What is a Booster Pump?

May 10, 2022

What is a Booster Pump?

Hello there again fellow ePoolSupply supporters! I wanted to talk about booster pumps and why you should consider getting one for your pool. A booster pump can help your swimming pool’s overall health and function. It increases the effectiveness of the pool filtration system. Keep reading to learn more about a booster pump and some of the benefits it can provide for your pool!

What is the Difference Between a Pump and a Booster Pump?

A booster pump works in the same way as any pump works. A booster pump is essentially an additional pump for boosting the water pressure in the pool’s plumbing system. It can be used for several uses in a pool and is most commonly used to provide the extra pressure required for high-pressure pressure-side pool cleaners. A pressure-side pool cleaner is a pool cleaning machine that moves across your swimming pool and cleans up the dirt, gunk, and debris that is within your pool. Most pressure cleaners require a 30 PSI, but pressure cleaners with a PSI of 15-17 do not need a booster pump. The booster pumps can result in a better flow and circulation. It increases the effectiveness of the pool filtration system. Booster pumps go into the return line of the filter and the jets. After the water is filtered, the booster pump sucks the clean water back to the pool using much higher pressure. A booster pump consists of a motor, impeller, inlet, and outlet, and some even have a sensing device to regulate the pressure and water flow. The electric motor turns the impeller, then the impeller sucks the water from the inlet and then pushes it out the outlet. Booster pumps operate on centrifugal force, using one or more impellers to bring in water. The more impellers used, the higher the water pressure will be.

The image below it shows a diagram of how a booster pump is installed on a traditional pool equipment layout.

Advantages of Using a Booster Pump

A booster pump is an inexpensive and simple way to increase the water quality of your pool while lowering its operating costs. It also makes sure you are getting the most from your pool cleaner. Adding the additional pump will result in improved filtration, faster pool warm-up times, and better chlorine distribution. You will also have a choice to increase the water pressure when needed.

Requirements For a Successful Booster Pump

Certain things to consider for a booster pump are as follows: 120 or 240V power circuit with a dedicated circuit breaker, pump timer, plumbing lines, pad to mount the pump on, and anti-vibration mounts. The electrical requirements are found on the pump and in the operator’s manual for each model or brand pump. It is best to make sure you have a designated area to install it, it needs to be somewhere where it can’t get wet. If you don’t want it to make a bunch of noise, putting it on a concrete pad would be best so it doesn’t make a bunch of noise. An automatic timer isn’t required but it would help so you can’t forget to turn it on or off.

In conclusion, a booster pump is a great option if your pressure-side pool cleaners need that extra boost. Every single swimming pool relies on some kind of pump that requires a certain amount of water pressure. The good thing about booster pumps is you can always control the water pressure if need be.