If you use pressure-side pool cleaners for your swimming pool, pool booster pumps are an absolute must. A pool booster pump increases water pressure and improves water circulation, which maximally cleans your pool. As a result, the water will appear sparkling and crystal clear.
While it’s obvious there are lots of pool booster pumps currently available in the market, picking one that’s suitable for your specific needs can be daunting. This guide covers the top five best booster pumps and their pros and cons to help you make the most informed pool booster pump purchase decision.
5 Best Pool Booster Pumps
1. Polaris PB4-60 OEM Booster Pump
- EFFICIENT: Ultra low flow requirements allow the booster pump to operate on the low speed of a 2-speed or variable-speed pump for energy savings
- THE POWER BEHIND POLARIS: High efficiency 3/4 horsepower motor drives water flow to propel the pressure cleaner and circulate clean water throughout the pool
- DESIGN DRIVEN: Unlike other booster pumps, Polaris booster pumps are specifically designed to operate Polaris pressure-side pool cleaners at optimum power and cleaning efficiency
- COMPATIBILITY: Appropriate for all Polaris pressure-side cleaners that require a booster pump
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: Comes with Polaris Softtube and quick connect fittings. Professional installation is the key to ensure best performance and warranty coverage of your Polaris booster pump.
Polaris is a popular pool equipment manufacturer known for its quality pool cleaning products. The Polaris PB4-60 is a high-performance booster pump that provides maximum pool cleaning efficiency and long life.
This 3/4 (0.75) HP suction booster pump features an automatic transfer switch to protect your filtration system against damage from power loss. It features an industry-leading design that ensures compatibility with today’s energy-efficient filtration pumps.
The PB4-60 has a built-in check valve to prevent backflow of water and can be used with any standard submersible sump pump. It includes Quick Connectors, Softube hose, and an installation kit for an easy pool cleaner setup.
Pros
- Easy installation with included install kit
- Suction and pressure port adapters included for pool cleaner compatibility
- Automatic transfer switch prevents damage to filtration pumps when pool cleaner is operated
Cons
- Lower water pressure compared to other booster pumps
2. Polaris – Pb4-60 Booster Pump for Pressure Side Pool Cleaners
- Ultra high efficiency 3/4 horsepower motor
- Heavy duty single piece base. Amps: 6.4/12.8
- Captured backplate nut fasteners
- Egonomic drain plug with o-ring
- New larger volute seal o-ring
If you plan to run your pressure-side pool cleaner every day for several hours, then the Polaris PB4-60 booster pump for pressure-side pool cleaners is an excellent option. It uses an ultra-high efficiency 3/4 horsepower Magnetek motor for super-high performance even in pool applications that require many hours of pool cleaner running time.
The Polaris PB4 for pressure-side pool cleaners is highly user-friendly and can supply large volumes of pool water at low pressure. It features an ergonomic drain plug with an O-ring for easy removal during the draining process.
If you don’t like the assembling process, this booster pump comes with an installation kit that makes the installation smoother. With its captured backplate nut fasteners, you can easily install your pool cleaner with your pool’s existing filtration system.
Pros
- Perfect for pool cleaners
- Ergonomic drain plug with O-ring for easy draining process
- Superior, better quality Magnetek for durability
Cons
- Poor quality pump bearings
3. Hayward W36060 0.75 HP Booster Pump
- The Hayward Booster Pump is ENERGY STAR Certified and offers exceptional energy savings, using up to 35% less electricity than other models on the market
- Suitable for all pressure cleaners requiring a booster pump
- Advanced design offers exceptionally quiet performance
- 1 1/2" pipe unions and 3/4" hose fittings are included to provide easy installation and service
- Tall mounting base allows for increased motor ventilation and protection from flooding or other damage
The Hayward W36060 booster pump is a performance beast built with high-quality materials for durability. This booster pump can be used with all pressure cleaners requiring a booster pump. In addition, it is ENERGY STAR Certified and offers exceptional energy savings, using up to 35% less electricity than other models on the market.
Unlike most pumps, it features an advanced design that offers exceptionally quiet performance. It also comes with 1 1/2″ pipe unions and 3/4″ hose fittings to provide easy installation and service. Its tall mounting base allows for increased motor ventilation and protection from flooding or other damage.
The Hayward pool booster pump is rated 12 GPM at 50 PSI. The Hayward pool booster pump has a powerful 0.75 HP motor that increases efficiency for most high-end pressure-side pool cleaners. You can pump large quantities of water and pressure to clean your pool’s surface efficiently.
Pros
- Compatible with any pool equipment
- Offers the best combination of high-performance power, quiet operation, and durability.
- Easy installation and service
- Minimize energy and operating costs
Cons
- Hard to understand instructions
4. Waterway Plastics 3810430-1PDA 38104301Pda 0.75 hp Universal Booster Pump
- Comes with a tall, versatile mounting base
- Best replacement for any 0. 75 hp booster pump
- Suitable for all swimming pool pressure cleaners
- Maintains one of the highest head pressures in the industry
The Waterway Plastics Universal Booster Pump is a pool cleaning workhorse that can be used for any pool or spa. Unlike a filter pump, a booster pump is not self-priming and requires continuous water flow for it to work. It is designed to provide additional pressure and water volume when needed to feed the pool cleaner, which means it is compatible with most pool cleaners.
