I have a Polaris booster pump. The motor runs and not making any odd noises but will sometimes not be generating any pressure. I ordered an impeller and seal kit. I opened it up today and the old impeller looks fine. I'm replacing the old impeller back in the pump and putting in a new O ring and seal. Any ideas on why the pump would be doing this?
booster pump issue...
- Thread starter marko7
- Start date
arvil
Well-known member
There are only three things I can think of. I’ve never had a booster pump, but from the parts diagram and flow diagram, the pump is not self priming, the filter pump must be on, and the valve lineup must supply water from the filter pump to the booster. Is the booster getting water? Maybe remove the drain plug, turn the filter pump on for a second or two, see if the booster is getting water. Is there a valve closed preventing water from the booster getting to you vacuum or other device. While you have the pump apart, hold the motor shaft and try to turn the impeller. The impeller must be tight to the motor shaft, not loose.
I determined it was the cartridge filters that was causing the problem. I removed them and ran pump without the filters installed and had plenty of pressure. I cleaned the cartridges which were covered in algae. I'm wondering if I should leave the cartridges out until I destroy the algae and then reinstall. The pump now is simply recirculating the water back through the empty filter housing and back to the pool. This is a very easy test to do before you waste time messing around with your pumps.
Running without filters installed is a good acid test on whether the filter is the issue, as you have done.
But only insofar as much as to make that determination. Debris in the unfiltered water can cause problems downstream.
But only insofar as much as to make that determination. Debris in the unfiltered water can cause problems downstream.
arvil
Well-known member
Yeah, that cartridge is the only thing that removes the algae and other fines. Rinsing with a hose on stream should enough rinse and get it back inline. I have a Sta-Rite cartridge only a couple feet from my AG pool, the pressure runs about 5 or 6 psig when clean. If it’s clogged with sunscreen or skin oils, etc, I fill a 30 gallon plastic trash can with water and some Cascade for dishwashers overnight soak and thorough rinse. If clogged with calcium, same trash can with water and muriatic acid, overnight soak and rinse. But, I’ve had to do this only about twice or so in 22 years.