The Zoeller Aquanot I & II battery back up sump pumps offer a level of performance that is not matched by many backup sump pump systems. Many of the back up pumps sold are little more than a glorified 12 volt bilge pump for a boat that has little chance of matching the pumping capacity of the main sump pump. If the ground water level flowing into the sump crock is coming in faster than the reduced capacity of the back up pump there is little hope of preventing basement flooding when the main pump fails because of failure or, a power outage.
When you ask a home owner what is the most important thing in the smooth functioning of their home you will get a wide variety of answers. Very few will consider a working sump pump to be very high on the list. However, the basement often houses many of the important mechanical systems of the home such as heating and air conditioning systems, electrical panels, water heaters, and well pump & water treatment systems. Frequently there are expensive finished rooms with the finer things we enjoy like home entertainment systems, pool tables, and children’s play areas. All of these things could be expensive to repair or replace in the event of a flooded basement and will highly affect the quality of life in your home. Many of the items such as water heaters and heating units the manufacturers call for replacement if they are submerged in water. If you have a basement that has a water problem and are using a sump pump, back up pumping is not a wise place to cut corners and save a buck.
Graph showing Zoeller Aquanot I Model #580 & Aquanot II Model #585 Performance Curves.
Chart showing Total Dynamic Head/Capacity
The Zoeller Aquanot pumps are pedestal pumps that are closely matched in output to many of the 1/3 hp sump pumps which is probably the most common size installed, with little or no reduction in flow. These pumps will keep up with the water that was handled by your main pump with no surprises. As with any battery operated device they will only operate as long as the storage battery provides power. With a prolonged power outage provisions for alternate power for the main pump and recharging of the back up pump batteries such as a generator are a good idea. The batteries can also be recharged by jumper cables to a running car relatively quickly. Take precautions that carbon monoxide does not become a factor during operation of a generator or car to keep the pumping system operational. Batteries can also be grouped together in a bank to provide more storage capacity and run time between charges.
Zoeller Aquanot II 25 amp. Electronic Battery Charger
The Zoeller Company brings a 70 year history of quality pumps and the Aquanot Pumps have over 25 years of use in the field and are proven performers with thousands in use. Both the Aquanot I & II come with a pump alarm. The Aquanot I Model # 580comes with a .5 amp battery monitor that provides a float charge keeping the battery topped of and ready for use, but, will not recharge a battery discharged by use. A separate battery charger must be used. The Aquanot II Model # 585 comes with an Automatic Electronic 25 amp. Charger which in addition to recharging the battery will maintain its charge and even provide power to run the pump in the event of a pump failure with no loss of power.
Zoeller Aquanot Battery
The battery and battery box is purchased separately and does not have to be purchased from Zoeller. Any Group 27 or 31, 12 volt Deep Cycle Battery will work with the Aquanot pumps and chargers or, even larger capacity batteries such as those used in golf carts and RV’s although different chargers may be required for proper charging and float conditioning. The Warranty is 12 months from date of installation or 18 months from date of manufacture. However, with the purchase of an Aquanot battery by Zoeller the 12 month warranty is extended to 36 months. The Zoeller Aquanot Battery in the Group 31 size is a lead acid or, “Wet” battery Zoeller Part No. 10-0761, weighs 69 lbs, and has a 200 minute reserve capacity. The Zoeller Aquanot Battery in the Group 27 size is absorbent glass mat or, “AGM” battery Zoeller Part No. 10-1450, weighs 66 lbs, and has a 175 minute reserve capacity. The minimum battery requirement is a 12 volt deep cycle, Group 27 battery with at least a 175 minute reserve capacity.
The Zoeller Aquanot battery backup sump pump system is a great choice to provide backup protection for your sump pump protecting the valuable systems and furnishings in your basement. Don’t let yourself be fooled into thinking a glorified bilge pump is protection for your home in the event of a sump pump or power failure.
If you have any questions or, need additional information please leave a comment and I will reply.
From Master Plumber mark
You have some good information on the Aquanot II
very informative and I will link it to my web site about Aquanot II pumps
http://weilhammerplumbing.com/home/
Thanks Mark,
I try to keep the information good here.
Did you know that it was you that originally brought the Zoeller Aquanot Battery Backup Pumps to my attention?
Thanks for linking my site.
How much protection can one get from the Aquanot II during an electrical outage? Suppose during a heavy rainstorm my 18″ diameter by 26″ deep pit filled every 2 minutes, how long would the Aquanot II run before it would no longer do the job? Would I be better with the SumpPro battery backup on my 0.3 HP Mighty Mate 53 (9.7 amp).
