Best Variable Speed Pool Pump Reviews 2026 - Save Up to 90% With Variable Speed!
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Best Variable Speed Pool Pump Reviews
Modern swimming pool filtration pumps are required to be energy efficient which means at minimum a dual speed pump, or more commonly a variable speed pump. In 2026 pool pumps are not only variable speed but also can include WIFI or even include the ability to act as a control circuit for other powered devices (like a salt chlorine generator or a vacuum booster pump). Most pools owners would benefit from consulting a local professional for help with replacing a pool pump as there are a lot of models, sizes and features that modern pool pumps can include...which makes it more complicated to choose the right pump for the right pool unless you have experience. I have done what I can to consolidate this information into this pool pump review article including updating all of the links and pump models current for the 2026 season.Pumps available for swimming pool filtration systems will be variable speed for two specific reasons with the first being simply that permanent magnet TEFC pump motors are more efficient than the older open-air induction motor design whether split phase or capacitor assisted varieties. The second reason, and this is the really important one, is that variable speed pumps have the ability to filter your water better than your current single speed pump, and for only a small fraction of the electrical cost which you currently use. Currently. Get it? That's a little electrical humor. Fine, no more jokes but I find your resistance to my jokes shocking!
Swimming Pool Steve on variable speed pumps:
Variable speed pool pumps are one of the single best energy efficient investments you can make for your home. I created a test lab to help illustrate these cost savings and show how variable speed pumps save money while improving the filtration quality of your pool. You can watch how we are able to save $4300 with a variable speed pool pump in this example, or in another example how a 24 hour variable speed pool pump schedule saves even more on electricity than a single speed pump that only runs 4 hours per day. Every swimming pool is unique, and that is a fact, but in almost every situation you will benefit by upgrading to a variable speed pump for filtration.
Swimming Pool Variable Speed Pump Benefits
Question: How much does a variable speed pool pump save?
Variable Speed Pump Savings Explained: - When you reduce the motor RPM of a pump there is a non-linear drop in the power the motor consumes. For a drop in RPM of half there is a drop in power consumption of eight times. Importantly the flow rate reduces in a linear fashion along with the motor RPM so that means the lower that you dial the RPM of the motor, the more substantial your electricity savings.
There is a point of diminishing returns where not enough flow would compromise the quality of your filtration system or even the ability for the pump to overcome the resistance to flow in the plumbing system and move any water at all. However when you take the time to dial in your pump flow rates and motor RPM's using a flow meter along with an understanding of how to schedule variable speed pumps for optimal performance you can expect enhanced filtration quality for your pool at vastly reduced costs and electrical consumption versus single speed pumps.
Question: How loud are variable speed pumps?
Variable speed pumps are very quiet - One of the biggest complaints about pool pumps in general is in relation to how much noise they make. Even under optimal conditions a single speed pump of any description operating at 3450 RPM is going to make quite a racket. If the pump bearings start to corrode then this noise volume quickly increases to intolerable levels. Variable speed pumps at low speed operation are typically so quiet that you have to put your hand on the pump in order to tell if they are actually running or not. The amount of time that you need high speed operation daily is minimal and you always have the option to program these (noisier) hours of operation to any time of the day or night that is convenient for you. If having a loud pool pump is a problem that you would like to solve then a variable speed pump is the perfect solution. Here is a video where I record an example of how much noise a variable speed pump makes at different RPM speeds: Pool pump noise test.
Question: Do variable speed pumps last longer than other pumps?
Variable speed pumps are totally enclosed design (TEFC) - A traditional single speed pool pump induction motor would draw in ambient air over the windings of the motor to help regulate temperature. In doing so ambient moisture or dust, or worse, a chlorinated water leak from the main seal or pressure side connection gets drawn into the motor where it will cause advanced rates of corrosion. Limiting or preventing moisture, dust and leaking pool water from entering the pump motor is absolutely an advantage that variable speed TEFC pumps enjoy and should result in a longer average service life versus an open induction motor design.
Question: What is the advantage of a variable speed pump?
Variable speed pumps have dynamic flow control - Every piece of equipment on your swimming pool has a maximum and a minimum flow rate that you must operate within. It was certainly never an advantage to have equipment with unique requirements for flow like a pump that can only deliver two speeds which are OFF and maximum speed. This is actually quite a problem for sand filters with multiport valves as these have typically low maximum designed flow rates that powerful pool pumps can easily meet and exceed. Any time you buy a new pool pump you should match that pump flow rate to your pool equipment to prevent damage, especially to the filter. Having the ability to dial back motor RPM to match the maximum flow rate of a pool filter is a huge advantage. It is also an advantage for matching flow rates to requirements from peripheral equipment like heaters or salt chlorine generators. While some people might say that a variable speed pump is "no good" because you need higher flow rates for peripheral equipment, you will see in this article (and video) that the flow rates needed for the most common peripheral devices is actually really small and easily possible to achieve at lower pump motor speeds: What pump RPM is needed for salt chlorinators and also What pump RPM is needed for pool heaters.
