If you need a booster pump to operate your pressure-side pool cleaner, you can’t go wrong with the Zodiac PB4-60 Polaris or the Pentair LA01N. The one-speed motor in the Zodiac Polaris model saves energy without sacrificing performance. The booster pump is protected by a durable housing, and it’s designed to make maintenance hassle-free. Plus, it comes with an easy-to-use installation kit.
Like the Zodiac Polaris, the Pentair has a strong motor and long-lasting components. This model can be converted to the current of your choice, and it has a high flow rate. With the Pentair, the hose and adapters you need are included. You also get the benefit of a fully protected motor that won’t be vulnerable to direct contact with water.
Pump Performance
The Zodiac Polaris PB4-60
Inside of this pool booster pump, there is a motor that delivers 0.75 horsepower’ worth of performance. The wiring in the single-speed motor can be used with 120-volt or 240-volt electrical currents, and it can even work in conjunction with a variable-speed main pump, which reduces the related energy costs.
On startup, the Zodiac Polaris draws just 12.8 amps. While it’s running, the usage drops to 6.4 amps. You’ll be pleased with the pressure it produces. At a minimum, this booster pump creates 45 pounds per square inch of pressure.
The Pentair LA01N
In terms of horsepower, you get just as much with the Pentair LA01N as you do with the Zodiac Polaris PB4-60. This Pentair unit is also a dual-voltage model, and it operates on one speed, which means it won’t jack up your electricity bill.
The Pentair barely surpasses the Zodiac Polaris’ amperage. It has a starting amperage of 13 and a running amperage of 6.5. Due to this slight difference, the booster pump generates at least 50 pounds per square inch of pressure at an impressive rate of 12 gallons per minutes.
Conclusion: Both booster pumps share a motor size of 0.75 horsepower, and the motor is a single-speed design. Where they differ is with the amperage. The Pentair draws just a little bit more amperage than the Zodiac Polaris. This means the Pentair produces more pressure, but the Zodiac Polaris uses less electricity.
Size and Weight
The Zodiac Polaris PB4-60
Zodiac Polaris made the touch enough PB4-60 to withstand physical damage. Its housing is constructed from strong materials. Plus, it rests upon a one-piece slab, which is thick and heavy, lending the booster pump stability.
This model weighs about 31 pounds, which is average for a booster pump. Its size is average too with an approximate length of 15 inches, a height of 9.5 inches. These measurements make it easy to handle yet unlikely to wobble.
The Pentair LA01N
You won’t find any flimsy materials on this booster pump. In fact, Pentair opted to use an anti-corrosive material to protect the internal components. Due to the way the motor is made, it can stand up to splashes of water.
At 28 pounds, the Pentair booster pump is a little lighter than the Zodiac Polaris. However, it’s weighty enough to remain in place during operation. With a 10-inch height and a 16-inch length, it’s slightly bigger than the PB4-60.
Conclusion: Although they don’t weigh or measure exactly the same, the size differences are minute. Both booster pumps are sturdy, and we like that neither manufacturer skimped on housing materials. The Pentair’s non-corrosive material provides extra reassurance of long-lasting use.
Installation and Maintenance
The Zodiac Polaris PB4-60
Zodiac Polaris put a lot of focus on making maintenance easier. The backplate is affixed with safety-capture fasteners, and you don’t need any tools to remove the plug. Plus, the volute seal’s o-ring prevents leaks from occurring.
The manufacturer provides a handy installation kit, which includes a 6-foot-long pump hose and quick connectors. The manual-priming booster pump works with a 0.75-inch pipe, but it’s best suited for a 1.5-inch pipe.
The Pentair LA01N
Just like the Zodiac Polaris, the Pentair booster pump comes with an installation kit. This kit includes a flexible hose that spans 6 feet and four adapters, which is almost all of the extra components necessary for setup.
What is not included is a pipe. However, a rigid PVC pipe only a cost a few dollars at any hardware store. Before you buy a pipe, make sure it has a 0.75-inch diameter as that is the only size compatible with the manual-priming pump.
Conclusion: Each booster pump comes with a standard installation kit. Although neither one offers a pipe in the packaging, the Zodiac Polaris PB4-60 works with 0.75-inch and 1.5-inch pipes. Additionally, careful attention was given to the Zodiac Polaris’ plug and volute seal.
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Zodiac vs Pentair: Reliable Booster Pumps
The Zodiac Polaris PB4-60 and the Pentair LA01N check off almost every box on the reliability list.
They both contain a single-speed, 0.75-horsepower motor with almost the same amperage draw. These pool booster pumps offer convertible voltage, and they are similar in size and weight. You also get the convenience of an installation kit with both models.
With its one-piece slab, the Zodiac Polaris stays firmly planted where you install it. This model also works with pipes of two sizes, and it’s more user-friendly in terms of maintenance. On the other hand, the Pentair pump showcases an anti-corrosive housing and water-resistant motor. In comparison, both booster pumps are an excellent buy.
- Single speed universal booster pump
- Made from durable, corrosion-proof materials, and provides 50-PSI at 12-GPM
Our Recommended Pool Pumps
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Last Update: 2023-06-05 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
