6 Best Variable Speed Pool Pump Reviews 2023

by James Williams

Owning a swimming pool might sound like a great idea and a fantastic way to impress your friends as well as creating a safe environment for your children to learn swimming from a very young age.

However, maintaining them is no easy task. They require regular cleaning and a couple of different tools to quickly and efficiently take care of them.

Among these tools, the most crucial one is a variable speed pool pump. Finding the best variable speed pool pump is imperative because it will significantly increase the speed and efficiency of filling your pool up once finished cleaning it.

And our review guide will help you with that. Read on to find out how.

Things to Know Before Buying the Right Variable Speed Pool Pump

There are a few benchmarks that these products have to maintain to be considered one of the best rated variable speed pool pump. Be sure to check if the device you prefer is keeping these factors to see if it's truly worth the purchase.

Free from Leakage

The biggest problem that can affect the performance of the variable speed pool pumps is leakage. To honestly know if a device is free from this issue, be sure to check and inspect its components separately and thoroughly.

Some of the most well-known sources of leakages include the motor, the parts around the engine, and the company seal. If these parts are made of top-notch material, there are next to no chances of the device leaking out.

Convenient Programming

Variable speed pool pumps may seem like a complicated device to maneuver to users with a lack of experience in this field. However, the best units have stellar user-friendly programming to make the entire process smoother for them.

Estimating the size of the swimming pool users seem to own, units worth the money have pre-set modes installed into them. Be sure to go through these devices' programming features to understand better, which provides the best options for you.

Durability

Most devices of this category don't last for long. Therefore, users are left to run back and forth between their home and the hardware store on a loop to solve this issue.

Buying a product with superior longevity can go a long way to solving this issue and putting your worries to rest for the foreseeable future. The unit's longevity also increases the salvage value of the product, thus giving it a good re-sell value.

Easy Assembly

A large chunk of pool owners' money is spent on hiring pool staff. This cost can be easily brought down if you have a pool pump that can you can assemble easily and operate yourself.

Having a unit that you can construct and deconstruct yourself will make the process of cleaning the pool and maintaining the product very easy. It will also eliminate a lot of external expenses and save you a lot of money at the end of the day.

High Compatibility

Although buying components for your pool pump from the same brand is good practice, having a unit that can actually work efficiently with components of other brands massively increases its options for customization and boosts its performance as well.

Furthermore, having a pool pump with universal compatibility entails that replacements are easy to come by for this product. This feature grants users the convenience of heading out to the hardware to the store and getting an easy replacement if one of the parts sustains any damage.

List of 6 Best Variable Speed Pool Pump Reviews

List of 6 Best Variable Speed Pool Pump Reviews
List of 6 Best Variable Speed Pool Pump Reviews

Here is a list of reviews of 6 variable speed pool pumps that are currently considered the best in the market. Read on ahead to find the one that will fit your needs the best.

1. Pentair SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pool Pump - Link

Pentair SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pool Pump, 342001
Pentair SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pool Pump, 342001

Kicking the list off, we have a unit that has a high brand value and an excellent reputation in the present market. The SuperFlo VS receives its fame and popularity from its manufacturer, Pentair's goodwill, which is world-famous for making top-notch machinery like this.

As far as the variable speed pool pump goes, installing and using this device is quite convenient. It's easy to set up by your pool as there is no need for rewiring and is easily usable due to the digitalized display with three pre-set speed modes for easy programming and progress monitoring.

However, it is also noteworthy that this device is far from perfection and has its fair share of issues that users need to be wary about before settling on a purchase. Users need to be ready for physical exertion as the skimmer's lid is tough to open, and a lot of strength will be necessary to empty the skimmer basket.

Pros:

  • Versatility in power intake
  • Easily separable during maintenance
  • Can easily fill up standard swimming pools
  • Wiring compartment is easily accessible
  • Emits little sound when in operation

Cons:

  • Opening skimmer's lid is difficult
  • Is not compatible with attachments like a water spout

2. Hayward W3SP3206VSP TriStar VS Variable-Speed Pool Pump - Link

Hayward W3SP3206VSP TriStar VS Variable-Speed Pool Pump, 1.85 HP
Hayward W3SP3206VSP TriStar VS Variable-Speed Pool Pump, 1.85 HP

This is a unit that prides itself on its versatility. The TriStar VS is genuinely smart machinery as it will give you the comfort of a high-speed performance while with stellar efficiency while also ensuring economical use of electricity with no hitches whatsoever.

As per the brand Hayward's plan, this variable speed pool pump is an upgrade of its predecessors alongside other similar units of the VS series. This product can easily replace most full-scale pool pumps, although it is smaller in size and contains all the perks that come along with it.

In terms of energy, this unit is one of the frontrunners as it can fill up an entire standard size swimming pool in record time due to its highly powerful motor. It can quickly overtake the more massive and noisier industrial pumps with its 1.5HP during full-rate state and 2.0HP as its maximum rate.