$4300 savings after 7 years with a variable speed pump; cost breakdown
People in general are slow to adopt to new technology but the fact is that variable speed pumps are better for pool filtration systems than single speed pumps in every metric that is possible to measure with the exception of purchase price. Even to this end variable speed pumps are usually a few hundred dollars more than the single speed version of the same pump. So it is not thousands of dollars more for a VS pump, it is hundreds more with the potential to save you thousands.
What Is The Best Variable Speed Pump?
When looking for the "best variable speed pump" for your pool it is incredibly important to understand that every swimming pool is unique. The location of your pump, the size and number of pipes you have, the length of the pipe runs, the elevation of the pump in relation to the water level in your pool, all of these will affect the actual flow rates that you are able to achieve from a given pump. What filter do you have? What size it is? Is it a sand filter, DE filter or cartridge filter? What is the maximum designed flow rate for your filter? All of these are important questions to answer when picking the best pool pump for an application. To help simplify this a little bit, in the majority of cases the right pool pump is going to boil down to one of a few options.
Would you buy a no-name brand car instead of a Honda or Ford? I sure wouldn't. Similarly I would not buy a variable speed pool pump from an unknown manufacturer. As an industry professional I only endorse the popular brands with established high quality equipment, which boils down to Pentair, Hayward and Jandy with the potential for Speck or Waterways pumps being an option. I would not endorse buying a variable speed pump outside of these manufacturers.
Most pools will have more than enough power with a 1 to 2 horsepower variable speed pump. Oversizing of a new filtration pump can be dangerous, not just inefficient, and unfortunately oversizing of new pumps is extremely common to see on both new and existing swimming pools.
Jandy FloPro 0.85 HP
Jandy FloPro 0.85 HP variable speed pump
The VSFHP085JEP is a dedicated 115 volt variable speed pump from Jandy. This pump is suitable for smaller sized swimming pool filtration applications. This pump has 2" port sizes and comes with union connectors. WEF rating of 11.9.
Buy from a local Jandy dealer: Find a local Jandy dealer
With 2" connection ports this is a smaller pump but can benefit from more efficient hydraulic installation than similar sized pumps with 1.5" ports. A small motor size and efficient design allows for an impressively high WEF rating since the maximum power consumption of the pump is only 975 Watts. This product is not available for sale online and can be purchased only through authorized Jandy dealers.
When to use the 0.85 HP FloPro - The FloPro 0.85hp pump from Jandy is another smaller class pump suitable as a filtration pump for most tiny, small and medium sized swimming pools. This FloPro pump comes with native 2" port sizes which is preferable for hydraulic efficiency, but this pump can operate with 2" or 1.5" plumbing as many smaller pools utilize 1.5" plumbing lines. The hydraulic efficiency of this pump is reflected in the high WEF rating of 11.9 which is due to the small electrical draw of the motor versus the high potential flow output. This 0.85hp FloPro is a dedicated 115 volt pump with the 230v model option coming with a 1.65hp motor rating. With the adjustable riser base this pump is a direct swap fit for the Hayward Super Pump, the Hayward Super II pump, the Pentair Superflo, the Sta-Rite SuperMax, the Pentair Whisperflo series, Jandy PlusHP and Jandy MaxHP pumps, as well as the Sta-Rite Dyna-Glas pumps. The Sta-Rite Dura-Glas, Dura-Glas II and the Sta-Rite Max-E-Glas pumps require purchase of a separate riser base, part number R0546400. This is a versatile, high efficiency pumps intended to replace most existing models of competing brand pumps with little or no plumbing refitting being required.
Pentair SuperFlo 342001
Pentair SuperFlo VS 1.5 HP variable speed pump
The Pentair SuperFlo 342001 is compatible with both 115 and 230 volts. This is a very popular pump from a recognized quality brand (Pentair) and it is versatile, efficient and cost effective to buy. It comes with union connections suitable for 1.5" and 2" pipe sizes. WEF rating of 9.0.
Buy from Amazon: Pentair SuperFlo 342001
Buy from Amazon.ca: Pentair SuperFlo 342001
The Pentair SuperFlo 342001 is also available from the dealer protected product line as the SuperFlo VST with part number 342002. While the performance and energy savings potential of these pumps are identical there is a difference with automation compatibility between the 342001 and 342002 models. At 1.5 horsepower with 2.2 HP peak power this is a very capable pump that works on both 115v and 230v power supplies. It has a built in 24 hour programmable timer and includes union connectors that fit both 1.5" and 2" pipe sizes. The SuperFlo VS is one of the most popular and versatile variable speed pumps on the market.
