The 8 Best Variable Speed Pool Pumps Review Guide For 2023-2024

The 8 Best Variable Speed Pool Pumps Review Guide For 2023-2024 – Did you know a malfunctioning pump could cost you an extra $150 – $200 every month to maintain your swimming pool? If you have an older unit it can often save you money to replace older variable pool pumpers with a more modern unit that filters more efficiently.

Since there are a ton of pool pumpers out there, it can be confusing to figure out what’s right for your swimming pool. We’re sharing this guide with our latest research on the best modern pool pumpers, coupled with other things you’ll need to look out for when shopping.

To find out more keep reading The 8 Best Variable Speed Pool Pumps Review Guide For 2023-2024.

At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Variable Speed Pool Pumps

EDITOR’S CHOICE:Hayward SP2610X15
EDITOR’S CHOICE:Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo
EDITOR’S CHOICE:Pentair 342001 SuperFlo
EDITOR’S CHOICE:Hayward SP2303VSP
EDITOR’S CHOICE:Hayward SP3400VSP

Hayward SP2610X15 Pumper : The Speediest Pool Pump

For over 20 years now, this pumper has been the standard for many pool owners. As far as efficiency, the Hayward pumper provides a constant 3,450 revolutions every minute that can circulate a swimming pool really quickly.

Because it is a centrifugal type of pumper with self-prioritizing functionality, it is capable of removing and blocking any form of air that tries to get into it through the suction pipe.

One disadvantage to using this pumper is that, since it is a mono-speed type of pumper, you aren’t able to run it at a slower pace, even when you’re trying to cut down on your cost of electrical bills.

On the other hand, the significant benefit to this pumper is that it is incredibly strong. The manufacturer has been making pumps for over 20 years that are consistently efficient and durable, based on real customer reviews and feedback left on their online stores. In addition, these pumps are relatively inexpensive.

About This Item:

• The industry’s workhorse – recognized for reliability and performance
• Exclusive swing-away hand knobs makes for easier strainer cover removal: no tools required, no loose parts and no clamps
• See through strainer cover lets you see when basket needs cleaning and eliminates guess work
• Features an oversized debris basket has extra leaf holding capacity for less frequent maintenance
• Easy installation and servicing with quick 4-bolt access to internal components

Pros:

• It is a strong pumper, as a result of its steady performance.
• It is capable of circulating a pool’s water in less than no time.
• Its strain cover can be easily removed when trying to take off pool debris.
• It has a swift installation process.

Cons:

• This pumper is somewhat outdated
• It has a mono-speed mechanism which isn’t optimal for cutting cost on electrical bills.

Verdict:

This is an ideal pumper that has been proven to be of exceptional standard over the years. However, due to its mono-speed mechanism, it may not be ideal for all pumping situations.

Pentair 011018 Intelliflo Pumper : The Highest Performance

In regard to maximum performance, this Pentair pumper is predesigned with a three-horsepower operation, which enables it to be highly efficient.

It gets even better with its in-built diagnostic feature, which helps in troubleshooting itself if something goes wrong.

One of the significant problems you may encounter with this pumper is in attempting to modify the settings. Some users report that they often run into “error” messages. In addition, their instructions are not always easy to follow.

On the bright side, this pumper is predesigned with a total of eight programmable speeds, thus presenting you with a wide array of settings for every operation you undergo with it. Besides, the pumper has one of the best, fully integrated keypad, which offers a great deal of convenience while using it.

About This Item:

• 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

Pros:

• It’s less noisy, even when used at a higher speed.
• It is predesigned with a total of eight degrees of speeds.
• It comes with an LCD that shows its settings.

Cons:

• Its manual is not easy to follow
• It becomes extremely noisy when used under a lower voltage

Verdict:

Being a variable pump, the Pentair 011018 is quite an exceptional product. Plus, it delivers even when used under the highest RPMs. It is highly durable and houses three robust horsepower.

Hayward SP3400VSP Pumper : The Most Quiet Pool Pump

This version of Hayward’s pumper is pretty average. On the plus side, it is relatively less noisy when being used. It is also predesigned with a big-sized basket, which is capable of housing a significant amount of leaves and pool debris.

However some users report that this isn’t consistently durable. You may be more likely to need a replacement after a few years of usage.

The pump’s digital display is highly flexible allowing you to modify its output settings. Also, it has an eight custom speed operation, that contributes to making it highly effective and energy conservative.

About This Item:

• Specifications: Union Connection – 2” x 2 ½” | Voltage – 230V Single Phase | Speed range – 1000 to 3450 RPM | Dimensions – 26.12 x 11.53 x 13.61
• Industry-leading hydraulic design; no-rib basket ensures easy debris removal
• Variable-speed pump with permanent magnet, totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) motor
• Service mode allows servicers to clean pools quicker; multi-position digital control interface
• Integrated programmable controller with 24-hour clock and up to 8 custom speed and timer functions

Pros:

• It comes with eight-speeds.
• It has one of the most straightforward interface, which makes it soothing to use.
• It isn’t noisy.

Cons:

• Some users report that the pump’s drive malfunctions from time to time.

Verdict:

Although some people report durability issues with this pumper, it comes with a three-year warranty where Hayward provides coverage for any cost of maintenance for the next three years after you’ve installed it. This helps limit your risk for a relatively affordable pump.

Hayward SP2302VSP Pumper : The Most Durable Pool Pump

This is a highly effective pumper that makes less noise when in use. Plus, it comes predesigned with a timer that assists its users to time their usage and make amendments where needed.

Even though this pumper is highly effective and dependable, it also has a higher chance of developing some problems when being used over the years. Besides, given that it is stuffed with over 2000 revolutions each minute, it is always going to give you some issues in terms of squeals.

