8 Best Variable Speed Pool Pump Reviews in 2020
If you have a large swimming pool and are looking for energy-efficient ways to clean the pool, then the variable speed pool pump is your choice. A variable speed pool pump helps to move the pool water to and through the swimming pool filter in an energy-efficient manner. The summer season is around the corner and having a pool pump can be an efficient way to save a lot of money every month on the electricity bill.
The variable speed pool pumps will help you in filtering the water and are efficient in a number of ways than the pumps of the past. In short, they are the answer for a well maintained swimming pool without having to worry about absurd overhead costs. As experts in reviewing pool pumps and related accessories for a while, we understand what it takes to choose the ideal speed pool pump. Based on proper research and expertise, we have listed you as the top best variable pool pumps. We believe that a well-informed consumer makes great decisions for the pool within their budget. Explore our guide for the top best speed pools, along with their buying guide.
List of 8 Best Variable Speed Pool Pumps
1. Hayward Ecostar Variable Speed Pool Pump:
- Specifications: Union Connection – 2” x 2 ½” | Voltage – 230V Single Phase | Speed range – 600 to 3450 RPM
- ENERGY STAR Certified and compliant with industry regulations including Title 20 and APSP 15; eligible for local utility rebates
- Installed 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 efficiency and reliability. Fully programmable, touch pad control can be rotated to four different positions or mounted to the wall for more convenient access
- One of the industry’s most energy-efficient pool pumps at any speed. Exceptionally quiet compared to single speed pumps | No-rib, extra- large basket design ensures easy leaf and debris removal and extends time between cleanings
- The motor has automatic protection from priming failures, voltage spikes, and brownouts.
- Includes digital control interface wall mounting
- Auto priming capability with 10 feet suction lift
- There is no feature to disable ‘prime’, and it is auto-sensed or times
- It cannot be used with any external timers
It is one of the most energy-efficient speed pool pumps that are exceptionally quiet compared with the other single speed pumps. This pump is compliant with industry regulations and it is energy star ratings that include APSP 15 and Title 20. It is eligible for local utility rebates as well. Its motor features a permanent magnet, TEFC motor for exceptional reliability and efficiency. You can program this motor completely and its touchpad control can get rotated in four different positions.
You can mount this on a wall for convenient access. You can install in any application such as in standalone mode, with Hayward automation and also along with competitive control systems with the help of relay control. It’s no rib and extra-large basket design ensures easy removal of leaf and debris and also helps to extend the time between cleaning.
Being the industry’s most energy-efficient variable speed pump, it is capable of running at full power with 100% efficiency and helps with 90% power conservation as well.
2. Pentair Intelliflo variable speed pool pump:
- Energy savings up to 90-percent vs. traditional pumps
- Dramatically quieter operation; Carton Wt: 45 pounds
- 8 programmable speed settings and built-in timer assure optimum speed and run times for maximum efficiency and savings
- Built in diagnostics protect the pump for longer service life
- 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
- Highly efficient magnet motors as that used in advanced hybrid card
- Precise matching of motor speed to the needs of the pool
- Totally enclosed fan cooled motor design for long life and quiet operation
- Better filtration at a low operational cost
- Users have to install the pump through a professional pool company to attain three years’ warranty.
- High installation cost.
- Needs more maintenance for the pump to last long
The Intelliflo variable speed pumps are one of the best pool pumps that have outsold all other variable speed pumps. It helps with cost savings of up to $1500 a year approximately. It is guaranteed to render 90% energy savings and can help you to save big on your electricity bill. The device features 8 programmable speed settings and a built-in timer, so as to ensure that the pump runs at optimal speed and duration. The pump renders dramatically a quieter operation, which is as low as 45 decibels. It is at least four times quieter than most of the traditional pumps.
The pump features an integrated keypad and thus there is no need to buy one at an additional cost. Its LCD screen displays the actual speed settings and wattage consumption. Its exclusive software and digital controls make this pump extremely user-friendly.
