Review: Hayward W3SP2303VSP (SP2303VSP) / Best Variable Speed Pool Pump

If you were looking for the Hayward SP2303VSP, you should know that it’s been replaced by the newer model : Hayward Hayward W3SP2303VSP. It’s basically an updated design. The old model was great so you can assume that the streamlined W3SP2303VSP is even better. This pump is part of the Hayward MaxFlo VS Series.

We review the SP2303VSP as well as several other variable speed pool pumps worth considering in 2023. Which pool pump is right for you? And, you might be interested in the new variable speed pool pump from Black and Decker. Yes! The classic brand has actually created an excellent compact variable speed pool pump, and it’s very affordable compared to other pumps. Pictures and details later in the article.

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Intro | Hayward W3SP2303VSP / SP2303VSP

Best variable speed pool pump that consumers place high value in.

Your pool pump must have caused you all sorts of problems in the past. Are you scared to open your energy bills because they’re so high? It’s the biggest issue people complain about, which stems from the fact they’ve not upgraded their old model in years.

Variable speed pool pumps are where it’s at these days. Models like the Hayward SP2303VSP will blow you away. If you think it’s finally time to replace your pump you’ll want to know why they reign supreme, but first we’re going to look at a few of the top models.

• Hayward W3SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS — 230 Volt
• Hayward SP23115VSP MaxFlo VS — 115 Volt
• Pentair 342001 SuperFlo VS
• Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo

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Hayward W3SP2303VSP / SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS

230 Volt Variable Speed Pool Pump

Features:

• Weighted Energy Factor (WEF) = 10.7. The higher the WEF, the more efficient the pump. Learn more about WEF here.
• ENERGY STAR Certified and compliant with industry regulations including Title 20 and APSP 15; eligible for local utility rebates
• Install in any application: in stand-alone mode, with Hayward automation* (including OmniLogic), or with competitive control systems (via relay control)
• Permanent magnet, totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) motor offers incredible energy efficiency and reliability
• Fully programmable, digital control interface rotates to four different positions or mounts to the wall for more convenient access and viewing

✓ Learn what rebates are currently available for this pool pump.

Overview

Saving energy is a beautiful thing because it’s good for the environment. But, I’m sure you’ll agree saving money feels even sweeter. It’s hard to guess what size your swimming pool is. Let’s just say it’s likely you’re wasting over $1,000 per year if you have a single speed pool pump. Hook up a SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS and your energy bills will drop by as much as 80 percent.

The SP2303VSP sits at 1.65 horsepower and the speed range is 600-3,450 revolutions per minute, so it’s a pretty powerful unit. It has a bundle of features to help increase its energy efficiency. For example, the motor has a permanent magnet locked inside a totally-enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) design. The latest in hydraulic technology boosts the efficiency by a considerable amount too.

VIDEO | General Tips and Troubleshooting

Please Note: The pump operates at 230V AC, it’s not designed to run at 115V AC. If you don’t use a voltage transformer or hire an electrician to do some rewiring, you could cause permanent damage to the motor and drive.

It won’t take you long to fall in love with the programmable interface, which is the best feature you’ll get to play with after connecting everything up. You’ll be able to customize the duration, priming time, and speed. Look at the speed and time defaults you will get straight out the box:

• V1 – 1,500 RPM / No Timer
• V2 – 2,400 RPM / 12 Hours
• V3 – 3,000 RPM / 12 Hours

The display will also show you how much energy you’re using when the pump is switched on, so you’ll be able to maximize your savings 24/7.

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Black & Decker / Variable Speed Pool Pump

Available in 3 different motor sizes : 1.5 hp / 2 hp / 3 hp

Features :

• Black + Decker : 3 Motor Sizes : 1.5 hp / 2 hp / 3 HP
• Variable Speed In Ground Swimming Pool Pump
• Energy-star certified pool pump with a variable speed motor ideal for in-ground swimming pools
• Exclusive self-diagnostics to keep performance high and equipment and pool maintained
• Features low-speed options for thorough filtration to ensure a sparkling clean pool
• Features quiet motor with a cooler operation to ensure the longevity of equipment
• Pool pump accommodates new equipment and aftermarket for added convenience
• Easy programming touch-pad for optimal speeds and easy controls
• Motor features permanent magnet technology that increases efficiency
• Enclosed construction to protect motor year-round from the elements
• Consumer-friendly installation with practical design to fit most plumbing
• Inlet port connections: 1.5-inch and 2-inch
• Voltage: 220 to 240 volts
• Color: Multicolor
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 25 x 10 x 13 inches
• Weight: 1.5 hp : 29 lbs / 2 hp : 32 lbs. / 3 hp : 32 lbs.
• Manufacturer’s warranty: 3-year warranty

Overview

I was surprised when I initially stumbled upon this new Black & Decker pool pump. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting they’d branch into pool pumps but it makes perfect sense because it’s a fairly large market with nice profits for manufacturer’s. I’m happy to report that customer satisfaction is through the roof with these variable pool pumps. Customers are genuinely happy. One customer wrote :

As a registered professional engineer I take my hat off to these folks, they hit the ball out of the park!

