Booster Pumps
Booster pumps are a specialty 3/4 horsepower pump for pressure side pool cleaners. You will find Polaris/Jandy, Hayward, and Pentair each have a standard 3/4 Horsepower pump and an newer "Energy Efficient" model pump. Since booster pumps are typically run for a few hours per day at most you will need to decide the value of an energy efficient booster pump for your pool.
A Pool Professional member tested, on several occasions, the Polaris PB4SQ and Pentair LA-MS05 Boost Rite with a true watt meter to show customers and found both use about 45% less energy than a standard booster.[1]
- Polaris/Zodiac/Jandy PB4-60 pump
- Polaris/Zodiac/Jandy PB4SQ pump - dual voltage (230/115V); 3/4" inlet/outlet size; 4 stage impeller; comes with 4 quick connectors and softube hose
- Hayward 6060 booster pump.
- Hayward Booster Pump 300 - dual voltage (230/115V); .75 HP motor with 1.25 THP; single stage impeller; includes hose kit with 1½″ union fittings, 3/4″ hose barb union adapters and flexible hose
- Pentair LA01N pump - dual voltage (230/115V); provides 50 psi at 12 GPM; single stage impeller; hose and adapters included
- Pentair LA-MS05 Boost-Rite booster - provides 50 psi@ 13.2 US GPM; 1" inlet/outlet; 5 stage impeller; includes Hose Adapter Kit (353040)
- Waterway Universal Booster pump
All of the booster pumps are 3/4 horsepower single speed pumps. Pentair says the LA01N pump is 3/4 horsepower with a 1.5 service factor producing a minimum of 50 psi at 12 GPM.
Booster pumps can be connected to the pool plumbing using using flexible hose and hose barbs or hard piped and unions.
Some pool builders use 1.5" plumbing all the way to the dedicated cleaner port in a pool. They can be used for suction or pressure cleaners depending on what comes out of the ground. Others have 3/4" plumbing coming out of the ground that can't be converted to suction-type cleaners. Other builders used 3/4" - 1" plumbing all the way to the pool as they never intended anything other than the original Arneson Pool Sweep to be used (Polaris wasn't out yet).[2]
Booster Pump Installation
Unless required by a local code, the booster pump need not be bolted down.
Installation should be as close as possible to a filtered water return line and a convenient location for servicing.
The booster pump must always be connected to the return line on the discharge side of filter. Never connect the suction side booster pump ahead of the filter.
Suction side of the booster pump must be connected to the return line after the heater. Except on solar installation, never connect suction side of booster pump ahead of filter or heater. Keep the booster pump a minimum of 3 feet from the heater.