When to use the Superflo VS - The 342001 Superflo pump from Pentair is 115v and 230v compatible making it ideal for situations with unknown voltage supply and also situations where you have 115v available now, but you plan to upgrade to 230v soon in the future. With a 1.5hp rating it can be misleading in that this is actually a very powerful pump, with a 2.2 total horsepower rating when you include the service factor. It pushes water like a larger pump, but in doing so it is consuming power like a larger pump. Suitable for 1.5" or 2" plumbing installations, this pump could be used for filtration of small, medium and even large pools. The 342001 Superflo comes with unions connections with 1.5" slip ports or 2" spigot ports. If you have automation or plan for automation in the future be aware that 342001 Superflo pumps lack the ability to communicate with some Pentair automation systems like the Intelliconnect (which requires an Intelliflo pump model) and older 342001 Superflo models are not automation compatible at all except through relay control with each speed setting requiring one relay. The 342001 Superflo VS pump is ideal for stand alone pools without automation that need a fairly powerful filtration pump.
Hayward Super Pump VS 230v
Hayward Super Pump VS 1.5 HP variable speed pump
One of the most popular pool pumps ever sold was the Hayward Super Pump. This is a 1.5 HP (1.65 HP max rated) variable speed version of the super pump and has a large leaf strainer basket and native 1.5" female threaded ports. 230 volts only. W3SP2603VSP is the open product line version and the dealer protected version is SP2670020VSP. WEF rating of 9.3.
Buy from Amazon: Hayward Super Pump VS SP2603VSP
Buy from Amazon.ca: Hayward Super Pump VS SP2603VSP
This pump is also available as a dual voltage model through protected brick and mortar dealers but the online version SP2603VSP is a dedicated 230 volt pump. Made with the same height and length as the original single speed Super Pump this is a direct drop in replacement for the least difficulty for installation. At 1.65 HP peak this is one of the smaller variable speed pool pumps on the market and is ideal for smaller or medium sized pools, however it can also be used for larger pool filtration applications as well. This pump has 1.5" female threaded connection ports and does not come with connection fittings which must be purchased separately.
When to use the 230v Super Pump - The SP2603VSP 230 volt dedicated Super Pump from Hayward uses the industry standard Super Pump body fit with a new variable speed drive controller. With 1.5" female pipe thread connection ports you will need a 1.5" male adapter (high temperature union preferred) as well as thread sealant, but this pump can operate effectively on 1.5" or 2" plumbing systems. There are some 115v and dual 115/230v rated versions of the Super Pump VS but this SP2603VSP model is 230v exclusively. The Super Pump VS is smaller in motor size (1.5 HP / 1.65 THP) than the Pentiar Superflo VS making it more energy efficient at top speed, and also making it suitable for smaller pool applications where the (1.5 HP / 2.2 THP) Superflo may be too powerful. The SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS is in the same class as the SP2603VSP Super Pump VS however the (much) larger wet end and strainer basket on the Super Pump make it a better choice for pools with significant debris or overhanging trees. The Super Pump VS is a great choice for a filtration pump for small, medium and large sized swimming pools.
Comparing The Hayward Super Pump To Pentair SuperFlo - These two pumps, the Hayward Super Pump and the Pentair SuperFlo are direct competitors for one another. They are designed to fit in exactly the same spot (same height and length for intake / output) to facilitate easy changing from one brand to the other. The interesting part is that these two pumps really do not perform like competing pumps. They perform, and essentially are, differently sized motors. The Pentair is just a larger pump. It moves more water and it consumes more electricity. This does not make it a worse pump choice for your pool - it makes the Pentair SuperFlo a more suitable pump for larger pools with higher flow demands, and similarly the Hayward Super Pump more suitable for smaller pools with less demanding flow rates.
Both pumps are good at what they are designed to do, and there is considerable overlap on the type and size of pools which could use either of these pumps. If you have a very small pool or a pool with a low maximum design flow rate sand filter (max 65 gpm range) then the Pentair SuperFlo is likely too large for your pool. The Hayward Super Pump, while smaller than the Pentair motor, can still easily be used on large swimming pools that need a filtration pump. Largely people over-size swimming pool pumps with little to no actual benefit for doing so.
