All About Aqua Motion Pumps Posted on February 3, 2025 When it comes to maintaining comfort and efficiency in your home’s plumbing and water heating, a reliable circulator pump is always part of the system. Circulator pumps ensure the efficient movement of water in hydronic heating systems, hot water recirculation setups, and solar water heating systems. And among the many brands available on the market, AquaMotion is one of the best known for circulator pumps. In this feature, we explore the importance of recirculation pumps, and why AquaMotion is one of the premiere choices when it comes to efficient and reliable pumps. The Importance of Circulator Pumps Circulator pumps are an essential component of modern plumbing and heating systems. They improve water circulation, ensuring that hot water is available at faucets and showers without long waits, reducing water waste and energy costs. A circulator pump or recirculation pump is a pump dedicated to circulating heated water within the home’s plumbing, so that a faucet will provide hot water instantly upon demand. Another use is that it speeds up the waiting time between a user’s request for hot water and its delivery. In a one-way plumbing setup without a circulator pump, water is simply piped from the water heater to the tap. When the tap is shut off, the hot water that remains in the pipes cools down. This results in a waiting time for hot water the next time the tap is used. The circulation pump constantly circulates some amount of heated water between the heater and the farthest fixture, so that the water in the pipes remains hot and no cold water is wasted during the wait. As utilities and water rates rise, the demand for high-performance and energy-efficient circulator pumps has never been greater. This is where AquaMotion has built its reputation, by meeting these demands with innovative circulation pumps. About AquaMotion AquaMotion (also known as Aqua Motion in many retailers) is an American company based in Rhode Island, dedicated to designing and manufacturing high-quality, energy-efficient circulator pumps and systems. AquaMotion pumps are proudly designed and manufactured in the company’s factory in Warwick, Rhode Island. Founded in 2002, AquaMotion was established by Hans Kuster, a renowned expert in the pump industry with over four decades of experience. The company has earned recognition for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and delivering products that solve real-world challenges in the plumbing and heating industry. The cost of running an AquaMotion circulation pump with timer is approximately $3.00 to $8.00 annually. Based on this estimate, AquaMotion’s hot water recirculation kits can be recouped within one to three years, while providing instant hot water for your family. What Makes AquaMotion Pumps Different AquaMotion’s circulator pumps are known for their efficiency, durability, and ease of installation. Here’s what sets the brands products apart: ✔ Energy Efficiency AquaMotion pumps are designed to minimize energy consumption, meeting stringent standards for energy efficiency. Their products include models with ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor) technology, which reduces power usage without compromising performance. ✔ Durability and Quality Materials When it comes to build quality, the brand doesn’t skimp. AquaMotion pumps are constructed from high-quality materials like stainless steel and bronze, ensuring long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion. All pumps are UL, ULC, or ETL and NSF listed. ✔ Innovative Designs The company boasts patented technologies like by-pass and tankless water heater recirculation systems that resolve common issues like cold water waste and long wait times for hot water. The entire pump line is covered by 7 US Patents & 2 Canadian patents. AquaMotion also received UL listing for the first patent pending outdoor pump for tankless heater systems. ✔ Easy Installation and Maintenance AquaMotion pumps are designed from the get-go with user convenience in mind. Their products feature simple connections, universal compatibility, and modular designs that make installation and servicing highly straightforward. ✔ Environment-friendly AquaMotion is committed to sustainability. Their recirculation pumps save thousands of gallons of water annually, aligning with eco-conscious consumer values. The AquaMotion Advantage AquaMotion pumps use less energy than competitors based on actual amp draw comparisons with published Underwriters Laboratories data. A household equipped with an AquaMotion pump can save between 12,000-15,000 gallons of wasted cold water a year! AquaMotion won the AHR awards in 2015 as well as the award for the MOST INNOVATIVE PLUMBING PRODUCT IN 2018. AquaMotion