Reviews: Top Rated Variable Speed Pumps for Pools / New Models

Welcome to our definitive guide on buying a variable speed pool pump. We understand that it can be confusing when trying to decide on the right variable speed pool pump, which is why we gathered some of the best pool pumps available today and we explain the features in easy to understand language.

Buying A Variable Speed Pool Pump

Nothing can beat jumping into your swimming pool for the first time after a long, cold winter. From that day forward, it becomes the focal point of your life for the rest of the year. Playing with the kids, relaxing under the stars, and throwing pool parties are only some of the things you can enjoy. Unfortunately just like everything else in the world, your enjoyment comes with a price and with swimming pools it’s a hefty one.

The Single Speed Pool Pump

I’m not only talking about the money you’ll spend keeping it up and running, but the very fact you’ll have to maintain it is enough to make you question why you have a pool in the first place. One of the things you’ll have to keep running smoothly is the pool pump, but right now it’s likely you’ll need to replace your old one. Opting to go with a variable speed pool pump is one decision you will never live to regret, but let’s look at what your options are first.

---

Different Types of Pool Pumps

The variable speed pool pump might be talked about glowingly, but there are also single speed and two-speed pumps to choose from. If you’ve not upgraded yours for a very long time it’s possible you have a single speed pump running at the moment. Before we go into details about some of the benefits you’ll gain by switching to a variable speed model, let’s look under the hood and discover how each one works.

The single speed pool pump is really old. We’ve recently been unearthing them at various archeological dig sites around the world. Even though that might be a slight exaggeration, they really have been around for decades and your current one could be as old as you. It uses an induction AC (alternating current) motor, and the current producing the torque to make it turn uses electromagnetic induction from a magnetic field. This makes a noise loud enough to deafen anyone who stands too close.

Hayward SP2610X15 Super Pump | Single-Speed

One huge flaw in this type of motor, even though it’s basic and cheap, is the fact it runs at a constant speed. Any old motor running at a constant speed is going to cost you a lot of money, and when you’re using the swimming pool it’s not like you can turn it off. We’ll get into the specifics about costs later on, but you might want to know it’s probably the king of appliances when it comes to costing you the most money each year. It definitely takes a bite out of your wallet.

Two-Speed Pool Pump

We don’t need to spend too much time talking about the two-speed pool pump, because it’s almost the same as a single speed one. It still runs on an inefficient induction style motor, but at least it’s slightly more advanced. In case you couldn’t tell by looking at its name, it’s capable of running at two different speeds. One speed will save you money compared to its ancient cousin, whereas the other speed will suck money out of your bank account faster than you can replace it.

Hayward SP15932S Power-Flo Matrix | Dual-Speed

If you want a price to help you understand how much money you’re wasting, the average single speed pool pump could cost you around $1800-2000 per year depending on where you live. The two-speed pool pump will generally save you at least 50 percent of the money you spend to power it, although it can be as high as 70 percent in some cases. This is due to most owners choosing to run their pool pump at the lower speed setting most of the time, and they only turn it up when cleaning or heating their pool.

Variable Speed Pool Pump

This is the one you’re interested in, and even before we move onto the full list of benefits you’ll know you’re making the right choice. Without going into enough technical details to blow your mind, they use a permanent magnet motor instead of an induction style one, and the motor is told how much torque there should be at any given speed. It means it doesn’t need to run at a constant speed, and can actually run at various speeds hence the name. Wait until you find out how much money that is going to save you.

You’ll be able to manipulate your variable speed pool pump until it’s working at the exact speed you need to achieve the desired flow rate in your swimming pool. It’s much better if you can slow it down as much as possible, and now you’ll be able to rather easily depending on the particular pump you use. If you want to know how advanced the technology is compared to the single speed motors, they’re using permanent magnet motors inside the fancy electric cars coming off the production lines right now.

---

Benefits Of Variable Speed Pool Pumps

By now you should realize how each pool pump works, but that only tells a fraction of the story. The fact variable speed pool pumps can run at multiple speeds doesn’t mean much unless it can be backed up with a lot of benefits, and you’re in luck because there are quite a few good ones. Once you’ve been through them all, you’ll finally realize you need a variable speed pool pump and we’ll talk about some of the best ones on the market right now. But first, let’s have a good look at all the main benefits and how they’ll change your life.

