A spa pump circulates water and provides buoyancy for massages and bubble jets. It comes in different wattages and horsepower ratings. Power is limited by plumbing and comfort, but some models have speed options. Voltage is also important to consider. Some heat pumps are designed for circulation only, which can extend the life of both pumps and use less energy.
A spa pump is used to circulate water through a filter and provide buoyancy for the massages and bubble jets often found in spas. Both tasks are critical to the functioning and enjoyment of the units. While closely related to a pool pump, the added task of delivering water pushes through the jets makes a spa pump unique.
Spa pumps come in a variety of wattages and choosing one is very important to ensure the essential functioning of the spa. The rating of a spa pump is in terms of horsepower. The traditional horsepower rating for a spa pump usually ranges from just under one horsepower to more than three horsepower.
Power-wise, there’s no limit to the potential of a spa pump. However, there are a number of practical elements which limit the power of a pump. First, the internal plumbing of spas can only require so much torque. Pipes and fittings can be stressed to the breaking point if too much force is continually pumped through them. Secondly, there comes a time when it is no longer comfortable for those in the spa to submit to the power of the jets.
It may also be possible to limit the power of some spa pump models. A spa pump usually comes in one or two speeds. With the flip of a switch, a two-speed pump can be transformed from a vigorous massage to a gentle, relaxing massage.
In addition to power and speed options, voltage is also important to consider when purchasing a spa pump. They are available in two voltages, 115V and 230V. If you’re replacing a spa pump, its voltage should be clearly visible on a label somewhere on the pump. For those who are unsure of the type of electrical voltage their spa has, it is recommended that you have it checked by an electrician.
While traditional heat pumps handle both jet action and circulation tasks, there are heat pumps designed to specifically handle only the circulation aspect of spa operation. Some owners choose this option because it normally extends the life of both the circulation and jet pumps. In addition, a dedicated filter pump uses less energy, even if it runs constantly, than a traditional spa pump that runs only part of the day due to design efficiencies that can be realized when the pump performs only one function.
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