Installation and Operation
Important Information
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
Dolphin Pumps are designed to operate efficiently over a wide range of system applications. The pumps are favorable for installations near spaces of leisure and recreation as Dolphin Pumps are quiet and generate noise and heat levels below other brand standard pumps.
SUGGESTED INSTALLATION:
- Always provide adequate access around the pump for ventilation and pump service/maintenance.
- When installing the pump, utilize the correct size piping (same size or larger than the inlet to the pump). Piping to the pump should be a straight length of pipe with an equivalent length of at least five to ten times the pump inlet size (ex. 1.5" would need at the least 7.5 inches of 1.5" or larger diameter pipe leading to the inlet of the pump).
- Eliminating angles close to the intake of the pump will reduce cavitation and/or resonance (vibration noise) coming from the pump.
- In larger systems, you can use two or more pumps in parallel to increase your flow.
- Utilizing the anti-vibration pad that comes with your pump will also reduce unwanted noise vibrating from the surface your pump is placed on.
- Shut-off valves are recommended on both the intake and discharge sides to aid in ease of removing the pump from the system for maintenance and repair.
- Attach the pump unions to the pump first to ensure proper union alignment and seal. Do NOT use Teflon/plumbers tape on the pump union threads.
- For maximum efficiency, pump protection, and reliability, ALWAYS use a Dolphin EZ primer/strainer basket on ALL systems not drawing directly from a sump and a water level of at least 2-3” above the pump height. ALL centrifugal pumps need a maintained water level height above the wet end of the pump in order to run efficiently as designed. Dolphin EZ primer/strainer basket is designed with a finer basket mesh to stop impeller damaging matter from entering the pump.
- Cavitation increases pump noise and decreases seal life due to microbubbles and extreme vibration. Dolphin EZ primer/strainer basket provides an easy way to prime the pump and have sufficient liquid during the start cycle so the pump does not cavitate or run dry.
- Locate the pump as close to the source as possible. It is best to have your main (longest) run of pipe on the discharge side of the pump. The pump is designed to push water, not pull it. If your installation requires pulling water, we recommend the use of a swing check valve and priming pot (Dolphin EZ basket) to be attached to the pump intake. Do NOT use foot or spring check valves as they reduce the amount of water available to the pump. They clog easily and are difficult to service.
- Too much flow can be dialed back by installing a ball valve on the discharge line only. This will not only reduce flow but will also affect your pump's service factor and decrease energy consumption.
- Always comply with local, State, Federal, and any other applicable laws and codes when installing the pump. A power supply circuit to the pump must have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFC). The pump must be grounded with a #8 AWG or larger conductor, from the external grounding mount on the pump to a single grounding source. DO NOT tamper with the cord in our corded pumps. Do not use extension cords. When cording/installing high-speed or un-corded pumps use a certified electrician. All 230 Volt installations should be hard-wired by a professional.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS:
- DO NOT RUN THE PUMP DRY. This will void all warranties and destroy your seals. Only operate the pump when filled with water.
- Before turning on (plugging in) the pump, check for air leaks in the piping, make sure all drain screws are secure and make sure all valves to the pump are open. The wet end of the pump needs to be full of and attached to a reliable water source prior to turning the pump on (plugging in).
- Weatherproof means just that, proof against weather, NOT waterproof. The pump will take occasional rain, snow, sunshine, etc. without any difficulty. Do not submerge the pump or allow it to become submerged. This will void your warranty. Do not leave the pump outside unprotected over the winter to freeze. This may crack the wet end or damage the impeller.
- When storing or non-use of the pump for an extended period, adhere to proper maintenance procedures. Clean and rinse out the entire wet end of the pump with fresh water and dry seal surfaces before storing.
- Unplug and take the pump out of service while performing pump system maintenance.
WARRANTY INFORMATION:
Dolphin Pumps are warranted to be free from defects in workmanship and/or materials for a period of the following: Freshwater seals have a 1-year warranty and saltwater seals have a 3-year warranty (all motors over 1/3hp provide a 1-year warranty) 10-year factory service guarantee (US only).
