Best Reverse Osmosis Booster Pumps

In this post, you will find the 8 Best reverse osmosis booster pump kits on the market today. You are also going to learn more about the RO booster pump, how it works, how to integrate it into your RO system, and much more.

8 Best RO Booster Pumps

Aquatec 8800

The Aquatec 8800 is one great water booster pump kit on the market and it’s quite identical to the 6800 kit which is another best booster pump kit from Aquatec.

The 8800 is designed to effectively raise water supply pressure and optimize the performance of an RO system.

One of the things that stand out from this pump is that it features a heavy-duty 110V transformer which is the secret to its powerful and reliable performance.

The pump can raise the water supply pressure from 30 to 40 psi up to 100 psi based on the capacity of the RO system but it’s designed to work even much better with RO units that produce around 50 to 200 gallons of water per day.

This pump kit also includes a reliable pressure switch which facilitates automatic on/off operation.

It can sense the pressure within the output line such that when the storage tank is filled or its pressure reaches 40 to 50 psi, then the pump will automatically shut off and resume operation when you draw water from the tank or when the pressure drops.

When it comes to installation, you will have no difficulties at all. This is a standard RO booster pump kit that’s good for either 3/8” or ¼” OD tubing. It, however, has 3/8” ports but Aquetec has included four 3/8” to ¼” reducer fittings.

Unlike other pumps that often feature a plastic mounting bracket, this comes with a heavy-duty steel bracket which is not just much stronger but also longer lasting.

If your water supply pressure is very low (less than 50 psi), then this pump kit is a perfect choice to help boost it up. It will work fine with most standard RO systems.

Note that the kit doesn’t feature a shutoff valve, thereby you will have to rely on your existing RO auto-shutoff valve to turn off the supply of water to the storage tank when it’s full.

Watts Premier 560043

Watts Premier is a renowned brand in the RO industry and has a number of top quality micro-pumps and pressure systems under its name. 

The 560043 model is no different. It will deliver beyond expectations and increase the efficiency of your RO unit as well as the flow of water to the RO tank and faucet.

The kit features a 110V transformer which is capable of delivering enough power to increase the water pressure going into your RO system by up to 45 psi which is sufficient if your water supply pressure is lower than 40 psi.

You will enjoy consistent pressure and constant water flows throughout the entire operation of the pump. The kit as well comes with an automatic pressure switch which can help turn off the pump and turn it on whenever the pressure in the Ro tank drops.

Installing this Watts Premier pump is quite easy too as it features everything you would need to hook it integrate into your existing RO system. The pump will work with all standard RO water filtration systems.

It features standard ports which will accept ¼” tubing while the pressure switch can as accept 3/8” tubing. If your system uses 3/8″ tubing, you need not worry much since the kit also includes two 3/8″ to ¼” adapters.

You won’t have to get a separate adapter for the power supply because the kit as well comes with a 24 VAC power supply with a plug which compatible with any standard wall outlet.

Like the Aquatec 8800, this pump kit, unfortunately, doesn’t feature a shut-off valve, it only has the pressure switch, so you will equally have to rely on your existing RO shut-off valve to turn off the water supply to the RO storage tank.

Other than that, the Watts Premier 560043 will no doubt significantly increase your RO system water quality and output.

iSpring PMP5

The iSpring PMP5 is a perfect option for anyone looking for only a replacement pump without the other components. It’s basically only the pump and a highly reliable one for that matter.

The PMP5 is a top-quality booster pump from iSpring that’s more than capable of increasing your RO system input pressure which in turn will increase the water production and purity.

It has the capacity to raise the psi levels of the input water pressure going into an RO system from as low as 30 psi up to a maximum of 110 psi. It works well with 50 GPD to 100 GPD RO systems which cover most of the residential and under-counter/sink RO systems.

As for the installation, this one is pretty straightforward. The ports will accept any ¼” tubing. However, it’s a very basic pump, so you will need to purchase additional parts like the DC power adapter and the power socket for connecting the pump to the power adapter.

The pressure switch is also not included, so you might also need it in case you are installing the pump for the first time. It will generally work with all the other components of your existing pump in case you are installing it as a replacement pump.

SEAFLO SFRO2-G50-3A

The SEAFLO SFRO2-G50-3A is a very good and user-friendly booster pump that offers quiet and efficient operation. The unit has some incredible features and high-quality components that guarantee reliable performance throughout its lifespan.

