6 years,no pump,one year w/pump.I use a pitcher to recirc.I wont be using my pump until my H.E.R.M.S is built,except for runing my ice chiller when the water source is above 70 deg. F.Hopefully,I'll finish that by May but I'm not holding my breath.I'm a few parts shy,yet.First build will be all manual control,then upgrade as possible.My current method ( w/o pump ) is working just fine and I'm pretty sure that I'll miss it,at first,after the build is done.20+ years, no pump.
Just make beer.Pumps and that are really just toys to play with.
Don't worry.Brew happy.