Jandy FloPro 1.65 HP
Jandy FloPro 1.65 HP variable speed pump
The VSFHP165JEP is a dedicated 230 volt variable speed pump from Jandy. This pump comes with 2" port sizes and includes unions for connecting to the pump. The pump would be suitable as a filtration pump for most swimming pools without specific flow requirements. 2 and 3 horsepower filtration pumps are rarely needed unless there is a peripheral device on the pool which requires extremely high flow rates. WEF rating of 9.1.
Buy from a local Jandy dealer: Find a local Jandy dealer
Jandy does not sell products like pumps to the general public or through any online retailers so you must contact a local authorized Jandy dealer for these products. This pump comes with 2" connection ports and a "right sized" motor for most pool filtration applications replacing single speed pumps up to and including 1.5 horsepower. Union connectors are included with this pump.
When to use the 1.65 HP FloPro - Similar to the 115 volt version on this pump, the 230 volt FloPro 1.65 HP variable speed pump is suitable for small, medium and large pools as a filtration pump. Native 2" port connections means this pump runs on 2" pipe but you can also use it on 1.5" pipe systems or 2.5" pipe if this is what you have. With the adjustable riser base this pump is a direct swap fit for the Hayward Super Pump, the Hayward Super II pump, the Pentair Superflo, the Sta-Rite SuperMax, the Pentair Whisperflo series, Jandy PlusHP and Jandy MaxHP pumps, as well as the Sta-Rite Dyna-Glas pumps. The Sta-Rite Dura-Glas, Dura-Glas II and the Sta-Rite Max-E-Glas pumps require purchase of a separate riser base, part number R0546400. This is a compact and powerful mid-size motor that has impressive hydraulic performance with a service factor of one making this a 1.65 THP motor.
Hayward TriStar VS900
Hayward TriStar VS900 1.85 HP variable speed pump
SP3202VSP is the part number for the open product line 1.85 HP TriStar. The same pump from the dealer protected product line is the TriStar 900 (SP32900VSP). 230 volts only for the SP3202VSP model while the SP32900VSP dealer protected model is dual voltage compatible. Comes with union connections for 2.5" and 2" pipe size. WEF rating of 12.9.
Buy from Amazon: Hayward Tristar VS900 SP3202VSP
Buy from Amazon.ca: Hayward Tristar VS900 SP3202VSP
The SP3202VSP is the open line version of the Tristar VS900 (SP32900VSP) pump. This is one of the most popular pool pumps due to being "right sized" as it has a 1.85 HP motor. Perfect for middle of the line applications where you want high flow potential without committing to a 3 horsepower pump which is well oversized for most filtration pump applications. This pump is also one of the largest and highest flow pumps that is capable of operating from a 1.5" pipe size system without starving the pump for water. This pump has connection ports that fit 2" and 2.5" pipe size and comes with the unions for connecting the plumbing to the pump.
Note that the SP3202VSP Tristar 1.85hp model is rated for 230 volts only while the brick and mortar dealer protected product line SP32900VSP comes with a dual voltage rated motor. Designed to match the Pentair Whisperflo footprint, you can also purchase a separate base (part number SPX3200SR) to match up with Sta-Rite, Max-E-Pro, Max-E-Glas or Dura-Glas pumps.
In this video I review the Hayward TriStar 900 pool pump (SP3206VSP / SP32900VSP) and go over the features that this pump offers in depth. In this long form content review video I will explain what comes with the pump, which pools are suitable for this pump and why I tend to recommend this specific pump model more than any other variable speed pool pump.
Bigger is not always better when it comes to pool pumps and there are very few options for the middle of the road size of filtration pump...which is a shame since this is the size of pump which would be the best fit for most swimming pools. It moves much more flow than a medium head pump with a similar horsepower rating and is one of the most efficient overall variable speed pumps available.
Jandy FloPro 2.7 HP
Jandy FloPro DV2A 2.7 HP variable speed pump
The VSFHP270DV2A is a dual voltage compatible (115v/230v) pool pump suitable for applications where high flow volumes head pressure are needed. The FloPro DV2A comes with 2"/2.5" union connectors and has a WEF rating of 7.3 for 115v and and 8.7 for 230v connections.
Buy from a local Jandy dealer: Find a local Jandy dealer
With 2" and 2.5" connection ports this pump is designed for optimal flow performance and high flow rates. One feature of this pump is it is short and made for use in tight fitting spaces and is only 24.5" in length with a zero clearance on the motor end of the pump, which is useful for some applications. This product is not available for sale online and can be purchased only through authorized Jandy dealers.
