How to Choose the Right Air Pump
- Sep 25, 2024
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Air Pumps for Inflatables 101: All your basic air pump questions answered.
Selecting the right air pump can feel very overwhelming.
Should you get a manual air pump or an electric one? How do you know the PSI of your item? What does “PSI" even mean? What’s the difference between A/C and D/C pumps?
It’s a lot to digest. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place for all the answers. Let’s start getting down to basics so you can choose the correct air pump like a pro.
What Does "PSI" Stand for and Why Does It Matter?
“PSI" stands for "pound force per square inch," measuring the force needed to inflate an item with air and pressure.
Inflatable items have different pressure levels, measured in PSI. A swim tube or floating mat usually has a low PSI of 0.36 to 0.43. In contrast, a stand-up paddleboard has a high PSI of 15 to 18. Basically, the higher the PSI, the more powerful your pump needs to be for proper inflation.
If the PSI is not labeled on your item or its packaging, it usually means the manufacturer left it off because it’s 1.0 or lower. In this case, there are more inflation options if your pump has the appropriate valve/nozzle to fit the item.
Inflating items like your paddleboard, sport boat, or river tube to the correct PSI is a bit more crucial than a pool float. This allows the item to support your weight and handle the water conditions where you use it.
What’s the Difference Between Manual Air Pumps and Electric Air Pumps?
A general assumption would be that every electric pump is automatically “stronger” than a manual pump. But that’s not always the case.
The biggest difference between these two types is how a pump “functions” or works to inflate. For example, electric pumps have a motor inside. This motor pulls in air and pushes it out. It keeps working as the pump fills an item with air.
On the other hand, manual pumps require another power source – you – to suction and discharge the air with each step or downward motion. And it might be hard to believe, but sometimes your human power is more efficient than a machine.
So, when comparing an electric air pump with a manual one you need to focus on the air flow rate. This shows you how much air you push into the item per minute or per motion (if you use a manual pump). The higher the air flow rate, the more powerful the pump whether the pump is manual or electric.
What's the Difference Between A/C and D/C Electric Pumps?
The biggest difference between these pumps is where they are used. For instance, A/C pumps, which stands for "alternating current," are designed for in-home use where users plug them into a standard home outlet. D/C pumps, which stands for "direct current," are designed for outdoor or on-the-go use and they plug into your vehicle's outlet.
Today, many air pump manufacturers offer AC/DC options to give you even more versatility and bang for your buck. Plus, many pumps on the market have multiple nozzles to fit a variety of valve types.
So, how do you choose?
Keep in mind that no two inflatable products are the same and the same goes for pumps.
Your air pump for air mattresses may not fully inflate your sport boat. Or the electric car pump for your paddleboard might harm your unicorn swim tube (not Sparkles!).
But, if you keep your item's PSI, your pump's air flow rate and nozzle compatibility in mind, you can pick out a pump to suit your needs and help you inflate your item efficiently so you can spend less time on setup and more time on making memories on the water.
Check out Bestway’s selection of air pumps and find the one that’s right for you!