Black & Decker has done a great job of designing a well-engineered kit. As you can see from the photos, it includes everything you need including pipe adapters and a floor base. This little unit will look great in any yard. It’s nice to see a pool pump that actually looks nice. It has a “cute” look to it which is better than most industrial designs I see from other brands.

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Hayward SP23115VSP MaxFlo VS

115V Variable Speed Pool Pump

Features:

• ENERGY STAR Certified and compliant with industry regulations including Title 20 and APSP 15; eligible for local utility rebates
• Install in any application: in stand-alone mode, with Hayward automation* (including OmniLogic), or with competitive control systems (via relay control)
• Permanent magnet, totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) motor offers incredible energy efficiency and reliability
• Fully programmable, digital control interface rotates to four different positions or mounts to the wall for more convenient access and viewing

Overview

Hayward is one of the biggest brands in the world because it listens to its customers. They’ve been doing the same thing repeatedly for over 80 years. The 115 volt 0.85 horsepower SP23115VSP is almost indistinguishable from the last model we looked at. For example, when it’s running at very low speeds you won’t even know it’s switched on. This is the exact opposite of single speed pumps designed to annoy you all day long.

The self-priming pump comes with a suction lift of up to 8 feet above water level, but it’s important you know what it means. Many of the pumps you’ll find on the market today are self-priming, so they’ll generate water flow even when your system has air inside it. Keep in mind, it doesn’t mean your swimming pool will be able to prime itself. You’ll need to go through an initial prime first, which involves filling your intake with water.

Please Note: You must keep an eye on your water level. When it drops below the skimmer opening the loss of prime will cause your pump to run dry. Self-priming pumps will work with air in the system, but they obviously need a constant supply of water too.

When looking at the SP2303VSP we mentioned the totally-enclosed fan cooled design helped with energy efficiency, but we neglected to mention that your pump will be a lot more reliable too. The Hayward variable speed pool pumps underwent superior pressure testing and can handle up to 50 psi. It will add years onto their life, which is great when you’re spending lots of money (which you’ll make back within 2 years).

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Pentair 342001 SuperFlo VS

Best Variable Speed Pool Pump

Features :

• Only variable speed pump on the market today with 115/208-230V and 50/60 Hz single phase capability. Operating nominal voltage range is 110V thru 230V
• Ideal for standard pools requiring up to 1.5 HP pump
• Three operating speed settings plus override capability
• Direct and superior drop-in replacement for the Hayward SuperPump
• An Eco Select Brand product: one of Pentair’s “greenest” and most efficient choices

Documents (Pentair 342001 SuperFlo VS):

• View or download the MANUAL.
• View or download the BROCHURE.
• View or download the PARTS LIST.

Overview

Pentair is another huge player in the swimming pool industry, so their 1.5 horsepower 342001 SuperFlo VS pump can battle with the mighty SP2303VSP. Actually, it does have one huge feature they claim no other brand can compete with. This model can always be used straight out the box, because it’s designed to work with 115 or 230 volts. You won’t have to use a voltage transformer, or go down the more expensive rewiring route.

You’ve got to appreciate the onboard digital display, which is extremely easy to operate. One of the reasons you’ll save a lot of time is because they built a 24-hour clock into it. Once you start messing around with programming and monitoring you’ll realize it’s handy having one around. It comes with 3 programmable speeds you can adjust depending on your needs. When it’s running at a low speed the unit is whisper quiet with zero high-pitched noises.

VIDEO | Pentair 342001 SuperFlo VS

There is also an override switch on the digital display. If we’re being completely honest, you’ll likely program your pump to save the maximum amount of energy possible. But, you won’t really know what speed is 100 percent optimal, which will change depending on what is happening at any given time. If you don’t want to spend hours guessing you can hit the override switch. It will automatically adjust speeds to suit the current needs of your swimming pool.

Learn more about the Pentair SuperFlo VS series by visiting the Pentair site.

