Pumps

The Pool Doctor - Ask The Doctor

Pumps

BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER!

Pumps and motors have advanced greatly over the
years, both in design and performance. Most pumps
today are rated; low, medium and high head. Older style
pumps and motors do not have the same performance
as modern day ones. Perhaps the biggest mistake pool
owners make when replacing a pump is to 'oversize'. If
you are replacing an older 1HP pump, today's equivalent
is probably a 3/4HP pump.

If you oversize your pump, the water will get broken down
causing the pump to cavitate, be noisy and lose it's
prime. This can cause damage both to the pump and
possibly your plumbing.

If your swimming pool, spa or water feature is plumbed
with 2" suction lines then you can safely use higher
horsepower pumps, but if your system incorporates 1.5"
suction lines, then you would be advised to stay in the
low horsepower range.

Other considerations are:

Distance from your pool equipment to your
pool. The further the distance, the higher the
required horsepower
Do you have an attached spa where the pump
you are replacing is for the spa jets too? If so,
select the larger horsepower (providing lines
are 2" in diameter
If your suction lines are 1.5" and you have a 'T'
before the pump, this is equivalent to a 3" line,
so you can select the higher horsepower
Safety Issues - If you are installing a large
horsepower pump on a spa and the suction is
from the main drain, make sure that you have
the correct main drain cover (anti-vortex) to
prevent accidents
It is also important to understand that certain
manufacturers use the same name for different
standards of pumps.

Pool Problems?
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We have selected the top of the line from the best manufacturers. Our pumps are both full-rated and energy
efficient. We sell a large number of swimming pool and spa pumps at great prices. If you don't find the
particular pump you are looking for on this page, please e-mail us with your specific request and we will
promptly reply with a competitive quote.