Thanks!
Ken,
The Aquanot and the M53 are so closely matched that without sitting down and doing long drawn out computations the amount of work you can expect out of them on a same size battery are going to be very close with the SumPro system losing some power in the inverter changing the 12 VDC to 120 VAC. If you are concerned about running over a period of time because of a severe water problem I would suggest a standby generator and duplex pumps alternating.
Redwood
What is the difference between the Zoeller 510 back up sump pump versus the Aquanot 1 and 2. Which is a better system?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Melissa,
Although the 510 is a submersible and the Aquanot 1 & II are pedestal pumps the real difference is in performance.
The 510 will pump 34 gpm with 5′ of lift and 22 gpm with 10′ of lift.
The Aquanot I will pump 49 gpm with 5′ of lift and 31 gpm with 10′ of lift.
The Aquanot II will pump 49 gpm with 5′ of lift and 36 gpm with 10′ of lift.
I hope that helps you,
Redwood
Thank you Redwood for your prompt reply.
Does the Aquanot 2 require less space than the 510? Is it generally easier to install?
If it was you, which one would you purchase? It is roughly the same price, and yes the Aquanot 2 has a better GPH rating, I assume it is obvious as to which one to purchase, unless the 510 is better built, more reliable?
Thanks again for all the info.
Melissa
Redwood,
An update…
After measuring our pit, the bottom narrows to about 16 inches where the 1/2 hp primary pump is. Although I do not know the diameter of the aquanot 2, according to its minimum pit requirements of 18×22 I think it would be best to go with the 510. Hopefully the 510 will fit! It looks like it would install above our primary pump. If the 510 does not fit, do you have any suggestions on a back up pump, for a 16 inch diameter pit. FYI, the pit is 18 inches at the top, but does narrow towards the bottom to about 16 inches.
Thanks so much again. And great web site with lots of useful information!
Melissa
Hi Melissa,
Hi Melissa,
That is probably your best bet.
I do find it interesting that Zoeller can have a Dimensional Drawing with no Dimensions on it posted on their website…
You can contact them at zcotechnical@zoeller.com and perhaps get the details you need to see if it will fit.
The only real concern is when the pump is being used at the peak period of use figure the amount of run time vs. off time to see if pump capacity will be an issue with the smaller back-up pump. If the main pump operates almost continuously then it would be a worry but even a 50/50 interval would suggest the smaller pump would be okay.
If the pit is too small for both pumps and a larger capacity back-up is needed the pit may have to be enlarged or, you may put the the back-up Aquanot II pedestal pump on the bottom then have the main submersible pump mounted hiher overlapping the base of the Aquanot II.
Hope that helps you out,
Redwood
Thank you Redwood!
We have had so much grief with the Aquanot system. After spending $2,000 for this system and a new sump pump less than 18 months ago, it is not working. The licensed plumbing firm did not file the warranty paperwork as they told us they would and didn’t leave any product manuals. We’ve completely ruled out that the battery is not the problem. A new battery has been placed and the yellow and green lights on the charger continue to flash. We’ve spoken with numerous experts and gotten nowhere. Any ideas? Also, what is the warranty information on this product? Thanks for any help. Geneva, IL
Hi Mark,
I would suggest getting in touch with Zoeller Technical Support by E-Mailing zcotechnical@zoeller.com.
This is a link to the Aquanot Instruction Manual PDF from Zoeller.
This is a link to the Aquanot Battery Handling & Maintenance Manual PDF from Zoeller.
The warranty is 3-years depending on the laws of your state you may only need the receipt from the installation. Here in Connecticut the consumer laws say that is sufficient for warranty purposes. Check your state laws and also see what Zoeller says.
I hope this helps you out,
Redwood
How do the Gel batteries like Trojan or Deka compare to the Lead acid (Wet) batteries for performance during power failures running the Aquanot sump pumps.
Hi Mike,
They would offer a higher performance level as they do in other applications.
The Battery Zoeller sells is an AGM battery.
Redwood
Redwood,
Thanks for your posting. I am still not 100% clear which pump/battery/etc. you recommend as a back up pump.
Also, if the amount of water coming in exceeds the volume coming out is there a way to add a temporary secondary pipe I could run to the outside?
Thank you,
Cindy
Hi Cindy,
I do recommend the Zoeller Aquanot back up pumps in most cases.
What I was saying is many back up pumps do not provide the same flow as the primary sump pump in which case if the primary sump pump was running constantly to keep the basement dry installing a back up pump that had a lower capacity would result in a basement that filled slower with water than one that had no pump at all.
