It is great and all to own a pool. It is a milestone that shows how you’ve worked hard for the family. Now, you can have a great time enjoying a dip in your swimming pool. Unfortunately, you need the right equipment to ensure your pool will always be in the best condition.
That’s what a pool booster pump is, one of the essential tools you need to keep your pool clean and looking good. If you are wondering for what purpose you need a pool booster pump, it is to increase the water pressure.
But before you pick up one, be sure that you know how to install and take care of it. Thus, you must know the plumbing and electrical requirements of the pump. Learn how to install and operate a pool booster pump, and your swimming pool will always work smoothly.
But if you knew it already, let’s move on to what makes a good pool booster pump.
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What is a Good Pool Booster Pump?
When you shop for a pool booster pump, you can become overwhelmed with the sheer number of products available in the market. It is even harder to pick one when a lot of them have the same features and benefits.
So, how do you know if it is a good pool booster pump? Your pool booster pump is good if it does what it is meant to do – to increase water pressure. But unless you can try the pump yourself, you cannot really tell if it works or not.
In that case, you simply need to look at two indicators – reviews and the price.
Reviews
A lot of pool booster pumps you will see in the market looks the same. Since that’s how it is, you can focus on the reviews instead of the features and benefits. The reviews have a lot of information about the product that are extremely helpful for you.
If you want to know if the pool booster pump does work, you can always trust the honest, unedited opinion of a buyer. Of course, some of them are just complaints, so it is best to look for what a professional reviewer has to say.
Price
The general belief is that the pricier the product, the higher its quality is. That’s true in most cases, but that does not mean you will not find quality products at affordable prices. However, price is indeed a good indicator if the pump does what it should do.
So, take the time to shop around and compare the prices of the pool booster pumps you find. As it is a machine, the starting price should be over $100. Approximately $300 to $500 is an excellent range to guide you when shopping for a pool booster pump.
You will also know if the pump is good by keeping the following info in mind:
Type of Pool Pump
There are two types to choose from – above-ground and in-ground. Above-ground pool pumps have less power and cheaper too. Their flow rate is around 30 – 60 gallons per minute. Since they cannot lift water vertically, they stay on ground level with gravity doing the work.
As for in-ground pool pumps, it is the opposite of the above-ground type. It is not only more powerful, more expensive too. With flow rates of 75 – 150 gallons per minute, it can self-prime and lift water.
Single Speed vs. Dual Speed vs. Variable Speed
Single-speed pool pumps have only one speed, which means it has a fixed flow rate. This type of pump is relatively cheaper and suitable for smaller pools, as well as hot tubs. Because its flow rate is fixed, you can’t control the circulation and put it to a higher or lower setting.
Dual speed pool pumps have two speed or circulation settings. Because of this, they are a bit more expensive, given that you have the option to set it high or low. With dual speed pool pumps, you can control your pool’s circulation much better.
As for variable speed pool pumps, you have even better control over the circulation of the pool since it has an adjustable speed setting. Since it is the most advanced, it comes expensive. However, its benefits ensure that you can save money in the long run.
Pre-Filter
It would be great if your pool booster pump has a pre-filter. It is a filter added to the pump system, which collects debris, thus helping clean the pool water. With a pre-filter, the pump becomes a lot more effective and needs less maintenance.
Motor Performance
For private swimming pools, booster pumps usually have 0.75 to 1 horsepower. When choosing the pump that you want to buy, it is best to get the smallest one compatible with your primary pump.
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Top 5 Best Pool Booster Pump In 2020 and Reviews
The best thing about POLARIS PB4-60 OEM is it’s built to last. It has a robust base that houses the dual-voltage pump. On startup, the pump only draws 12.8 amps, so it is quite energy-efficient and a good value for money.
Those who have bought this pump say they liked that removing the plug is easy. Even without tools, you can easily remove the cap to winterize your pool. It is also nice that it has an installation kit with everything you will need.
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Pros
Cons
This Polaris Booster Pump from Zodiac also has 0.75 HP motor. Even with that, it only draws 6.4 amps when it runs, making it efficient for saving energy. Besides its energy efficiency, maintaining it is also quite easy. All thanks to the removable seals and backplate.
For Zodiac PB4-60, winterizing is never a problem thanks to the drain plug. The plug comes in an ergonomic style with oversized O-rings. Meanwhile, its installation kit includes a Softtube that is also really stretchable for added user convenience.
Main Features
Pros
Cons
Pentair LA01N is a single-speed booster pump with 0.75 HP. Like the first two in this list, it is energy-efficient with a streamlined design. Its 0.75” port chugs 12 gallons every minute with a pressure of 50 psi.
It’s great that it has dual-voltage compatibility so that you can use this booster pump with two different voltages. With a low starting power of only 13 amps, plus the adapters and hose in the package, Pentair LA01N is a good value for your money.
Main Features
Pros
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The best power-saver in this list, Hayward W3606 claims it can save you up to 40% of electricity use. It all has to do with the booster pump’s 0.75 horsepower motor and the ability to self-prime. Thanks to those, this machine makes you work less.
The unique feature of this pump is the high base. It is because of this that Hayward W3606 doesn’t submerge on water, which helps it vent hot air. For better water pressure, you can use the 1.5” fittings, but it also has a 0.75” adapter for a smaller line.
Main Features
Pros
Cons
Grundfos has a unique product line that includes MQ3-45. This booster pump works well, performing its tasks as efficiently as other pumps. However, the device’s quality is a bit disputed, as some users said it has a short lifetime.
It works excellently, but you can’t expect flawless operation. According to users, its lifetime is only around 2 to 3 years. However, thanks to its design, you can buy spare parts and repair the pump for several years more of good use.
Main Features
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
In terms of what makes a good pool booster pump, it is easy to see that POLARIS PB4-60 OEM is the best option out of the five. Of course, the others also have excellent features, but with POLARIS PB4-60, you have one that’s built to last.
When choosing the best pool booster pump, consider the factors mentioned above. Take the time to read reviews and ask other customers. You can start with this list and shop around to find the best pump for your swimming pool.
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