It features durable stainless steel construction and includes an installation kit with hose adaptors that permits easy pool cleaner installation. It features a 3/4-HP 230/115 V electric motor with an in-line check valve, 10′ pool cleaner hose, pressure gauge adaptor, and necessary hardware.
The pool pump can provide greater pressure and volume to your pool’s filtration system so that you can use your pool cleaner more efficiently. Unlike most booster pumps, it is lightweight, generates less noise, and comes with a tall, versatile mounting pump stand to prevent water damage in case of flooding.
Pros
- Provides quiet and smooth operation during pool maintenance
- Lightweight
- Compatible with most pool equipment
Cons
- Complaints of cracked volute outflow connection
5. Pentair LA01N Single Speed Booster Pump for Pressure-Side Pool Cleaner
- Features: Includes hoses and adaptors
- 115/230 VAC
- Port size: 3/4 x 3/4
- UL listed
- 1 Year Warranty
Unlike most available speed pool pumps, the Pentair Single Speed Booster Pump is designed with a single-speed universal booster that makes it compatible with any pool cleaner. This pool pump is made from durable and corrosion-proof materials for durability and endurance.
Pentair LA01N has a 1/2 HP pool pump motor with a 0.75-inch inlet and outlet and provides 50-PSI at 12-GPM. The pool pump is compact, ergonomic, and easy to install. This product includes a booster pump, hose, and adapter, making the installation process easy and smooth.
It provides an affordable and ideal replacement pool pump for a pressure-side booster pump. It’s perfect for pool owners who want to increase the pressure of their pool filter while using their existing pool equipment.
Pros
- High quality and durable materials
- Easy installation
- Comes with a hose and adapter
Cons
- Low-quality seal
Pool Booster Pump Purpose
A pool booster pump provides higher-pressure water to a pressure-side pool cleaner. During regular pool maintenance, pool cleaners need at least 30-PSI of pressure to power themselves around the pool. However, pool owners must rely on pool booster pumps since the pool filter system lacks enough force to power the pool cleaners.
Booster pumps increase water’s overall pressure and flow in a pool filter system by turning a water pump faster. This provides a continuous high-pressure water flow to your pool cleaner, allowing it to clean various surfaces with ease.
Advantages of Using a Booster Pump
A pool booster pump is necessary pool maintenance equipment for any pool owner. Pool owners who don’t use pool booster pumps are inevitably forced to rely on manual pool cleaning methods, which is time-consuming and expensive in the long run. Some distinct benefits of using a booster pump include:
Increases Water Pressure
High water pressure is essential when it comes to pool cleaners. Pool booster pumps remove limitations in pool water pressure by providing the pool cleaner with enough pressure and flow of water that allows it to efficiently clean pool surfaces. As a result, cleaning and maintaining pools becomes a breeze.
Saves Time and Money
Manual pool cleaning is not only time-consuming but also expensive in the long run. Pool booster pumps save pool owners both time and money since pool cleaners can do pool maintenance on their own. Moreover, pool booster pumps have additional benefits like quieter operation, better performance, easy installation, and simple maintenance.
Boost Pool Filter Pressure
Pool pumps are designed with motorized water pumps that can pump water at a faster rate. However, pool pumps lack the proper water pressure that is required by the more advanced pool cleaners. Pool booster pumps boost pressure and volume of water to the pool filtration system, allowing pool owners to use their swimming pool cleaner more efficiently.
Makes Pool Cleaning Easy and Efficient
Pool boosters not only increase pool pressure but also enhance pool cleaning and maintenance efficiency. A pool booster pump makes pool cleaners more effective by improving their overall pool cleaning capabilities. It leaves you with a cleaner pool and a better swimming experience.
Reduces the Risk of Pool Damage
Some pool cleaners can scratch pool surfaces and cause wear and tear. Pool booster pumps increase pool filter pressure, allowing swimming pool cleaners to move around the pool with ease without causing pool surface damage or pool wear and tear.
Are Pool Booster Pumps Necessary?
A pool booster pump works the same way a normal pump works and is necessary for any swimming pool owner who wants efficient water pressure and pool cleaning capabilities. It’s an additional pump for boosting your pool’s water pressure.
Pool booster pumps are designed with electric motors that run water pumps at a faster rate. While pool pumps transfer pool water through tubes, allowing pool cleaners to move easily across pool surfaces, pool booster pumps increase pool water pressure by turning faster. This leads to pool cleaners receiving more water pressure and an increased pool water flow, allowing them to clean swimming pool surfaces easily.
Pool Buster Pump Common Parts
A pool pump booster has distinct parts which are necessary for pool cleaner operation. These parts work together to transfer pool water with an enhanced force that helps pool cleaners operate effectively. Here are some of the common parts of a pool pump booster:
Motor
The driving force behind the pool pump creates a churning force necessary to drive the pump and circulate water. There are three types of motors; single-speed induction motors, dual speed, and variable speed.
