Newbie's 2nd question - Circ Pumps

[Silent Water]

There seem to be 2 distinct schools of thought about separate circ pumps.

What's the general consensus out there? Are 24/7 circulation pumps:

a) More economical to run than cycling the jet pumps for 6 hours /day?
b) Quieter than bigger pumps?
c) More likely to wear out sooner because they are smaller and running 24/7?

I like the idea of having a dedicated pump for circulation but I don't know anything about their longevity.  I've also heard stuff about stagnant water/sediment in the jet lines with the smaller circulation pumps.  It also makes sense to me that adding another pump would add to the cost of the tub but I haven't really noticed that in the market. Any easy answer out there?

[SerjicalStrike]

There are 3 shools of thought:

1--No circ pump

2--Small circ pump

3--Large circ pump

They all have their advantages and disadvantages.  There will be no easy answer to which one is best.  

[Brewman]

I'd wouldn't have that issue very high up on my list of spa selection criteria.
It's all just a slightly different way to filter the water.  If your water is clean, then your filtering system is effective.
  
Some food for thought:

My Optima uses the small 24/7 circ. pump coupled with a 2 speed main pump, pulls water thru a different filter, and runs 4 times per day, up to 24/7.

So far I can say:

My circ. pump is almost silent.  But the main pump on slow speed is very quiet too, just not quite so much as the circ. pump.  But I use both for filtering, not just one.


I've already had one circ pump replaced under warranty, at about the 30 month mark.

Not sure if my small pump running 24/7 will wear out faster than a larger pump being switched on and off four times per day.

So far the large pump is winning that war.  It's not needed service yet.

[Amanda_Panda]

There seem to be 2 distinct schools of thought about separate circ pumps.

What's the general consensus out there? Are 24/7 circulation pumps:

a) More economical to run than cycling the jet pumps for 6 hours /day?
Larger circ pump should be roughly the same cost as reg. pump on low speed for that amount of time (give or taike just a little bit)
b) Quieter than bigger pumps?
Definately quieter
c) More likely to wear out sooner because they are smaller and running 24/7?
Smaller circ pump (9-10 gallons) would be working a lot harder than a larger circ. pump (30+gallons)

 Any easy answer out there?

There's a lot of different opinions about circ pumps so there really isn't an "easy" answer. Take in all the info. and try to avoid all the "sales" jargon and hype.

[Gary]

A. That is a myth

B. Depends on the brand

C. Most pumps big or small will last a long time. 95% of the pumps I change are because of the consumer neglect.


Personally I do not like the small circ pumps, the more water you can filter the better off you are. Circ pumps do have their place though, it is called garden pond.

[Vinny]

Circ pump or not is not that big of a deal.

I have a large circ pump and it does hum - the quietest pumps are the ones that aren't on! But having a large therapy pump may disturb you and your neighbors if it's running for 3 or so hours at night if your trying to sleep. My pool has a 1 HP pump and you can hear it when it kicks on at 4 AM. It's far enogh away from the house that it's not too bad.

Circ pumps may be the way to go IF you want to run ozone 24/7. This is dependent if you believe ozone works the way it is sold by some dealers.