Zoeller Aquanot I & II Battery Backup Sump Pump Review

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.

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.

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.

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.