EXCLUSIONS: Shipping damage is not under our control. The customer fails to comply with installation or operating instructions. Problems resulting from abuse, negligence, or accident by any other party other than Dolphin Pumps. Damage including, but not limited to, an improper installation by the end customer and/or third party, run dry operation, loss of prime, obstruction in plumbing lines, obstruction of the impeller, problems resulting from modifications and/or alterations of product, failure due to corrosion from an extreme environment, water events (submersion of pump motor), electrical events (power surge/storm damage) and/or failure to properly maintain the pump. Please read the warranty provided with your product for additional information.
Should a defect in the material in any item covered by this warranty become evident during the time of the warranty, Dolphin will either repair or replace the defected part(s) at its own cost or expense. Dolphin is not responsible under this warranty for the cost of shipping or transportation of the item(s). Dolphin is not responsible for any losses including, but not limited to, time, inconvenience, incidental expenses, implied damages, and/or any other losses and/or damages arising from the product(s). Some states do not allow for the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to all circumstances and/or customers.
The warranty protects the original retail purchaser only. Sales receipt or proof of purchase must be provided for warranty services, there are NO exceptions. The warranty is valid only in the United States. Please contact the vendor or distributor for a copy of any misplaced/lost sales receipts.
DIRECTIONS FOR WARRANTY USE:
- REQUEST A REPAIR/REPLACEMENT FORM at info@dolphinpumps.com
- Ship the pump and form to 2279 Industrial Park Dr., Cairo, GA 39828
- Provide a copy of the original receipt, warranty form, and/or proof of purchase.
- Dolphin will contact you when your pump has been received and advise of details.
- The pump will ship back via UPS Ground service (US mailing addresses only).
WARRANTY VOIDS:
The complete warranty is void if the following is discovered: The pump is not properly maintained, the product is not used as directed/intended, Teflon tape used on the union threads, the wet end has been improperly disassembled/tampered with(beyond routine maintenance), unauthorized use of third party/non-original parts, the pump was run dry, power surges, a receipt/warranty is not accompanied with pump, specific identification codes do not match warranty/product(s) and/or other exclusions mentioned here and/or in our return and/or our warranty policy online.
NO dealer/distributor has the authority to accept returns or to make any warranties or representations concerning Dolphin Pumps or its product line. Dolphin Pumps is not responsible for any such warranties or representations. This warranty gives specific rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from State to State. We reserve the option to repair pumps at a pro-rated cost when warranty voids are present.
The warranty must be returned with all warranty issues; otherwise, the pump will be covered by the 10-year factory service guarantee as indicated from the motor manufacturing date.
WARRANTY
Since 1-2021, all Dolphin Pumps have the following warranty: Freshwater seals have a 1-year warranty and saltwater seals have a 3-year warranty (all models with motors over 1/3hp provide a 1-year warranty), 10-year factory service guarantee (the US only). All pump models prior to 3-2020 will continue to have a one to three-year warranty dependent on older generation seal types.
Service Guarantee - All Dolphin pumps have a 10-year extended service guarantee. Under the factory extended service guarantee, the customer can send in (at their expense) their pump for any symptom of failure or loss of performance. Dolphin will disassemble the pump, clean the pump, and determine the reason for failure. The customer will be required to pay (wholesale list cost) only for parts needed to restore the pump to reliable working condition. If the pump cannot be repaired, the customer will be offered a rebuilt or new unit at a distributor discount. Shop labor and pump test time never charged. Return shipping is the only cost to the customer for any warranty service. Valid only in the United States.
Dolphin may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links on this site.
Our Products
How to purchase our products
Dolphin products are sold directly to manufacturers, distributors and retail outlets. If you are a consumer looking to purchase Dolphin products please make a request to your local retailer to carry our line and/or purchase from an online, vendor.
If you are a retailer or distributor looking to buy direct, please contact us: info@dolphinpumps.com.
