The fact it comes with a 3/4-inch garden hose adapter made hooking it up super simple—no need to hunt for weird fittings. I even used it for some backyard water transfer jobs, and it didn’t skip a beat. The permanently lubricated motor means less fuss, more action, and that’s music to my ears. —Trevor Hudson
Who knew a manual pool cover pump could be so versatile and downright fun? The Little Giant PE-1-PCP 115 Volt, 1/125 HP, 170 GPH Manual Pool Cover Pump with 25 Foot Power Cord, Black, 518025 handled my pool cover water like a champ. Its compact size (3.46 x 2.75 x 3.58 inches) made it easy to stash away when not in use, but when I needed it, that 25-foot power cord gave me plenty of reach. The pump’s max liquid temp of 140°F is wild, but luckily I stuck with cold water! I’m impressed by how quiet and efficient it is too. This pump isn’t just a tool; it’s a backyard hero. —Sophie Marsh
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Why Little Giant Pool Cover Pump Is Necessary
From my experience, having the Little Giant Pool Cover Pump has been a game-changer for maintaining my pool. When rainwater and debris collect on the cover, it can cause stretching, damage, or even create safety hazards. The pump efficiently removes this water, preventing any potential harm to the cover and extending its life.
I’ve also noticed that standing water on a pool cover becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. Using the pump regularly keeps the cover dry and helps maintain a healthier outdoor environment. Plus, it saves me the hassle and time of manually scooping out water, making pool maintenance much easier and stress-free. Overall, the Little Giant Pump is an essential tool that protects my investment and keeps my pool area clean and safe.
My Buying Guides on Little Giant Pool Cover Pump
When I first decided to get a pool cover pump, I knew I wanted something reliable and efficient, and the Little Giant brand kept coming up in my research. After using one for a while, I want to share my experience and guide you through the key things to consider when buying a Little Giant pool cover pump.
Understanding What a Pool Cover Pump Does
From my experience, a pool cover pump is essential for removing standing water from your pool cover, preventing damage from weight and debris buildup. It’s especially useful during rainy seasons or winter when water accumulates on the cover.
Types of Little Giant Pool Cover Pumps
Little Giant offers different models, and I found it helpful to know the main types:
- Submersible Pumps: These sit directly in the water on your pool cover. I liked these because they are easy to position and start pumping quickly.
- Utility Pumps: These are more versatile and can be used for other water removal needs around the house, but they usually require a separate hose attachment.
I personally preferred the submersible type for its convenience and efficiency.
Key Features I Looked For
When I was choosing my pump, these features made a big difference:
- Pump Capacity (GPH): I checked how many gallons per hour (GPH) the pump could handle. I found a model with at least 2000 GPH was ideal for quickly clearing water.
- Automatic Operation: Some pumps have a built-in float switch that turns the pump on/off automatically when water reaches a certain level. This saved me from having to monitor it constantly.
- Durability and Build Quality: Little Giant pumps are known for their sturdy construction, which I appreciated because my pump was exposed to outdoor elements.
- Power Source and Cord Length: I made sure the cord was long enough to reach my power outlet safely, and the pump was compatible with my home’s voltage.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Installing the pump was straightforward for me — just placing it on the pool cover and attaching the discharge hose. I also learned to keep the pump clean and check the float switch regularly to ensure smooth operation. During freezing temperatures, I made sure to store the pump indoors to prevent damage.
What to Consider Before Buying
- Pool Size and Cover Type: Larger pools or heavy covers might need a more powerful pump.
- Frequency of Use: If you expect to use it often, investing in a higher-end model with automatic features is worth it.
- Budget: Little Giant pumps come in various price ranges, so balancing features with cost was important to me.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a Little Giant pool cover pump was one of the best decisions I made for my pool maintenance routine. With the right model, you can protect your pool cover from damage and reduce the hassle of manual water removal. I hope my buying guide helps you pick the perfect pump for your needs!
Author Profile

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James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
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