Hot Tub Pumps Glossary

Posted by on 6/27/2023 to Glossary

Amp Style Cord or Amp: Cord Component cord with an AMP plug end. This is a widely used connector for power cords used in Spas and Hot Tubs. Currently the most popular with manufacturers.
Amperage or Amps / Amp Rating: Defined as the strength of an electric current. Generally used by the Spa industry to indicate the amount of power needed for a spa installation, or to specify how much electrical current a pump or blower will consume while running. This is a very important specification to consider when choosing a replacement pump or blower. The word “AMP” is also used as the name for a type of component cord plug end. (see “Amp Style Cord”)
Anti-Vibration Pad or Rubber Pump Base: Molded rubber pad, usually self aligning. Fits under pump's steel base. Used to help stop unwanted sounds caused by vibration while pump is running.
Barbed Injector Fitting or Pump Barb Fitting: Threaded fitting used to replace the drain plug. Male threaded on one side, and ribbed barb on the other, it can screw into the wet end and attach to a nylon hose to aid in priming the pump.
Buttress Thread (Unions) or Union Thread: Type of thread used for pump connection plumbing unions. Buttress threading measures larger than Standard measurements such as National Pipe Thread and will not reflect the actual physical measurement. (Exp. 2" Buttress Thread measures 3" diameter.)
Cable Length or Cord Length: Used to indicate the length of a power cord used for a variety of applications such as pumps or blowers and cords or keypad communication wires etc.
Circulation pump or Circ Pump: Water pump used for filtering and heating for the spa filtering & heating part of the system. Available in single speed, dual speed, or variable speed, and for high flow or low flow applications.
Cord or Cable: Electrical cord that provides power to the motor of the pump, air blower or control system. Normally accompanied by a short description containing the type of plug end, length of cord, number of wires contained in the cord, and gauge. (Exp. “Amp style cord” describes type of plug end) (Exp. Dual speed Cord = 4 wires contained in the cord)
Discharge or Outlet: Discharge refers to portion of the wet end where water exits the pump and enters the plumbing.
Discharge Location or Outlet Position: The current direction or position the pump discharge is pointing. (See Discharge & Discharge Rotation)
Discharge Rotation or Rotate Wet End: The act of physically changing the location of the discharge by rotating wet end to left or right. Most (but not all) industry pumps are capable of 3 different positions. Top left horizontal, Top right vertical, and Bottom right horizontal.
Discharge Size or Discharge Union Size: Plumbing / Union size the wet end of pump is designed to connect to. (Exp. 2" Buttress, 3/4" vinyl tubing)
Drain Plug: Threaded Plug inserted into the wet end of a pump. This can be removed to drain the wet end.
Dry End or Motor: Dry end refers to the part of a pump that is not in contact with water. Most often when this term is used, it is referring to the electrical motor.
Dual speed or 2-speed, 2spd: Specification for a motor indicating it can provide two separate speed options for pump or blower applications. Both speeds on a dual-speed pump can vary in strength, and RPM. Typically, the speeds are “Low” used in low-power applications for circulation/heating. “High” can be used for high-power applications such as massage pumps, and therapy jets. A pump will typically be dual speed if it is used for both applications. This can keep power consumption limited during routine filtering times and heating.
FBT or Female Buttress Thread: See Buttress Thread…
FPT or Female Pipe Thread: NPT Pipe Thread…
Frame Size or FR: Refers to the mounting size of the motor in relation to Wet end. Does not indicate any other specs such as electrical, motor casing diameter, or power capabilities.
Frequency or HZ: Refers to a measurement of vibration cycle per second for electric motors. Generally used to indicate compatibility with specific power grids within a country. (Exp. 50 HZ = Asia/Europe, 60 HZ = USA)
Gasket: A shaped piece or ring of rubber or other material sealing the junction between two surfaces. (Exp. 2" Heater gasket)
GPH or Gallons per hour: The measurement of the maximum possible gallons of water that can be pumped per 1 minute of operation for a specific model of pump.
GPM or Gallons per minute: The measurement of the maximum possible gallons of water that can be pumped per 1 minute of operation for a specific model of pump.
High Flow Circulation: System where a higher horsepower/amp draw, single speed, or Dual speed (high/low) circulation pump is used for heating/filtering (low speed) and massage jets (high speed). Usually utilizes 1.5" - 2.5" PVC plumbing. 20-30 GPM (low speed) & 105-260 GPM (High Speed)
High-Speed Amp Range: Indicates a range of amperage ratings. (see "Amperage" ) This value is usually used to categorize products, and to limit non-compatible choices when searching for replacements. This is a useful tool when attempting to match acceptable replacement motors, pumps, and blowers.
High Speed Amps: Specification on a motor indicating the maximum amperage the motor will draw from supplied electrical circuit while in the high-speed setting. (See "Amperage")
High speed: Refers to one of two options available on dual-speed pumps. The high-speed option will pull approximately twice the amps and operate at twice the RPM’s of the low speed. Generally used when greater flow rates are needed for applications such as therapy jets, or priming cycles, and fast intense cleaning cycles.
Horsepower or HP: General Description related to power output of a motor. Do not rely solely on this when choosing a spa pump or blower. Horsepower is often listed as a specification; however, it is not an officially standardized unit of measurement, and may differ among manufacturers of similar products.
In.Link Style Cord or InLink Cord: The In.Link Style cord is unique to only one manufacturer, Gecko Alliance. These are used on their XE and XM model control systems. They are easily identified by their unique plug ends, and the fact that they plug directly into the front of the spa control box. The cords themselves are not color coded, however they do utilize a color code system with the help of add-on parts called “Cable Keyings” (attaches to the cord end) & Enclosure keyings” ( Attaches to the receptacle on the control system) These two Keyings help to ensure a cord is connected to the proper receptacle.
