Having a hot tub with water jets is an excellent addition. However, that relaxing addition may turn into a major headache if your pump goes out. Given that this can happen in any model, it’s something you are likely to run into eventually. So, what size pump do you need for your hot tub?
The short answer: check out your current pump. There’s a good chance that what you have currently installed worked at some point. If you aren’t 100% sure that this is the correct pump, check out the owner’s manual.
Pump size is only one part of the equation when looking for the appropriate pump. In the rest of this article, we will let you know about other considerations.
What You Need To Look for In A Suitable Hot Tub Pump
When looking for the correct pump, it would be best if you considered the following stats:
- Plumbing fittings
- Does it fit
- Speed type
- Voltage
- Horsepower
Keep in mind that you should use your current pump and owner’s manual for a reference.
Plumbing Fittings
Most plumbing fittings for a hot tub pump are around one to two inches. Some vary outside of this, which is why you need to double-check your owner’s manual to see if it is non-standard.
Does It Fit?
A larger hot tub pump does not mean “more powerful.” Larger pumps might be for older hot tubs, but there are few standardizations for these sorts of pumps.
Before you buy the motor, measure out the frame and location of the fittings. Compare the size and location of those to your current motor before making a purchase.
Speed Type
There are two available speeds for hot tub pumps: two- and one-speed. Two-speed (sometimes called variable-speed) pumps switch between high and low while single-speed pumps run slower.
Few hot tubs work with either option, so be sure you pick a pump that matches your current speed settings.
Voltage
Your standard hot tub runs at 240V, but each hot tub is unique. There are some tubs (called plug and play tubs) that run at 120v.
When finding out the voltage, ask yourself if you had to go through some complicated hook-up process. If the answer is no and you have it in an outlet, it may just be 120v. Again, double-check your owner’s manual to be sure.
Horsepower (HP)
Horsepower refers to the amount of power that your motor produces. The most potent hot tub pumps run at 5HP. However, most tubs run under 1 HP.
You may want to take this opportunity to upgrade your hot tub. However, this is probably a bad idea, as your HP can be too high for your hot tub pump’s limited fittings. A small pipe under too much pressure can quickly spring a leak.
Final Thoughts
While size may be a selling point for some salespeople, they don’t mean much in the world of hot tubs. Before purchasing a new pump, consult a professional. You may end up only needing a hot tub pump repair instead of a replacement.