The Huge Amount Of Money You’ll Save

It’s funny how a variable speed pool pump will cost more money, but you’ll save a drastic amount within years. They say the average one is up to 90 percent more efficient, and it was worked out over the course of many studies. Not only can you change the speed in which they run, but little things like the temperature they operate at all add up when it comes to how much money you’ll save over the course of a year. Work out what 90 percent of $2000 is, because you’ll be able to spend it on Christmas gifts when the year draws to a close.

They’ll Last You A Lot Longer

Both single speed and two-speed pool pumps will last you half a decade, plus or minus a few years. It’s horrible to think you’re being bled dry for so long, but for those who don’t opt for a new variable speed pool pump it will start all over again. If you do decide to upgrade you’re looking at waiting 3 times as long before you have to buy a new one. On average they cost around 3 times as much, so even if you could buy 3 single speed motors within that time frame it still means your energy savings is pure profit.

You Won’t End Up Going Deaf From The Noise

The average variable speed pool pump runs at around 600 to 3500 RPM. Even if you were running yours at full speed it would be a lot quieter. In most cases you’ll never be running it at close to full speed, and when it’s at the lowest speed you’ll have a hard time hearing it unless you get really close. They also vibrate a lot less than old single speed motors, and not only does this help it last longer but it will affect the noise it makes too. It’s difficult for something to stay quiet when it’s vibrating so hard it looks like it’s going to jump off the ground.

Noise Decibel for the IntelliFlo | Based on distance

---

The Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled (TEFC) Motor

Something you’ll find in all variable speed pool pumps is the totally enclosed fan cooled design. The reason it’s able to completely cover the motor up inside the pumps is thanks to the permanent magnet technology running it. The TEFC is something interesting you might like to know about before buying a variable speed pump, but when it comes to benefits it hits on the main points we’ve already looked at. An enclosed motor will help with keeping the noise down, and it will also prolong the life of the pump by stopping things from getting inside.

Controlling Your Pool Pumps Digitally

If you’re only running a filtration system to hit the minimum water flow you might need to run your pump at 1000 RPM. Suction cleaners and heaters can increase it to around 2500 RPM, and to run a spa it’s even higher. To do all of this manually would take a lot of time, but variable speed pool pumps can be controlled digitally. You might have lots of different per-determined speeds to choose from along with timers, and if you get really lucky your pump could be so advanced it changes speeds on its own.

Advanced Diagnostics Built Into The Pumps

A basic single speed pool pump not only runs at a constant speed, but it keeps going until you switch it off or something bad happens. The latter doesn’t happen often with variable speed models, because they have advanced diagnostics built into them to keep an eye on things. If your pump is too cold, too hot, or having problems with the voltage it will know about it straight away. Some of the better variable speed pumps keep an eye on other things too, and they’ll be able to shut themselves off.

The Best Variable Speed Pool Pumps

We’ve only talked about the general benefits of variable speed pool pumps, but as you know, not all of them will be the exact same. Even though they’ll all work the same way they will have their subtle differences, so we’re going to take a look at some of the best ones on the market right now. If you’re on the lookout for a variable speed pool pump, you can be confident all of these will do their job effectively.

---

Pentair IntelliFlo 011018 | 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 features.
• Built in diagnostics protect the pump for longer service life.

Overview | 011018

The lack of loud noise is only a secondary benefit when you compare it to all the money you’ll save, but it’s worth mentioning this variable speed pool pump is known as one of the quietest on earth. It’s because of a combination of the totally enclosed fan cooled (TCFC) design and the speed in which it can operate effectively. If you’re looking for actual numbers, it can operate at as low as 45 decibels, which is quieter than a refrigerator or electric toothbrush.

Another great thing about the IntelliFlo is its reliability, so instead of waiting for your pool pump to be repaired all the time you can actually enjoy swimming around. You’ll get to find out how much those laps are costing you, because the LCD screen on the pump will tell you exactly how much power it’s eating up. Instead of having to play around to find the sweet spot when it comes to speed, your life will be made easier by getting to choose from 8 speed settings.

The IntelliFlo also has a built-in timer to make it easy for you to turn up the speed for a certain amount of time, so you don’t have to constantly play around with the settings. It’s so advanced it’s compatible with a number of different swimming pool features like lighting, heating, and spa jets for those with a lot more than a basic swimming pool. The built-in diagnostics will also help keep your pump and your pool running smoothly all the time.

Documents

• View or download the MANUAL for the Pentair 011018 variable speed pool pump.
• View or download the BROCHURE for the Pentair 011018 variable speed pool pump.