Jandy FloPro Pool Pump Review - The Jandy 2.7 HP Jandy FloPro pump would be a suitable choice for medium and large swimming pools with higher flow rate requirements for features like massage jets or waterfalls. With a large motor size this pump would not be suitable for running on systems with 1.5" suction lines, as 2" and 2.5" are both better able to handle the power and flow created with this pump. In-floor Caretaker cleaning systems utilizing a one pump system would likely need a larger pump like this one, as would shared pool and spa systems where the massage jets are powered by the filtration pump for the pool.
The 2.7 HP FloPro also comes with dual relays for relay control of other pool equipment, which is a major feature offering versus some other competing pump brands which do not offer this convenience. Note that this pump and pumps of similar motor size can also be operated on pipe size larger than 2" and 2.5" pipe, such as 3" and 4" pipes for high flow demand systems where you want to minimize friction losses by reducing flow velocity.
Hayward TriStar VS950
Hayward TriStar VS950 2.7 HP variable speed pump
The Hayward TriStar950 is the flagship variable speed pump from Hayward. This pump is available through the open product line under part number SP3206VSP or under the dealer protected product line under part number SP32950VSP. The SP3206VSP pump version is 230 volts only and comes with union connections suitable for 2" and 2.5" pipe. WEF rating of 7.3.
Buy from Amazon: Hayward Tristar VS950 SP3206VSP
Buy from Amazon.ca: Hayward Tristar VS950 SP3206VSP
The Hayward TriStar950 is the most powerful variable speed pump from the residential line of Hayward pumps. This pump is capable of impressively high maximum flow rates while retaining very high energy efficiency. 230 volt applications only for the SP3206VSP model and 2" / 2.5" unions come with this pump. If you have 1.5" plumbing size this pump is likely too large and you should look at the 1.85 HP TriStar VS900 instead if you are interested in a Hayward variable speed pump.
When to use the TriStar 950 - The 2.7 HP TriStar950 / SP3206VSP is the flagship pump from Hayward and is suitable for large swimming pools or pools with demanding flow requirements such as waterfalls and massage booster jets. Pools with sand filters may find the flow rates generated by this pump to be too high and exceed the maximum design flow rates for the filter, so DE and cartridge filters in general are a better pairing with a pump motor this large. While this pump can be used as a filtration pump for large pools, unless there is something about your pool that requires this much flow, likely a smaller sized filtration pump would be more suitable. One of the more common uses for the TriStar 950 are pools with multiple water features as the pump is able to generate enough flow to feed multiple systems when paired with suitably sized suction and pressure lines.
Pentair Intelliflo 3 HP
Pentair Intelliflo 3 HP variable speed pump
The 011028 and 011056 are the flagship variable speed pumps from Pentair however they will eventually be replaced by the newer Intelliflo3 line of pumps. The Intelliflo model of pump is still available through Pentair and some Pentair dealers including online retailers. While there is a newer (Intelliflo3) line of pumps these 011056 and 011028 models are arguably some of the highest rated and reviewed pool pumps of modern times. I have zero problem recommending this model of pump to any pool owner with a large or demanding flow filtration system. WEF rating of 6.9.
Buy from Amazon: Pentair Intelliflo 011056
Buy from Amazon.ca Pentair Intelliflo Pool Pump
When to use the Intelliflo VS / VSF - Both the 011028 Intelliflo and the 011056 Intelliflo both are extremely powerful pump requiring 2" minimum pipe size to avoid potential cavitation damage to the pump. Larger pipes are recommended for this pump as it could exceed the safe flow rating for smaller systems. The flow rates from the 3 HP Intelliflo pumps is enough for filtration of large swimming pools and shared pool and spa systems where the filtration pump is also powering the massage jets. The 3 HP Intelliflo pumps are too large for filtration of small pools and even large pools will never need the 3 HP available with these pumps for simple filtration purposes. Pools with heavy demands for flow such as water features, massage jets, in-floor cleaning systems and also pools needing compatibility with Pentair automation systems would be the ideal application for the 011056 VSF and 011056 VS Intelliflo pumps.
New Variable Speed Pool Pump Reviews
There are more variable speed pool pumps than ever reaching the market with every manufacturer recently launching new pump designs. The main driving factor behind these recent upgrades to the variable speed pump lines is primarily due to innovation and new features being incorporated into the latest models. More than ever pool owners want smart control of their pool equipment. Some pump offerings are starting to come with relay controls built in which simplify a lot of basic automation functions as well as solving some technical challenges like salt cells powered from a variable speed pump that has constant power supplied. Most newer variable speed pool pumps are automation capable with RS-485 connectivity.
