Ryobi 18V ONE+ Telescoping Pole Pump Kit

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ Telescoping Pole Pump Kit (model RY20UP022K) is a versatile and handy tool designed to handle water transfer tasks efficiently. Whether you're dealing with rain barrels, small pools, or even emergency sump pump situations, this tool promises to make the job straightforward and less physically taxing.

Design and Build Quality

First off, the build quality of the pump is solid. It feels sturdy yet lightweight, making it easy to maneuver. The telescoping pole, which extends up to 3.5 feet, is particularly useful for reaching into deeper containers or underground pipes. The pump also features a barrel hook that allows it to hang securely on the edge of containers, ensuring that the control unit stays dry. This is a thoughtful inclusion, especially for tasks that require extended reach.

The battery compartment is water-resistant and securely houses the 18V ONE+ battery, which comes included in the kit along with a standard charger. This water resistance is crucial for ensuring the longevity of the tool, particularly when dealing with wet environments. Additionally, the pump comes with a 3-year limited warranty, which adds a layer of security to your purchase.

Performance

The performance of this pump is impressive. Powered by a 1/6 HP motor, it can transfer water at a rate of 15 gallons per minute. In my tests, this claim held up well, especially when using the included 1.5-inch hose. The pump's maximum head height is 24 feet, which allows for considerable flexibility in various water transfer tasks.

One of the standout features is the automatic shutdown when no water is detected. This is particularly useful for preventing damage to the pump, ensuring it doesn't run dry. However, there is no automatic shut-off feature based on water levels alone, which would have been a nice addition. Instead, the pump offers timer settings that allow it to run for 5, 10, or 15 minutes before shutting off automatically.

Ease of Use

Setting up the pump is straightforward. The kit includes various adapters and filters, allowing you to use different hose sizes, including standard garden hoses. This flexibility is excellent, as most households already have garden hoses readily available. The manual is clear and easy to follow, so you can get the pump up and running in no time.

The on/off switch and timer controls are small and could be more user-friendly. They are flat buttons on the back of the pump, which can be a bit challenging to find and operate, especially if you're wearing gloves or have wet hands. Despite this minor inconvenience, the pump is generally easy to use.

Versatility

This pump shines in its versatility. I used it to empty a small fish pond, and it performed exceptionally well, draining the water quickly and efficiently. The included mud filter is a thoughtful addition, allowing the pump to handle murky water without getting clogged. This is particularly useful for tasks like emptying sump wells or cleaning out backyard pools.

Another application where this pump proved invaluable was in draining a 4-inch gutter drain pipe. The narrow pump fit easily into the clean-out cap and pumped out all the water, making the subsequent repair work hassle-free. The pump's ability to handle different types of water transfer tasks, from clean to muddy conditions, makes it a handy tool to have around.

Battery Life

The included 2.0 Ah battery offers up to 26 minutes of runtime, which is sufficient for most small to medium-scale tasks. For more extensive jobs, having an extra battery or a higher capacity one would be beneficial. The battery compartment can accommodate larger ONE+ batteries, making it easy to extend the pump's operational time.

Limitations

While the Ryobi Telescoping Pole Pump is a robust and versatile tool, it does have some limitations. The included hose is quite short at only 3 feet. While this is manageable for some tasks, a longer hose would have been more practical for a broader range of applications. Additionally, the pump's intake is over 3 inches in diameter, making it unsuitable for standard 55-gallon drum bungs without modification. This could be a deal-breaker for those who need to use it with sealed drums.

Summary and Recommendations

Overall, the Ryobi Telescoping Pole Pump is a well-designed and versatile tool that performs admirably in various water transfer tasks. Its solid build quality, impressive water transfer rate, and thoughtful features like automatic shutdown and timer settings make it a reliable choice for both homeowners and professionals.

The pump's ease of use, combined with its ability to handle different types of water and hose sizes, makes it a versatile addition to the Ryobi ONE+ lineup. However, the short hose and the lack of an automatic shut-off feature based on water levels are minor drawbacks that could be improved in future models.

Despite these limitations, I would highly recommend the Ryobi Telescoping Pole Pump for anyone needing a reliable and efficient water transfer solution. Its versatility and performance make it a valuable tool for a wide range of applications, from draining small pools to handling emergency sump pump situations. If you're already invested in the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem, this pump is a no-brainer addition to your toolkit.