Polaris Booster Pump- again

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6XSBChamps

6XSBChamps

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Jul 12, 2021
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I know the solution is move on from Polaris which I’ll do once the warranty on this one is done. Until then, I am now on my 4th booster pump in less than 2 years. My builder says it’s a known issue with Polaris. Is it at all possible I am doing wrong with it? It happened this last time after running it over the weekend in colder temps, low 50s. Could that be an issue with these? But the previous failed pumps went bad in the summer when I run daily for about 2 hours every morning? Is that over use?8B2616A0-9B23-4B5F-B7DA-9CD2A3584BFB.jpeg
 
Those pumps are known to crack and leak as well as having poor quality seals that fail and leak (In my opinion).

Also, your suction line is collapsed, which will cause problems for the pump.

The pump suction should be pressurized from the main supply, so maybe you are having a flow issue for some reason?
 
JamesW said:
Those pumps are known to crack and leak as well as having poor quality seals that fail and leak (In my opinion).

Also, your suction line is collapsed, which will cause problems for the pump.

The pump suction should be pressurized from the main supply, so maybe you are having a flow issue for some reason?
Click to expand...
Yes, I’m going to mention that to the builder when they replace this one.
 
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See if you can talk the builder into replacing the PB4SQ pump with a PB4-60 pump. The PB4SQ pumps have been lemons with many leaking. The PB4-60 is a less expensive pump with a proven design so the PB may be willing to swap it.

The PB4SQ is about 40% more energy efficient than the PB460 but you don't run the cleaner that long. And energy efficiency does not matter if the pump does not last.

The collapsed suction line indicates you may have other problems with your water flow and plumbing.

Can you post a wider pic so we can see the rest of your plumbing that feeds your booster pump?

Booster Pumps - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
I found this pic you posted but the pipes in front don't let us see how the booster pump gets its water.

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It looks like the Polaris is getting water from the T with the red dot.

If that is accurate, then the Polaris might be running when the system is in “Spa” mode, which will starve the pump because you will get no flow to the booster pump.

Can the Polaris booster pump run while the system is in “Spa” mode?

Note that there is a check valve after the T, which will prevent any water from being pulled backwards through the returns, which can collapse the pipe like you see.

This also can make the water in the pump get very hot as it just churns and absorbs the energy as heat.

1670268188115.png
 
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Great info, thanks. Yes it feeds from the T with the red dot.
They replaced the booster yesterday and also replaced that hose with one a little longer and as of now it’s not caving in. I think the caving in was due to the shorter hose having to be making a quick turn to the booster.
I only run the cleaner in pool mode but that valve is now an actuator and set to send flow to the spa for the spillover.
I’ll keep a close eye on that hose to see if it starts to cave again.
Would I be helping the booster pump out if I run the main pump at a higher speed while vacuuming?
 
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