In addition to new features for the new lines of variable speed pumps hitting the market, there is also a good deal more selection in the middle range for motor sizing. This is an area of the variable speed pool pump market that was previously left under-served to a certain degree. More options in the 1.5 to 2.0 HP range is a good thing for pool owners, as well as pumps with different flow characteristics and performance curves. Previously most flagship pumps were only available in a 3.0hp design and now you can more readily find the higher end electronics and motor controllers in the mid-size motors. This allows pool owners to buy and use more appropriately powered pumps for their unique pool applications.
Pentair WhisperFlo VST 2.65 THP
This is the EC-011533 2.0hp (2.65 THP) new WhisperFlo pump from Pentair. The WhisperFlo pump is made for slightly higher head applications without being too oversized and many mid to high end pool owners might end up choosing this pump for their filtration system. Adaptable for 115v or 230v though the lower voltage option will see the performance of the pump reduced somewhat. W.E.F rating of 8.4.
Buy from Amazon: Pentair WhisperFlo VST 2.65 THP
Pentair IntelliFlo3
The 011075 Pentair IntelliFlo3 is the latest flagship pump from Pentair and is a 3 horsepower model. The 011065 is the Pentair Intelliflo3 with a 1.5hp motor. Both of these pumps optionally can come with an I/O board which allows for the pump itself to electrically control external circuits for providing power to external devices. (011076 3hp with i/o - 011066 1.5hp with i/o) All models of Intelliflo3 come WIFI and bluetooth enabled for smart control of your filtration pump through your phone or tablet. 011075 has a THP of 3.0 and a W.E.F rating of 7.1. The smaller 011065 has a THP of 1.5 and a WEF rating of 9.4.
Buy 3hp from Amazon: Pentair IntelliFlo3 3.0hp
Buy 1.5hp from Amazon: Pentair Intelliflo3 1.5hp
Important Considerations For Comparing Pool Pumps
When it comes to comparing pool pumps I really want to be as helpful as possible for you and part of this is explaining that pump ratings are purposefully confusing. This has been the case for as long as the pool industry has existed. It is easier than ever to compare apples to apples between pool pumps but it will be helpful for you to be aware that the labeling is often confusing or misleading, even to this day. Instead of power, or motor horsepower ratings, you ideally want to look at a few other indicators much better suited to inform you of the capabilities of a specific pump. WEF ratings are one of these things.
Variable Speed Pumps Save Money - When you reduce the motor RPM of a pump there is a non-linear drop in the power the motor consumes. For a drop in RPM of half there is a drop in power consumption of eight times. Importantly the flow rate reduces in a linear fashion along with the motor RPM so that means the lower that you dial the RPM of the motor, the more substantial your electricity savings. There is a point of diminishing returns where not enough flow would compromise the quality of your filtration system or even the ability for the pump to overcome the resistance to flow in the plumbing system and move any water at all. However when you take the time to dial in your pump flow rates and motor RPM's using a flow meter along with an understanding of how to schedule variable speed pumps for optimal performance you can expect enhanced filtration quality for your pool at vastly reduced costs and electrical consumption versus single speed pumps. Variable speed pumps are very quiet - One of the biggest complaints about pool pumps in general is in relation to how much noise they make. Even under optimal conditions a single speed pump of any description operating at 3450 RPM is going to make quite a racket. If the pump bearings start to corrode then this noise volume quickly increases to intolerable levels. Variable speed pumps at low speed operation are typically so quiet that you have to put your hand on the pump in order to tell if they are actually running or not. The amount of time that you need high speed operation daily is minimal and you always have the option to program these (noisier) hours of operation to any time of the day or night that is convenient for you. If having a loud pool pump is a problem that you would like to solve then a variable speed pump is the perfect solution. Here is a video where I record an example of how much noise a variable speed pump makes at different RPM speeds: Pool pump noise test. Variable speed pumps are totally enclosed design (TEFC) - A traditional single speed pool pump induction motor would draw in ambient air over the windings of the motor to help regulate temperature. In doing so ambient moisture or dust, or worse, a chlorinated water leak from the main seal or pressure side connection gets drawn into the motor where it will cause advanced rates of corrosion. Limiting or preventing moisture, dust and leaking pool water from entering the pump motor is absolutely an advantage that variable speed TEFC pumps enjoy and should result in a longer average service life versus an open induction motor design. Variable speed pumps have dynamic flow control - Every piece of equipment on your swimming pool has a maximum and a minimum flow rate that you must operate within. It was certainly never an advantage to have equipment with unique requirements for flow like a pump that can only deliver two speeds which are OFF and maximum speed. This is actually quite a problem for sand filters with multiport valves as these have typically low maximum designed flow rates that powerful pool pumps can easily meet and exceed. Any time you buy a new pool pump you should match that pump flow rate to your pool equipment to prevent damage, especially to the filter. Having the ability to dial back motor RPM to match the maximum flow rate of a pool filter is a huge advantage. It is also an advantage for matching flow rates to requirements from peripheral equipment like heaters or salt chlorine generators. While some people might say that a variable speed pump is "no good" because you need higher flow rates for peripheral equipment, you will see in this article (and video) that the flow rates needed for the most common peripheral devices is actually really small and easily possible to achieve at lower pump motor speeds: What pump RPM is needed for salt chlorinators and also What pump RPM is needed for pool heaters.
