Pool pump for must transfer?

[alexi82]

Hi!

I know a pool pump isn't designed to transfer must, but could it? Do you think there would be any issues with the pump doing the job?

Thanks
alexi

 

[ibglowin]

A pool pump is not likely to be corrosion resistant on the inside. Wine/must is low in pH (acidic) and it would more than likely crap it out in short order. You would be better off using something that is designed for water etc but is made to handle corrosive liquids as well.

Something like a Diaphragm Pump

 

[sour_grapes]

Plus, pool pumps tend to be very high volume pumps. Even the cheapie/weakie ones flow about 60 gallons a minute. I may be wrong, but I am guessing that you are not a large winery operation, but are instead a home winemaker. You would transfer a 6 gallon kit in 10 seconds. Even if you made your legal household (of 2) limit of 200 gallons at one time, your rackings would only take 3 minutes and change.

 

[DoctorCAD]

Pool pumps are not "food safe".

 

[NorCal]

I'd like to see a video of it. It's likely not made with the components necessary to assure it won't contaminate the wine.

 

[alexi82]

Thanks all.

I have it lying around so was going to try use it.

As for food safe, I think generally that just means various joins and parts aren't suitable for clean in place and need to be pulled apart and cleaned.

Was more curious if it could handle the solids content.

Will be making 600L,two 300L barrels and need to transfer between fermenter and barrels.

Prob will get a must pump but thought I'd ask the question to see if it's been done!