⚡ Waterway Viper 56-Frame Jet Pump – 5.0 HP Wet End – Dual Speed

Versatile two-speed performance for swim spas and large hot tubs

💧 Product Overview

The Waterway Viper 2-Speed 56-Frame Pump is engineered for high-flow, low-pressure applications in swim spas and large hot tubs. This versatile dual-speed pump features a two-speed motor with thermal protection, paired with a 5.0 HP-rated wet-end impeller designed for high water volume and exceptional flow performance.

The two-speed motor provides approximately 0.53 HP at low speed (1,450 RPM) for quiet filtration and circulation, switching to approximately 2.01 HP at high speed (2,850 RPM) for powerful jet performance and swim currents. Low speed draws just 1.8A for efficient continuous operation, whilst high speed draws 9-12.5A for maximum power output at 3.67 kW.

Operating at 230V/50Hz, the Viper uses a split-capacitor design (16 µF + 30 µF) for reliable two-speed operation. The robust 56-frame motor provides superior cooling and longevity, whilst the oversized 8-inch wet end handles high-volume water flow with ease. The wet end rotates in 90° increments for maximum plumbing flexibility. Built-in thermal protection safeguards the motor from overheating. Uses 2.5-inch Waterway unions (sold separately). Electrical cable not supplied – reuse existing wiring.

⭐ Key Features

✅ Dual Speed Motor – Low speed for filtration, high speed for jets

✅ 5.0 HP Wet End – Oversized impeller for maximum flow

✅ 56-Frame Design – Larger motor for better cooling and longevity

✅ 0.53 HP / 2.01 HP – Motor power at low/high speeds

✅ 1,450 / 2,850 RPM – Dual speed motor operation

✅ 230V / 50Hz – UK standard electrical supply

✅ Split Capacitor – 16 µF + 30 µF for reliable two-speed operation

✅ 8″ Wet End – Large diameter for high-volume flow

✅ 90° Rotatable Wet End – Flexible installation options

✅ Thermal Protection – Built-in motor overheating safeguard

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Pump Type	Massage / Jet Pump – Dual Speed
Brand	Waterway
Model	Viper
Frame Size	56-Frame
Wet-End Impeller Rating	5.0 HP
Motor Power (Low Speed)	0.53 HP (approx.)
Motor Power (High Speed)	2.01 HP (approx.)
Power (kW)	3.67 kW (high speed)
Speed Settings	Dual Speed
Low Speed RPM	1,450 RPM (approx.)
High Speed RPM	2,850 RPM (approx.)
Voltage	230 V
Frequency	50 Hz
Amperage (Low Speed)	1.8 A (approx.)
Amperage (High Speed)	9 – 12.5 A
Capacitors	16 µF + 30 µF (split-capacitor)
Plumbing Size	2.5 inch (2½”)
Unions	Sold separately (Waterway 2.5″)
Wet-End Diameter	8 inch
Wet-End Rotation	90° increments
Thermal Protection	Included
Electrical Cable	Not supplied – reuse existing
Length	430 mm
Width	200 mm
Height	240 mm

🔌 Electrical Requirements

Electrical Specification	Low Speed	High Speed
Supply Voltage	230 V	230 V
Frequency	50 Hz	50 Hz
Motor Power	0.53 HP	2.01 HP
Full Load Amps	1.8 A	9 – 12.5 A
Motor Speed	1,450 RPM	2,850 RPM

Component	Specification
Capacitors	16 µF + 30 µF (split-capacitor)
Thermal Protection	Included
Electrical Cable	Not supplied – reuse existing
Recommended MCB	20 A minimum
Recommended Cable	4.0 mm² minimum

⚠️ IMPORTANT ELECTRICAL SAFETY:

All electrical work must be carried out by a qualified electrician in accordance with UK wiring regulations (BS 7671). Hot tubs require RCD protection (30mA). Ensure proper earthing and bonding of all electrical components. Two-speed pumps require appropriate wiring for both speed windings – consult a qualified electrician. The electrical cable is not supplied – your existing wiring from the previous pump must be reused and inspected before connection.

🔗 Compatibility Guide

This Pump Specifications:

📍 Model: Waterway Viper 56-Frame 2-Speed 📍 Wet-End: 5.0 HP impeller rating 📍 Motor: 0.53 HP (low) / 2.01 HP (high) 📍 Frame: 56-Frame 📍 Voltage: 230V / 50Hz 📍 Current: 1.8A (low) / 9-12.5A (high) 📍 Plumbing: 2.5 inch (unions sold separately) 📍 Wet End: 8 inch diameter 📍 Dimensions: 430mm × 200mm × 240mm

Suitable Applications:

• Swim spas requiring variable-speed jet performance
• Large hot tubs with multiple jets
• Counter-current swim systems
• High-performance hydrotherapy installations
• Systems requiring quiet filtration plus powerful jets

Two-Speed Advantage:

Speed	RPM	HP	Amps	Use
Low	1,450	0.53	1.8	Quiet filtration/circulation
High	2,850	2.01	9-12.5	Powerful jets/swim current

⚙️ Installation Requirements

Pump Dimensions:

Dimension	Measurement
Length	430 mm
Width	200 mm
Height	240 mm

Plumbing Connections:

