Replacing A Pump

From time to time the pump on your system will need replacing. The Spring range of pump controllers is designed to operate with a wide range of 12V pumps. In general these pumps have a maximum current rating of 10 amps with PSI up to 150.

The most likely reason for needing to replace a pump is simply that the old pump has failed or worn out. Even the best-maintained pump will eventually wear out and become less efficient at moving water or creating pressure.

Your new pump can deliver similar water flow/pressure rates at lower settings when compared to the old pump to produce the same pressure.

This is because the new pump:

  • Will have a more efficient pump motor
  • Will likely generate higher pressure at the same settings
  • Will have newer and more efficient diaphragm and motor brushes
  • Will draw lower current than the old pump

Having replaced the pump I would suggest you recalibrate the controller to the new pump as the cal may be higher or lower than with the previous pump. Our controllers incorporate an Auto Calibration function to enable you to do this easily.

Turning the flow rate down will then mean you are using the same amount of water and the battery will last the same amount of time as before.

Leaving flow and calibration unchanged when switching to a new pump (ie 'I always run my controller at 60 so I set it to 60 with the new pump') may mean higher water use and higher current draw than with the previous pump and more water on the glass than you need.

Replacing the pump is a good time to check the condition of cables, connectors, fuse and fuse holder. Worn cables and chaffing can expose the copper core. Corroded connectors can cause poor connections starving the pump of voltage/current and also result in hot cable and or connections.

Remember to inspect and replace any:

  • Worn, rusted or damaged connectors
  • Damaged or chaffed cables
  • Rusted or worn fuse holders

And also to:

  • Consider flow rates
  • Recalibrate the control to the new pump

To provide electrical protection to your pump and control, a fuse should always be fitted in line between the battery and controller on the positive cable. I would suggest fitting the fuse as close to the battery as possible.

You should never exceed the maximum fuse rating recommended by the manufacturer. In nearly all cases 7.5 amps is best and, in general, do not exceed 10 amps at the fuse. Overrating fuses will mean your wires, controller and pump are not properly protected.