For houses fed from a cistern or break tank that need a lot of head. City water users with some inlet pressure should look at a variable speed pump instead.
Amazon $1,122.89The Grundfos SCALA1 5-55 230V is the better water pressure booster pump overall, rated 3.4 to 3.2. The Grundfos SCALA1 5-55 230V leads on pressure. The Davey BT14-45 Torrium2 wins on warranty. The Grundfos SCALA1 5-55 230V costs $11.77 less ($1,122.89 vs $1,134.66).
For a smaller house whose supply pressure is very low and needs a big lift rather than a lot of flow.
Amazon $1,134.66Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Grundfos SCALA1 5-55 230V for pressure (180 ft maximum head (about 78 psi) vs 132 ft maximum head (about 57 psi)).
- Choose the Davey BT14-45 Torrium2 for warranty (3-year warranty vs 2-year warranty).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every fixed speed water pressure booster pump; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Grundfos SCALA1 5-55 230V | Davey BT14-45 Torrium2 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 11 $47.78 per gpm ($1,122.89, 23.5 gpm rated; maximum not published) | 0 $81.05 per gpm ($1,134.66, 14 gpm) |
| Flow 15% | 70 23.5 gpm rated; maximum not published | 27 14 gpm maximum |
| Pressure 15% | 100 180 ft maximum head (about 78 psi) | 60 132 ft maximum head (about 57 psi) |
| Protection 10% | 100 dry-run and overheat protection | 100 dry-run and overheat protection |
| Noise 10% | 60 55 dBA | 50 noise rating not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 20% | 50 2-year warranty | 100 3-year warranty |
Specifications
| Grundfos SCALA1 5-55 230V | Davey BT14-45 Torrium2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Pumping | ||
| Drive | Fixed speed | Fixed speed |
| Maximum flow | - | 14 gpm |
| Maximum head | 180 ft (78 psi) | 132 ft (57 psi) |
| Highest inlet pressure | 29 psi | - |
| Motor | 1.1 HP | 0.9 HP |
| Input power | 1,250 W | 860 W |
| Ports | 1 in | 1 in |
| Protection and build | ||
| Built-in tank | No | No |
| Dry-run protection | Yes | Yes |
| Overheat protection | Yes | Yes |
| Outdoor rated | Yes | - |
| Voltage | 240 V | 120 V |
| Noise | 55 dBA | - |
| Weight | 30.8 lb | 25.4 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years |