Connection	Size	Notes
Suction	2.5 inch	Waterway unions (sold separately)
Discharge	2.5 inch	Waterway unions (sold separately)
Wet-End Diameter	8 inch	Large volume flow

Installation Notes:

⚠️ Unions sold separately – order Waterway 2.5″ unions

⚠️ Electrical cable NOT supplied – reuse existing wiring

⚠️ Two-speed motor requires correct wiring for both speeds

⚠️ Split capacitor design (16 µF + 30 µF)

⚠️ Wet end rotates in 90° increments for plumbing flexibility

⚠️ Pump must be installed below water level (flooded suction)

⚠️ Never run the pump dry

⚠️ Ensure proper electrical bonding to earth

💡 56-frame design requires more space than 48-frame pumps

💡 Allow adequate ventilation around motor for cooling

🛠️ Maintenance Guide

Routine Maintenance:

Task	Frequency	Notes
Check for leaks	Monthly	Inspect unions and pump seal
Test both speeds	Monthly	Verify low and high speed operation
Check motor operation	Weekly	Listen for unusual sounds
Verify jet performance	Monthly	Ensure strong water flow on high
Inspect wiring	Annually	Check all connections
Clean pump strainer	As needed	Remove debris

Warning Signs – Consider Replacement If:

• One speed stops working (possible winding or capacitor failure)
• Motor hums but doesn’t start
• Unusual noise or vibration
• Motor overheating frequently
• Significantly reduced jet/flow power
• Pump trips the circuit breaker
• Visible seal leakage

Capacitor Information:

The Viper 2-Speed uses a split-capacitor design:

• 16 µF capacitor
• 30 µF capacitor

Both capacitors must be functioning correctly for reliable two-speed operation.

🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Suitability	Notes
♨️ Swim Spa Jets	Excellent	High speed for powerful swim current
♨️ Quiet Filtration	Excellent	Low speed for 24/7 circulation
♨️ Large Hot Tubs	Excellent	Dual speed versatility
♨️ Counter-Current Systems	Excellent	High-volume flow on demand
♨️ Energy Efficiency	Excellent	Low speed uses just 1.8A
♨️ Multi-Jet Systems	Excellent	5.0 HP wet end handles demand

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the horsepower of this pump? A: The pump has a 5.0 HP-rated wet-end impeller. The motor produces approximately 0.53 HP at low speed and 2.01 HP at high speed.

Q: What are the two speeds used for? A: Low speed (1,450 RPM) provides quiet, energy-efficient filtration and circulation. High speed (2,850 RPM) delivers powerful jet performance for hydrotherapy and swim currents.

Q: How much power does each speed use? A: Low speed draws approximately 1.8A, whilst high speed draws 9-12.5A at 230V.

Q: What size are the plumbing connections? A: The pump uses 2.5-inch (2½”) connections with standard Waterway unions, which are sold separately.

Q: Does this pump come with unions? A: No, the Waterway 2.5″ unions are sold separately.

Q: Does this pump come with an electrical cable? A: No, the electrical cable is not supplied. You must reuse the existing wiring from your previous pump.

Q: What capacitors does this pump use? A: The Viper 2-Speed uses a split-capacitor design with 16 µF and 30 µF capacitors.

Q: How does this compare to the single-speed Viper? A: The 2-speed version offers the advantage of quiet, low-power filtration on low speed, switching to full jet power only when needed. This saves energy and reduces noise during normal operation.

Q: Can the wet end be rotated? A: Yes, the wet end rotates in 90° increments for maximum plumbing flexibility.

Q: Does this pump have thermal protection? A: Yes, built-in thermal protection safeguards the motor from overheating damage on both speeds.

🏆 Why Choose the Waterway Viper 2-Speed 56-Frame Jet Pump

✅ Versatile Two-Speed Operation – Quiet filtration plus powerful jets

✅ 5.0 HP Wet End – Maximum flow capacity

✅ Energy Efficient – Low speed draws just 1.8A

✅ 56-Frame Construction – Superior cooling and longevity

✅ Powerful High Speed – 2.01 HP / 2,850 RPM for jets

✅ Quiet Low Speed – 0.53 HP / 1,450 RPM for circulation

✅ Thermal Protection – Built-in safety feature

✅ Proven Waterway Quality – Industry-leading manufacturer

🤝 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs

✅ UK-based company with expert local support

✅ Fast UK delivery options available

✅ Knowledgeable advice from spa industry specialists

✅ Competitive pricing

✅ Full warranty support

✅ Replacement seals, capacitors, and unions available

✅ Easy returns within 30 days

✨ Summary

The Waterway Viper 2-Speed 56-Frame Pump is a versatile high-performance jet pump engineered for swim spas and large hot tubs. Features a two-speed motor with thermal protection, paired with a 5.0 HP-rated wet-end impeller. Low speed delivers approximately 0.53 HP at 1,450 RPM drawing just 1.8A for quiet filtration. High speed delivers approximately 2.01 HP at 2,850 RPM drawing 9-12.5A for powerful jet performance. Operating at 230V/50Hz with split-capacitor design (16 µF + 30 µF). The robust 56-frame motor provides superior cooling and longevity. Features an 8-inch wet end that rotates in 90° increments. Uses 2.5-inch Waterway unions (sold separately). Electrical cable not supplied. Dimensions: 430mm × 200mm × 240mm. The ultimate choice for versatile swim spa and hot tub applications.