3. Hayward MaxFlo variable speed pool pump:
- Maxflo vs brings variable
- Speed technology to the favorite, traditional maxflo pump family
- Hayward maxflo vs is available in both 115V and 230V
- Permanent magnet, totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) motor offers incredible energy efficiency and reliability
- Features a totally enclosed fan cooled motor and a permanent magnet
- The model is compatible with all automation systems with the help of relay control.
- Energy-star certified and is compliant with industry regulations.
- The pump cannot be controlled or monitored with the help of a smartphone.
- The installation instructions are not clear
The MaxFlo VS is an excellent upgrade in the variable speed technology and is capable of delivering up to 80% energy cost savings over a single speed pool pump. The pump is available in both 115V and 230V versions and is way better than most of the expensive models in the market. It is certified by energy star and is compliant with industry regulations such as APSP 15 and Title 20. This variable speed pool pump is eligible for local utility rebates as well.
You can install this pump in any application, in standalone mode with the help of Hayward automation or with the help of competitive control systems with the help of relay control. The device features a permanent magnet and totally enclosed fan cooled motor for incredible reliability and energy efficiency. This speed pool pump is completely programmable and its digital control interface rotates in four different positions and also mounts to the wall for added convenience.
4. Hayward 1.85 HP variable speed pool pump:
- Designed to replace most full-rate high performance pumps up to 1.5 full-rate or 2.0 max-rate HP
- Install in any application: in stand-alone mode, with Hayward automation (including Omni Logic), or with competitive control systems (via relay control)
- Permanent magnet, totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) motor for up to 90% energy savings over ordinary single-speed pumps. Designed for medium to large pools. 2 inch x 2½ inch CPVC union connections make installing and servicing TriStar VS pumps simple. Two pump-base options allow for seamless retrofitting anywhere
- Fully programmable, digital control interface rotates to four different positions or mounts to the wall for more convenient access and viewing
- Speed Range: 600 - 3450 RPM
- Energy-efficient hydraulics integrated variable speed control and permanent magnet motor.
- 2”x2.25” CPVC union connections with two pump base options make installation, servicing and retrofits a breeze.
- Extra-large and no rib strainer basket helps with easy debris removal.
- Its pump is very loud
- Not compatible with every automation system available
The Hayward Tristar is one of the best variable speed residential pool pumps that is extremely energy efficient compared to its market counterparts. This particularly replaces a number of variable speed pool pumps as it can work efficiently with any automation system or ion standalone mode with Hayward automation. This pool pump is capable of saving 90% of the pool-related costs for the owner. It features an integrated touchpad design with a 24 hours’ programmable clock.
This VS pool pump has inbuilt automatic protection against priming failures, voltage fluctuations, and temperature extremes. It drives its incomparable reliability and efficiency through its permanent magnet motor and advanced enclosed fan cooling system. It is possible to wall-mount its digital touchpad control with the help of an optional kit.
5. Pentair Superflo 342001:
- Variable speed technology costs significantly less to operate. Savings based on variable speed pump compared to a single-speed pump running 12 hours per day at an average of $0. 16 per kWh in a 20, 000 gallon.
- Ideal for standard pools requiring up to 1. 5 hp pump; 110-230v and 50 and 60 Hz capability
- Real-Time clock with 24-hour memory retention
- Simple, intuitive user interface is easy to program and operate; easy to access electrical connections for simple installation
- Three operating speed settings plus override capability
- Moves pool water efficiently even at lower speeds
- Ideal for pumps that require a power of 1.5HP
- Has three programming speed and an override speed setting to meet pool pump needs.
- Buyers get only a 60-day warranty if they install by self.
- Customer service is not satisfactory
The Pentair superflo variable speed pumps have been helping its consumers with remarkable energy saving with the help of its variable speed technology. It is an ideal VS pump for everyday pools that requires a pump of up to 1.5 HP. This VS pump remarkable reduces energy costs by moving water more efficiently even at lower speeds. It doesn’t require any expensive wiring and this pump is able to automatically recognize and adapt to the 115 or 230-volt power.