It comes packed with a 110V transformer which ensures the pump gets enough power to boost the pressure of your water supply into the RO system.

The pump can increase inlet pressure from 30 psi to 70 psi which is the working pressure preset by the manufacturer. You can, however, use a small screwdriver or Allen key to re-adjust the pressure once in a while based on the pressure of your water source.

If you have a 50GPD membrane or RO system, then this is a perfect booster pump for you for it’s particularly designed for 50GPD membranes. However, it will work well too with the other types of RO systems.

The pump is super quiet and you may need to get a compatible automatic pressure switch in case the existing one doesn’t fit the new pump.

However, installing it is a breeze. The inlet/outlet ports can work 3/8” tubing but you will need to get at least two 3/8” to 1/4” reducer adapters. The transformer, on the other hand, can plug into any standard outlet making installation and usage even a lot easier.

You will also appreciate the rubber feet plus the metal mounting bracket. They ensure the pumps remain secure once mounted and help facilitate a vibration-free operation.

Aquatec 6840-2J03-B221

The Aquatec 6840 is a very reliable pump and yet another great option for homeowners seeking a replacement pump that can help boost the water production rate of their RO unit without breaking the bank. 

Same as the iSpring PMP5, this one is meant for those looking for a replacement pump only without the other parts.

The pump can deliver a maximum pressure of 80 psi at a flow rate of 0.38 LPM. Therefore, you will be able to get a constant supply of purified water at a much faster rate. It’s really built well and will function continuously and reliably.

When it comes to installation, there is not much to worry about since it’s only the pump you need to install. The inlet and outlet ports are easy push-to-fit type connections which makes installation quite simple.

They require ¼” tubing and it comes with all the fittings to connect. The mounting hardware is heavy and well-made. It’s likely to fit exactly like the hardware for most standard booster pumps for residential or under-the-sink RO systems.

However, you will need to get the transformer that’s designed to work with this pump to avoid damaging or destroying it.

It doesn’t come with one but if your existing transformer has a rating of 120V 60 Hz 25 watts input and 24V AC 800 mA output, then you are good to go.

Aquatec CDP 8800

In the 7^th position is the Aquatec CDP 8800 model which is an efficient unit and a nice option for anyone looking for a simple booster pump designed to raise the water pressure without much fuss.

This affordably designed pump can increase the pressure of your water supply to a maximum of 100 psi. It looks simple but it’s certainly up to the task and will deliver a consistent water pressure for 100 to 200 GPD RO systems.

The best part is that you can adjust the pressure of the pump as you wish. You can bring down the pressure to around 70 to 80 psi using just a screwdriver which is the ideal pressure level to enable the RO system to carry out its job efficiently and reliably.

On top of its incredible performance, the CDP 8800 is easy to install and use. The inlet/outlet ports can accommodate 3/8” tubing and Aquatec has included two extra ¼” quick connect fittings to simply the process in case you have ¼” tubing.

As I mentioned earlier, the CDP 8800 is a pump only. It will need a 24V AC to 115V transformer which is not included in the package.

You will have to get it separately together with the pressure switch but if the existing ones are compatible, then getting the pump alone will be fine.

Ronaqua RA-BP-50

Also featured on our list of the best RO booster pumps is the Ranaqua RA-BP-50 model which is a quiet and efficient pump that can maintain the water supply pressure to any residential RO system at ideal levels.

The pump is designed to work with a minimum inlet water pressure of 28 psi and can boost it up to 125 psi but its standard working pressure is 85 psi at a flow rate of 0.95L/M which is pretty impressive.

It’s, however, a set of a booster pump and transformer only but it will certainly require a pressure switch.

The pressure can go quite high even up to 140 psi if just left running with no pressure switch installed which could damage the pump and the RO membrane in the long run as most are meant to operate at 100 psi and below.

Just like the rest of the other pumps, this Ranaqua RA-BP-50 model won’t present any challenges. The whole process is straightforward and you can mount it in several positions.

It has inlet/outlet threads suited for 3/8” fittings, so if you are using ¼” tubing, then you will need a ¼” to 3/8” NPT connector.

Aside from the pump, it comes with a standard 110V input 24V DC 50/60Hz output transformer, and a mounting bracket with rubber shock absorbers that minimize the vibrations when the pump’s motor is running.

