Spa Pump - Can it be used?
 

My father in-law has an old spa pump with built in heater that he'll willing to part with, if I want it... not sure of the details of the pump itself, but, I'm wondering if it can be used, or is it a bad idea? Probably way too much flow for my 225 gallon, but, if I want to go bigger, I may have a pump for it, (assuming it can be used). Thanks.

Robert

I have seen hot tub pumps be used on tanks, I guess as long as there are no metal parts in contact with the water flow anywhere they can be used. Only thing to watch out for is the power consumption, they tend to be heavy on the draw ... might cost you a fortune to run that pump in the long run. Just something to check.

Thanks Tony. I'll check both out, (it's a 220 volt pump, but not sure on the wattage that it'll use). I'll open up the impellar part and take a look, and then go from there... I guess a larger tank would be in order if there are not metal parts :biggrin: .

Robert

Yes you can use them, they use lots of electricity and push LOTS of water.

It will have a stainless steel parts in the mechanical seal (which is somewhat prone to leakage, but not usually a big deal to replace)

It's more than likely a 2 speed motor - the low speed is probably more useable for residential apps - on low it will pump a fair bit of water at low pressure and reasonable amp draw (think Ampmaster-ish) High speed is damn noisy but lots of flow & pressure & amps.

Jim

Coral Ocean when it was on Broadway used one for about a year on their large tank. Lasted about 8 months before it burned up, plus it was loud

Marc used his for a fair amount of time, I think it was a 1/4hp motor jacuzzi brand pump.

So even if it made of stainless steel, and won't rust out on me, (the internals), I have to deal with a loud, electricity consuming motor that may not last a year? Hmmm... all of a sudden it doesn't seem like a great deal, even at free, (unless, of course, I wanted to use it in a spa :biggrin: ). Unless someone proves otherwise, I'll pass on the pump. Worth a shot.

Robert

the power consumption alone would end up paying for a decent reef pump.

yes it will rust. you can find them that are all plastic construction, I know my hot tub pump has no metal whatso ever in it but I like it on my hottub as 1.5hp is to much for my tank.

Steve