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Review : Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo

Variable Speed Pool Pump

Features:

• ENERGY STAR Certified: meets strict energy efficiency criteria set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy
• Energy savings up to 90%* versus traditional pumps
• 8 programmable speed settings and built-in timer to ensure the pump runs at optimum speed and duration
• Ultra-efficient permanent magnet motor design reduces noise and vibration for greater efficiency and longer pump life
• Dramatically quieter operation – as low as 45 decibels – about 4 times quieter than most traditional-style pumps**
• Totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) design and low average operating speed makes IntelliFlo the quietest pump on earth
• Fully compatible with IntelliTouch, EasyTouch, SunTouch Pool Control Systems and other brands of digital pool/spa controls for managing pump, heating, lighting, spa jets and water
• Built in diagnostics protect the pump for longer service life

Overview

The Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo pool pump has a 3 horsepower motor sitting under the hood, so it’s definitely not messing around. That figure is nearly twice as much as the SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS even though horsepower isn’t everything. You’ll be shocked by the noise levels considering it’s got a powerful motor. The 011018 IntelliFlo can drop down to 45 decibels at the slowest speed. In the real world, it sits somewhere in between a whisper and a quiet office. You won’t hear it operating while you’re swimming.

The LED display on the 011018 IntelliFlo will let you know how many watts your pool pump is burning through, plus it will show you the exact speed on the screen. This model is more impressive than the last one because it has 8 programmable speed settings along with a timer. You’ll be able to set it for specific tasks like heating, cleaning, filtering, waterfalls, and spa jets. Built-in diagnostics is the icing on the cake. It will let you know exactly what the problem is when anything goes wrong.

If you want to branch out into other swimming pool products it’s fully compatible with IntelliTouch, SunTouch, EasyTouch, and control systems from other brands. When it’s set up you’ll be able to operate everything remotely. Here is an example of what you’ll be able to control along with your pump:

• Heating
• Lighting
• Spa Jets
• Water Features
• Robotic Pool Cleaners

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Types Of Pool Pumps

You need to know about the advantages you’ll get when buying a variable speed pool pump like the SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS. Before we can look at them you must have something to compare them to, so you’ll need to understand how other kinds of pool pumps work. We’re only going to take a few seconds to look over these, because I doubt you’ll want one even though they are cheap. We’ll run through them right now:

• Single Speed Pool Pump
• Dual Speed Pool Pump
• Variable Speed Pool Pump

Single Speed Pool Pump – The single speed models can only run at one speed, which is full blast. They are so noisy you’ll wish you were wearing ear plugs, plus they waste so much energy you’ll probably have to sell your home to settle all your debts.

Dual Speed Pool Pump – Two speed pool pumps are slightly better, and I’m sure you’ll know why thanks to their name. You also have a low speed you can turn to when the time is right. You’ll be able to give your ears a break every now and again.

Variable Speed Pool Pump – These models will have a minimum and maximum speed, so you’ll be able to choose anything in between depending on your needs. Even though they’re expensive to buy you’ll make your money back a lot quicker than you can imagine.

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Advantages | Variable Speed Pool Pumps

Models like the SP2303VSP will save you so much money the swimming pool won’t deprive your kids of a college education. You’ll also be helping to protect the environment by becoming more energy efficient. Every time you watch the news it feels like the planet is one step closer to falling apart. Lastly, the pumps we looked at today will take good care of your ears. We’re going to discuss some of the smaller advantages you’ll enjoy:

• Improved Filtering
• Zero Drop In Quality
• Saving So Much Time
• Much Longer Lifespan
• Power Company Rebates

Improved Filtering – When your current pump is turning over all the water in your pool it will need to be done at least once per day. If you look at the amount of gallons it’s working through per minute it’s pretty fast, so guess what usually happens? The filter will only catch a little bit of debris. You always miss something when trying to go too fast. For example, imagine using your finger to flick a small object out of your coffee mug. Do it too fast and you’ll start banging your head against the wall.

Debris needs a delicate touch, which is a bonus for variable speed pumps. You can turn the SP2303VSP down to 600 RPM and water will be turned over at a snail’s pace. You will need to keep your pump running for a longer period of time, but it’s not like you’ll need to touch it anyway. Also, it will help keep your pool chemically balanced, which has its own massive list of benefits.

Please Note: Some people will run their pump on a low setting 24/7, so longer isn’t a bad thing. The only reason they might turn it up is when they’re using a heater or spa, but only because it will need a higher flow rate.