LiquaGen 703610776

The LiquaGen 703610776 is an ideal booster pump for those that live in areas with water supply pressure that’s lower than 40 psi. It’s a kit that comes with everything you need to ensure a consistent water pressure supply.

This complete unit can work with a minimum inlet pressure of 20 psi and can elevate it up to around 80 psi. The pump is designed to operate effectively with 50 GPD and 75 GPD RO membranes.

A high-pressure shut-off switch is included in the kit which will help turn off the pump and the water supply to the tank when it’s full. There’s also a 24V DC transformer which should fit almost any standard wall power outlet.

You will have to set up the whole components from the pump to the pressure switch if you are installing an RO booster pump for the first time. However, it’s relatively easy once you know what goes where.

If you are replacing the pump only, then you may not need to replace the other components provided they are compatible with your new pump. The kit also comes with 2 pieces of ¼” to 3/8” threaded connect fittings.

RO Booster Pump

If you are struggling with low feed water pressure and you are thinking of getting a RO booster pump. Then this post will come in handy.

While there are quite a variety of RO booster pumps in the market, below are our top picks. We believe the worth considering if you are seeking to boost the pressure of your water supply going into your RO system.

While residential reverse osmosis systems are designed to run well on the normal municipal water pressure of 60 psi (Pound per Square Inch), most of them often become less effective and perform poorly when the pressure drops below 45 psi.

The outcome of this low pressure is that the quality of the product water is more likely to be compromised. Furthermore, the unit will end up producing less drinking water and more rejected water and fill the RO tank more slowly which can be irritating and frustrating.

The solution to this problem is installing an RO booster pump alongside your RO unit. This helpful device can help boost the inlet water pressure to 80 psi or even higher.

It not only enhances the performance of the RO system but also guarantees more quality product water than when relying on municipal water pressure.

What is an RO booster pump?

An RO booster pump is a specially designed water booster pump for reverse osmosis systems which is used to help increase the pressure of the feed water going into an RO system to an ideal level so as to improve its performance.

The pump typically works by drawing the feed water from the city supply line and increasing its PSI to allow it to flow into the RO system at the right pressure.

Most RO booster pumps are capable of raising the feed water pressure to around 75 to 100 PSI, which is sufficient for residential RO systems to operate effectively.

If you live in an area that’s higher than your city water supply line or is located at the end of the supply line, then the pressure of the water going into your RO system is likely to be affected.

In all these cases, an RO booster pump is a perfect solution to increasing the water pressure. You may also need to install an RO booster pump if your city water supply line often experiences problems due to the community water shutoff valve.

How Does It Work?

Reverse osmosis is basically a pressure-driven process and only operates efficiently when the incoming water pressure is high.

It’s this pressure that forces the feed water through the RO membrane for purification. It’s also what flushes the wastewater plus the rejected contaminants away.

Most RO membranes are designed to operate with 60 psi water pressure or higher in order to achieve at least a stable contaminant rejection rate of 97.5%.

Anything less than 60 psi is generally considered insufficient and will result in low water production and at a lower quality.

In general, the setup of a standard RO booster pump consists of three key parts; the transformer, the pump itself, and the pressure switch.

The transformer plugs into your standard wall outlet and it converts the input power to the voltage required by the pump which is commonly 24 volts.

The pump itself features a rotating motor and once it’s connected to power, the motor rotates and in the process moves a diaphragm creating a piston action which sucks in the feed water through the inlet and then forces it out through an outlet port as the diaphragm moves in an opposite direction.

The function of the third part which is the pressure switch is to monitor the water pressure inside the RO storage tank and shut off the pump when the pressure of the storage tank reaches a preset level which is usually 40 psi.

In short, even if your feed water pressure meets the requirements, installing a booster pump is ideal because it will help your RO system to perform much better and deliver satisfactory water flow and quality.

It boosts the RO production rate, enables the RO membrane to reject more contaminants, and as well helps increase the faucet flow rate.

The Position of the Booster Pump in an RO System

When setting up the booster pump alongside an RO system, the pump is often placed before the pre-filters.

Although this tends to slightly expose the pump to silt accumulation, particularly around the valve, it does help ensure constant water pressure throughout the stages of the RO filtration process starting from the pre-filters.

