1.5" flex vinyl alternative?

[Mrramsey]

Is there something else that can be used to transition from the pump to the hard pipe for my return? I still am getting some vibration that I would like to eliminate further. The vinyl is about 1/8" thick and still very stiff so it is still sending quite a bit through to the hard pipe. I am sure the spa flex would be the same. Can I use something like the ribbed flex they use for pools?
It just needs to be a thinner walled tube so it can flex more.

 

[uncleof6]

Silicone rubber surgical tubing is what I have used in some cases, but generally not for anything larger than a skimmer pump. In the end, it is what it is, and you will not eliminate the vibration transfer. After a time, it becomes a "white noise," and you will not notice it much anymore.

Using a ribbed hose, will just increase the friction loss, and reduce the pump output.

 

[RocketEngineer]

Different question: Does the pump sit on the bottom of the tank? I found that the return pump sitting on the bottom of my sump amplified the vibration. I use a plastic bag full of sand as a noise damper, others have used mouse pads.

HTH,

 

[Mrramsey]

I think part of the problem it the tube still has a bit of a curve to it and it won't sit flat on the floor of the sump. I think a pipe that was not as stiff could really reduce the vibration. A gentle pump hum is what i am after but what have is definitely a low frequency vibration. I thought about the ribbing reducing the flow a bit but I have plenty extra and would welcome a small reduction. If anything at least the pump would sit flat, the anal side of me is showing now. It bugs me when it's not plumb,level and square.

 

[Mrramsey]

1.5" flex vinyl alternative?

Yes it does sit on a silicone pad now... Well at least partially. That has helped some but still a lot is going through the piping.

What I cannot determine is how the pump being cocked, rear is touching the pad and front is elevated, and not flat is or isn't affecting the noise. Being that this pump can be run in either a horizontal or vertical position, I would think it would be ok but then again maybe not. The shaft is at about 15-20 degrees

 

[uncleof6]

I use isolation mounts... spring operated

 

[RocketEngineer]

I use isolation mounts... spring operated

:fun4:Just because you have 3HP external pumps is no reason to rub our noses in it.:fun4:

If the pump isn't touching the pad, I suggest the bag of sand. It sounds silly but because it can conform to the pump, it doesn't care about the plumbing. Plus the vibrations are converted into the sand rubbing against itself where as a pad may not work as well.

Just my two cents.

 

[Mrramsey]

Good point Rocket. I think I will try both. I hate that the vinyl tube is so damn thick, I wish it was half the size.

 

[uncleof6]

:fun4:Just because you have 3HP external pumps is no reason to rub our noses in it.:fun4:

Oh, come on get serious! They are only 2.9HP...

They make literally hundreds of types of vibration isolaton pads...

https://www.google.com/search?q=vib...la:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=sb

 

[Mrramsey]

Well while the pool vacuum hose would be perfect in regards to flexibility getting the right fittings to make it work made it a poor choice. I did make some changes to my return plumbing in that now it is suspended via small bungee chords so it does not touch the tank at all. I also discovered a source of a loud harmonic vibration coming from, of all places, the plastic top rim of the sump tank. I have been wedging small pieces of cardboard along it to help isolate the vibrations.