Intake or Suction or Inlet: Intake refers to the portion of the wet end where water enters the pump before flowing out the discharge and back into the plumbing.
J&J Mini Style Cord or JJ Mini: Component cord with a J&J Mini plug end. These plugs are molded plastic and are usually color coded. Each color pertains to a specific application. Each color/application also incorporates a unique pin configuration. This can help to prevent plugging a cord in to an incorrect receptacle at the control system. This was a widely used connector in the 2000's for power cords used in Spas and Hot Tubs. Although still available, it is not the preferred type used by most manufacturers, as it has a tends to become loose and cause damage.
Low Flow Circulation or LF, Low Flow: System where a low horsepower/amp draw, single speed circulation pump is used in place of standard size spa pump. Usually utilizes 3/4" or 1" tubing in place of larger diameter plumbing. 10-18 GPM
Low-Speed Amps: Specification on a motor indicating the maximum amperage the motor will draw from supplied electrical circuit while in the low-speed setting. (See "Amperage")
Low Speed: Refers to one of two options available on dual-speed pumps. The low-speed option will pull approximately half the amps and operate at half the RPM’s of the high speed. Generally used during circulation/heating and
Massage Pump or Jet pump, Therapy pump: Water pump used to push water through jets only. This pump is usually not associated with circulation or heating. Available in single-speed, dual-speed, or variable-speed options.
MBT or Male Buttress Thread: See “Buttress Thread”
MPT or Male Pipe Thread: See "NPT Pipe Thread"
NB Speeds or Number of Speeds: Indication of how many speeds the current motor is designed to have. (Exp. single speed, dual speed, variable speed.)
NPT or National Pipe Thread: U.S. national technical standards for screw threads used on threaded pipes and pipe fittings. This is the most common threading used in the United States.
Pump or PMP: A mechanical device powered by electricity. They are designed to intake water and return it at a metered and consistent rate through plumbing.
RB or Ribbed Barb (Hose Barb): A type of plumbing connection where a plumbing fitting will connect inside of tubing or hose. The portion of the fitting has raised, and slanted areas designed to hold the hose on the fitting. The concept is similar to the tip of a fishing hook. This allows for easy installation, but removal is more difficult. These connections are typically secured with clamps, and occasionally glue.
RPM or Rotation Per Minute: RPM can be described as a measurement or count of how many times the shaft of a motor will complete a full rotation in a one-minute period. The higher the RPM rating, the faster the shaft will spin.
SB or Slip Barb (Hose Barb): A type of plumbing connection where a plumbing fitting will connect inside of tubing or hose. The insert portion of the fitting with a smooth surface with no ribbing. These connections are typically secured with clamps, and occasionally glue.
Shaft Seal or Mechanical Seal: A two-part mechanical seal located in the wet end of the pump, designed to stop water from the wet end from infiltrating the motor of the pump.
Single Speed or 1 Speed, 1SPD: Specification for a motor indicating it is only capable of providing one-speed option for pumps and blowers. A Single speed pump can vary in strength, and RPM. Single-speed motors are generally used in low-power applications such as circulation pumps, and high-power applications such as massage pumps and air blowers.
Slip or Socket, S, Female Slip: Slip refers to a type of PVC plumbing connection. A slip is a “female socket” fitting, meaning that there is no threading. This is typically a glued connection when the Male (Spigot) fitting or pipe is inserted into the Female (Slip). (Exp. 2” S Coupling or 90-degree elbow)
Specification Label or Spec Sticker, Name Plate: Label found on all electric motors. These labels will list the relevant information and technical specifications of the motor. (Examples: Voltatge, Amperage, Frame Size, RPM, Model Number, and Manufacturer.)
SPG or Spigot: Spigot refers to a type of PVC plumbing connection. A spigot is a “male slip” fitting, meaning that there is no threading. This is typically a glued connection when the Male (Spigot) fitting or pipe is inserted into the Female (Slip). (Exp. 1-1/2” SPG Coupling or 45-degree elbow)
Through Bolts: Long Bolts used to fasten pump motors to a wet-end housing.
Variable Speed or VSP: Specification for a motor indicating the ability to work at any preset RPM within preset limits. Generally variable speed motors are controlled by a separate controller or system. They can be capable of speed options varying from very low to full speed and can be adjusted by small increments. This can allow the user to set their speeds to perfectly suite particular flow requirements. It can also serve as a very effective way to keep power consumption limited during routine filtering and heating times.
Voltage or Volts: Defined as the force of electrical current supplied to an appliance. (Exp. 12v, 120v, 230v) The United States generally uses: 12v for automobile electrical/low voltage lighting. 120v for normal plug receptacles, lighting. 230v for Hot tubs, welders, and large appliances such as clothes dryer, or HVAC units.
Volute or Pump Housing: Funnel-shaped part of the wet end housing where water travels after being moved by the impeller before exiting the discharge.
Volute Gasket or Housing O-ring: Gasket that seals the volute and faceplate parts of the wet end housing, preventing leaking. (see "Volute") (see "Gasket)
Wet End or Pump housing: Generally, pumps are split in to two parts: the wet end, and the motor. The wet end is the front section of a spa pump. This is where the plumbing connects, the interior is in contact with water. The wet end contains the impeller, gaskets, and seals, and is responsible for the intake and discharge of the water. It attaches via the motor shaft and (4) long "Through Bolts"

Pumps Glossary

Categories