---

Hayward TriStar VS SP3200VSP | Variable Speed Pool Pump

Features:

• Designed to replace most full-rate high performance pumps up to 1.5 full-rate or 2.0 max-rate HP.
• Can pay for itself faster than larger and more expensive variable-speed models.
• Permanent magnet, totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) motor offers incredible efficiency and reliability.
• Integrated, programmable digital interface with a 24-hour programmable clock and up to 8 custom timer functions (SP3200VSP only).
• For enhanced pool management, can be controlled by Hayward (SP3200VSPND only) or third party (SP3200VSP only) pool and spa control platforms, without the need for additional accessories.
• 2″ x 2.5″ union connections make installation and servicing fast and easy.
• Second base included to align TriStar VS with Pentair WhisperFlo for easy retrofit upgrades (SP3200VSP only)
• Digital control interface that can be mounted in four different positions on the pump or removed and mounted on the wall.
• No-rib, extra large basket design ensures easy debris removal and extends time between cleanings.
• Motor drive includes built-in protection for high temperatures and voltage fluctuations. Drive is also designed to withstand temperatures below freezing without issue.

Documents for the Tristar VS variable speed pool pump:

• View or download the MANUAL
• View or download the BROCHURE

Overview | SP3200VSP | Variable Speed Pool Pump

Hayward are right up there with Pentair when it comes to manufacturing amazing variable speed pool pumps, and the TriStar VS is more than capable of replacing the powerful pump you’re using at the moment. It will be able to take the place of your current one if the HP isn’t any higher than 1.5 for full-rate and 2 for max-rate. It might not be the same size as other models, but that also means it’s cheaper allowing you to claim your money back from the savings you make in a shorter amount of time.

Installation and Start-up | Video

One thing you might like about this model is the ease in which you can set it up because of the union connections, and it also makes servicing it a lot easier too. The digital interface has a programmable clock you can set up to work 24 hours per day, and it also comes with 8 speed settings which have already been customized to save you time. The only downside is your inability to automate everything, which only comes with the next model up in the line.

It does come with a second base included, which will allow you to hook the TriStar VS up with the Pentair WhisperFlo. All in all, it’s certainly not a bad variable speed pool pump even if it doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles you’ll find in more expensive ones. If you’re only looking for the ability to replace your single speed pump with one that will save you a ton of money and make your life easier, it’s one of the best choices you can make.

Benefits of running your pump at low speeds

• Save electricity and money
• Improved filtration – the filter can often remove smaller particles when the water moves slower
• Quiet operation
• Reduced Total Dynamic Head – less stress on equipment (e.g. filter) which can lengthen equipment life

---

Pentair IntelliFlo VS+SVRS 011017 | 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.
• Ability to program exact pump speeds for specific operation – filtering, heating, cleaning, spa jets, water features and more – slashes energy costs up to 90%.
• SVRS model complies with Virginia Graeme Baker Safety Act.
• Built-in diagnostics protect the IntelliFlo pump from the most common causes of premature failure – overheating, freezing and voltage irregularities (SVRS model includes priming protection as well).
• Includes priming protection. No SVRS calibrations needed. Built-in SVRS cannot be turned off.
• Safety lock-out feature (password protected) on SVRS model prevents pump speed settings from being changed by unauthorized personnel.
• Ability to set minimum and maximum speeds on SVRS model so IntelliFlo will only operate within the ranges set to help assure safe operation and long life.
• Compatible wth IntelliTouch, EasyTouch and SunTouch pool control systems.
• NSF Certified, UL and ETL listed as an ASME A112.19.17.2002 Device.
• Operates seamlessly on 50 hz or 60 hz input power.
  Flow/speed are constant when operating on 50hz or 60 hz

View or download the MANUAL for the  IntelliFlo VS+SVRS 011017.

Overview |  IntelliFlo VS+SVRS 011017

This version of the IntelliFlo is the first pump of its kind in the world at being able to know exactly when there is a drain blockage. As soon as it detects the blockage, your pool pump will shut down automatically until you have time to resolve the problem. In case you’re wondering what the SVRS stands for, it’s ‘Safety Vacuum Release System’. If you live in an area with lots of leaves falling from the surrounding trees it’s great, because your pool could get blocked up more often.

Your pool pump will need to be set at a specific speed in order to work under certain conditions. We already talked about if your swimming pool needs to be heated, lighten up, or turned into a spa and the IntelliFlo VS+SVRS have specific speed settings for each scenario you will come up against, so instead of trying to find the best speed for each one you’ll already know what it should be set to. This is a good way to save on unnecessary spending, but it also makes maintaining your pool much less stressful.

