Last Updated on February 23, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
Country club members get an exceptional amount of use out of electric golf carts. No matter if it is a personally owned cart or a fleet cart belonging to the club, they transport golfers around the course. It is essential to understand that golf carts require maintenance and, more specifically, lead acid batteries, which are installed to power the cart. Lead-acid batteries require the addition of distilled water on a regular basis because the water provides protection for the active material. Without the water, the active material oxidizes, thus causing the battery to lose power. Water is applied to batteries either manually by hand or via golf cart battery watering systems. If you’re a golf cart owner in a country club, it is important to know if it’s worth using a watering system.
What Is A Golf Cart Battery Watering System
The watering system is a device that connects directly to the tops of the golf cart batteries. The purpose of the watering system is to simplify the addition of water to the cells of the battery. A properly watered battery will last for a longer period of time compared to a battery that is not watered routinely.
When it comes to the components of a watering system, they most often contain a pump, watering caps, and tubes that connect directly to each cell of the battery in the battery bank.
Importantly, golf carts must only be filled with distilled water, which is drawn in by a small hand pump. The pump is connected to the gallon jug of water when filling is deemed necessary. Once the pump is connected, a person manually squeezes until the water begins to flow through the tubes. Next, once that distilled water flows through the tubes, it reaches the watering caps. Watering caps prevent acid water and noxious fumes from escaping the battering while allowing water to flow into the batteries. Importantly, each cap is fitted with a valve that opens and closes. The cap opens while filling and closes once the filling process is complete.
Without question, as a country club member, you must water the batteries as needed to prevent permanent damage. The last thing you want while you’re on the course is anything but maximum performance.
Additionally, failing to water the batteries monthly will cause a reduced life expectancy. Unfortunately, it is an often ignored task. I service my Trojan batteries on a consistent basis in hopes of giving them a long life. Remember, replacing batteries is expensive, especially when you factor in labor costs.
Benefits Of A Golf Cart Battery Watering System
Undoubtedly, there are benefits to a golf cart battery watering system. Rather than needing to remove caps, the water system is in place thanks to battery watering technologies. Here are the benefits of a watering system that makes adding water to lead acid batteries a simple task.
Maintenance
No matter if you are maintaining 6-volt batteries or 8-volt batteries, the watering system serves the same functionality. Part of proper golf cart maintenance includes adding water, which is simplified by the water system.
As a golf cart member, you’re going to want to perform maintenance in as little time as possible. With that said, watering systems are highly efficient, thus reducing time. Comparatively, the standard method for adding water is to remove the caps, peer into the cells, and make a direct fill from the jug of distilled water through a funnel. Visual inspection is required to make sure they are adequately filled. Lastly, you’re more prone to battery acid burns when filling manually.
Remember that the same process must be repeated for each battery in the battery pack. Remember, the watering system adds water to each cell of each battery simultaneously. For this reason, you’ll significantly reduce maintenance time no matter the brand of battery.
Battery Life
Maintaining the proper battery water levels is imperative for the life of the battery bank. Country club members who use an electric cart routinely should get approximately 5 years out of a set of deep cycle batteries. However, understand that proper maintenance must be completed within five years.
Extending the batteries life is essential because you’re going to fork out over $1,200 for a new set. If you’re seeing a loss of capacity before 5 years, you likely didn’t add water when needed.
Safety
I have come in contact with battery acid, and I will be the first to admit it’s not a pleasant feeling on the skin. With that said, golf cart battery watering systems reduce the risk of injury while adding distilled water.
Rather than pulling vent caps free, which often flings acid water, the caps and tubes are already positioned in the battery cells. Therefore, you’re not going to need to worry about spilling battery acid coming in direct contact with it.
Is A Golf Cart Battery Watering System Worth It For Country Club Members
Without question, a watering system is well worth it for country club members who own golf cars. It is much easier to maintain the correct level of water because you won’t need to manually remove covers to inspect. Importantly, on golf courses, you’ll be less likely to run into an issue as a direct result of low electrolyte levels.
Furthermore, golf cart owners do not need to bring a cart to the shop every time the batteries need water. Adding water is done in the garage of your home. Retirees benefit greatly from watering systems because it reduces bending and eliminates the need to access hard to reach batteries. Instead of breaking your back before you get on the course, you can stand upright when pumping distilled water into the cells. Furthermore, you won’t overfill because of the quick look indicators on the caps.
Fortunately, Flow-Rite Systems Universal watering applicators are available for 48 volt golf carts. I recommend the Flow-Rite System because it is highly durable and offers fast filling. Furthermore, the Flow-Rite battery watering systems kit is easy to install and can be done at your own home.
Make Your Life Easier With A Golf Cart Battery Watering System
Avoid the headache of spills and back while saving yourself time. Your time as a country club member should be spent focusing on your golf game and not dealing with the hassle of manually getting the cells back to a proper electrolyte level. Most golf members in my neighborhood use a watering kit. Importantly, you’re going to need to keep stocked up on distilled water. Most often, distilled water can be purchased from your local grocery store. Lastly, keep up with routine watering to maximize the life of your battery pack.
