Grundfos SB and SBA Pumps: Solution for Rainwater Harvesting
Learn how to install a sustainable system that allows you to save up to 50% on your water bill, reduce environmental impact, and ensure a reliable supply with Grundfos multistage technology.
1Why collect rainwater?
In a world where fresh water is an increasingly scarce resource, rainwater harvesting has become an essential practice for homes, businesses, and communities looking to manage water sustainably.
Environmental Benefits
- Resource conservation: Reduces pressure on aquifers and reservoirs
- Less runoff: Minimizes flooding and soil erosion
- CO₂ reduction: Decreases energy consumption for water treatment
Economic Benefits
- 40-50% savings: An average household saves 48,000 liters/year
- 5-10 year ROI: Guaranteed return on investment
- Less limescale: Extends the lifespan of appliances
Practical Benefits
Soft water ideal for plants, without chlorine or hard minerals. Perfect for washing machines and irrigation systems.
Social Benefits
Environmental education, added property value, and water autonomy in rural areas.
Practical Example
150m² roof with 800mm rain = 120,000L. Accounting for losses (20%): 96,000L usable (60% of non-potable consumption).
2How does a rainwater harvesting system work?
An efficient system consists of components working together to capture, filter, store, and distribute water optimally:
1. Collection
Metal or tile roof. Clean and accessible surface.
2. Conveyance
Clean gutters and downpipes that direct water to the tank.
3. Filtration
Filter that removes leaves and contaminants before the tank.
4. Tank
Polyethylene or fiberglass. 200 to 40,000 liters capacity.
5. Pump
Grundfos SB or SBA pushes water to the points of use.
6. Backup
Automatic switch to mains water when the tank is empty.
3Grundfos SB and SBA Pumps: Features and Advantages
Multistage submersible pumps designed for domestic rainwater harvesting applications. MEI ≥0.70 efficiency, floating suction filter, potable water certification, and plug-and-pump installation.
Plug-and-Pump
SBA: all-in-one with integrated controller. SB: flexibility with external controller.
Silent
Submerged in the tank. Imperceptible operation.
Protection
Thermal overload. SBA: dry-run protection.
Floating Filter
Extracts clean water from the surface, avoids sediment.
Potable Water
ACS/WRAS certification. Safe materials.
Efficiency
MEI ≥0.70. Complies with EU ErP regulations.
4Comparison: Grundfos SB vs SBA
Choose the pump that best suits your needs. Both offer the same hydraulic performance, but with different levels of installation complexity.
• You want quick and simple installation
• You have no technical experience
• You are looking for an "all-in-one" solution
• You want integrated protection
• You need a custom system
• You already have a compatible controller
• You want maximum flexibility
• You are looking for a tight budget
5Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value / Detail |
|---|---|
| Pump type | Multistage submersible (multiple impellers for higher pressure) |
| Max flow rate | Up to 111 l/min (6.6 m³/h) |
| Max delivery head | 34 - 45 meters (depending on exact model) |
| Max submergence depth | 10 meters |
| Power supply | Single-phase 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Power consumption (P2) | 0.54 kW - 0.62 kW |
| Liquid temperature | From 0°C to 40°C |
| Certification | Suitable for potable water (ACS / WRAS depending on region) |
| Minimum Efficiency Index (MEI) | ≥ 0.70 (Complies with EU ErP regulations) |
| Materials | Stainless steel and corrosion-resistant composites |
| Noise level | Extremely quiet (submerged in the tank) |
| Protection | Integrated thermal overload. SBA: also dry-run protection |
Common Applications
Garden Irrigation
Automatic or manual irrigation systems
Toilets
Toilet flushing (30% of consumption)
Washing Machine
Less detergent, less limescale
Sheds / Cabins
Agricultural supply
Cleaning
Vehicles and surfaces
Pools
Filling and maintaining levels
6Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Installing a rainwater harvesting system with a Grundfos SB or SBA pump is an accessible process by following these detailed steps.
Filtration Setup
Filter type: Choose between a manual diverter filter (economical) or a self-cleaning filter (more efficient).
Location: Place the filter at the downpipe outlet, before entering the tank.
Tank Selection and Installation
Capacity: 3,000-5,000 liters for an average home (100-150 m² roof).
Location: Preferably buried or in a shaded area.
Material: Corrosion-resistant polyethylene or fiberglass.
Pump Installation
Placement: Submerge the pump up to a maximum of 10m, secured with a rope or chain.
SB: Connect external controller (PM1 or PM2).
SBA: Configure integrated controller. "A" model includes a floating switch.