Single-speed motors are slowly losing popularity, giving way to speed and variable motors due to their energy efficiency. Most single-speed induction motors run a dual voltage setup that enables them to run on either 115 or 230 voltage. Variable and dual-speed electric motors run strictly on 230 voltage though some dual-speed motors run on 115.
Pump Impeller
The pump impeller transforms the spinning shaft of the electric motor into the pulling force for pumping. It consists of two discs glued together to sandwich the fan blades. The front disc has an opening with a porthole that focuses the churning power of the pump impeller towards the suction pipe to the pool. The water is drawn through the pump impeller’s face, expelled through the slotted sides, then rushed back to the pool. It’s an H2O’s merry-go-round.
Inlets/Outlets
The pool pump booster has one inlet and two outlets at the pool pump impeller, one for pool water and one to return pool water. These let pool water pass through freely and allow pool cleaners to move upwards and downwards pool walls. Pool accessories are attached to the outlets to direct pool water flow.
Pressing or Flow Sensor
To ensure you achieve the required water pressure, pool booster pumps are equipped with flow sensors that measure or regulate the flow rate of the water. This sensor is connected to the pool cleaner. The pool booster pump pushes the water to the pool cleaner, which returns pool water to the pool pump. This limits the pressure of the water and maintains a constant flow rate that enables pool cleaners to work efficiently without putting too much stress on the pool filter system.
Considerations When Purchasing a Pool Booster Pump
Having understood what pool booster pumps are, their advantages, and the top best booster pumps, it’s crucial to discuss some factors to consider when buying one. These considerations are vital whether you are replacing an existing pump or purchasing a booster pump for the first time.
Price
The pool pump’s price depends on its features and power output. High output pool pumps operate pool cleaners without pool owners having to run pool pumps at their maximum output. To ensure you set the proper budget, compare the average costs of different pump boosters and pool cleaners.
Durability
Having pool equipment that’s sturdy and highly durable is a priority for pool owners. When buying pool pumps, you should seek pool booster pumps from well-known brands or companies that have been in the industry long enough to prove their value. Also, check pool pump reviews posted by other buyers before making a purchase.
HP
Different pool booster pumps have different pool pump horsepower. For example, pool booster pumps which have 1 HP pool pump, are designed for residential pools. Meanwhile, pool booster pumps with 1/2 or 3/4 pool pump HP are ideal for medium-sized swimming pools. For efficient cleaning, choose a booster pump with at least 0.75 HP and water pressure of at least 30 PSI.
Connection
Before settling on any booster pump, it’s essential to check if pool equipment has a pool pump connection system that suits your pool. Also, ensure the pool booster pumps you purchase are compatible with your pool cleaners, filters, pumps, and pool returns.
Additionally, you can adjust your fittings to work on a smaller connection. However, before you make any adjustments, consider the HP of the motor. Fitting a wide pipe on a low HP motor weakens the pressure, while a too narrow tube with a high HP motor can cause the motor to burn out.
Current
Every pool and pressure side pool cleaner is different. As a pool owner, you need pool booster pumps that give pool cleaner the best pool water flow. The higher the flow rate, the better the performance.
If the pool booster pump connection is not optimal for your pool cleaner, it’ll require more energy to suck pool water and push it out of the pool pipe. This can lead to excess stress on the pump motor, which will shorten its lifespan.
Pool Booster Pump FAQ
How Long Does a Pool Booster Pump Last?
With regular usage, pool booster pumps last for 8 to 12 years. However, pool pump life depends on the pool water and pool cleaner’s pressure. When the pool water is dirtier, the cleaner puts in more pressure and can cause the motor to burn. This significantly reduces the pool pump’s lifespan.
How Long Should I Run My Booster Pump?
To prevent the motor from overheating, you should not run the pool pump continuously. It’s better to have long, infrequent pool pump running hours than a pool pump that’s on at full pool pump pressure for several minutes. Typically, 6-8 cycles per hour are enough, but some booster pumps can handle 15 cycles an hour.
How Do I Know if My Booster Pump Is Bad?
You can easily spot pool booster pumps that are about to fail. Common signs include:
-Pool pump motor overheating.
-Pool water pressure issues.
-Pool pump making abnormal noise when in use.
-Pool cleaner not getting enough pool water flow.
Conclusion
In pool equipment, pool booster pumps have an essential role. They are excellent for enhancing water pressure and water flow for your pool. If you buy pool pump boosters from reputable pool equipment companies, you can rest easy knowing your pool is clean and well-maintained for years to come. With this guide, you won’t have any issues finding the best pool booster pump suitable for your swimming pool.
For over 15 years, Sean Moore has been sharing his love and enthusiasm for swimming pools and hot tubs with everyone he knows. His goal is to help everyday people DIY their maintenance to save money by teaching how to properly take care of your equipment, safely and correctly balance chemicals, and extend the life of your water oasis.
Pricing on this page was last updated on 2024-12-09