I think the small size and lightweight design of this submersible pump is what first caught our attention and the more we read about the AquaCharge™, the more we wanted to test this little submersible rechargeable pump. While we couldn't create emergency water issues, we found some very practical applications for the AquaCharge.
Product Description:
- ITT AquaCharge™ Pump Package Model AQ500-100 includes submersible pump, 8-ft hose, rechargeable battery, 110v charging station
- Made by ITT Flow Control
- Industry Standard 9.6v NiMH battery
- Fully submersible; fresh or salt water use
- Pumps 200 gallons on a single charge
- Lightweight at 3.6 pounds
- Compact - 7" x 3.25" x 5.5"
- Multiple applications
- Charging station has ready, charging, and improper connection light indicator
- On/off control knob
- Removable filter (screen)
- Backed by the Rule brand of DC pumps
- Recipient of the Editor's Choice Award by Popular Mechanics at 2011 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, Nevada
- There's also two other models of the AquaCharge: AQ500-101 220v; AQ500-102 110v power adapter and 12v vehicle power adapter.
- Learn more from the manufacturer
- How to find a distributor for AquaCharge
- One year limited warranty
- MSRP: $89.00
How the AquaCharge Performed
June 6, 2011
Out of the box, this small pump looks nothing like a serious tool, but looks can be deceiving. So lightweight, it's hard to believe that it even weighs the three lbs. We charged it overnight (manual says 12 hours for initial charge), a simple operation since the charger indicates if there's a problem with the set-up. During testing, we placed it back on the charger after use. It's super easy to connect and use, simply attach the hose, turn it on and immerse in water. The hose connection will take any standard garden hose, which is very handy if you need a longer length than the eight foot hose that's included. The pump housing is plastic, though it appears durable enough, we feel this pump has a lightweight design and should be handled with reasonable care - simply put, don't throw it in the back of the truck. Be sure to read the pamphlet - it's quite informative and has important handling tips. And only use the pump for water (fresh or salt water) as recommended. Maintenance is also fairly easy, just clean the removable screen filter as required.
On the longest testing phase, the AquaCharge worked very well, pumping a full (1/2" hose) flow without hesitation, for about forty minutes with a little charge remaining. Performance was amazing given the small size and battery operation of this pump. Other good uses are bailing a row boat and kayak. You can get cheaper bailers for this purpose, but if you already have the pump, you'll find it works well for this too. You do need to have at least 1" of water in order for this pump to work, but it's simple to use and handy for a lot of applications, emergency water situations or otherwise. Note however that this pump is not designed for use as a regular sump pump; it would be inadequate for that purpose. But it would be ideal for emptying a clogged sink, washer and other minor laundry room or bathroom flooding problems.
Given the portability and compact nature of the AquaCharge, it's definitely a must-have for anyone with a large aquarium to empty, (drainless) hot tub, or a child's pool - a big convenience over a bucket brigade. If you have a large console style humidifier that has to be emptied occasionally, this small pump would come in handy. A fisherman could also use it to fill a boat's live well or use it as an emergency bilge pump for a small boat. There's lots of uses when it comes to boats and marine. And if you wanted to easily transfer water out of the rain barrel to a flower bed a few feet away, you could easily do it with this pump and a garden hose. The more we used it, the more things we thought it could be used for.
Out of the box, this small pump looks nothing like a serious tool, but looks can be deceiving. So lightweight, it's hard to believe that it even weighs the three lbs. We charged it overnight (manual says 12 hours for initial charge), a simple operation since the charger indicates if there's a problem with the set-up. During testing, we placed it back on the charger after use. It's super easy to connect and use, simply attach the hose, turn it on and immerse in water. The hose connection will take any standard garden hose, which is very handy if you need a longer length than the eight foot hose that's included. The pump housing is plastic, though it appears durable enough, we feel this pump has a lightweight design and should be handled with reasonable care - simply put, don't throw it in the back of the truck. Be sure to read the pamphlet - it's quite informative and has important handling tips. And only use the pump for water (fresh or salt water) as recommended. Maintenance is also fairly easy, just clean the removable screen filter as required.
On the longest testing phase, the AquaCharge worked very well, pumping a full (1/2" hose) flow without hesitation, for about forty minutes with a little charge remaining. Performance was amazing given the small size and battery operation of this pump. Other good uses are bailing a row boat and kayak. You can get cheaper bailers for this purpose, but if you already have the pump, you'll find it works well for this too. You do need to have at least 1" of water in order for this pump to work, but it's simple to use and handy for a lot of applications, emergency water situations or otherwise. Note however that this pump is not designed for use as a regular sump pump; it would be inadequate for that purpose. But it would be ideal for emptying a clogged sink, washer and other minor laundry room or bathroom flooding problems.
Given the portability and compact nature of the AquaCharge, it's definitely a must-have for anyone with a large aquarium to empty, (drainless) hot tub, or a child's pool - a big convenience over a bucket brigade. If you have a large console style humidifier that has to be emptied occasionally, this small pump would come in handy. A fisherman could also use it to fill a boat's live well or use it as an emergency bilge pump for a small boat. There's lots of uses when it comes to boats and marine. And if you wanted to easily transfer water out of the rain barrel to a flower bed a few feet away, you could easily do it with this pump and a garden hose. The more we used it, the more things we thought it could be used for.
Overall Impression
There are lots of submersible pumps on the market, but portability is key when it comes to solving small water problems or transfers, inside and outside the home. The AquaCharge is extremely portable - you can take it anywhere - in the boat, to camp or in the RV. It's simple to charge and use. Just remember that it's designed for small jobs and emergency situations. There's no doubt that it would be handy to have on hand when the sink overflows, but you'll also find many other practical uses for it as well. The price is reasonable for this rechargeable pump - it offers good value.
Related Resources
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Learn more about house essentials
Read about home safety
Find Helpful Information from Other About Guides:
Plumbing at About.com
Home Repair at About.com
Find Information on Large Appliances
Go to Home Page
Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
