If you are using a solar system that diverts all water flow to fill the panels, install an automatic override to shut the booster pump off during solar heater water transfer.Avoid the 3 foot section of heat sink pipe adjacent to the heater. If the system has a heater, splice the booster pump inlet at 3 feet downstream from the heater discharge.Plumb the booster pump line upstream from all air inducing equipment pump, filter and heater.The basic pool booster pump plumbing diagram below should be followed to ensure proper operation of the pump and pressure cleaner. The booster pump and main pump should be synchronized with a pool pump timer as mentioned above. Most pool booster pumps require a dedicated return line and should be plumbed into the system so that they are always receiving flow from the main pump. If you operate the booster pump without the main pump turned on, you can cause damage to the booster pump. This synchronization ensures that the booster pump is not operating when the main pump is not operating. The booster pump on/off function should be set to turn the booster pump on at least 30 minutes after the main pump is turned on, and at least 30 minutes before the main pump is turned off. The operation of the pump should be set up to run through a pool pump timer, time clock or control panel.
Instructions for this can be found in the operators manual or on the pump itself. The majority of pool booster pumps come factory set to operate on 240 volts but they can be switched to 120 volts if it's more convenient.
If you do decide to install it yourself be sure to read through the following information including instructions about winterizing. It's common for manufacturer's to void or not honor warranties if the pump wasn't installed by a professional. Installing a pool booster pump on your own should only be considered if you are a handy pool owner or a qualified service technician. It gives you the option of increasing water pressure when needed and allows you to get the most out of added features like waterfalls or water features. A booster pump can lead to improved filtration quality, more consistent heating and more efficient chlorine production through increased circulation.
In addition to maximizing the effectiveness of a pressure side pool cleaner, a pool booster pump is an affordable and easy way to increase the overall health of your pool and even reduce operating costs. The bottom line is that there might not be enough pressure, and sometimes it can mean there is too much pressure.
A professional pool service technician would troubleshoot these issues by calculating the total dynamic head or TDH of the pool system. If you suspect that your pool circulation system is not up to par because you are constantly experiencing cloudy water, poor filtration or decreased chlorination you may need to add a pool booster pump or switch to a variable speed pump.
If you have a variable speed pool pump you may not require a booster pump to increase flow rate because you can increase pump pressure during cleaning times by using a pool pump timer or automation control panel. Pressure cleaners rely on water pressure to operate the vacuum and motor inside the cleaner unit. The most common reason you would require a pool booster pump is when adding a pressure side pool cleaner, usually a robotic cleaner. An overpowered pump could damage the cleaner in extreme cases and increase electric energy consumption unnecessarily. A pump that is underpowered will not provide enough pressure and either cause the cleaner to operate ineffectively or require longer running times, that can increase operating costs. It's important to choose a pump that is capable of supplying enough water pressure for the cleaner it will be powering. If you are adding a vacuum cleaner or you notice that your circulation is lacking, a pool booster pump can be very beneficial to your overall pool system, chemistry maintenance and chlorination if you own a salt water system. They are very similar to a regular pool pump and operate by pushing water through the plumbing to either increase circulation speed or provide an increase in pressure that's often required to operate a pressure side cleaner or robot pool cleaner. If you're just learning about pool booster pumps you've come to the right place.