DO I NEED A DISCHARGE PUMP?
This is the question we receive most often. Most spa do not have a discharge pump as standard factory equipment. They are designed to drain by gravity just like your bathtub at home. Pumps are available as an accessory item. We have spas in-stock both with and without the factory installed discharge pump. The above diagram should help you determine the need for a pump.
NO PUMP NEEDED - If you have a drain in the floor or in the wall (no higher than 4" on center and directly behind the spa) then you do not need a discharge pump. Most city plumbing codes call for 1/2" of drop for every 4' of pipe. Please refer to the chart below.
|
Wall Drain Distance From Spa / feet |
|
|
| Drain Height / inches |
under 3' |
4' |
6' |
8' |
12' |
16' |
20' + |
| 1.5" |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
| 2" |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| 2.5" |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| 3" |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| 3.5" |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| 4" |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| above 4" |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
* Please note that the above chart are only guidelines since each pedicure spa has slightly different measurements. The above is an average for most spas.
COMMON PROBLEMS
Problem - Water keeps coming back when I turn off the pump.
Causes - The check value to prevent the backflow of water or the check valve is
too far away from the pump.
Solution - The check valve always needs to be installed directly behind the pump.
Problem - My pump worked the first time but now it will drain the tub.
Causes - The pipe is too large in diameter. There is too much pressure created
by the weight of the water in the pipe aginst the check valve. The first
time filled up the pipe and now it is full of water.
Solution - Replace the pipe with either 1/2" or 3/4" diameter pipe. | 
-(hngQ~~_11.JPG "Princess Pedicure Spas Inc")
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