Stabilizing pressure

[Stosh]

My family complains (and I, but much less!) about the fluctuation in water pressure, especially when showering (shower is upstairs, about a 22' rise from the pump). We have 35' well, a jet pump with a ~40 gal pressure tank. Empty tank pressure is 27 lbs.

The pump kicks on at 30 lbs, and off at 50 lbs. The pump takes about a minute to get back up to high pressure when the shower is running. I don't want to increase the pressure necessarily - it's the fluctuation that I'm trying to address - although 50 lbs of pressure all the time would be wonderful.

So I've been thinking ...

Is it feasable to:
1) Install a pressure regulator downstream from the tank set at 50 lbs
2) Jack up the empty tank pressure to 48 lbs
3) Change the pump switch to maintain 50/70 lbs

Wouldn't this give me a constant 50 lbs in the house for only the cost of a regulator? Your input is appreciated!

[nomind]

Hi Stosh, - unless you've got a VERY good jetpump, I wouldn't put the pressures as high as 50/70. why don't you try 40/60 to start, with an air charge of 38 ? -I would also look at the upstairs shower plumbing. -is the diverter working properly, and is it a good free flowing shower head. ( many have a flow reducer inside) There are also shower heads on the market that will give a good spray with minimal pressure. :)

[Stosh]

OK, I'll try it at 40/60, as long as it sounds reasonable. I removed the waterflow restrictors on the showerhead when I installed it last summer, and there's PLENTY of water at 50 lbs - it's the drop to 30 that's bugging us. I just was looking for a sanity check, I suppose. Thanks for the tip.