Making sure the back up pump is large enough to do the job that the primary sump pump does is essential.
Adding multiple pumps to do the job is one way that you can do it. Adding a second line without a pump will not do anything.
Hopefully this helps,
Redwood
I live in a condo, and have the only sump pump for eight units. We had a battery back up sump pump put, but I could NOT get any printed info about how to use the unit.. plumber kept promising it and never came through. The battery says it’s an AquaNot Zoeller 10-0761. I’m not clear as to when to add water… it never seems to be a clear cut white or green when I look at the “eye” thing. More embarrasingly, I don’t know where I’m supposed to add the water. Help! Thanks.
Hi Ginny,
The information on the Zoeller Aquanot and the battery is readily available on Zoeller’s company website.
You can probably also get them to send you printed manuals by calling them at 1-800-928-7867 or, emailing them at zcotechnical@zoeller.com
The maintaining of the electrolyte level is actually quite easy and although you have the green eye the changes to clear or white when you need to add water to the battery my experience with deep cycle batteries is that the green eye will always be in the cell that does not use water leaving the others high and dry. You should only use distilled water or, demineralized water to add to a battery. Since the battery contains sulfuric acid you should protect yourself from exposure with the proper personal protective equipment. The electrolyte level should never get low enough that the plates become exposed and the caps on the top of the battery that water is added through have a ring that extends down inside the battery cell where the electrolyte should just touch the bottom of the ring when completely full.
You should attempt to find out how old the battery you have is. Typically you will get about 3-4 years use out of a deep cycle battery before its capacity becomes seriously diminished. If the battery is old it should probably be replaced. I would suggest upgrading to the #10-1450 AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery that has a much lower maintenance requirement than the wet cell type you presently have. If the battery is old I would suggest at a minimum load testing the battery to ensure that you do have a back up pump that will operate.
Redwood
Nobody on the web seems to mention anything about the Aquanot I. I just moved into a house where the sump pump runs about every 2 minutes (pumping out 11 gallons per cycle); this is in relatively dry conditions outside. I’m looking at the Aquanot I and the Sumpro 2100-DC. The Zoeller seems to have a better pump and pump location (out of the water), but has a trickle charger where the Sumpro has a plastic pump, but better charger. Both systems tout quality – any advice?
Also, has anybody found out the dimension on the Aquanot I & II base(s)? If it is too big, I may have to go with the Sumpro.
Thanks!
I was hoping you or Mark would have a chance to reply to post at the Terry Love Plumbing forum. I have a AQN II being shipped now. I am struggling with a battery choice. I am most interested in the battery choice that will run the longest in continuous operation. I am discouraged by the AGM battery as the manual for the AQN II says that the wet/flooded cell battery with 200 min of reserve minutes will run continuous for 7 1/2 hours and the AGM battery with 175 min of reserve minutes will run continuous for on 3 1/2 hours. I don’t even come close to understanding why the AGM would only run for 3.5 hours, but I can only speculate it has something to to do with the different designs. Irregardless my interest is what will run the longest in continuous operation, my basement is well ventillated and I know how to maintain a wet battery. I’m frustrated in that my Zoeller dealers only stock the AGM battery. So I’ve read tons and investigated Concorde, Interstate, Trojan and Exide batteries with no closer to a solution. I’m not storing the battery in close quarters, sideways or planning on neglecting it so AGM sounds like an extra expense. However, the best flooded cells are not cheap walk in the park either. So what the heck gives, why does an AGM with 175 min RCA only run for 3.5 hours?
Hi Dave,
I get by Terry’s fairly often but I don’t always catch every post sorry I missed yours.
You know where to track me down though.
Maintenance is a problem for most users and the AGM batteries are a lot more forgiving. Most people would not see the continuous operation anyway. But they would see a cooked battery with dry cells when they need it most.
If you are in a situation where you want huge storage capacity and battery maintenance is not an issue I’ll let you in on a system that I used on a battery configuration for a trolling motor on a bass boat that could run against the current in the river for 3 days without recharging where only one was possible before.
The motor was a 12/24 volt motor so the original configuration was 2-12 volt batteries. We changed the system to 4-6 volt deep cycle batteries with 2 batteries in series to replace each 12 volt battery and the storage gain was huge. By the way we used Trojan Batteries.
I don’t know if this is what you are looking to do but if you have a water problem that is going to have the Aquanot II running continuously you might be better off thinking about a standby generator with automatic transfer and a duplex system.
Redwood