For retail purchases please visit any of the links provided below. These links are provided to share sites where you can find useful information as well as our product line. Dolphin Pumps does not endorse any specific vendor(s) or link(s). If you carry Dolphin’s product line and would like to be included, please email info@dolphinpumps.com.
Distributors:
https://www.aquariumspecialty.com
http://www.bigkahunatropicalfish.com
Retail, Aquarium, Pond & Maintenance:
Hydroponic Farming, Aquaponics, Aquaculture & Other:
Dolphin Priming Straining Basket for Dolphin Pumps
Dolphin Product policies
Company policy
We have tried to provide the most up-to-date, comprehensive, and factual information as possible on this website, but occasional errors may occur. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss any potential discrepancies. Additionally, Dolphin reserves the right to make changes to the information presented as specifications, prices and pertinent information may have changed since publication.
The information that follows is very important for all distributors to be familiar with in order to best provide their customers with knowledgeable information to make the proper choice in their pump purchase(s).
When purchasing products for international shipping please contact your customs agent to discuss shipping procedures. Please contact the FDA, Center for Veterinarian Medicine, Communications Staff at 301-827-3800 regarding any chemicals used in the production of fish/plants for human consumption, as special considerations may be necessary.
If you ever have a product concern please call or email us immediately to discuss and remedy the issue. Your happiness is our happiness. We pride ourselves in superior customer service and can only solve problems when we know about them. If you have any suggestions on how to better serve your needs, please let us know. We appreciate your business and hope you feel like you are treated like family.
Return Policy
Returns must be in a "new" resalable condition, including all manuals, components, and accessories, and in the manufacturer’s original packaging. All items are subject to a 90-day return policy where a 30% re-stocking fee is added after 30 days of the original sale. Please email for a return authorization and send the unused return item to Dolphin Pumps directly. If an original purchase date cannot be determined or the original purchase receipt is not included, a 30% restocking fee will be added. New unused items, returned to point of purchase within 30 days, will qualify for a refund as otherwise stated by distributors or retail policies. Special orders, customs items, and closeout/discount items are NOT returnable.
All items must be in new unused condition with original packaging and parts included. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and it is suggested that the items be carefully packed and insured. Dolphin is not responsible for lost or damaged returns. COD returns will not be accepted. Please email info@dolphinpumps.com or call for detailed return instructions.
Return Procedure
All returned products will be thoroughly inspected and a determination will be made if eligibility and conforming requirements are met. Please verify the product you are returning meets the below guidelines and qualifies for return to avoid any delay in or denial of, processing your return. Return processing may take up to 5 business days from the time your product is received.
Inspection Criteria
- Products must be in the original manufacturer's packaging and shipped securely.
- Products must be complete with any standard certification labels (UL listing, capacity, brand name, UPC code) originally placed and not tampered with.
- Product serial number, or any similar identification numbers, must match the serial number on the package or invoice.
- Products must be free from damage of any type, including, but not limited to dents, scratches, cracks, abuse, defacement, or indication of removed screws/fasteners or seals.
- Products must be accompanied by the original proof of purchase.
Products so labeled with a security seal, must have the seal intact and not tampered with.
Return Shipping
For your protection, we recommend that you insure your return and use a traceable carrier that can provide you with delivery confirmation. Dolphin Pumps shall not be responsible for items returned that are lost or damaged in transit. Postage and handling charges, both to and from our warehouse will be paid by the customer, and are non-refundable. At our discretion, Dolphin Pumps may reimburse shipping charges related to the return or exchange of defective products inside the U.S. only.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
In the event that the product you are returning does NOT meet the requirements described in this document, we will photograph the merchandise and packaging, and prepare a detailed summary of our determination as to why the return was denied, the product(s) will be deemed not eligible for return and/or could be returned to you and/or be eligible for repair under warranty (subject to repair cost and shipping) and/or be subject to a 50% restocking fee.
Damaged items – Please contact us immediately upon shipment if product damage is noticed. Any item damage claim will not be recognized after 10 days from delivery.
Dolphin may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links on this site.
