Questions about boster pump configurations

[Bleach=Chlorine?]

Hello all,
I have a dedicated pressure line for a cleaner that I cut out when installing a new pump (just capped it and left it). Well I am now debating buying a pressure-side cleaner such as a phantom or polaris but am unsure of of how I would plumb everything back together. The broken Ray-Vac had no booster pump so I am not familiar with the setup. I assume I would cut into the PVC leaving the filter and add a multi-valve. Next, run pvc from new valve to old valve for return to spa/pool jets and then run the pvc to a booster (if using one) and then back to the formally capped off return for cleaner.

Newb Question: Do I NEED a booster pump or just a certain flow rate on the returns?
Do you need a second timer and/or an automation control to turn on and off the cleaner and pump so you are not doing it manually every day?
With the configuration above I would think I would have to divert all, if not most, flow to the cleaner and booster pump when running, is that a true statement?
What is the *best* non-booster pressure cleaner or is that an oxymoron?


** Alright, well I think I had most of my questions cleared up and answered by looking at the display at L's and asking a few questions. I see now that the booster isn't to feed the cleaner line but instead to tap into the system before and after filter to build the flow speed. Any comments on pressure cleaners still appreciated. Thanks

[waterbear]

Hello all,
I have a dedicated pressure line for a cleaner that I cut out when installing a new pump (just capped it and left it). Well I am now debating buying a pressure-side cleaner such as a phantom or polaris but am unsure of of how I would plumb everything back together. The broken Ray-Vac had no booster pump so I am not familiar with the setup. I assume I would cut into the PVC leaving the filter and add a multi-valve. Next, run pvc from new valve to old valve for return to spa/pool jets and then run the pvc to a booster (if using one) and then back to the formally capped off return for cleaner.
Booster pumps come with plumping diagrams and they are faily easy to follow. The Polaris pumps are plumbed off a Tee and a steet elbow with flexable plastic pipe to the pump. The position of the tee is important for best operation.
Newb Question: Do I NEED a booster pump or just a certain flow rate on the returns?
Depends on the cleaner
Do you need a second timer and/or an automation control to turn on and off the cleaner and pump so you are not doing it manually every day?
If you don't want to do it manually then you need a timer or automation. The booster is usually set to come on at least 30 minutes after the main pump and should be shut off 30 minutes before the main pump since boosters are NOT self priming. If you use a time clock be sure to make sure it is syncronized with the pump time clock regularly!
With the configuration above I would think I would have to divert all, if not most, flow to the cleaner and booster pump when running, is that a true statement?
Not necessisarily, booster pump pressure cleaners need high pressure but a lower flow rate. Non booster pump pressure cleaners need lower pressure but a higher flow rate to operate properly.
What is the *best* non-booster pressure cleaner or is that an oxymoron?
IMHO, there are only 2 non booster pump pressure cleaners worth considering, Polaris 360 or Letro Legend II

** Alright, well I think I had most of my questions cleared up and answered by looking at the display at L's and asking a few questions. I see now that the booster isn't to feed the cleaner line but instead to tap into the system before and after filter to build the flow speed. Any comments on pressure cleaners still appreciated. Thanks

Hope this is helpful.

[mas985]

One other cleaner you might consider without a booster pump:

http://www.thepoolcleaner.com/pressurepoolcleaner.html

[waterbear]

One other cleaner you might consider without a booster pump:

http://www.thepoolcleaner.com/pressurepoolcleaner.html

I just looked this cleaner over online and, IMHO, it is missing a very important feature that is found in every other pressere cleaner, even such "cheapies" as the Polaris 165 and 65 and Pentair JetVac.....a sweep hose! A sweep hose is an essential part of a pressure cleaner as far as I am concerned, and this is the first one I have seen that does not have one. In fact some pressure cleaners only have a sweep hose that directs the dirt to the pool drain and do not have a vacumn bag at all! (Arnson PoolSweep...now a Pentair product). All Polairis, Pentair, Hayward, and Zodiac pressure cleaners have a sweep hose whether they are booster pump models or boosterless! This is one of the features that makes pressure side cleaners better than suction side.

This thing just looks like a self propelled LeafMaster on wheels.

Just my 2 cents.