Polaris booster pump water supply?

[RBEmerson]

We have an ancient 180 (it's exactly as it came with the pool - if you ignore I've replaced most parts at one point or another) with a booster pump, of course. Somewhere in the Polaris docs it say something about never running the pump if the main pump isn't running.

The pump - filter - pump arrangement is, I think, conventional. Pool and spa drains feed the pump ("smart" variable speed pump) which feeds a DE filter. The discharge goes back to the wall ports in the pool and spa. The booster inlet is picked off the the pool discharge and has its own discharge line to the wall 180 fitting.

The question is whether the booster pump can run, with the above configuration, or will it not receive enough water to run without cooking the seals?

 

[mas985]

That is the conventional way to plumb a booster pump so it should run fine but only when the main pump is running. Are you asking if the booster can run without the main pump? If so, then no, it should not run without the main pump.

 

[sktn77a]

Yes, that is correct. The booster pump should have been wired so that it can only run when the main pump is on.

 

[RBEmerson]

The main pump's timer is part of the pump itself. Using an external timer would trigger a data reset every time the pump's power is cycled.

I'll just have to be very careful about when the booster pump runs.

ADDED: I just re-read the initial post. I missed a word. The question should be "The question is whether the booster pump can run alone, with the above configuration[...].

 

[crusemm]

Without the main pump running, there is not enough pressure on the inlet of the booster pump. This will cause the booster to cavitate (form tiny steam bubbles at the eye of the impeller, which collapse further down the impeller). This cavitation increases vibration in the impeller and shaft of the pump/motor assembly. Over time you will damage the pump impeller, seals, and motor bearings due to increased vibration, and you will cause pitting in the impeller.
All of this is in addition to the fact that you will probably not have enough pressure at the outlet of the booster pump to run your 180. Pump head (pressure) is cumulative (Pump Head of main+ Pump Head of Booster =Total Pump Head). You need a minimum pressure to run the cleaner and the booster by itself does not provide enough.
P.S. What are you riding in your Profile Pic? BMW?

 

[RBEmerson]

Um, I plead guilty to having let the pump run before remembering the main pump is off. Without a gauge, it's hard to know what the pressure is at the 180, but that's what has let the "OMG! No main pump" happen. The 180 runs around waving its sweep and inhaling leaves. NTL, your point about the overall evils of letting the booster run, hoping there's enough water somewhere in the upstream plumbing is well taken.

At this point, the booster shows no signs of eminent failure. The drain plug is, for some reason, seeping enough to warrant trying a new plug, o-ring, Teflon tape, etc. The thing is still seeping. Point is, I'm going to open up the pump. While I'm there, it sounds as though a new set of seals is a good idea. Do you have a recommended source for the seals?

The bike is a '16 BMW R1200RT, the location is Stelvio Pass, Italy, coming from the north, through Trafoi, and I'm entering turn #20 (there's info in the rest of photo series).
Stelvio Video - Click here
Aren't you glad you asked? LOL