Pentair SuperFlo VS IntelliFlo
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This article is a comparison review for swimming pool owners looking to compare the Pentair SuperFlo VS IntelliFlo variable speed pool pumps. Assuming that you have decided to purchase a Pentair pump, this page will help you to determine which of these two pumps would be better for your specific needs. There could be a lot of reasons why you have decided that Pentair is the way to go for your pool, such as the rest of your equipment being all Pentair, or your previous experience with the Pentair brand being positive, but regardless of your personal reasons you can rest assured that choosing a Pentair pump for your pool is a great choice.
The general consensus among swimming pool industry workers is that Pentair makes some of the best pool equipment available. Not everyone would agree with Pentair being "the best" but you can be confident that Pentair is at the very least one of the best pump manufacturers. Additionally, the variable speed pool pumps offered by Pentair represent the cutting edge of swimming pool pump technology, bar none. They were the first pool company to market with variable speed pool pumps for residential applications, as well as offering a deep line of variable speed pump options that goes much deeper than just the IntelliFlo versus SuperFlo. The SuperFlo and IntelliFlo just represent the two most common variable speed pumps for pool owners to choose from.
Pentair Variable Speed Pool Pumps
Pentair has a very deep lineup of variable speed pool pumps designed for different commercial and residential applications. Pentair, more than any other brand of pool equipment manufacturer, has a series of application specific variable speed pump models that offer unique, high tech options that other equipment manufacturers do not even begin to compete with. This is simply due to the fact that Pentair pool equipment is only a small fraction of the global Pentair brand which is an industry leader in valves and controls, as well as water and fluid solutions. Pentair is more than just pool equipment...much more in fact. They are a huge, global company that specializes in fluid systems, valves and controls. As a result the variable speed pumps they offer have capabilities that other pump manufacturers do not. This appeals most specifically to the ultra high end residential pool market as well as commercial pools where more expensive equipment is warranted due to unique flow designs and demands.
To the average backyard swimming pool owner this is all essentially overkill. For "regular swimming pools" the SuperFlo vs. IntelliFlo will be the main question that needs to be answered. One of those two pumps will probably be the best overall value for you when you consider cost vs. quality vs. capabilities of the pump. But for those interested to know more about the higher end offerings from Pentair in terms of variable speed pump design, here are a few of the most popular options:
The Pentair SuperFlo 342001
is the entry level variable speed pump from Pentair. This VS pump is specifically made to compete with the Hayward SP2603VSP variable speed pump. It is the same height and length as the very popular Hayward Super Pump design so it requires zero customization to the plumbing to switch your Super Pump out for one of these Pentair pumps. This pump shows a pump curve that is capable of 113 GPM and can operate at either 120 volts or 240 volts.
The Pentair (Sta-Rite) SuperMax 343001
is the mirror pump in the Sta-Rite brand that is comparable to the SuperFlo 342001. The flow rate for this pump is identical to the flow rate of the 342001 SuperFlo. Just like the SuperFlo this pump is able to run at 120 volts or 240 volts with a small loss in flow and efficiency when wired on the lower voltage option.
342001 Pentair SuperFlo - 104 GPM @ 30' on max speed and 95 GPM @ 40'
343001 Pentair SuperMax - 104 GPM @ 30' on max speed and 95 GPM @ 40'
These entry level variable speed pumps from Pentair are both updated from pervious versions. The original SuperFlo was part number 342000 and the original SuperMax was part number 343000 however these models have been discontinued in place of the 342001 and 343001 versions. The first generation pumps were only compatible with 240 volt power supplies where the newer versions of both pumps have the option for running at 120 volts also which gives this entry level pump a very strong unique market advantage. No other entry level VS pumps have both 120 volt and 240 volt options making the offerings from Pentair very attractive for pool owners with only 120 volts available at the pump location. Install the SuperFlo or SuperMax pump now on 120 volts and change over to 240 volts in the future for an efficiency advantage once you run a new 240 volt electrical service to the pump location.
Pentair IntelliFlo VS Models
Just as with the above example pumps from Pentair, the IntelliFlo and IntelliPro are competing pumps that are intended to help with market penetration for Pentair in dense and competitive retail markets. While the Sta-Rite version IntelliPro was based on a different design than the Pentair IntelliFlo, they have become very similar over time. The similarity between the pumps and the names lends itself well to creating a confusing shopping process for pool owners who are trying to decide which pump they want to buy. Well, it gets worse. Pentair has started to brand the IntelliFlo pump into multiple designations so now there are a half dozen versions of the "IntelliFlo" to choose from and each one does something different. While on the surface this might sound like it is confusing, and I suppose it could be if you are new to pool pumps, but the actual technology behind the new IntelliFlo pump versions is very smart and clearly designed to solve common problems that pool owners have.
