A pool booster pump is the unsung hero of pool maintenance by circulating water more efficiently than the pool’s main pump. They also open doors to pressure-side pool cleaners—an invaluable pool-cleaning tool that uses high-pressure jets to move and clean your pool’s base and walls usefully. We list five of the best booster pumps to power your pressure-side pool cleaner of choice.
Booster Pump | Recommended
Last update on 2023-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Booster Pumps for Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners
4) Pentair LA-MS05
The first item on our list is none other than the LA-MS05 from Pentair. It may look tiny, but it’s sporting a heavy-duty 1.1-HP motor that delivers a maximum water flow rate of 13.2 GPM at 50 PSI. With this bad boy installed near your pool or on a caddy, you’ll be able to run some of the best pressure-side pool cleaners out there.
Despite its larger-than-life motor, by booster pump standards, the LA-MS05 is pretty much noiseless. It’s a highly durable machine that can withstand extreme weather conditions to help maintain your pool all year long. But best of all is its five-stage impeller setup that reduces power consumption.
- Condensed size is 1/ 3 smaller than competing pumps, taking up less space on the...
- Innovative 5-stage impeller design cuts electricity use by as much as 25 Percent
Last update on 2023-06-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3) Hayward W36060
If you plan on running your pressure-side pool cleaner for several hours every day all year long, then the energy-efficient Hayward W3606 is an excellent option. Hayward claim that this ¾-HP booster pump uses up to 40% less electricity compared to its competition which means lower energy costs.
The Hayward is a user-friendly booster pump that requires no priming beforehand. It automatically expels any remaining air in your piping system before it begins to draw water. Rated at 12 GPM at 50 PSI, this booster pump works perfectly for most high-end pressure-side pool cleaners, spas, and fountains. Its standard fittings are one inch in diameter, but it comes with a ¾-inch adapter to increase pressure.
- The Hayward Booster Pump is ENERGY STAR Certified and offers exceptional energy...
- Suitable for all pressure cleaners requiring a booster pump
Last update on 2023-06-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2) Pentair LA01N
The single-speed LA01N by Pentair delivers up to 12 GPM at 50 PSI through ¾-inch piping, making it suitable for most pressure-side pool cleaners, even non-Pentair ones. This pump is also the pride and joy of Pentair for being the most energy-efficient of their selection by reducing 75% electricity consumption.
Housing the ¾-HP motor is a weatherproof body that protects all of its electrical components from extreme weather conditions that keep this unit outdoors throughout the year shouldn’t be an issue. The internal seal inside the pump can leak as a result of typical wear-and-tear but replacing it is a simple DIY task.
- Single speed universal booster pump
- Made from durable, corrosion-proof materials, and provides 50-PSI at 12-GPM
Last update on 2023-06-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1) Zodiac PB4-60
Last but definitely not least is the Zodiac PB4-60—a booster pump made specifically to power Polaris pressure-side pool cleaners. Though this one-speed machine peaks at 45 PSI, it delivers all the waterflow volume and pressure needed to get your Polaris cleaner up and moving about in a jiffy.
The shining feature of the Zodiac is its integrated seal O-ring that’s larger than most and produces the perfect air-proof seal for maximum suction and performance. And in terms of longevity, you can put your worries at ease. Several customers have praised this booster pump for operating up to eight straight hours daily without succumbing to heat.
- EFFICIENT: Ultra low flow requirements allow the booster pump to operate on the low...
- THE POWER BEHIND POLARIS: High efficiency 3/4 horsepower motor drives water flow to...
Last update on 2023-06-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pool Booster Bump: A Quick Buying Guide
As you can see, many of the products mentioned above share many of the same features and specs, and deciding on which of them to get can be a challenge. Worry not, a compilation of a brief guide to help you settle on the perfect booster pump for your pool.
Brand
Even though these booster pumps work with a wide range of different pressure-side pool cleaners, it is usually good to go with the same brand that made your pool cleaner. Not only comes with the correct fittings, but you also only need to deal with one company rep to get all of your questions answered regarding both products.
Waterflow
The function of the booster pump is to deliver water at a higher rate and pressure than your swimming pool’s main pump to enhance filtration efficiency and power a pressure-side pool cleaner. The ideal turnover rate—the amount of time needed to filter the entire pool’s water—is at least once every eight hours. If you have a standard 40-foot-long inground swimming pool, any of these booster pumps is a perfect fit.
As for powering the pool cleaner, you need to see how much pressure the model needs before settling on a booster pump. If your pool cleaner and booster pump come from the same company, finding out their compatibility with each other shouldn’t be difficult.
Motor Size and Performance
As you can see, each product above is rated at ¾ HP which isn’t the most powerful out there. There are ones that are 1 HP and higher, though they do require more energy to run and can increase your electricity bills beyond comfort.
In terms of performance, one of the most important factors to consider is how high the pump’s base is; the higher it is, the easier it will be to expel hot air. If you feel that low-noise operation is important, try looking for a multi-speed booster pump.
Fitting Size
The manufacturer clearly states the size of its fittings and hoses to guarantee optimal pressure and performance, you can always swap out for larger or smaller fittings by attaching adapters.
However, this means tampering with water flow delivery, either by lowering the pressure with a larger fitting or burning the motor out with a smaller one. Find out the hose size needed to run your pressure-side pool cleaner and forget about finding adapters.
FAQ
1. Which is the best pool booster pump?
The “best” pump works best for your pool— reach the optimal turnover rate to ensure better filtration all year long. However, it’s a good idea to choose a pool booster pump based on the pressure-side pool cleaner you have.
2. Do I need a pool booster pump?
There are two main reasons for buying a pool booster pump. First, you own a pressure-side pool cleaner—only booster pumps can provide the right amount of water flow volume and pressure needed to get them moving underwater.
Second, your pool’s main pump is not up to circulating your pool’s water efficiently. In this case, a booster pump’s higher water flow and pressure delivery will help you to get closer to the ideal turnover rate (once every eight hours).
3. How do I remove my pool booster pump?
Even though booster pumps are safe to leave outdoors all year long, if you’re not using your pool during a specific season, it’s best to detach them and store them inside. Many models like the Zodiac PB4-60 and the Pentair LA01N use quick connectors that make installing and removing the pump quick and easy.
4. How long do pool booster pumps last?
The longevity of the booster pump varies from model to model. Most of the products, like the products on our list, have one-year manufacturer warranties hence, they should at least give you 12 months of regular use. However, based on customer reports, with regular maintenance, you can expect to get up to 10 to 12 years of use out of your booster pump.
Conclusion
A pool booster pump increases water flow and pressure delivery to better circular your pool’s water while also powering a pressure-side pool cleaner. Above, you’ll find a list of five of the best pool booster pumps that are compatible with a wide range of pressure-side pool cleaners to make pool maintenance super-easy.
Booster Pump | Recommended
Last update on 2023-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you have any comments, please add them below. Similarly, please let us know if you spot any errors.
Previously in Our Recommended List
Waterway Plastics 3810430-1PDA
The 3810430-1PDA universal booster pump by Waterway Plastics is a good replacement for most older booster pumps to produce enough water pressure and flow to move the most demanding side-pressure pool cleaners. Rated at 65 decibels max, this ¾-HP booster pump is the quietest of items on our list, and it is compatible with both 115V and 230V on 60 hertz.
Measuring less than a foot high, the Waterway fits into the most compact spaces and sits on caddies without much problem. Its base is tiny and lightweight however mounting it properly will reduce vibration noises significantly. Everything you need to get started—hoses, ¾-inch fittings, clamp kit—come with the pump.