This is a highly effective pumper that makes use of the permanent motor magnet like most variable speed pumpers do. Also, it is tranquil when being used on an average speed. Overall Dimensions (inches)

About This Item:

• 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

Pros:

• It is relatively less noisy when in use.
• It has an impulsive control scheme.
• It has a swift and trouble-free installation process.
• It’s durable.

Cons:

• The pump’s circuit board, always malfunctions overtime.

Verdict:

This pumper model is an ideal choice if you’re in search of a pumper you can rely on. Plus, it is very durable.

Hayward Sp15932s Pumper : The Easiest to Install

This is one of those rare pumpers that you can either make use of its 3450 revolutions per minute, or the 1,725, thanks to its dual-speed operational capacity.

In addition, you can save energy while it is in a high pace circulation, by throttling down the pumper’s flow.

The only unfortunate thing about this exceptional pumper is that it isn’t a variable speed unit. Put differently, its 1,725 revolutions, may not make a strong enough impact on things such as pool heaters to function correctly. Meaning, you’ll have to use its highest speed before you can obtain good results. So, it’s safe to call it a mono-speed pump.

The benefit of using this pumper is that it is highly customizable, thus making it an ideal option for those that would love to use it in different dimensions. Accordingly, you can easily alter the direction of the pump’s discharge, from horizontal to vertical. Plus, it’s trouble-free to switch from the 3,450 to 1,725 revolution each minute.

About This Item:

• Pump for above-ground and on-ground pools. High performance impeller with wide openings to prevent clogging by leaves and debris
• Industrial-size strainer basket for large debris collection with minimal maintenance
• Simply converts from vertical to horizontal discharge orientation
• Energy-efficient, protected rear-mounted switch
• Heavy-duty, high performance motor with integrated automatic thermal overload protector for years of operation
• Pump for above-ground and on-ground pools
• Industrial-size strainer basket for large debris collection with minimal maintenance

Pros:

• It has a swift and trouble-free installation process.
• The orientation of the flow can be altered horizontally or vertically.
• The pumper has a proper water flow and is highly dependable.
• It is highly durable.

Cons:

• The product comes with a dual-speed setting.
• It is relatively noisy when in use.

Verdict:

This is an ideal choice for those who are in search of a simple and dual-speed pumper, which will also help them in cutting down on some cash. Plus, it’s a flexible pumper that allows users to alter the orientation of flow while in use.

Pentair 342001 Pumper : The Most Affordable Pool Pump

This is an ideal option for those who are looking for a pumper that can offer them optimal overall quality. And even though it comes with a three-speed operational system, it is still an ideal choice because it has an interface certified by Energy Star, and is less complicated for a user to manage.

If you need a new fast operating system, this might not be the best choice for you due to its three-speed mechanism, which could invariably limit the degree of speed you may be looking for.

On the bright side, this pumper is predesigned with a self-prioritizing function that helps in preventing air from entering into it, whenever it is used to draw out water from a pool. Plus, it is built with a retentive memory,that helps you start from where you stopped, whenever there is a power failure.

About This Item:

• Your purchase includes One Pentair SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pool Pump
• See exact dimensions in product pictures. Ideal for standard pools requiring up to 1.5 HP pump
• Variable speed pump with 115-230V and 50/60 Hz single phase capability
• For most installations, it is recommended installing a valve on both the pump suction and return lines so that the pump can be isolated during routine maintenance
• 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

Pros:

• It’s simple to set up.
• It has a memory retention capacity that lasts for 24 hours.
• It isn’t noisy.

Cons:

• It is predesigned with just a three-speed setting.

Verdict:

If you’re looking for a convenient and straightforward pumper to use, the Pentair 342001 SuperFlo is an ideal choice. Plus, you’re certainly going to love the memory option.

Hayward SP2303VSP Pumper : The Easiest to Program

This is an Energy certified pumper that has a less complicated installation process. Plus, it can flow at a speed of 50RPM.

The pumper is predesigned with a digital timer, which tends to make the direct monopolization of the salt
cell power difficult.

Its controls are trouble-free, and you can set a wide array of time intervals for it to operate throughout the day. The highest range is eight times.

About This Item:

• 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

Pros:

• The pumper comes with eight timers.
• The is predesigned with trouble-free controls.
• It has a digital display, that lets users monitor the settings.

Cons:

• Depending on the conditions, the fans can seem a bit undersized.

Verdict:

This pumper model is impeccable, flows ideally, and is highly versatile in that you can set up intervals ahead, using its timer.

Hayward SP3202VSP Pumper : The Most Energy Efficient

If you’re looking for a versatile pumper, then the Hayward SP3202VSP TriStar is all you need. This is because it can go round the pool through several presets. Its user interface is situated at the top of the pump’s motor.

The only problem you’re going to have with this pumper is that it is hard when trying to connect it to a Hayward/Goldline software control. This is why they tend to be highly inconvenient for some people.

There are some benefits to using this pumper which include; the ability to stack up its user interface in four diverse ways. Plus, the pump’s interface can be set up remotely anywhere, through hardware and communications cable.

About This Item:

• 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

Pros:

• It’s swift and less complicated to install.
• It has an impulsive control scheme.
• It comes with a three-year warranty from a reputable manufacturer like Hayward.

Cons:

• You’ll need tools to switch up the user interface.

Verdict:

The pumper is one with an ideal control scheme, which offers some unparalleled level of versatility. And speaking of versatility, it’s control panel can be altered to any position.

Conclusion:

Thanks for taking the time to read The 8 Best Variable Speed Pool Pumps Review Guide For 2023-2024.