Booster Pumps

Collection: Booster Pumps

4 products

Swimming Pool Booster Pumps

Power your pressure-side pool cleaner with a dedicated pool booster pump built for the job. Booster pumps provide the high-pressure water flow that pressure-side cleaners like the Polaris 280, 380, and Pentair Racer need to operate at peak performance — separate from your primary circulation pump. PST Pool Supplies carries booster pumps from Hayward, Zodiac Polaris, Waterway, and Afras in the standard 0.75 HP, dual-voltage (115V/230V) configuration.

All booster pumps in this collection share the same core specification: 0.75 HP, dual-voltage auto-selecting motors with ¾" FPT port connections for direct compatibility with standard pressure cleaner plumbing. The Hayward booster pump is a universal open-line model that fits most pressure cleaner installations. The Zodiac Polaris booster pump is the OEM-specified pump for Polaris 280 and 380 cleaners — the safest choice for a direct like-for-like replacement. The Waterway Universal and Afras models are popular OEM-compatible alternatives with identical performance specs. For compatible pressure-side cleaners, browse our pressure side cleaner collection. For installation guidance, see Polaris's official support documentation.

Booster pumps are typically wired to operate in conjunction with the main pool pump — most control systems and timer setups allow you to run the booster pump only when the main pump is running, preventing the cleaner from running dry. If your pressure-side cleaner has lost suction, is moving slowly, or is no longer climbing walls, a worn booster pump is the most common cause. Replacing the pump is a cost-effective fix compared to replacing the cleaner itself. Also check our cleaner parts and accessories for hose sets, feed pipes, and tail scrubbers. The U.S. Department of Energy pool systems guide recommends running pressure cleaners during pump cycles to minimize total daily run time.

Shop pool booster pumps and keep your pressure-side cleaner running at full performance all season long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a booster pump for my pool cleaner?
Only pressure-side pool cleaners like the Polaris 280, 380, and Pentair Racer require a dedicated booster pump. These cleaners operate on pressurized water from a separate pump rather than suction from the main pump. If you have a suction-side cleaner (AquaNaut, PoolCleaner, Navigator Pro) or a robotic cleaner (TigerShark, SharkVac), you do not need a booster pump. Check your cleaner's model number and manual — if it says "booster pump required," you'll need one. Our pressure side cleaner collection lists compatibility details for each model.
What HP booster pump do I need for a Polaris 280 or 380?
Both the Polaris 280 and Polaris 380 are designed to operate with a 0.75 HP booster pump — which is the standard specification for all residential pressure-side cleaners. All booster pumps in this collection are 0.75 HP and directly compatible with Polaris and other pressure-side cleaner brands. Using a higher horsepower pump is not recommended, as excess pressure can damage the cleaner's internal components and hose connections. The Zodiac Polaris OEM booster pump is the factory-specified choice for direct replacement; the Hayward, Waterway, and Afras models are compatible alternatives with the same performance specs.
How do I know if my booster pump needs to be replaced?
Common signs that a pool booster pump needs replacement include: the pressure-side cleaner moves slowly or stops climbing walls; the cleaner bag fills slowly or the cleaner doesn't move at all; you hear unusual grinding or humming from the pump motor; or the pump runs but produces low water pressure at the cleaner's feed hose. First, check that the pump impeller is not clogged with debris — remove the pump basket and inspect. If the impeller is clear and the pump still underperforms, the motor or impeller is likely worn and the pump should be replaced. Booster pumps typically last 5–10 years with normal use.
Can I use an OEM-compatible booster pump instead of the brand-specific model?
Yes — all booster pumps in this collection share the same 0.75 HP, ¾" FPT port, dual-voltage (115V/230V) specification, making them interchangeable for most pressure-side cleaner installations. The Waterway Universal and Afras OEM-compatible models perform identically to OEM units at comparable price points. The primary advantage of the Zodiac Polaris OEM pump is guaranteed factory-specification compatibility for warranty purposes. If your cleaner is out of warranty, any of the OEM-compatible pumps in this collection will work as a direct replacement. Contact our team if you need help confirming compatibility with your specific cleaner model.