What is WEF rating? - WEF stands for weighted energy factor and is the newest method of measuring pump efficiency ratings. WEF is the amount of water (in thousands of gallons) that can be pumped using a set range of motor RPM speeds and consuming a total of 1000 Watts, or 1 kilowatt. So a higher WEF number rating is better than a lower number rating as a higher WEF number indicates that a pump was able to pump more water for a given amount of energy consumption.
In addition to WEF ratings, which are both important and helpful, possibly the most important thing is to look at the actual flow of the pump as well as the power consumption of the pump. These really are the factors at the heart of the situation. You want a lot of flow and a lot of flow potential from your pump, but you want to pay the least possible to get that. One crucial piece of information you need is the flow curve that pool pump manufacturers provide for every pump they produce. Also called performance curves or H Q curves. This visual flow comparison shows an X and Y axis which compares flow (usually in GPM) and resistance to flow (measure in feet of head). You will not know what your pool has for resistance to flow without measuring the total dynamic head, but you can not do that anyway for a pump you are considering to buy, so instead we choose a reasonable comparison point and then compare all of the pumps to this. This will help to show you which pumps can move the most water for a given resistance to flow. For a relative bearing let's say low resistance to flow is 25 feet of head. Medium is 40 or 50 feet of head, and high head is perhaps 70 to 80+ which again, is just generic numbers to give us a point to start comparisons.
Pump
Flow @ 30' Head
Flow @ 60' Head
115v Hayward Super Pump VS
58 GPM
10 GPM
Jandy 0.85 HP FloPro
70 GPM
20 GPM
230v Hayward Super Pump VS
87 GPM
40 GPM
Pentair Superflo VS
108 GPM
43 GPM
Black + Decker VS 1.5 HP
100 GPM
44 GPM
Jandy 1.65 HP FloPro
108 GPM
54 GPM
Pentair Intelliflo i1
108 GPM
74 GPM
Hayward TriStar 900
124 GPM
80 GPM
Black + Decker VS 2 HP
108 GPM
70 GPM
Jandy 2.7 HP FloPro
145 GPM*
113 GPM
Hayward TriStar 950
170 GPM*
134 GPM
Black + Decker VS 3 HP
127 GPM
90 GPM
Pentair Intelliflo VS / VST
176 GPM*
133 GPM
* Off of chart, extrapolated measurement
The most important pump comparison information on this page - These numbers for flow rates are all approximations based on me reading the performance curves for both 30ft and 60ft of head and without a doubt this is the most important, and most revealing information on this page. Immediately you can start to see how each pump would perform under the same operating conditions and suddenly the pumps are not all the same at all. Some seem to do well at lower resistance to low (medium head pumps) while other pumps need 30 feet of head just to start measuring flow, and these pumps also can (and do) operate at head resistance amounts far in excess of what medium head pumps can operate. You can also very easily see how performance and flow rates varies from one brand to the next. For example, I know from experience that Pentair pumps are very powerful when I compare them to other pumps with similar horsepower ratings. You can see this fact reflected in these comparison numbers posted above. The real take away here for buying a new pool pump and effectively comparing these models is that there is a right pool pump for each application and your goal is less about figuring out who makes "the best pool pump" and more about who makes the pump that will operate best on the type of plumbing system you have in terms of head, or resistance to flow.
Cost savings breakdown for VS pool pumps -
The average savings for pool owners switching to variable speed is between 60% and 90% savings over single speed pool pump. Even pool owners who already run lean filtration schedules where you turn off the pump for part of the day will experience a considerable cost savings on electricity from a properly programmed 24 hour variable speed run schedule. It is entirely possible that your electricity savings will pay for the entire purchase price of the pump multiple times over.
Every pool is unique but the cost savings potential is huge with variable speed pumps. Take a look at these examples where a 24 hour variable speed pump schedule costs less than running a single speed pump for 8 hours per day and in fact still costs less than running a single speed pump 4 hours per day!
FAQ: Variable Speed Pool Pumps
Why should I get a variable speed pump?
How loud are variable speed pumps?
Do variable speed pumps last longer than other pumps?
What is the advantage of a variable speed pump?
