Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

could you use a pump for a above ground pool as your source pump or would it draw to much water at one time to make it useful? Was looking on ebay for a filter for a friend of mine's pool when this thought hit me and thought I might as well ask

Pool pumps are energy hogs - not only are they more powerful than you probably need, they're designed for pressure. We don't need that in a backyard aquaponic system.

Spa pumps are a whole different beast though.

thank you for commenting the only reason I asked was the price of one on e-bay was cheaper then what I payed for my little pump i use and I use a timer with mine.

They are not very efficient, unless you get the newer electronic ones. They are designed to build more pressure then you need, but the main problem is they just cost too much. I have several pool and well pumps and only keep them around as backup if needed. I just ordered a new pump that does 100gpm and uses under 4 amp, and under 370 watts @115V. Compare that to my 1 HP pool pump, which uses 15 amps @ 115v, or 7.5 amp @ 230, and would be lucky to move 40gpm.

I have been using the smallest of the Intex pumps for my systems they work well.

I have a 48VDC pool pump for my new AP system, which I'll be doing some efficiency testing on soon, once I get hold of a suitable sump tank. None of the usual pumps used in AP systems pumped enough volume at the required head- this system is on the side of a hill.