Polaris 3900 Sport Booster Pump?

Pesh · Mar 11, 2025

Over the last 15 years, I've had Polaris PB4-60Q booster, Pentair LAMS05 Booster, and most recently Puri Tech (now Intermatic) UniBoost.

I need to replace my Puri Tech UniBoost and trying to figure out whether to buy: Pentair Hydroboost (360526) for $400 or Pentair Booster (LA01N) for $360.

I cannot really tell what advantage the Hydroboost has over the LA01N that makes it worth the extra $40?

JamesW · Mar 11, 2025

The Pentair Hydroboost is a multistage impeller design with a TEFC motor.

The multistage impeller is supposed to be quieter.

The LA01N Booster Pump Pressure-Side Cleaner Pump is a single impeller pump with a regular motor.

https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/nam/pentair-pool/residential/pumps/hydroboost/hydroboost-booster-install-guide.pdf

https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/nam/pentair-pool/residential/parts-sheets/pool-pumps/Booster_Pump.pdf

https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/nam/pentair-pool/residential/pumps/archive/booster-pump-la01n/manuals/Universal_Booster_Pump_Installation_Parts_List_English.pdf

JamesW · Mar 11, 2025

Polaris PB4-60 is a single impeller pump with a regular motor.

Polaris PB4SQ is a multistage impeller design with a TEFC motor.

Pool Booster Pump: Polaris PB4SQ | Polaris Pool

Looking for a Pool Booster Pump? Find the Polaris PB4SQ and Buy Best-in-Class Cleaners Today!

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Polaris PB4-60: Pool Cleaner Pump | Polaris Pool

Looking for the Polaris PB4-60? Find this Pool Cleaner Pump and Buy Best-in-Class Cleaners Today!

www.polarispool.com

Pool Booster & Cleaner Pumps | Polaris Pool

Looking for Pool Booster Pumps? Buy Best-in-Class Pool Products Today!

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JamesW · Mar 11, 2025

https://www.polarispool.com/-/media/zodiac/global/downloads/polaris/booster-pumps/2559_sl_polaris_pb4sq.pdf

1poolman1 · Mar 13, 2025

Pesh said:
Over the last 15 years, I've had Polaris PB4-60Q booster, Pentair LAMS05 Booster, and most recently Puri Tech (now Intermatic) UniBoost.

I need to replace my Puri Tech UniBoost and trying to figure out whether to buy: Pentair Hydroboost (360526) for $400 or Pentair Booster (LA01N) for $360.

I cannot really tell what advantage the Hydroboost has over the LA01N that makes it worth the extra $40?

What you really need to do is find out why you are going through a booster about every 4 years. My PB-4 60 (the original Polaris booster) is nearly 20 years old and still running. Most last at least 15 years. I had one on my old service route that was about 25 years old with no issues. Had to replace the seal and impeller in mine once as it ran dry for a while when I was recovering from an injury and didn't take care of the pool as I should have.

Pesh · Mar 13, 2025

I wonder if it is Texas weather, not sure what else. Nothing exotic about my pool or booster use. I have my cleaner set to come one daily for 2 hours.

1poolman1 · Mar 13, 2025

Pesh said:
I wonder if it is Texas weather, not sure what else. Nothing exotic about my pool or booster use. I have my cleaner set to come one daily for 2 hours.

What is the issue with the pumps?
The usual problem is that they run dry for an extended time. Shaft seal gets damaged, water gets into the motor. That happens most times when the filter isn't cleaned as it should be, the pump or skimmer basket gets clogged, a timer get out of sync with the main pump, a valve gets moved the wrong way. Anything that stops or severely restricts the water to the booster can cause it to be damaged.

sktn77a · Mar 14, 2025

I replaced my Polaris PB4-60 with a Hayward 6060. Never looked back - quiet, reliable and works great with my Polaris 380.

Pesh · Mar 14, 2025

Since I'm buying a bunch of other Pentair equipment (filter, heater, main pump), there was an extended warranty benefit extended to the Pentair LA0N. Might consider 6060 for next time.