Best Inground Pool Pump
The biggest mistake that pool owners will make when researching variable speed pool pumps will be to try to find the "best inground pool pump" on the market. The truth is that it is much less important to choose the "best pool pump" than it is to choose the best pump for your specific application. Every swimming pool plumbing system is unique.
The differences in plumbing systems, pool options, plumbing orientations, pool equipment, elevation grade, size of the pool etc. all make a difference when choosing the best inground pool pump. There is no one-pump-fits-all solutions when you are shopping for a pool pump. The real secret to picking the best pump is to understand what your unique pump requirements (and limitations) are, and then selecting the best pump to suit this unique application. This is why there are so many pool pumps on the market. Pool pumps are essentially application specific and you need to figure out how to choose the best one to suit your unique needs. Fortunately, when you are talking about variable speed pumps, you are usually looking at a filtration system / circulation pump since this is where VS pumps are the most efficient to use. This helps to narrow down on the pumps that you should be choosing from. Before you can choose the right pump, you need to be able to answer the following questions:
Do you have 240 volts of power? - Power in North America is based on either 120 volts or 240 volts. Almost all variable speed pool pumps require 240 volts of power, and if you only have 120 volts available at your pump location you will either need to upgrade your pump electrical circuit, or pick one of the smaller VS pumps that are 120 volt compatible. Please note that 240 volts, 230 volts and 220 volts are all the same for the purposes of buying pool equipment. Voltage actually varies and terminology can be used interchangeably when talking about consumer equipment in North America. You either have 120 volts (or 110 volts) or you have twice as much voltage, 240 volts (or 230 volts, or 220 volts) as these are all the same thing.
A very powerful pump on a single 1.5" suction line is almost certainly going to be a problem. If you have 1.5" suction lines, even two of them, you need to choose from the smaller variable speed pump options (1.5HP or smaller on average) where if you have three or more 1.5" suction lines, or 2" suction lines of any number, then you can choose from any of the larger (up to 3HP) variable speed pumps.
Sand filters however are much more of a concern and if you have a sand filter you should verify that it can handle the flow rate that your new pump can produce. This is actually hard to do since it is very difficult to calculate actual flow rates on a system. In most cases installing a flow meter in your plumbing system is the best real world way to know what your flow rates are. The short cut rule of thumb is that only large sand filters can handle the flow rates from the larger two and three horsepower VS pumps. If you have only a small or medium sized sand filter then consider buying a VS pump that is 1.5HP or lower, or upgrade the filter to a cartridge or D.E. filter at the same time that you upgrade the pump.
The secret to picking the best pump for your application is to choose the largest one that your plumbing system and other pool equipment can safely handle, and then run it on the lowest possible RPM that will meet your minimum filtration needs. The truth is that even the smallest VS pumps are still more than large enough to keep even large, deep 20x40' pools clean...but what is the point in buying a more expensive variable speed pump if you end up running it on maximum speed 24/7? This is why you want a larger pump that can move a lot of water at very low speeds - but you want to avoid a pump that might cavitate (starve for water) from undersized suction lines, or potentially push too much water through your filter when the RPM's are higher.
If you have read all of this information and you still can not decide which is the best pump for your pool then you can always just Ask Steve directly.
Pool Pump Comparison Reviews - If you would like to do more research on variable speed pool pumps to help find the best one for your application then you might find these comparison review articles helpful. In these reviews I compare some of the most popular models of VS pumps against one another. These articles compare popularity, motor size, flow rate and efficiency factor for some of the most common pumps:
Hayward variable speed pump reviews
Pentair IntelliFlo review
How much power does a pool pump use?
Hayward EcoStar versus Pentair IntelliFlo
Pentair SuperFlo versus IntelliFlo
How long do variable speed pool pumps last?
Pipe size and flow rates
How many hours per day should you run a pool pump?
How much can you actually save using a variable speed pool pump?
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Swimming Pool Steve is an award winning, second generation swimming pool specialist from Ontario Canada and one of the most trusted voices in the swimming pool industry. With over 20,000,000 views on the Swimming Pool Steve YouTube Channel, winner of the Pleatco Pool & Spa Industry Leadership award and author of hundreds of pool and spa articles both online and in print. Steve is committed to helping pool and spa owners as well as pool and spa industry workers learn more about the technical side of building, renovating, repairing and maintaining all types of swimming pools and spas. Follow Swimming Pool Steve on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
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www.PoolPartsToGo.com
New Black + Decker variable speed pumps are available online from www.PoolPartsToGo.com and they are a drop in replacement for many popular pump models including Pentair Superflo and Hayward Super Pumps. With an adjustable platform base, union connections included and a very strong warranty these pumps offer an impressive value to pool owners.
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