Frequently Asked Questions
Q. "I don't have a pool cover but would like a pump like the 5-APCP that I can just put into my pool and drain it? Will this pump work?"
A. This wonderful pump can empty your pool entirely. The beauty with this pump setup is that it comes with the special stabilizing plate and automatic switch. It will allow the pump to sit on the bottom of your pool without a chance of it falling over easily. Also no need for you to keep checking back every hour to see how far it has pumped your pool water down as this pump will automatically shut off once it has pumped your pool water down to approximately 1 1/4" from the bottom of your pool (or pool cover).
Note: If you are using this pump to empty out your pool and your pool has 7500 gallons of water, and is 4 feet deep, then the 5-APCP pump will pump 1100 gallons of water per hour (18.333 gallons per minute) and will take approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes to empty. If you needed to remove the water more quickly then you could use a larger pump. If you were to use a 1/3 HP sump pump with a flow rate of 2760 gph (46 gallons per minute) @ 5' head then it will take approx. 2 hours and 43 minutes to empty.
Q. "Will the 5-APCP pump work without the stabilizing plate and automatic switch?"
A. If you have a need to use this pump for another situation and need to take off the switch and/or the stabilizing plate you can use the pump without either (or both) of these features/attachments.
Q. "I have a lot of leaves and junk and I'm concerned about being able to clean the pump? How easy it that?"
A. The special stabilizing plate and automatic switch on the 5-APCP pump can all be taken off of the pump fairly easily and once that is done the pump can be cleaned around its bottom intake very easily.
Q. "My model 5-APCP pump comes on and only hums, what should I do?"
A. Disconnect the power supply, (removing both plugs), then remove the pump. Remove the stabilizer plate and the debris screen from the pump. Check the impeller for any obstructions, (small pebbles, plant buds or even leaf stems that will wrap around the shaft of the impeller). Clear the impeller of all obstructions and replace the debris screen. Now separate the pump cord from the switch cord and briefly plug the pump power cord in to check if the impeller spins. If the pump still hums and the impeller does not spin, please contact our customer service team and they will gladly help resolve any issues you are having.
Q. "Can I cut off the plug from the end of the Little Giant RS-5LL remote switch so that I can hardwire it into my system?"
A. In a word, no. Not only would that void the manufacturer's warranty, removal of the plug will not allow the RS-5LL switch to function properly (if at all). Pressure from rising water pushes against a diaphragm inside the RS-5LL switch, which is how the pump switches off. For the diaphragm to move, the air above the membrane must be expelled; to allow this air to escape, a small vent tube runs from the top of the switch and along the cord, exiting at the plug. If the plug is removed and the switch is hardwired, the air tube would essentially be "plugged off"; the air from the area above the diaphragm membrane could not vent, which means water pressure would be unable to move the membrane to close the switch.
Q. "My pump won't come on at all or not until the water level is higher than normal, what should I do?"
A. If not working at all, follow all of the steps below. If not working until the water level is higher than normal, follow steps 2 through 4.
1. Unplug the pump cord and the switch cord, separate them and plug the pump cord directly into the outlet. If the pump now works, continue to steps 2 through 4. If not, please contact us.
2. Unplug the pump cord and the switch cord, inspect the switch cord for severe kinking and any other damage. If undamaged go to step 3, if damaged you will need to get a new switch with cord.
3. Unplug the pump cord and the switch cord. Check the switch diaphragm breather tube (located in the plug.)
If clogged clean and plug both plugs back in. If pump still will not operate go to step 4.
4. Unplug the pump cord and the switch cord. Remove the pump and check the diaphragm inlet hole for clogging, it is located on the bottom side of the switch . If clogged, clean, then replace the pump and plug both plugs back in. If pump still will not operate, you may have a bad switch; please contact us.
