Hey everyone,
I’m having an issue with my pool pump. Whenever I turn on the booster pump, the main pool pump loses pressure. But as soon as I turn the booster pump off, the main pump goes back to normal pressure. Any idea why this is happening?
Thanks in advance!
Just a guess here since I don’t have much info and no pictures. I’ve been working with pools and spas for 11 years.
Each pump should have its own suction inlet, with returns depending on its purpose. It seems like the two pumps in your pool are sharing the same suction inlet or plumbing line, which is probably underground.
When you turn on the booster pump while the filter pump is running, both pumps are pulling from the same line, causing the pressure to drop. When you turn off the booster pump, the pressure goes back to normal.
I have two clients with similar setups, and I think it’s because the installers were being lazy.
@DiveDeepDreamer The return line serves as the source of power for the majority of my booster pumps.
@Gia Interesting. In southern California, the majority of booster pumps are used for spa jets and waterfalls. They normally draw from a suction intake on the spa floor or pool wall that is covered with a drain cover.
@DiveDeepDreamer Things are definitely done differently around the world.
I think the two flows might be meeting at the equipment where it connects to the booster, which could be taking a little pressure from the main pump’s return line. If everything is working well and the decrease in pressure is small, I don’t think OP should worry too much.
Polaris lines from the 80s to now get their flow from the main pump’s return lines above ground at the pad. Most people run them overnight and wouldn’t notice a drop in pressure.
Also, I just realized we might be talking about a spa booster. We’ll need more information.
@DiveDeepDreamer Booster pumps require pressure from the circulation pump to work, thus the name.
You’re okay as long as it’s not dramatic.