Salamander CT50 Xtra 1.5 Bar Twin Positive Head Shower Pump

By Salamander · Model: CT50 Xtra · Plumbing & Heating

WRAS-approved 1.5 bar twin-ended shower pump for gravity-fed systems, delivering consistent pressure to showers and taps.

1.5 bar pressure boost for gravity-fed hot and cold supplies
Twin-ended design boosts both hot and cold simultaneously
WRAS approved for UK installation compliance
Positive head operation — requires gravity feed to start
Quiet running with anti-vibration feet
22mm push-fit connections for fast installation

Overview

The Salamander CT50 Xtra is one of the most popular shower pumps in the UK, designed for gravity-fed systems where water pressure from the tank is too low for a decent shower. The twin-ended design boosts both hot and cold supplies simultaneously, and WRAS approval means it meets all UK building regulations.

In-Depth Look

The Salamander CT50 Xtra is the shower pump that UK plumbers reach for when a customer complains about poor shower pressure in a gravity-fed property. It has earned its reputation through years of reliable service across thousands of UK installations.

Positive Head — Understanding the Requirement

The CT50 Xtra is a positive head pump, which means it requires a gravity feed from the cold water storage tank to activate. The water outlet from the tank must be at least 300mm above the pump inlet for positive head operation to work correctly. In properties with a loft-mounted cold water tank, this is typically straightforward. In properties where the tank and pump are on the same floor level, a negative head pump (such as the Salamander CT50+ Xtra) is required instead. Specifying the correct type for the installation is the single most important consideration.

Twin-Ended Design

The twin impeller design is the key advantage of the CT50 over single-ended pumps. By boosting both hot and cold supplies simultaneously, it delivers balanced pressure to thermostatic shower valves — preventing the temperature fluctuations that occur when only one supply is boosted. Single-ended pumps are only appropriate where the cold supply is mains-pressure and only the hot needs boosting.

Installation Considerations

With 22mm push-fit connections, the CT50 Xtra installs directly onto 22mm pipework without additional fittings. Anti-vibration feet and the quiet motor design allow installation in an airing cupboard or loft space close to living areas. WRAS approval confirms the pump meets Water Regulations requirements for connection to the hot and cold water supply — essential for compliance on domestic installations.

Selecting the Correct Size

Salamander produce the CT50 (1.5 bar), CT75 (2.2 bar), and CT100 (3.0 bar) variants. The CT50 suits most standard gravity-fed showers. Where the gravity head is very low or the shower demand is high — large rainfall heads or multi-outlet systems — the CT75 is the better specification.

Verdict

The Salamander CT50 Xtra is the reliable, proven choice for boosting shower pressure in positive head gravity-fed systems. Its WRAS approval, twin-ended design, and quiet operation make it the pump that plumbers specify with confidence.

Specifications
Pressure	1.5 bar
Type	Twin impeller, positive head
Connections	22mm push-fit
WRAS Approved	Yes
Noise Level	Quiet operation with anti-vibration mounts
Power	240V
Warranty	2 years

Who It's For

Plumbers and heating engineers fitting shower pumps in gravity-fed properties
Homeowners with poor shower pressure from a gravity hot water system
Landlords upgrading older properties with low-pressure plumbing

Pros & Cons

Pros

Reliable and proven — one of the UK's best-selling shower pumps
WRAS approved for compliant UK installations
Twin-ended design means balanced hot and cold pressure
Quiet operation for airing cupboard or loft installation

Cons

Positive head only — not suitable for negative head installations
Requires minimum gravity head to operate
22mm connections only — adaptors needed for 15mm pipework

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