Edit - 3/4/2019:
Three years in to life with this pump and I'm still very happy with it. I still have it configured with a 1-1/4" sump pump discharge line instead of a garden hose. I've had to take it apart and clean out the weep hole only a few times that I can recall, and I tend to get lots of dirt and tree debris on the cover. After three years of life with this pump, I'm glad to change my review from four stars to five. It's a solid product from a good company.
I originally posted a one-star review for this item. I’m changing that to four stars not only because the manufacturer took great care of me, but because this pump is great at moving a lot of water very quickly if you set it up right. This is a lengthy review, but hopefully worth the trouble of reading if you are like me and appreciate hearing the details.
The pump is available in two versions, WAPC250 and WAPC250G, with the difference being power cord. The former has a standard three-prong plug and the latter has a large, integrated GFCI plug. Even though I ordered the plain-plug model, what I received was the GFCI protected version along with a note that the manufacturer had “upgraded” my pump with the GFCI version.
The power supply to my yard and pool is compliant with current NEC codes. That is, the entire circuit is protected against ground fault (a GFCI circuit breaker in the main panel in my house), and all my outdoor electrical outlets are installed with while-in-use covers (the big, boxy covers which provide weatherproofing even while something is plugged in). My original one-star review was based on the fact that the GFCI plug on the pump I received is enormous. Not only was it simply too big to fit inside my in-use outlet covers (see photo accompanying my review), it was incompatible with any other in-use box design I found on the shelf at three different home centers.
I was really mad when I called Wayne Company’s customer service line. But to their credit, they took great care of me. My goal was to be told that I could simply cut the GFCI unit off the cord and replace it with a regular plug without voiding my (three year!) warranty. Instead, they sent me another pump with the appropriate plug at their expense. The representative seemed genuinely surprised when I told her the GFCI plug wouldn’t fit inside any cover I could find at the store. The lesson for a prospective purchaser: If you have the old-style outlet covers (a flap-style which is only weatherproof when nothing is plugged in), will be able to plug in either model. If you have GFCI protection elsewhere in the circuit you’re using to power the pump, either another GFCI outlet upstream or a GFCI breaker in the house, then the GFCI plug on the pump is redundant and you can get away with the standard plug. Lastly on a personal note: If you still have the old style weatherproof covers around your pool you really should upgrade them to NEC compliant in-use covers. The old style flaps provide no weather protection at all while things are plugged in to them; we all know the problems which can arise when you incorrectly mix water and electricity.
As for the pump’s performance, I am very impressed. I noted reviews here critical of the weep-hole maintenance, but this necessity is clearly called out in the owner’s manual for my pump (a simple procedure). Also, the garden-hose connection port is really a check-valve, which means it has a clearly marked top and bottom. The check valve must be installed by the purchaser, and it’s very important to have the top oriented correctly. I believe failure to accomplish this will lead to many of the pumping problems described in other reviews. Finally, this pump appears to be a sump pump sitting on a modified base. It’s true the water needs to get a couple inches deep before it kicks on, but it doesn’t seem to leave any more water on the cover after a cycle than the Rule pumps I’ve begrudgingly used for years.
Finally, there is another review here which includes a video of the pump in action. I copied their idea of replacing the included check valve (1-1/4” NPT to garden hose adapter) with a check valve which allows connection of a sump pump discharge line (1-1/4” NPT to 1-1/4” hose barb). The replacement check valve and 24’ discharge line were readily available on the shelf of my local home center (near the sump pumps), and the total cost was around $11. Make sure you buy a check valve and not a simple adapter! This simple upgrade has big benefits. First, it allows the pump to move a LOT of water VERY quickly, and it takes much less work to do it. This translates to longer pump life and probably lower power consumption overall.
I am very pleased with the performance! The only outstanding question in my mind is longevity. If it really does last three years without significant issue then my review will likely become five stars. A great product supplied by a solid company.
| Brand | Wayne |
|---|---|
| Color | Blue |
| Material | thermoplastic |
| Style | Pool Cover Pump with iSwitch |
| Product Dimensions | 11.2"L x 7.9"W x 11.9"H |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Item Weight | 10.6 Pounds |
| Maximum Flow Rate | 50 Gallons Per Minute |
| Maximum Lifting Height | 15 Feet |
| Voltage | 115 Volts |
| Manufacturer | Wayne Water Systems |
| Part Number | WAPC250 |
| Item Weight | 10.6 pounds |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | 57729-WYNP |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | No Size |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Included Components | WAYNE 57729-WYNP |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | 3 Year Manufacturer's Warranty |
