Single speed pump on waterfall

[Heinsite]

Does anyone know if there is a device to convert a single speed pump to variable...like a dimmer? I have a waterfall and sometimes want to slow down the pump so water dribbles down the rock face of my wall.....looks really nice. I know this, because when the leaves start falling or the pump looses prime, the pump slows down.
Thanks in advance.

 

[jblizzle]

No such thing. The motors are not designed that way. You can add a valve after the pump and partially close it to reduce the amount of flow however.

 

[Heinsite]

So does restricting water add strain to the motor? (obviously, no water burns up the impeller)? Thanks for the reply

 

[mas985]

Actually it is just the opposite. The more head loss in the system and the lower the flow rate, the lower the load on the motor.

 

[Leak Specialist]

Adding a valve after the pump is the way to go.

There are remote actuated valves that could accomplish what you want.

 

[Heinsite]

I have a three way valve before pump, would it damage the pump restricting inflow there?

 

[jblizzle]

You do not want to restrict it before the pump ... Why is there a valve before the waterfall pump?

 

[Heinsite]

Not sure why a valve, but feeder from Pool to valve (obviously) then one to the pump and the return to the waterfall which has a leg back to the valve. New questions as I am having trouble priming...replaced O rings on valve, opened and re-magic lubed the basket and freeze plug...opened the fuser and inspected the impeller which was clogged with debris and a plastic shard (blue, misc. piece) in the impeller. ONE of the back fins is broken on the impeller, will this keep it from priming and pumping?

 

[mas985]

ONE of the back fins is broken on the impeller, will this keep it from priming and pumping?

Yes and it could damage the pump motor as well because of the imbalance it will cause so you might want to repair that ASAP.

 

[Heinsite]

Ok, just ordered one...Thanks again for all the help