To thoroughly enjoy a hot tub, the premises need to be pretty quiet. There is a lot of noise associated with hot tubs, and a hot tub pump can ruin the experience if it is too loud.
When shopping for a new hot tub pump, finding one that stays quiet when in operation makes a big difference, a lot of companies understand that people want a pump that operates efficiently, without a lot of unnecessary noise.
Here are five hot tub pumps/motors to consider that are perfect for controlling noise as much as possible.
1. HydroMaster 1.5 HP Hot tub spa pump
Known as a pretty premium spa pump option, this has a powerful motor, easy installation, and should last for a long time. It comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty, but most should expect at least a few years of use out of it.
The one drawback is that it is a 2-speed pump, which some people do not care for. It is true that his circulation pump is a little bit quieter on average, but this is very quiet for a 2-speed. It also helps that it is extremely affordable, without having to sacrifice much at all.
For a very consistent water flow, think about this pump from HydroMaster. It’s simple and effective, and that’s what most people are looking for.
It has consistently received some great reviews over the years as a simple, capable pump for indoor or outdoor use.
Click here for the current price for the Hydromaster Pump.
2. Spa circulation pump E5-74427 for Watkins
It is a little on the high side for price, but this circulation pump is handy for any type of hot tub in a backyard. It is very easy to install and handle, as most people will take care of everything themselves without any professional assistance.
When the pump is running, it allows for very consistent pressure when using the jets at all times, without adding unnecessary noise.
As far as circulation pumps are concerned, this is a great one to start with. Just be aware that the lubrication of this pool is sourced to the water, so don’t run the pump without water. It could do some significant damage if everything is not handled correctly.
Click here for the current price for the Watkin Hot Tub Pump.
3. Waterway Plastics 3722021–1 D executive
Another very efficient pump that is versatile enough for several different hot tubs is this option from Waterway Plastics. It is a 56 frame motor that operates at a very cool temperature, which increases motor life.
It has a flow rate of 220 gallons per minute, and it is another very simple to use option. The noise level at the start is very minimal. It runs a little louder than some people would like, but it can easily be fixed if the pump is stored correctly in the hot tub cabinet.
It is small enough that it won’t create so much noise and vibration that it is impossible to use.
If there is a drawback, it’s that this motor is not completely enclosed. There is a wet and dry end that needs to be used correctly to prevent anything from happening.
Click here for the current price for the Waterway executive 5hp Pump.
4. Waterway Executive Spa Pump Side
With 4.0 horsepower, this is a very powerful hot tub pump for the price.
Some people might be a little discouraged that it is a two speed instead of a circulation pump, but Waterway does a great job with the noise levels to make that much less of an issue.
Everything about this pump suggests that it will last a long time. It comes with a 56 frame motor, which also has a double-shielded ball bearing. This helps to keep the motor as durable as possible.
The motor wiring is also very simple to set up and understand, so a person doesn’t feel like they have to hire a professional to get everything done.
Click here for the current price for the Waterway 4hp pump.
5. Hot Tub Submersible Drain Pump Portable Water Pump
This is a bit different than the other pumps featured, but it is great for those who need something portable. The less expensive one can handle 1800 gallons per hour, while there is also a 3700 gallons per hour one available if the workload is a bit more.
The pump fits any drain holes between 1 inch and 1.25 inches. It is very easy to take anywhere, install, and have it working in no time. There are instructions to come with everything, so a person doesn’t have to feel like they are overwhelmed in that regard.
The best part is, this pump is very inexpensive, so there is no need to spend a lot of money on something that may or may not be used that often.
Some people might not have much use for a portable pump, but it’s nice to have in a sticky scenario. Maybe it is used as a replacement, or it could be used as just an option to have if there are any tough times.
Since it is so portable and lightweight, it doesn’t really make too much noise at all. The sound is further handled thanks to it being completely submersible. When it is not in use, It automatically turns off, which helps with sound and energy.
Click here for the current price for this hot tub pump.
General Tips on Keeping Hot Tub Pumps Quiet
All five of the listed pumps above are great options to consider, but what are some general tips for a quiet hot tub pump in general?
By understanding a bit of the process, it can help people make smarter decisions that lead to a quieter experience.
Look for 24-hour Circulation Pumps if Possible
A circulation pump for a hot tub is going to run a little quieter for a variety of reasons.
For starters, they are smaller, which usually means less sound. It moves less volume of water at once, which prevents it from having to perform like a two-speed pump that circulates at low speed while using jets at high speed.
The circulation pump is also mounted to a hot tub with rubber. It has the ability to run 24 hours a day, instead of just limited hours with a two-speed system.
The only downfall to circulation pumps is that they sometimes need more maintenance to keep running efficiently, but most who try them are very happy with the results.
Insulation is Key
Having excellent insulation around a hot tub is going to really help with the noise level associated with it. Many people only focus on the pump, but reducing any noise inside the hot tub cabinet can go a long way.
Sometimes, a fix can be done by a person who owns the hot tub. In other cases, it might make sense to hire somebody to take a look and see if they can improve insulation. Whatever the case is, less vibration will lead to a quieter atmosphere.
Still Too Noisy? Consider Location
The final step that always works to a certain degree is working on the location of the hot tub in general. Many people will use this as a last-ditch effort if they can’t fix the sound and haven’t located where they wanted to.
It is a bit of an inconvenience to move an entire hot tub, but it might be for the better. This can help not only the owner of a hot tub but neighbors as well if they are complaining.
Moving a hot tub not only puts it further away from people who might hear it, but it could also eliminate any unnecessary vibrations.
If a hot tub is close to something else, it could be vibrating a bit too much to cause some issues.
Buy the Right Horsepower, Voltage, Speed and More
Some people will get a bit too overpowered pump for its intended use. When that is the case, it ends up being a little louder than it has to be.
Before making a purchase, make sure to examine what type of pump is actually needed.
If the previous pump had satisfying water pressure, there’s no need to change the horsepower. Only improve the horsepower if the water pressure was lacking a bit in the past with the setup.
If horsepower is too much, it can cause some issues with the hot tub properly functioning. Do not fall into the trap of getting the most potent option possible, since it is not always needed.
Voltage is also important from an official standpoint. All hot tubs are wired for a certain voltage, so they need a pump that can handle that.
Otherwise, it could cause malfunctioning, which makes everything pretty loud. Don’t overwork a hot tub due to a lack of research beforehand to see what is actually needed.
Finally, speed has been talked about a bit, but it remains a vital part of the hot tub pump puzzle.
Circulation pumps and two-speed pumps are both fairly common, and on average, the circulation pump wins on sound. However, some people love the speed and efficiency of a two-speed pump, and that is why they ultimately decide on that.
Why It Pays To Have a Quiet Hot Tub Pump
It might be a bit tedious shopping for a new hot tub pump, but a quiet, peaceful option pays off in a big way in the end.
People never have to worry about running their hot tub and thinking they might receive a noise complaint. It allows for easy conversation if the hot tub is shared.
The hot tub pump must work properly, but after that, the sound is a huge determining factor in which option works, and which one doesn’t. Read up on reviews before making a purchase, and ultimately, live a much quieter life enjoying a hot tub at home.