Removing a Booster Pump?

[HeyEng]

As I eluded to in a couple of other posts, I am looking at modifying some stuff with my "new to me" pool. One of the things I would like to do is get rid of the booster pump, as I no longer use a pressure cleaner. My plan is to just disconnect/cap the lines going to/from the pump as illustrated in the attached picture. I want to ask the "much smarter than me" users here if there is something I might be missing in doing this.

Currently, the water flows from the filter to a heater and then to an auto cholorinator (not used). From there, it goes to the booster pump/return or to the sun ledge water feature (two return jets that spray in the air...again, not used).

Also, if the pump is not turned on, will water still flow through it? My goal here is to save some $$$ by not having to run the pump during freeze protection. *If* water still flows thorough it w/ the main pump, then I *think* I could just electrically disconnect the pump.

Thanks in advance for all the help...you guys (and gals!) have been fantastic!

 

[PoolGate]

Without knowing your setup better, I think I would remove the pump and replace it with a pipe and not cap off any return lines. All circulation is good circulation.

 

[HeyEng]

Without knowing your setup better, I think I would remove the pump and replace it with a pipe and not cap off any return lines. All circulation is good circulation.

If I did that, then would I not just be sending some of the return to the cleaning outlet? Not saying it's a bad idea, just trying to figure it all out...

 

[PoolGate]

Yeah I have a cleaning port too that I don't use. But I crank it open once in awhile to flush it. I guess if it just goes to your cleaning port (I thought you said multiple things go from that pump) you could block it off forever. But you also could use that port as another return line.

 

[ajw22]

What you call a "cleaning port" is just another return line. The more returns and distribution of water flow the better for a pool.

I would just put in a straight pipe around the pump and let water flow through it. If you want you can put a valve on the line to open and close it.

If your return ever gets a leak having an alternative return can be very useful. I would not cut that pipe close to the ground where it could not be reused someday.

 

[HeyEng]

Thanks for all the information...I am happy that there is so much knowledge out there and there are smart folks ready to help!

Doing a little research, I believe that most booster pumps will allow some water flow even when turned off. Is my understanding of this correct? I think it might be just as easy to disconnect the pump electrically rather than do any re-plumbing. My only real concern is the risk of freeze damage to the plumbing to/from the pump.

 

[ajw22]

Doing a little research, I believe that most booster pumps will allow some water flow even when turned off. Is my understanding of this correct? I think it might be just as easy to disconnect the pump electrically rather than do any re-plumbing. My only real concern is the risk of freeze damage to the plumbing to/from the pump.

Yes, there should be some water flow through the booster pump circuit from your main pump with the booster pump not running. Pulling the breaker for the booster pump may be all that you need to do.

It is not clear to me what you do for freeze protection for your pool to say if it will protect the booster pump.

 

[HeyEng]

Yes, there should be some water flow through the booster pump circuit from your main pump with the booster pump not running. Pulling the breaker for the booster pump may be all that you need to do.

It is not clear to me what you do for freeze protection for your pool to say if it will protect the booster pump.

I have not winterized the pool, and I have freeze protection set to run both pumps at 34 degrees. I also have the equipment pad "tarped off" and is isolated from thh wind. The tarped area stays fairly warm with the filter pump running, so I don't *think* there is a threat to the booster pump for freezing and if there is flow, then the plumbing should be OK.

 

[ajw22]

I "think" you will be ok then.

 

[PoolGate]

Honestly if you don't use the pump I would remove it. You could cut it out, get 4 unions and create a removable section so you could put the pump back in if ever desired. Leaving it running is a waste of power even just in freeze mode as it runs continuously when active.