As with any pump where diagnostics are built into the appliance, it will keep an eye on the usual voltage irregularities, overheating, and freezing to help it last a lot longer. The biggest difference with the VS+SVRS model is its ability to offer priming protection. You’ll also be able to set minimum and maximum speeds, plus it’s password protected to make sure nobody else will be able to play around with the settings. Pool pumps already cost a lot of money to operate, so you don’t want anyone making it even more costly.

---

Pentair IntelliProXF | 023005 | Variable Speed Pool Pump

Features:

• Hydraulic isolator separates priming water from pumping water for faster priming and more turbulence-free flow for increased efficiency.
• TEFC design keeps motor shielded from the elements for extended life.
• 8 speed settings and on-board scheduling with timers.
• LCD screen with rotatable keypad for easy programming.
• Union connectors are included – connecting directly to 2.5 in. or 3 in. plumbing.
• Diamond seals made of oxidation-resistant, self-retaining EPDM rubber for increased durability and tighter seal.
• High Efficiency Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM).
• Superior speed control.
• Designed to withstand outdoor environment.
• Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled (TEFC) Motor.

Document:

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

Overview | Pentair IntelliProXF 023005

Some would say the IntelliProXF is the best variable speed pool pump in the entire world when it comes to saving you money, so it’s perfect for those who want to save every last dollar possible. It’s all thanks to the manufacturer coming up with a genius way to redesign the individual parts and interior passageways of the pump to allow for much smoother operation. It hardly has to produce any energy to give your pool the desired amount it needs to hit the ideal flow speed.

Once again the pump will come with a very useful LCD screen to show you how much watts it’s using, but it also has a rotatable keypad to increase the ease in which you can program it to an entirely different level. This model also features a hydraulic isolator with the purpose being to keep the priming water separate from the pumping water. It means there is faster priming and the flow doesn’t get interrupted by turbulence, allowing it to work even more efficiently.

The diamond seals on the pump were designed with an EPDM rubber which is both self-retaining and resistant to oxidation, so even the small parts you might consider non-essential have had a lot of thought put into them. This pool pump is perhaps the most efficient one you can buy, so it’s the top choice for anyone who loves doing everything they can to help the environment. It’s not green in color, but it’s the greenest one you’ll find.

---

Hayward Max-Flo VS | SP2302VSP | Variable Speed 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.

Documents:

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

Overview | Hayward Max-Flo VS | SP2302VSP

The Max-Flo VS is what you would call a medium-head pump, as it’s not the same size as some of the bigger models available. It will work with 1.5-inch or 2-inch plumbing, and it’s almost too easy to get up and running. One of the major differences is that you’ll only save up to 80 percent compared to a single speed motor, but then again it’s not too expensive to purchase in the first place. It comes with everything else you’d expect of a quality variable speed pool pump.

One of the things separating it is the voltages it comes in, with both 230V and 110V models available. The basket it comes with is big, and you’ll also be able to see when it’s nearly full so you can empty it. The interface is easy to see too, so you will be able to operate everything effortlessly. The intuitive wiring compartment allows you to hook things up without any trouble, so overall it’s a worthwhile purchase.

There is also a model called the Super Pump VS (SP2602VSP), which is worth mentioning in the same breathe as they’re practically the same and you couldn’t tell the difference from looking at them. It’s better for applications with only 1.5-inch plumbing, whereas the Max-Flo VS can handle things a little bigger. If you don’t want to spend a huge amount of cash on the very best, each of these is a worthy replacement as they have the important things any variable speed pool pump needs.

---

Hayward EcoStar VS | SP3400VSP | Variable Pool Pump

Features:

• Totally enclosed, permanent magnet motor.
• Advanced hydraulic design.
• SVRS model available compliant to ASME 112. 19.17 Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS) standard.
• Fully programmable with a self-contained 24-hour clock and up to 8 custom speed and timer functions.
• For enhanced pool management, can be controlled by Hayward or third party pool and spa control platforms, without the need for additional accessories.
• Digital control interface that can be mounted in four different positions on the pump or removed and mounted on the wall.
• No-rib, extra large basket design ensures easy debris removal and extends time between cleanings
• Motor drive includes built-in protection for high temperatures and voltage fluctuations. Drive is also designed to withstand temperatures below freezing without issue.
• The industry’s most energy efficient pool pump at any speed.
• No-rib, extra- large basket design ensures easy leaf and debris removal and extends time between cleanings.
• SVRS model meets or exceeds all relevant ASME/ANSI standards as required by the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.

