Immersion Chiller - Pump Recommendations

[javajo91]

Hey guys - was thinking of building the ice bath pump system. Take a look at this pump..
Look slike a great deal for 20 bucks. any issue with using a bilge pump?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=66095

Also - any advantages by going with a submersible over a regular non-submersible pump?

 

[EvilGnome6]

Hey guys - was thinking of building the ice bath pump system. Take a look at this pump..
Look slike a great deal for 20 bucks. any issue with using a bilge pump?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=66095

No real issues other than being 12V.

Also - any advantages by going with a submersible over a regular non-submersible pump?

It just requires one less hose.

 

[javajo91]

Hey Guys - ok - i just realized that i have an old Intex pool pump in my garage that i can use for my icebath/pump immersion chiller setup. Any suggestions of how i can convert it to fit the perhaps 1/2 diameter tubes on my chiller?

http://www.intexstore.com/ProductDe...ryID=136&CategoryName=Filter Pumps&parts=list

 

[javajo91]

i'm thinking a PVC Pipe reducing coupling?

 

[lustreking]

I started doing this about 2 batches ago. Here's the pump I use:

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

As per other people's suggestions, I cool with tap water until 100F, then recirc through the pump. Takes about 20-30 minutes to get to 68 for me.

I also used this to clean kegs, got that idea from someone else on the forum. Its not the most powerful pump in the world, but it works.

.....

That's the same one that I've been using for the past year and a half. Does a decent job. I really need to upgrade to the one in my first post. Getting to pitching temps quickly helps alot.

I, too, use that pump. It works surprisingly well considering the specs and price. I think I got it on sale for ~$12 or something.