Review update: hurricane Irene knocked our power out for a few days. At first it's all fun and games. You get out the board games and the lanterns. You cook on the grill. You get washed up with the water you set aside because you're that kind of prepared, but then you can't really wash your hair. Nothing makes we wound up tighter than not being able to wash my hair. So out to the rain barrell with the solar water pump and bingo - problem solved. (we are so ready for the zombie apocalypse)
With the solar powered pump it's just like turning the regular hose on. The water pressure is perfect. I love this pump. And no electricity. It's perfect.
My battery has stayed charged since the first day I installed the system. I have never had the battery die. I've run out of water in the rain barrel but I've never had the battery on the pump go first.
Installation was easy but you do have to read the instructions. We needed a screwdriver, scissors, pliers and a drill with a big hole bit. Our barrel had a screen on top but we needed to drill out another hole for the pump to go into.
Everything is plastic so I hope it holds up and lasts. The performance of the unit is just as advertised.