What Pentair is doing with the IntelliFlo lineup is designing the product to suit specific, individual markets. Instead of having different pumps for different applications Pentair is using their flagship IntelliFlo pump platform to custom make application-specific pumps. For example instead of building an entirely new pump to conform to California and Arizona energy restrictions for pool pumps, instead the IntelliFlo comes with a one or two horsepower impeller and diffuser. This effectively makes the IntelliFlo a one horsepower or a two horsepower. This is precisely what the IntelliFlo i1 and i2 pumps are.
The VS 3050 Pentair IntelliFlo 011018
is the base model IntelliFlo and the flagship pump from Pentair. Previously this was the IntelliFlo 011013 which has now been discontinued by Pentair. The 011018 model is a 3 horsepower that is capable of huge flow volumes, up to 180 GPM @ 30' (extrapolated) and 168 GPM @ 40'. This pump is actually capable of over six horsepower and the flow rate and electrical draw are regulated via the diffuser and impeller. This is one of the reasons that many people believe the Pentair IntelliFlo is the best pump on the market for swimming pools.
Pentair IntelliFlo (011028) - In 2018 the 011018 IntelliFlo model will be phased out. Parts will still be available and the 011018 pumps are being sold still and come with the regular full warranty offered by Pentair. Once sold out, the 011018 will be discontinued and the 011028 will be the new model number for this IntelliFlo pump. It has the exact same flow and efficiency data as the 011018 IntelliFlo, but a design revision to the drive units.
Pentair IntelliFlo i1 (011059) - This version of the Pentair IntelliFlo i1 has a diffuser and impeller that makes this pump equal to a one horsepower pump. The electrical draw for this pump does not exceed 7 amps which is designed specifically to meet energy conservation laws in California and Arizona where pumps must be smaller than one horsepower in size.
Pentair IntelliFlo i2 (011060) - This version of the Pentair IntelliFlo i2 uses a two horsepower impeller and is limited to 11.8 amps of current. Since electrical code allows for 80% of circuit maximum as a sustained draw this means an average 15 amp household electrical breaker can operate up to 12 amps sustained. With a maximum flow rate of 162 GPM at 30' of head (extrapolated) and 148 GPM at 40' of head the IntelliFlo i2 is extremely impressive for pumps limited to 120 volt, 15 amp breakers. The IntelliFlo i2 is more efficient than the SuperFlo or SuperMax entry level variable speed pumps and provides far more flow potential based on similar power consumption.
Pentair IntelliFlo 2-VST (011055) - This is the "trade grade" version of the Pentair IntelliFlo which is only available from brick and mortar retail dealers. It comes with a unique extended warranty protection as well as a few minor changes from the 011018 IntelliFlo version including a rotating screen display however the pump performance curve for both the 011018 IntelliFlo and 011055 IntelliFlo are identical.
The Pentair IntelliFlo VF 011012
is a variable frequency pump which is distinctly different than a variable speed pump. While both variable speed and variable frequency pumps have the ability to save you money by reducing motor RPM, these two pumps serve different purposes. The 011012 IntelliFlo VF is unique in that it gives you the ability to maintain specific flow rates. As variables change in a pool system, such as a filter that is getting dirty, flow rates will change for any given motor RPM speed. The IntelliFlo VF will change the motor RPM as required in order to meet the flow rates which you have programmed. This is an extremely useful feature for high end systems and people who require very specific flow rates for their pool systems. The flow rates for this pump are identical to the base 011018 IntelliFlo.
Pentair IntelliFlo VSF (011056) - The VSF version of the IntelliFlo 011056 is the best of both worlds in terms of variable speed and variable frequency pumps. This version of the IntelliFlo can be set to run at any specific speed, but it can also be set to follow a flow rate program, increasing or decreasing the motor RPM as required to meet the flow rate that you have programmed. The ability to hold specific flow rates under changing system conditions is something that advanced pool and spa systems can benefit from, as well as pool owners interested in the maximum level of control over their water velocity and turnover rates.
The Pentair IntelliFlo XF 022005
(formerly 022055) is an extremely efficient and high flow volume version of the IntelliFlo variable speed pump. With larger suction and discharge ports up to 3" in size, this pump is able to deliver massive flow volumes for pool systems with larger plumbing line sizes (minimum 2.5"). Capable of 205 GPM at 30' resistance and 191 GPM at 40' resistance. On plumbing lines 2 inch or smaller this pump will not perform as advertised and the smaller IntelliFlo 011018 would be better. When matched with suitably large plumbing lines this is one of the most impressive flow pumps on the market.