Electrical: 230V with differential protection.
Backup System (Mains Backup)
Level switch: Detects when the tank is empty.
Solenoid valve: Automatically switches to mains water.
Goal: Ensure continuous supply.
Overflow Management
Siphon or pipe: Directs excess water to drainage or the garden.
Safety valve: Prevents dirty water from entering.
Indoor Uses (Optional)
UV disinfection: For washing machines and domestic uses.
Purification filter: Activated carbon or reverse osmosis for human consumption.
Independent network: Signage pipes according to local building codes.
7System Maintenance and Care
Grundfos reliability is legendary, but basic maintenance guarantees decades of faultless service.
Every 3-6 Months
- Clean filters: Tank inlet and pump suction
- Check float: Free movement without obstructions
- Electrical review: Connections and absence of moisture
- Leak control: Visual inspection of pipes
Every 1-2 Years
- Tank inspection: Sediment at the bottom. Clean if necessary
- Pump pressure: Verify 2.2 bar start-up pressure (SBA)
- Winter protection: Thermal insulation intact
- Pest control: Tank kept tightly sealed
8Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, with proper filtration and treatment (UV disinfection, activated carbon, or reverse osmosis). Grundfos SB and SBA pumps are certified for potable water, but purification systems must be added for direct human consumption. For uses such as irrigation, cleaning, or toilets, no additional treatment is needed.
A 100 m² roof in a region with 600 mm of annual rainfall can collect about 60,000 liters of water. Accounting for evaporation and overflow losses (20%), approximately 48,000 liters can be used annually, covering up to 50% of non-potable domestic consumption. The formula is: Area (m²) x Rainfall (mm) x 0.8 (loss coefficient).
The Grundfos SBA is an "all-in-one" solution with an integrated pressure controller and dry-run protection. The Grundfos SB requires an external controller (PM1 or PM2) but offers more flexibility for custom installations. Both have the same hydraulic performance (flow rate, head, power).
Filters should be cleaned every 3-6 months, the tank inspected every 1-2 years for sediment or leaks, pump operation verified, and the tank kept tightly sealed to prevent pests and algae. Grundfos pumps require very little maintenance thanks to their robust design.
Yes, but the tank and pipes must be thermally insulated in climates where temperatures drop below 0°C to prevent freezing. Grundfos pumps can operate with water between 0°C and 40°C. If the tank is buried, the ground acts as a natural insulator.
Although the initial installation can cost between 1,000 and 5,000 euros (depending on tank capacity and complexity), savings on the water bill offset the investment in 5-10 years. An average family can save hundreds of euros annually, plus the benefits in appliance maintenance.
Yes, it is completely legal to collect rainwater for personal use in Catalonia and Spain. However, the Building Technical Code (CTE) DB-HS 4 must be complied with if used for toilets or washing machines, requiring an independent network and proper signage. No special permit is required for domestic use.
For an average home with a 100-150 m² roof, a 3,000-5,000 liter tank is adequate. The ideal capacity depends on the catchment area, local rainfall, and expected consumption. It is recommended to size it to cover 2-3 weeks of consumption without rain.
No, Grundfos SB and SBA pumps are extremely quiet. Being submerged in the tank, the water acts as an acoustic insulator. The noise level is practically imperceptible, ideal for residential environments. They will not bother you day or night.
The Grundfos SBA has built-in dry-run protection: it stops automatically and attempts to restart periodically. The Grundfos SB requires an external controller (PM2) or level switch to provide this protection and prevent motor damage.
Yes, rainwater is ideal for the washing machine. Being soft water (without limescale), it requires less detergent and fabric softener (up to 50% less), extends the machine's lifespan, and improves washing quality. Basic filtration and, optionally, UV disinfection are recommended.
To prevent odors: 1) Install efficient filters at the inlet, 2) Keep the tank tightly sealed and in the dark (prevents algae), 3) Clean the tank every 2-3 years, 4) Ensure good ventilation with appropriate valves, 5) Use systems that extract water from the surface (Grundfos floating filter).
Grundfos SB and SBA pumps are the key to an efficient, sustainable, and easy-to-install rainwater harvesting system. With benefits such as up to 50% savings on your water bill, environmental protection, and water autonomy, this system is a smart investment for the future.
Grundfos offers top-tier quality and technical support, with international certifications and over 50 years of experience in pumping solutions.
Information based on official Grundfos sources: product pages on grundfos.com, technical datasheets, and manufacturer specifications. All specifications are subject to change by the manufacturer without prior notice. Last updated: June 2026.
