Sundance® & Jacuzzi® Spa Circulation Pump Replacement Guide

If your Sundance® or Jacuzzi® hot tub is not circulating water, is having heating problems, or the circulation pump has become noisy or stopped working, the pump may need to be replaced. This guide explains how to identify the correct circulation pump, which spa models commonly use this configuration, and how to remove and install a replacement.

What Does a Hot Tub Circulation Pump Do?

A circulation pump continuously moves water through the spa's filtration and heating system. Unlike the larger jet pumps, a circulation pump is designed for low-volume, continuous water movement.

A failing circulation pump can cause several problems, including poor water circulation, heating problems, unusual pump noise, or no circulation at all.

Common Signs Your Circulation Pump Needs Replacement

• Pump is completely silent and does not run.
• Pump runs but does not move water.
• Circulation becomes weak or intermittent.
• Pump becomes unusually noisy.
• Water leaks around the pump or fittings.
• Spa develops heating problems because adequate circulation is not maintained.

Sundance® Spa Compatibility

This circulation pump configuration is commonly used on a variety of Sundance® spa systems, including applicable models from the following years and series:

• Mid-2009 and newer 680 Series Burlington, Hartford and Hawthorne models equipped with a circulation pump.
• Mid-2009 and newer 780 Series Hamilton, Chelsee, Certa and Camden models.
• 2008 and newer 680 Series Burlington, Hartford and Hawthorne models equipped with a circulation pump.
• 2007 680 Series Hartford and Hawthorne models equipped with a circulation pump.
• 2007 and newer 780 Series Hamilton, Chelsee, Certa and Camden models.
• 2006 Palermo, Bahia and Cayman models.
• All 2005 780 Series spas.
• All 2003–2004 Sweetwater models except Lagunas.
• All 1997 and newer North American/Export 800 and 850 Series PermaClear systems, except 2005 and newer 880 Series models.

Jacuzzi® Spa Compatibility

This circulation pump configuration is used on applicable Jacuzzi® J-300 Series spas beginning in 2002 when equipped with a 230-volt, 50/60 Hz circulation pump.

Important: On some Jacuzzi® installations, the electrical connector from the original circulation pump may need to be transferred to the replacement pump. Always compare the existing electrical connection before installation.

Circulation Pump Specifications

How to Replace a Spa Circulation Pump

Important: Disconnect electrical power to the spa at the breaker before removing or installing the circulation pump. Never work on the spa's electrical system while power is connected.

Installation and Removal Diagram

Step 1 – Test-Fit the New Circulation Pump

Place the replacement pump in the spa equipment bay before permanently mounting it. Determine the best position for the inlet and outlet connections and make sure the motor and power cable can be routed without interference.

Step 2 – Adjust the Pump Head

If required, loosen and remove the four pump-head or motor-mounting bracket screws on the back of the new pump head. Rotate the pump head to obtain the proper outlet angle and motor or power-cable position. Reinstall and tighten the mounting screws after the correct orientation has been established.

Step 3 – Mount the New Pump

Mount the new circulation pump in the location selected during the test-fit. Use the appropriate mounting screws and make sure the pump is secure before connecting the plumbing.

Step 4 – Connect the Heater-to-Pump Hose

Route the hose running from the spa heater to the circulation pump outlet so it reaches the new pump outlet without kinking or binding. Use the appropriate hose, barbed fittings and hose clamps as required. Fully seat the hose on the pump fitting and secure it with a hose clamp.

Step 5 – Connect the Filter-to-Pump Hose

Route the hose from the spa filter bay to the circulation pump inlet. The hose should reach the new inlet fitting without sharp bends or excessive tension. Secure the hose with the appropriate clamp after it is fully seated.

Step 6 – Remove Temporary Hose Clamps

Remove the temporary hose clamps, locking pliers and protective shop rags used during pump removal. Inspect both inlet and outlet connections carefully for proper seating and secure clamping.

Step 7 – Connect the Electrical Wiring

Route the new pump power cable into the spa electrical compartment and connect it according to the spa's wiring configuration. On applicable Jacuzzi® installations, the connector from the original circulation pump may need to be transferred to the replacement pump.

Do not assume that connectors or wire configurations are interchangeable. Verify the correct electrical arrangement before applying power. Any required bonding or grounding must comply with the spa manufacturer's requirements and applicable electrical codes.

Step 8 – Prime the Pump and Verify Water Flow

Restore power and verify that the circulation pump starts and moves water. If the pump runs without moving water, an air lock may be preventing proper flow. Turn off power before attempting to prime the pump.

• Turn off power to the spa.
• Slightly loosen the outlet hose connection to allow trapped air to escape.
• Once air has escaped and water flow is established, reseat and secure the hose.
• Restore power and verify proper circulation.
• Repeat the priming procedure if necessary.

Step 9 – Test the Spa

After water flow has been established, test the spa for normal operation. Verify circulation and heating operation and inspect the pump and all plumbing connections for leaks.

Hot Tub Circulation Pump Troubleshooting

Pump Does Not Run

Verify the spa's electrical supply and confirm that the circulation pump is receiving the correct voltage. Check the spa control system and electrical connections.

Pump Runs but There Is No Water Flow

Check for an air lock, dirty filter, restricted plumbing or incorrect inlet and outlet connections. Turn off power before inspecting the circulation system.

Pump Is Leaking

Inspect the pump fittings, hoses and clamps. Make sure each hose is fully seated and the clamp is positioned correctly.

Hot Tub Is Not Heating

Adequate water circulation is required by many spa heating systems. Check the circulation pump, filter and plumbing for proper water flow before assuming the heater itself has failed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a circulation pump on a hot tub?

A circulation pump is a smaller pump designed to move water through the spa filtration and heating system, usually independently of the larger jet pumps.

Are Sundance® and Jacuzzi® circulation pumps the same?

Some circulation pumps are used in both Sundance® and Jacuzzi® applications, but the correct pump depends on the spa model, year, voltage, plumbing and equipment configuration.

Are all spa circulation pumps 230 volts?

No. Spa circulation pumps are available in different electrical configurations. Always verify the voltage of the existing pump before ordering a replacement.

What size hose connects to this circulation pump?

The pump configuration covered in this guide uses 3/4-inch barbed water connections.

Can a bad circulation pump cause a hot tub not to heat?

Yes. Insufficient water circulation can prevent a spa heating system from operating correctly. However, other components can also cause heating problems.

How do I know which circulation pump I need?

Start with the spa manufacturer, year and model. Compare the existing pump's voltage, water connections, physical configuration and electrical connection with the replacement.

Need Help Identifying Your Spa Circulation Pump?

If you are unsure whether this circulation pump is correct for your spa, send SpaStore.com the following information:

• Spa manufacturer
• Spa year
• Spa model
• Photo of the existing circulation pump
• Photo of the pump label
• Photo showing the inlet and outlet connections
• Voltage shown on the existing pump

These details can help determine the correct replacement before you order.