Spa Pumps Glossary

Spa Pump Glossary of Terms

Voltage is the electrical force available to turn the spa pump. Spa pumps come as 115 volts or 230 volts. The most efficient spa motors are those that use 230 volts.

Amperage is the current or rate of flow of any electrical charge. For spa motors, the lower the amperage, the higher the efficiency. The best scenario is a high output motor with very low amp draw. Knowing the amperage will determine the horsepower rating of your spa pump. See horsepower reference chart.

Frame size refers to the amount of copper used in making the spa pump. The more copper, the stronger the motor is. By creating more torque the spa motor will be able to handle a larger spa pump for longer periods of time.  56 Frame spa motors will provide the best performance.

Spa Motor Is the part of the spa pump assembly that is used to spin the pump impeller. A spa pump motor is cylindrical in shape and made out of metal.

Spa Pump Is the plastic housing at the end of the spa motor. The spa pump contains an internal impeller that propels water through the spa plumbing system.

Plumbing size refers to the inside diameter of the hot tub plumbing system. Spa pump plumbing can vary from 1.5” to 2.5”.

Spa Pump Intake refers to the port on the pump that sucks water from the filtration area of a hot tub.

Spa Pump Discharge refers to the port on the pump that emits water into your plumbing system.

Center Discharge refers to the location of the spa pump discharge. A center discharge will be located at the center of the discharge housing.

Side Discharge refers to the location of the spa pump discharge. A side discharge will be located off center of the discharge housing. These units are more efficient and can produce a significant improvement in performance from a center discharge spa pump.