uses the Green ECO-Cartridge™ design, which is the heart of its circulator pumps. This revolutionary design is the only field-replaceable and field-serviceable cartridge on the market. Other manufacturers require replacing their entire cartridge or pump, increasing the footprint on the environment and doubling the cost. It also uses the lowest power consumption of any PSC motor and the lowest power consumption of any ECM pump. All AquaMotion pumps are UL, ULC, or ETL and NSF listed, adhering to strict quality and safety standards. Aqua Motion Pumps As a market leader in the recirculation pump industry, AquaMotion’s product lineup includes a wide variety of pumps tailored to different applications. Here are the main categories: Hot Water Recirculation Pumps AquaMotion’s recirculation pumps are designed to eliminate the wasteful practice of running faucets while waiting for hot water. These pumps ensure hot water is instantly available at every fixture, reducing water waste and improving convenience. Their systems include models for homes with and without dedicated return lines, making them versatile solutions for both new and retrofit applications. Aqua Motion’s extensive lineup for recirculation pumps cover: Hot water tank and boilers Single pipe AquaMotion AMH3K-7N On-Demand Under Sink Hot Water Recirculation Pump Kit This single-pipe recirculation kit for hot water tanks operates with water pressures between 20 PSI and 125 PSI, and a maximum temperature of 176°F. An integrated Aquastat sensor activates the pump when water temperature drops below 85°F. The pump will run until the water reaches 105°F, ensuring a quick and consistent hot water supply. It can save up to 12,000 – 15,000 gallons of water per year in homes with multiple faucets. Moreover, the on-demand system allows homeowners to activate the pump manually using a wireless controller. It operates without a timer, making it more energy-efficient by reducing electricity consumption. Price: $375.00 AquaMotion AMH3K-7N On-Demand Under Sink Hot Water Recirculation Pump Kit AquaMotion AMH3K-7N Hot Water Recirculation Pump The AquaMotion AMH3K-7N is designed to deliver hot water quickly at all points between the water heater and ... View Product Dedicated return flow AquaMotion AMH2K-7 Recirculation Pump Kit with Timer for 3 Pipe Hot Water Tank Installation This pump has a min./max. water pressure of 20 PSI / 125 PSI with a maximum ambient water temperature of 104°F, and is good for up to 250 feet of pipe length. It has a built-in timer that allows the system to operate when hot water is needed. It also has an Aquastat temperature sensor that tells the pump to run when the water at the fixture drops below 85°F, and runs until it reaches 105°F. Built-in timers are preferred over on-demand because you would not need to manually activate your pump. Price: $429.00 AquaMotion AMH2K-7 Recirculation Pump Kit with Timer for 3 Pipe Hot Water Tank Installation The AquaMotion AMH2K-7 is designed to deliver hot water quickly at all points of use between the hot water tank and the dedicated return line. The built-in pump... View Product Tankless indoor heater Single pipe AquaMotion AMH1K-6ODRZT1 Hot Water Recirculation Pump with By-Pass Flow Control for Tankless Hot Water Heaters This kit is designed for single-pipe systems with tankless hot water heaters without a built-in pump. It includes the AM6 circulator with a built-in timer and an AquaMotion ODR valve for under-sink installation. It bypasses the cooled water in the hot pipe back into the cold supply line using a pump, sensor, switch, and bypass valve. This ensures that hot water is always available at the sink, reducing water waste. As hotter water reaches the valve, it automatically adjusts to maintain a 95°F temperature. Price: $499.00 AquaMotion AMH1K-6ODRZT1 Hot Water Recirculation Pump with By-Pass Flow Control for Tankless Hot Water Heaters AquaMotion Recirculation Systems for Tankless Water Heaters AquaMotion Recirculation Systems are the perfect retrofit solution to get hot water quickly. Many... View Product With dedicated return line AquaMotion AMH2K-R 3 Speed Hot Water Recirculation Pump with Timer for 3 Pipe Hot Water Heaters This kit is for large storage tanks or tankless water heaters with a dedicated return line that includes a hot water line, a cold water line, and a dedicated return. This system creates a loop from the water heater to the faucet and back again. It has a min./max. water pressure of 20 PSI / 125 PSI with a maximum water temperature of 230°F. All moving parts are housed in a “Green Eco Cartridge Design”, the only field serviceable and replaceable cartridge available on the market. Price: $548.00 AquaMotion AMH2K-R 3 Speed Hot Water Recirculation Pump with Timer for 3 Pipe Hot Water Heaters The