Zero Drop In Quality – We could use lots of examples to discuss this advantage, but we’re going to use a spa. Did you know it’s not too late to attach a spa to your swimming pool if you don’t have one? If they share the same water it’s easy to operate without doing any extra work. Imagine you’ve got a single speed pump hooked up to your pool. The pump would need to take care of the spa too, so you would need to run it longer to account for the drop in quality.

A variable speed pump would work in the exact opposite way. If you turned the speed up to account for the spa everything else would remain consistent. The same thing would apply to waterfalls, fountains, and any other water features you hooked up.

Saving So Much Time – Owning a single speed model doesn’t mean you’ll need to walk outside every day to turn your pump off and on. Sadly, a timer isn’t going to save you from lots of hard work. We’ve already established you’ll need to run them for roughly 8 hours per day, but what if you want to relax in your garden? You’ll be left to operate the pump manually. You will have to do the same thing with two speed pool pumps if you’re doing something like heating up the pool.

You could plan out how the SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS runs well in advance, so it gives you more of a hands off approach. In other words, it will save you lots of time. Don’t forget some units link up with systems that give you the power to control them remotely. You won’t need to go anywhere near the speed pump itself.

In colder climates, the average swimming season lasts roughly 4 months. During the months when you are not swimming in the pool you won’t need to run the pump for so long (plus the timer is more effective), so you will save a little bit of time. If you live somewhere hot enough to swim 365 days per year, it’s 3 swimming seasons within a year. It’s pretty tough work even for the most keen swimmers out there unless you own a variable speed model.

Please Note: If the temperature is sitting above 65 degrees Fahrenheit you’ll need to turn the water once. You’ll need to run the pump continuously if the temperature drops below 35 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent your water from freezing.

Much Longer Lifespan – The motors inside variable speed pumps like the SP2303VSP are extremely advanced, plus they run at speeds lower than ever before. It doesn’t give it a chance to overheat. You’ll notice how little they vibrate too, which is amazing considering the job they are performing. You’ve also got built-in diagnostics telling you when the slightest problem pops up.

When you combine all of these together you’re left with a pool pump that will have a very long lifespan. The units themselves are designed to last in extreme weather conditions, so I doubt you’ll get to take advantage of your warranty. If a SP2303VSP can pay for itself in 2 years how much will you save over a decade? With that in mind, we need to discuss something else related to money.

Power Company Rebates – Everyone hates single speed pool pumps with a vengeance. It runs so deep you’ll be able to claim public utility rebates, which will drive the initial price down even more. I don’t want to focus on them too much, because you won’t know how lucky you are until you check out what is happening in your state. The Hayward and Pentair websites will give you all the specifics.

Let’s take the opportunity to look at something else rolled out at a state level. There is a chance you won’t be able to buy a single speed pool pump depending on where you live. For example, if you come from California or Florida, everything above 1 horsepower must be two speed or variable speed. Do yourself a favor and opt for the latter.

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What Size Pool Pump Do You Need?

You better sit down and put your Einstein cap on because things are about to get mathematical in here. Before we start it’s worth pointing out the obvious: unless you have an impressive swimming pool in your garden any of the pumps we’ve mentioned today will work. Still, it’s interesting to know how to size a pool pump even though you should already have one. We’re going to break it down into steps and we’ll start at the very beginning:

Step 1 – Calculate The Volume Of Your Pool

Before moving onto the next step, we’ll need to figure out how many gallons of water are sitting inside your swimming pool. Here are a few calculations you can use depending on the shape:

• Rectangular Pool – Gallons = Length* x Width x Average Depth** x 7.5
• Circular Pool – Gallons = Diameter* x Diameter x Average Depth** x 5.9
• Oval Pool – Gallons = Long Diameter* x Short Diameter x Average Depth x 5.9

* All sizes are in feet (ft)
** Average Depth = (Shallow End + Deep End) / 2

Step 2 – Gallons Of Water You Need Per Minute

You can break this step down into two specific stages. To begin with you’ll need to know how many gallons of water will be required in an 8-hour period. This will give you the gallons of water per hour (GPH). If we assume your rectangular pool contains 20,000 gallons of water, we’ll use this equation:

20,000 / 8 = 2,500 (GPH) Gallons Per Hour

Swimming pool companies will normally use gallons per minute in their specifications, so we’ll need to break down the figure even further. Here is the final equation you’ll need to complete the second step:

2,500 (GPH) / 60 = 42* (GPM) Gallons Per Minute

* Rounded off to the closest number

Don’t forget about 42 GPM because it will come in extremely handy later on.