Features of all Hayward Variable Speed Pumps:

• 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.

Document:

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

Overview | Hayward EcoStar VS | SP3400VSP

Hayward proudly proclaims the EcoStar VS to be the most powerful variable speed pump on the market, and even if it’s a slight exaggeration on their part it’s still the top one they manufacture. It’s another pool pump with Safety Vacuum Release System technology built into it, so you can sleep easy knowing it’s going to shut down automatically if it suffers from suction entrapment instead of it chopping a year or two of the lifetime value of the appliance.

It comes with a large basket to take all the leaves and other debris to stop them from clogging up and needing to be removed constantly, so along with the motor being incased inside the TEFC it will keep it running reliably and smoothly for years. The very fact it can move the water around the swimming pool at such a slow speed also helps your filtration system work more smoothly too, because it will catch a lot more debris.

The digital interface will switch between multiple different speeds and it’s fully programmable, plus as an added bonus you can view and use it easier by mounting it to the wall. If you’re nowhere near the pool, it’s designed to work with a lot of different pool and spa controls, and this also includes third-party ones meaning you’re not locked into Hayward products. The digital control interface on this model is very aesthetic too.

---

Pentair IntelliPro P6E6VS4H-209L | 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.
• Cost savings that average up to $1,500 annually.
• 90% energy savings compared to previous-technology pumps.
• Near-silent operation-as low as 45 decibels.
• 8 programmable speed settings and built-in timer deliver optimum speed and run times, for highest efficiency and lowest operating cost.
• Hyper-efficient permanent magnet motor – the same technology found in hybrid automobiles.
• Motor speed adjusts to match your pool’s requirements in real time.
• TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled) motor runs cooler, quieter and lasts longer.
• Built-in diagnostics safeguard the pump for greater durability.
• More total energy savings than any other pool pump family ever.
• Integrated keypad-no need to purchase separately at additional cost.
• Exclusive software and digital controls make programming a breeze.
• Complete compatibility with IntelliTouch, EasyTouch, SunTouch Pool Control Systems or other brands of digital pool/spa controls for managing pump, heating, lighting, spa jets, water features and more, from virtually any location.

Documents:

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

Overview |  IntelliPro P6E6VS4H-209L | Ultra-efficient Pump

As soon as Pentair’s variable speed technology was released upon the world it took the swimming pool industry by storm, but now they’ve built upon it again with this version of the IntelliPro. With a lot of other pool pumps you’re fully in control of the speed it runs at, but the same doesn’t apply to this one. You might think that sounds like a bad thing, until you realize the variable speed pool pump has the ability to change speed completely on its own depending on the needs of your pool.

It takes the hands-off approach to a completely different level, although you can of course still override anything should you feel the need to do so. There is an integrated keypad you can use to make changes to the pool pump, so unlike cheaper models you won’t have to spend even more money on a separate item. It’s nice to know the appliance is fully inclusive and what you see is what you get. It’s also easy to pick up how to use it quickly even if it might sound complicated.

Like the other models from the same brand we’ve looked at today, it’s easy to integrate it with in-house or third-party digital controls to manage various aspects of your swimming pool. You can also control things like the heating and lighting from anywhere through a smartphone/tablet, so you don’t need to be right beside your pool. The IntelliPro also drops as low as 45 decibels, and it has all the top features you will find in the other variable speed pool pumps.

Something To Should Be Aware Of

You might not have heard yet, but states are starting to regulate energy usage of pools because they know if everyone keeps running a single speed pump it’s going to cause trouble. In reality, it’s more than likely we’ll all need a variable speed pool pump at some point anyway. On the plus side, buying one could mean you’re eligible for a rebate, so forcing you to buy one might not be so bad. You’ll have to check with your individual state for the exact details as they can vary.

Switch To A Variable Speed Pool Pump Now

The only downside to buying a variable speed pool pump is the money you’ll have to spend right now, but as we’ve already mentioned they will save you so much money you’ll claw it all back in no time. You will also be able to relax while you’re chilling at the pool, whereas if you had a single speed pool pump you’d feel anxious listening to the noise coming from it because you would know how much energy it was wasting. Archaic pool pumps should be left in the past with cassette tapes and steam engine trains, so make sure you opt for a variable speed pool pump.