Can I put the pump on a dimmer switch?

[TimsPond]

I have a 67212 - Savio Water Master Solids Pump 5000 GPH, WMS5000, pump. Can I put this pump on a dimmer to reduce volume at times?

 

[combatwombat]

If you have the right motor and the right dimmer… maybe. I’ve thought of this. Most motors don’t like dimmers, most summers specifically say not to control a motor with them, and most dimmers are also only rated for 600w max.

 

[Lisak1]

We have a variable speed pump - a much better option in my mind.

 

[bagsmom]

I ordered a variable speed switch from Practical Garden Ponds (Nathan Brunk) in PA. I am nowhere near PA but he was really helpful to me in planning my pond, so I wanted to give him the business. He helped me choose something that would be appropriate for the size of the pump. I think it was 70 or 80 dollars? It is still in the cabinet - I haven't used it yet! But such a thing does exist.

 

[TimsPond]

We have a variable speed pump - a much better option in my mind.

Could you provide a link to the pump you have?

 

[poconojoe]

Dimmers cannot support a motor load. The dimmer will burn out.

What you need is a speed control. They can look like a dimmer, but they are different inside. These can handle a motor load.

I have a many speed controls. I have them controlling my ceiling fans and the fan in my fireplace.

What you have to look out for is maximum wattage that the speed control can handle.
Just like dimmers, they come with various wattage limits.
Look for the wattage of your motor, then buy a speed control accordingly.

Just as a educational note:
The average homeowner dimmer can come in 600 watt, 1,000 watt, 1,500 watt maximum. They do make ones that can handle more, but those are the most common.
And...the larger varieties can take up two spaces in your switch box. So, if you want to dim 1,500 watts of lighting, you'll need a 2 gang box.

Now this might be almost a moot point because all the high wattage lighting loads are almost a thing of the past since LED's draw so little.

And while we're talking LED's....
If you want to dim LED's, your dimmer has to be LED compatible and your LED "bulbs" have to be dimmable.

 

[Lisak1]

SLD Adjustable Flow Pond Pumps

Professional-grade, asynchronous, solids-handling pumps are ideal for use in ponds, Waterfalls, and other water feature applications.

www.aquascapeinc.com

We have the 4000-7000 adjustable model - works great on our roughly 2500 gallon pond. And yes they are pricey, but we've never had a problem with an Aquascape pump that they didn't take care of for us.

 

[GBBUDD]

Dimmers cannot support a motor load. The dimmer will burn out.

Took the word right out of my mouth If there was a dimmer that could handle that kinda load which there probably is but i can guarantee you it is a heck of a lot more the 70 bucks

 

[GBBUDD]

One other potential issue with limiting the power to a pump is if you loose your power. when the power comes back more than likely the pump will not have enough wattage to start back up and this could burn out the pump. Thus costing way more then you will ever save trying to limit or dim the power.

In my eyes i think your far better off building a more well designed pond thus demanding less energy to get the job done

 

[poconojoe]

What exactly are you trying to accomplish?

Is your pump too powerful?

I don't know if this will help.....

If your goal is to slow down the flow to a particular area, try adding a wye fitting after your pump.

Then have a ball valve on each branch of the wye. Your pump output is now split in two.

Now, with the valves, you can fine tune the flow between the two branches.

PVC pipes and fittings are inexpensive and easy to work with.

 

[TimsPond]

Thanks for everyone's comments.

I am looking at this Variable Speed Pump Controller, that bagsmom suggested - https://practicalgardenponds.com/pr...d-pump-controller?_pos=2&_sid=2c054d68a&_ss=r

I want to reduce the flow through the skimmer box during spawning season. I have spotted salamanders, Eastern Spotted Newts, Wood Frogs and others spawning in the pond and I want to reduce the amount of larvae getting sucked through the pump.

 

[bagsmom]

Be sure and read the instructions with the speed controller. As I recall, it had some specific directions about where to have the settings when you first turn it on. I really need to get mine out and actually use it!

 

[GBBUDD]

tHAT IS FOR SMALLER pumps at least compared to what i'm running as it say good for 520 wats but that's not the only question the other is will cutting down the wattage also reduce pump life. thats a hard question to find the answer to

 

[poconojoe]

Thanks for everyone's comments.

I am looking at this Variable Speed Pump Controller, that bagsmom suggested - https://practicalgardenponds.com/pr...d-pump-controller?_pos=2&_sid=2c054d68a&_ss=r

I want to reduce the flow through the skimmer box during spawning season. I have spotted salamanders, Eastern Spotted Newts, Wood Frogs and others spawning in the pond and I want to reduce the amount of larvae getting sucked through the pump.

Is that device weatherproof? Can it be used outside?

 

[mrsclem]

It specifies clean , dry area. Not waterproof!