Step 3 – Calculate The Total Dynamic Head In Feet Of Water

The Total Dynamic Head (TDH), or feet of head for short, is a very complicated figure you must work out. It basically refers to the resistance fighting your pump when it’s pulling water from the swimming pool and pushing it back in. The friction it will come up against includes the length of your pipes, a rise in elevation, and turns in your pipes. Once you’ve worked out the feet of head you’ll know how much horsepower you’ll need. Here is a list of everything you’ll have to figure out:

• Length of pipes coming from the suction side (skimmers/drains)
• The height your pump is raised off the ground
• The total number of turns + the type (45 or 90 degrees)
• The total number of valves and couplings
• Length of pipes coming from the pressure side

When you’re adding everything together you’ll need to take the GPM and PVC diameter into account too, which will give you the final feet of head.

We’re going to say your total feet of head = 30

Please Note: If you have things like filters and heaters they must to be added to the total feet of head. Fortunately, they won’t make any considerable difference.

Seriously, if you already have a pool it’s impossible to work out the feet of head. How do you know the total length when pipes are buried in the ground? You’ll also have to guess how many couplings, valves, and turns there are unless you have x-ray vision. The variable speed pumps we looked at today were designed for the average garden swimming pool, so stay safe and stick with one of them. The SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS is especially popular right now.

Step 4 – Compare Your Figures To The Charts

I know the last few minutes have been a little complicated, but we’re going to move onto the easy part. First, let’s look at the figures you’ve calculated so far:

• 42 Gallons Per Minute
• 30 Feet Of Head

You’ll need to compare these figures to charts the manufacturers will supply. We’re going to give you the charts for the variable speed pool pumps we’ve looked at today. Keep in mind, even though you don’t need too much horsepower, a more powerful pump isn’t a disadvantage.

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Pool Pump Mistakes People Make

If you’ve paid close attention so far you should have picked up on some mistakes people make. Hopefully you’re not guilty of them too, but if you are simply learn from them. Pool pumps should be sized correctly, but that also means they shouldn’t be too powerful (none we’ve covered today qualify). Every last gallon of water should be turned over at least once per day. Double it if you are throwing a wild pool party with lots of alcohol.

When you don’t run your pump for long enough it won’t be filtered adequately. I would tell you too long is also a big no-no, but it’s okay if you’re using a variable model like the Hayward SP2303VSP. We also looked at priming and what happens when you let the water levels drop too low. You’ve got all of this ingrained in your mind, so what exactly are you missing? Here are a couple you’ll need to keep an eye on:

Cleaning The Pump Basket – I know this sounds like the most obvious thing in the world, but there are strainer baskets out there that don’t get the attention they deserve. They need to be cleaned out on a weekly basis, or more depending on your observations throughout the year. It’s the easiest job you’ll have to do, but avoiding it can cause serious trouble. Look at what will happen if you leave the debris to build up when it’s been sucked through drains or missed by the skimmer:

• The Water Flow Will Drop
• Less Effective Filtration
• Terrible Build-Up Of Algae
• Your Pump Will Be Damaged

You can stop these from becoming a reality if you clean the basket, but do you know how to do it correctly? Even if you do, we’re going to walk through the specific steps you need to take to jog your memory:

• Step 1 – Switch off the pump to stop the water from flowing.
• Step 2 – The pressure in the pump and line will need to be relieved by opening the air relief valve.
• Step 3 – Turn the knobs or unscrew the screws on your pump strainer lid.
• Step 4 – Lift the basket out of the housing and wash everything out using a garden hose.
• Step 5 – Screw on the strainer lid and switch on the pump to build up pressure in the system.
• Step 6 – Close the air relief valve once water starts spraying out of it.

Replacing The Shaft Seal – In the end, motors in pool pumps like the SP2303SVP will eventually run their course. This isn’t a huge problem for you, but only if you handle everything the right way. In most cases, you’ll find the wet end of pool pumps will be okay and people will only need to replace their motors. At half the price of a new variable speed pool pump it’s certainly a good deal, but you don’t want to break it within the first few weeks. It will happen when you buy a replacement motor without picking up a shaft seal too. The shaft seal is responsible for keeping water out of your motor, so buy one if you are doing the work yourself.

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How To Choose The Best Variable Speed Pool Pump

The SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS is always going to be an excellent choice. Actually, it’s pretty hard to separate it from the other models we’ve looked at today. I hope you have a good idea which one you like. If you’re still trying to decide you can maybe let Amazon help you. It’s the reason they started asking past customers for reviews in the first place. Click on any of the links and read the reviews for each specific model. You’ll be able to select your favorite in no time.