What Is a KoolAir Pump?
A marine HVAC seawater circulation pump with run-dry protection. It's the only marine AC pump that survives a clogged strainer without damage.
The Problem with Standard Marine AC Pumps
Every marine air conditioning system relies on a seawater circulation pump. These pumps pull raw water through a strainer, push it through the HVAC condenser, and discharge it overboard. The system works fine until the strainer clogs.
Barnacles, seaweed, sand, and debris accumulate in the raw water strainer over time. When flow stops, a conventional pump keeps running. Without water to cool the pump internals, temperatures spike. Within minutes, the impeller warps, the housing deforms, and the pump is destroyed.
The result is no air conditioning, a repair bill that can reach hundreds of dollars, and downtime waiting for a replacement. Usually in the middle of a trip.
The KoolAir Solution: Run-Dry Protection
KoolAir pumps were built to handle this. When a strainer clogs and water flow stops, a KoolAir pump keeps running for several hours without taking any damage. It shuts itself down safely on its own.
Clear the strainer, let the pump cool down (or hose it off), and it starts right back up. No melted parts, no replacements, no ruined trip.
That's what run-dry protection means. The pump takes the hit, and you keep going.
How Run-Dry Protection Works
A sealless magnetic drive design with upgraded materials that handle extreme heat.
Upgraded Materials
Reinforced polymer housings (polypropylene or nylon depending on model), carbon/ceramic bearing surfaces, and heat-resistant components are rated for temperatures that destroy conventional pumps.
Sealless Magnetic Drive
No mechanical shaft seal means no leak points. The magnetically coupled impeller spins without physical contact, reducing wear and eliminating the most common failure point.
Self-Recovery
After a dry-run event, the pump shuts down safely. Reintroduce water, let it cool, and it restarts with no loss in performance. No parts to replace, no technician required.
Direct March Pump Replacement
KoolAir pumps are a drop-in replacement for comparable March pump models, including the widely used March LC-3CP-MD. The mounting footprint, port sizes, and electrical connections are designed to match, so you can upgrade without modifying your existing plumbing or mounting hardware.
You can also purchase a KoolAir Wet End Kit and swap it onto your existing March pump motor to gain run-dry protection without replacing the entire unit. The bases are fully interchangeable.
Every PM500 ships with both a standard base and a marine base included. March makes you buy the alternate base separately.
Our Pump Lineup
Five series covering every marine HVAC installation, from compact runabouts to multi-zone yachts.
| Series | Voltage | Max Flow | Max Head | Max Temp | Ports | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM500 Series | 115V / 230V | 8.5 GPM (500 GPH) | 19 ft | 130°F | ¾" FPT in / ½" MPT out | Standard marine AC, epoxy encapsulated, fully submersible |
| PM1000 Series | 115V / 230V | 17.2 GPM (1,030 GPH) | 27 ft | 180°F | 1" FPT in / ½" MPT out | Larger vessels, ODP motor for open-air installations |
| TPM1000 Series | Dual (115V/230V) | 17.2 GPM (1,030 GPH) | 27 ft | 180°F | 1" FPT in / ½" MPT out | Dual voltage, TEFC motor for enclosed engine rooms |
| SPM1000 Series | 115V / 230V | 14.5 GPM (870 GPH) | 27 ft | 130°F | 1" FPT in / ½" MPT out | Fully submersible for below-waterline installations |
| PM300 Series | 12V DC | 5.3 GPM (318 GPH) | 24 ft | 194°F | ½" MPT in / ½" MPT out | 12V brushless DC, IP68 rated, 20,000 hr motor life |
All KoolAir pumps are non-self-priming and require flooded suction (positive suction for PM300). Impellers on the PM1000, TPM1000, and SPM1000 can be trimmed to adjust flow or compensate for higher-viscosity liquids. Specs based on pumping water.
Certifications & Standards
KoolAir AC pump models are tested and certified to these standards.
ETL Listed
Tested and certified by Intertek
UL Recognized
Meets UL safety standards
ISO 8846
Marine Ignition Protection certified
USCG Compliant
US Coast Guard approved for marine use
SAE J1171:2016
Marine engine room fire protection
NMMA Certified
National Marine Manufacturers Association
What Boat Owners Are Saying
AC Pump
“While in Guatemala for hurricane season, AC pump started failing. Thank you for the extra effort to search the warehouse and find the last one! Arrived in a week and we are back to cool air!”
Marty Smith
November 2025
Excellent Pump, Very Reliable at a Fraction of the Competition
“We have been replacing the March air cooled for this model and has worked fine for the last 5 years. 3 pumps on board.”
Mariana Pezzulo
September 2020
Peace of Mind on the Water
“There are too many things that can go wrong when you're on the water, you need to mitigate risk and making the decision to implement a KoolAir pump helps me do just that.”
Jeff Rickels
Naples, FL
Find the Right Pump for Your Boat
Every KoolAir pump comes with run-dry protection. Pick your series and we ship same day on orders placed by 2 PM EST.
Call (800) 810-1053 · Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM EST