This variable speed pool pump is simple; it is easy to use and features a digital control keypad. It features three programmable speeds and overrides capability. The pump is ultra-quiet and has a totally enclosed fan cooled motor. The Superflo is the only Variable speed pool pump that is available in the market that doesn’t require any costly rewiring. It runs on either 115 or 230-volt power, and it’s easy to access wiring makes the connections simple and fast.
It comes with an advanced digital display and a real-time 24-hour clock that makes everything easy to monitor and program
6. Pentair 22055 IntelliFlo XF VS pool pump:
- More intuitive interface makes programming and operation simple. Control keypad can be rotated for convenient orientation on the pump
- Eight programmable speed settings and 24-hour clock for scheduling assure optimum speed and run times
- Internal hydraulic isolator separates priming water from pump water, smoothing the internal water flow for faster priming and greater efficiency
- TEFC design keeps motor shielded from the elements. More accessible wiring compartment helps make setup fast and simple
- Unions are included for connecting directly to 2.5" or 3" plumbing
- Best variable speed pump technology with ultra-efficient hydraulic design
- Rotatable keypad for easy operation and viewing
- Optional wall mount kit with help with excellent flexibility
- The pump is a little noisy
- The warranty for the product is not reliable.
This VS pool pump from Pentair features a more intuitive interface that gets programming and operations simple. You can control the keypad for a convenient orientation on the pump. The pump features eight programmable speed settings and a 24-hour clock for scheduling optimum speed and run times. Its internal hydraulic isolator separates priming water from pump water, thus smoothing the internal water flow for greater efficiency and faster priming.
The TEFC design keeps the motor best shielded from elements and the unit features a more accessible wiring compartment getting setup simple and fast. This is one of the most energy-efficient pool pump technology that saves money than ever before. There is an optional wall mount kit for additional flexibility. You can take advantage of its eight programmable speed settings with multiple scheduling options to maximize efficiency.
7. Hayward SP2302VSP Max Flo VS pump:
- ENERGY STAR Certified and compliant with industry regulations including Title 20 and APSP 15; eligible for local utility rebates
- Permanent magnet, totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) motor offers incredible efficiency and reliability
- No-rib, extra- large basket design ensures easy leaf and debris removal and extends time between cleanings
- Advanced motor design
- Quiet pump with less noise
- Customizable speed, duration, and priming time
- Tremendous energy saving and good return-on-investment.
- The pump will not work on power less than 220 volts
- The display is hard to read in the day time
This is one of the best pool pumps with extreme energy efficiency at all speeds. This pump is certified by Energy Star and is compliant with the industry regulations that include APSP 15 and Title 20. The product is also eligible for local utility rebates. Its incredible reliability and efficiency are because of its permanent magnet and TEFC enclosure.
The no rib extra-large basket design of this VS pump helps with easy leaf and debris removal. It is also efficient in extending the time between the cleanings. This pump features a new built-in time clock that makes programming its settings much simpler and easier compared with the basic countdown timers. Being certified by Energy star and being compliant with the latest industry regulations, this is one of the best energy efficient pumps at any speed.
8. Xtremepower US VS pool pump:
- Ideal for standard pools requiring up to 1.5 hp pump; 101 GPM, HMAX: 63ft / Compatible with DE, sand, and cartridge filter
- LCD screen displays actual wattage consumption and speed settings; self-contained 24-hour time clock, with custom speeds and timer functions, which allows it to manage flow throughout the day
- Clear Cover - Lets you see when basket needs cleaning and the drain plug allows for easy maintenance of pump; Certified - This Swimming Pool Pump has a certification to ensure recognized Standards for Safety
- 4 programmable speed settings and built-in timer assure optimum speed and run times for maximum efficiency and savings
- Should be installed and wired by a professional handler, if not experience or do not possess the knowledge of how to, please contact either the manufacturer or qualified personnel; 2pc-Union Fitting Sold Separately (ASIN: B01FNEQ96G)
- Low cost and perfect pump for the pool
- Built with Corrosion proof polymeric material
- Airflow ventilation helps with quieter operation
- Compatible with solar heating and in floor cleaning systems.