AquaMotion AMH2K-R is designed to deliver hot water quickly at all points of use between the hot water heater and the dedicated return line. The built-in pu... View Product Tankless outdoor heater With dedicated return line AquaMotion AMH2K-7X Recirculation Pump Kit with Timer for 3 Pipe Hot Water Tank OUTDOOR Installation – Union Connection This outdoor tank recirculator can be installed with a simple 3/4″ union connection. It has a min./max. water pressure of 2 PSI / 125 PSI with a maximum ambient water temperature of 104°F and is good for up to 100 feet of pipe length. It is designed for the outdoors with a robust enclosure with a clear cover for timer visibility, an anti-tampering lock, and is rain, sprinkler and insect resistant. The circulator comes with both a built-in timer and a built-in Aquastat to minimize heat loss from the hot supply and hot water return lines. A built-in check valve stops hot water from flowing to the point of use via the return line. A standard grounded 115V cord and plug allows for standard household electricity without any re-wiring. Price: $635.00 AquaMotion AMH2K-7X Recirculation Pump Kit with Timer for 3 Pipe Hot Water Tank OUTDOOR Installation - Union Connection The AquaMotion AquaShield AMH2K-7X is designed to deliver hot water quickly at all points of use between your installed OUTDOOR hot water tank and the dedicated... View Product To learn more about the differences between single pipe vs dedicated return flow systems, see our complete guide to Hot Water Recirculating Pumps. To see what options are available for your specific plumbing system, see Aqua Motion’s interactive guide and choose your setup. If you are unsure what type of system you have, give us a call and we can help you choose the right circulator pump for your home or business. Heating System Circulator Pumps These pumps are ideal for hydronic heating systems, ensuring efficient heat distribution throughout your home. AquaMotion offers models suitable for residential and light commercial applications, with options for standard and high-efficiency ECM motors. Featured Hydronic Circulator Pump: Aquamotion AMR-3FV1 3-Speed Cast Iron Circulator with Check Valve, 0-16 GPM Flow for Closed Loop Hydronic Heating Systems Designed for residential hydronic heating systems, the AMR-3FV1 3-Speed Cast Iron Circulator circulates the water in your closed-loop system. The circulator helps push the water through the system so the hot water is able to reach the last point in your system. Ths model has a 0 – 16 GPM flow rate and can operate in a maximum ambient temperature of 104°F (40°C) and a maximum water / liquid temperature of 230°F (110°C) with a max. pressure of 125 psi. It offers 3 speeds and is a maintenance-free circulator, with a built-in check valve. All of the moving parts of the circulator are housed in a “Green Eco Cartridge Design”, which is the only field serviceable and replaceable cartridge available on the market. With this design, simply remove the rotor assembly, flush the cartridge with water and reinstall it. Price: $179.00 Aquamotion AMR-3FV1 3-Speed Cast Iron Circulator with Check Valve, 0-16 GPM Flow for Closed Loop Hydronic Heating Systems Closed-loop hydronic heating systems have water pipes that remain filled with water. The base of a hydronic system is a boiler operated heating system. Radiat... View Product Tankless Water Heater Pumps AquaMotion’s pumps for tankless water heaters enhance system performance by reducing cold water delays. Their innovative designs ensure seamless integration with tankless systems, improving efficiency and user satisfaction. Solar Heating Circulator Pumps For homes utilizing solar water heating systems, AquaMotion provides circulator pumps capable of handling high-temperature fluids. These pumps are built to maximize the efficiency of solar thermal systems while withstanding the demands of solar applications. Custom Solutions and Accessories In addition to their standard products, AquaMotion offers custom-engineered solutions and a range of accessories, including flanges, fittings, and controls, to meet specific customer needs. Your Trusted Source for AquaMotion Pumps Whether you’re upgrading an existing plumbing system or building a new one, AquaMotion pumps deliver reliable performance, energy savings, and environmental benefits. Their relentless innovation and reputation for high quality and eco-friendly pumps makes AquaMotion one of the best choices when it comes to circulation pumps. Explore our full lineup of Aqua Motion pumps to find the perfect recirculation pump for your home’s water heating system. With AquaMotion, you can trust in American-made quality and cutting-edge technology, combined with our excellent service. Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.