When would you use one of the less common Pentair variable speed pumps? If you needed to move a massive amount of water, such as for a large waterfall feature or a robust booster jet system, then the IntelliFlo XF or the IntelliFlo XF VSF might be the best choice. These would require that the plumbing system to be much larger than you would normally have on a residential swimming pool and so typically if you need one of these pumps it would have been part of the original design of the pool system and not typically something you are adding at some point in the future. The same goes for the variable flow pumps and the VSF pumps. The variable flow pumps simply have the ability to change motor RPM automatically to meet system flow rates that you designate. This means that even if your filter is dirty, the flow rate to your fountain, for example, would remain the same. For the average pool you really do not need this level of control unless there is a unique situation that calls for it. The i1 and i2 pumps have been application developed for areas where one and two horsepower pumps are the maximum size you are allowed to have. The pump remains more powerful and capable of more flow, but has been altered in order to meet maximum horsepower bylaw regulations.
Pentair IntelliFlo 011018 (011028) VS SuperFlo 342001
So you now have a better idea why you see so many Pentair variable speed pumps for sale, but really you should be looking at one of these two, either the IntelliFlo 011018 (011028) or the SuperFlo 342001. If you are buying from a local dealer instead of buying online, then you could make a strong argument that the IntelliFlo 2-VST is the best option as this is a special pump only available through authorized Pentair dealers. It is the same pump as the 011018 IntelliFlo, with an additional rotating screen, but more importantly, a longer warranty protection period versus any Pentair pump that you buy online. If it makes sense to you to pay more and have longer warranty coverage then speak with a local dealer (and installer to meet warranty guidelines) about the IntelliFlo 2-VST.
The IntelliFlo is capable of a much higher flow volume than the SuperFlo (assuming all other conditions are identical). While you might be inclined to think this is good, this is actually counterintuitive to how you should be thinking about this. The whole point of buying a variable speed pump is to benefit from running the pump on a low RPM setting. If you are only looking at how much water the pump can move (at maximum RPM) then you are missing the point of the technology you are paying a premium to have. While it can be helpful to compare maximum flow volumes to give you a baseline for comparison, the truth is that your approach to choosing a pool pump should be different.
You want to choose the biggest (most horsepower) pool pump that your plumbing system can handle, and then run it on the lowest possible RPM setting that keeps your pool water clean. If your system is able to handle an IntelliFlo versus a SuperFlo then this will be a better option. If your system can not handle the power of an IntelliFlo under maximum RPM, then go with a SuperFlo instead.
Filter Size - The minimum requirements in order to use an IntelliFlo variable speed pump is having a filter capable of high flow rates. You can double check your filter designed flow rate on this page about pool filter flow rates. What you will notice is that cartridge filters and D.E. filters are generally capable of higher flow rates. Sand filters are much more restricted due to the multi-port valve which is a significant flow restriction. Unless you have a gigantic sand filter, which might be large enough for an IntelliFlo, then the SuperFlo will probably be best for your pool system.
Plumbing Pipe Size - An IntelliFlo variable speed pump requires at minimum a two inch suction line to operate. In theory even larger suction lines, as well as multiple suction lines, would be better and much more efficient. If you have only 1.5" suction lines then you should have, at minimum, three suction lines that connect into a manifold that is 2" or larger in order to use the IntelliFlo.
Electrical Requirements - The IntelliFlo requires a 240 volt circuit and can not operate on only 120 volts. The SuperFlo is able to operate at either 120 volts or 240 volts, however the 240 volts is slightly more efficient so given the choice always go with the higher voltage configuration (which cuts the amperage draw in half).
The Pentair SuperFlo is best for situations where you only have 120 volt power supplies available for the pump, as well as situations where there is only limited suction lines (1.5" pipes) or a smaller sand filter that has a low maximum designed flow rate. What this describes in a round about way is the aftermarket for retrofitting variable speed pumps onto older, existing pools. Many of the older generations of pools only have 120 volt circuits for the pump, as well as sand filters and 1.5" plumbing lines. In many of these situations the SuperFlo is going to be the easiest solution, and will adequately meet your needs of costing less to run than single speed pumps.
In situations where you are not limited by power, plumbing pipe size or filter flow rates, then you should go with the IntelliFlo pump as this is the flagship pump from Pentair and it is (apples to apples) a more efficient pump than the SuperFlo. For these reasons the Pentair IntelliFlo is most commonly used for new pool installations or on swimming pools that otherwise meet the minimum performance requirements. When compared side by side the IntelliFlo is most certainly a more efficient design. If energy efficiency is the name of the game then for sure the IntelliFlo out performs the SuperFlo. Where SuperFlo wins hands down is on convenience - when you want a Pentair variable speed pump but the pool or plumbing system design limits your ability to go IntelliFlo, then the SuperFlo is the next best choice. If you would like to learn more about variable speed pumps you can read these pool pump reviews or you can also read this recent article that breaks down the variable speed pump electrical savings in an average swimming pool.
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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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