- Requires handling and installation by a professional
- The package does not include union fitting and it has to be bought separately
This variable speed pool pump is ideal for standard pools that require up to 1.5 HP pump. It is compatible with sand, DE and cartridge filter. The LC screen displays actual wattage consumption and speed settings. It is self-contained with a 24-hour time clock, with timer functions and custom speeds. Its clean cover system helps you to learn when the basked needs cleaning and when the drain plug allows for easy maintenance of the pump. The pump is also ETL certified, to ensure recognized standards for safety.
This self-priming pool pump is made up of corrosion-resistant polymeric material, and thus it is long-lasting and is highly durable. The pump has the best performing motor with airflow ventilation for quieter noise and smoother run time experience. It is compatible for use with solar heating and for in-floor cleaning systems. Its easy setup new build pool system comes as an efficient replacement for the existing pool system that you own.
Buying guide: Things you should consider before buying a variable speed pool pump!
If you are thinking of replacing your pool pump as you are paying huge electricity bills, then a Variable speed pool pump is your ideal choice. Though they are a little expensive over single-speed pumps, they can generally run longer and a lot more efficient. Some important features that you should consider while buying a variable pool pump are as follows,
1. Durability:
The Vs pool pumps are a lot more durable than other pumps, but there are always exceptions. If you want to end up in a quality product, then look for those with long warranty periods and also make sure to buy from manufacturers with the best reputation.
2. Control:
Choose pumps that render the maximum flow, as sometimes it might be required for your home pool. For instance, some pool owners want the chemicals they have added to the pool to circulate and work quickly and will thus run their pumps at high speed. Thus it is important that you choose a model that has a lot of flexibility in its settings and resorts to different speeds and modes whenever required.
3. Efficiency:
A lot of VS speed pumps are efficient, but to learn the most efficient pump, resort to the online reviews of the product. Also, monitor the electrical consumption of the pump for the first 30-45 days to decide if the pump really works on the savings module. Also, take into account the Energy Star certification of the models whenever possible.
4. Sizing options:
A lot of the variable speed pool pumps generally come in ½, 1, ¾, and 1½ Horse Power sizes. It is important to check with the manufacturer before determining the sizing option of the pool pump.
5. Power consumption:
It is a good choice to choose pumps that consume less power. There is no need for pumps to run at full power all the time to keep the pool water clean. In fact, when filtration is not being done the pump can run at a much slower speed. Choose a VS pump that is able to alter its settings accordingly and end up saving the electricity bills.
FAQs for Variable Speed Pool Pumps:
Why do I need a variable speed pool pump?
Variable speed pool pumps are technologically advanced and can be controlled digitally. With the help of pre-programmed settings, you can set the controls yourself. Also, these pumps are long-lasting and are energy efficient.
Is a variable speed pool pump worth it?
Yes, it is $1000worth in fact. You can save a lot of money on your electricity bills, compared with installing other types of pumps. Also, these pumps last three times as long as others, thus adding a lot to the savings.
What is the best variable speed pool pump?
All of the pool pumps that are listed in our review are the best speed pool pumps.
How do you use a variable speed pool pump?
The speed pool pump works by cleaning the swimming pool off the debris. This pump has a built-in programming feature that ensures that they work as required by you.
What rpm for variable speed pool pump?
The normal rpm for a 1 HP single speed pump is about 3450 RPMs and it could cost about $0.20 an hour to run and can account to $584 yearly for electricity bills. The variable speed pumps reduce the running speed of the pump in half and thus the energy consumption drops to 1/8th of what it was before. As the rpm of these pumps is half of the single speed pumps, they reduce the flow rate to 25 gallons per minute and also help us to save $350 annually.
How long does variable speeds pool pumps last?
The general life of pool pumps is about 6-12 years, but with proper maintenance, it is possible to enhance its life by a few more years.
Final Words:
You can enjoy an array of benefits by using a variable speed pool pump for your pool. Apart from helping with efficient flow and cleaning of pool water, it also helps you to save a lot of money on electricity and repair costs. Also, these pumps operate very quietly and you can hardly hear them running. Also, they last much longer than single-speed pumps and are covered under two or three years’ warranty. We hope our guide and our review helps you to choose an ideal pool pump for your home swimming pool.