However, in an ideal world, the RO booster pump would come after the pre-filters with another set of pre-filters before it. Setting up the booster pump this way will help save it from silt or deposit build-up over time hence ensuring its performance and longevity.

The lifespan of the pre-filters will depend on the quality and amount of water flowing through them.

One thing you should ensure is that the pre-filters always sit before the RO membrane to protect it against damage as well as prevent membrane fouling.

Installation/Replacement

RO Booster Pump Installation

If it’s the first time you are installing a booster pump into your RO system, then below are clear steps to guide you through the process.

• These instructions are meant for integrating a booster pump into an RO system that never had a pump.
• You need to first turn off the water supply and the storage tank valve. Then open the faucet to relieve pressure.
• Once this is done, the next step is to connect the booster pump to your water source. You need to position the tank such that the inlet tube can be routed through it.
• Follow the water flow directional arrows while mounting the pump and the supplier’s recommendation. Make sure to insert the tubing properly.
• Mount the pressure switch between the RO membrane and the storage tank such that the water going to the storage tank will pass through it.
• The pressure switch should come after the automatic shut-off valve and be as close as possible to the RO storage tank.
• Next, connect the electrical wires both from the transformer and the pump to the switch. Now the booster pump is ready for operation.
• Open your water supply slowly to allow the water to run through the system while checking for any leaks.
• Plug in the transformer to the power source and allow water to circulate as the pump starts to build pressure. The system should now be delivering water through the open faucet. The production rate from the faucet should certainly increase.
• The final step is to connect back the RO tank to the system and turn on the valve sitting on top of it, then close the faucet.

The unit is now completely set for operation. Once the tank is full, the pump will switch off automatically and resume operation when water is drawn from the tank.

RO Booster Pump Replacement

If your RO booster pump starts to leak or malfunction, then replacing rather than repairing it is a good choice.

The following are steps of how you can replace the old booster pump from your RO system with a new, functional, and probably much better pump.

• The first thing you should do is to switch off power to the booster pump, plug out the transformer from the power source and turn off the water supply plus the storage tank valve.
• The next step is to disconnect the old pump from your RO system. Start by removing the tubing from both the inlet and outlet ports of the pump.
• Disconnect the pump and the transformer from the pressure switch. You can now remove the pump itself.
• Next, take the new replacement pump you’ve got and mount it in its appropriate position.
• Reconnect back the tubing to their respective ports on the pump following the supplier’s recommendation or the water flow direction arrows on the pump’s head.
• Connect the electrical wires both from the pump and the pressure switch to the transformer.
• If your new booster pump kit comes with its pressure switch and transformer, then you can replace the whole components of the old pump. However, you can still use the same switch and transformer, if it’s a similar model you are installing.
• Your new booster pump is now ready to run. Plugin in the transformer to the power outlet, open your water supply slowly and allow the water to circulate as the pump builds pressure.
• Check for leaks and adjust the pump pressure to the right level, preferably between 60 to 80 psi.
• Turn on the RO storage tank and let the system run until the tank is full to confirm that the pump automatically switches off. If it does, then your system is ready for operation.

Pressure Adjustment

After you’ve installed the tank and then the boosted pressure exceeds 100 psi, you will need to decrease it to below 100 psi as the RO fittings as well as the housings might develop leaks. You can do this while the system is running via an adjustment screw located on top of the pump head.

If the design permits, you can set up the pump between the first stage filter (sediment filter) and the second stage filter which is the carbon pre-filter.

This way, the sediment filter will help protect the booster pump against any possible buildup of large particulate matter in the water.

Don’t place the carbon filters before the RO booster pump because they are very restrictive of the water flow and hence may end up starving the pump.

Conclusion

Even if the pressure of your local water supply line meets the standard 60 psi requirement, installing a reverse osmosis booster pump will no doubt improve the water production rate of your RO system as well as the quality of the drinking water that comes out of your faucet.

This post gives you some of the best RO booster pumps you can find on the market today. It’s hard finding a top-quality, functional pump that can guarantee years of service.

The listed models herein are well-made units and will deliver consistent water pressure to enable your RO system to function appropriately and achieve optimum performance.

They are a good place to start if you are looking to invest in a new RO booster pump.

Make sure you get a unit that’s compatible with your RO system including the tubing and the transformer so that you don’t end up with something that will not function properly.