Maintaining the device itself is relatively easy thanks to its compact size and easy steps to a swift deconstruction. The basket is one of the largest components of this thing and can easily collect a lot of dust and garbage in a go before you have to clear it out, which decreases the intervals in the cleaning process.

It goes without saying that even a variable speed pool pump like this has drawbacks that need to be a consideration. This device's efficiency significantly reduces as there are leaks in the seal plate and motor of this device, which prevents it from reaching its full capacity.

Pros:

  • Cooling fan attached to motor
  • High levels of horsepower for better performance
  • Saves more than 90% of electricity
  • Weighs only 49lbs
  • Fully digitalized program board

Cons:

  • Possibility of cracks between components
  • Makes a lot of noise when operating on max capacity

3. Pentair 011028 IntelliFlo VS Pool Pump - Link

Pentair 011028 IntelliFlo VS Pool Pump, Almond
Pentair 011028 IntelliFlo VS Pool Pump, Almond

Here, we have a device that is arguably one of the most user-friendly products on this list. The IntelliFlo VS pool pump's design provides the maximum comfort and convenience possible explicitly when using it.

First, the most praiseworthy aspect of this device is its design, thanks to its user-friendly interface. The control pad is easily rotatable and allows users to operate the pump regardless of where and how you place it in the swimming pool without discomfort.

On a further inspection of the device, it is noticeable how convenient the device's programming is. The menu sports several options and various modes to choose from that increase its compatibility with swimming pools regardless of their size and specifications.

In terms of the build, it is noticeable that the make of the product intends to extend the longevity of the product and maintain consistency in performance during prolonged use.

This pump has an in-built cooling fan that keeps the device from overheating, which allows it to work smoothly for long periods while preventing component damages.

Like every other product on this leak, this unit also has certain drawbacks to look out to. These problems will start appearing over time; the most noteworthy issues among this problem include leakage within the device after six months and the motor not being able to pump out enough water like other similar units.

Pros:

  • Fully digital programming board
  • Programming board includes a timer
  • Inclusive cooling system with motor
  • Doesn't emit more than 45 decibels when operating

Cons:

  • Leaking starts from factory seal over long use
  • Comparatively weak motor

4. Harris In-Ground VS Variable Speed Swimming Pool Pumps - Link

Harris In-Ground VS Variable Speed Swimming Pool Pumps (3 HP)
Harris In-Ground VS Variable Speed Swimming Pool Pumps (3 HP)

This one is a strong contender unit for being the perfect pump for swimming pools. Harris Pool Products has spared no expense in making this beauty. Each perk of this device perfectly complements each other and makes it the most balanced device out there.

Right off the bat, this unit's build is undoubtedly going to wow the users as it is a testament to longevity and compactness. Stainless steel is the primary material in building this unit. The body also has thermoplastic in it, giving it a higher durability rate than other swimming pool pumps.

When it comes to performance, this unit can compete with similar products and even outperform most of them. By fulfilling and exceeding the CSA and ETL requirements, the sign of advanced engineering is evident within it, which is also a beacon for efficient performance in a noiseless manner.

Although negligible in nature, there are a few drawbacks that are present in this product. This product does not come with any user guide, so users may need to enlist a professional's help if they are not familiar with handling this product.

Pros:

  • Graphite mechanical seal for more durability
  • Runs on a voltage of 230V
  • Has three separate moods to choose from
  • Compatible with tools of other brands
  • Low noise emission during operation

Cons:

  • Instruction manual isn't included
  • Flimsy programming

5. Hayward SP2603VSP Super Pump VS 1.65 Variable-Speed Pool Pump - Link

Hayward SP2603VSP Super Pump VS 1.65 HP Variable-Speed Pool Pump, Energy Star Certified
Hayward SP2603VSP Super Pump VS 1.65 HP Variable-Speed Pool Pump, Energy Star Certified

Very few variable speed pumps are as technologically advanced as the Super Pump VS by Hayward. Every component of this unit has the convenience that comes from high-tech components attached to it.

The first evidence of technological prowess can be seen in the program board of this device. Complete with an extensive digital interface, using this unit while switching back and forth between modes has never been easier.

Next up, the cooling system of this product is truly amazing. The motor has an enclosed cooling fan that allows users to save 90% more energy than any other regular pool pumps without running the risk of getting the interior damaged.

Full customization is available with this device so that users do not have to face any problems when operating this device under any conditions.

The control panel of this pool pump is rotational entirely and can work in four different positions and serve as a mount on walls, thus granting users the comfort of placing the device anywhere in the pool.

Although there aren't many drawbacks with this product, there is one major issue users will have to watch out for. This unit requires heavy replacement as there is a chance of it breaking down within a timespan as short as six months.

Pros:

  • Runs on 1.65HP
  • Extensive user guide for easy set-up
  • Compatible with any form of installation system
  • Available in two different versions

Cons:

  • Lacks longevity
  • High chance of leakage

6. Hayward W3SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS Variable-Speed Pool Pump - Link

Hayward W3SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS Variable-Speed Pool Pump
Hayward W3SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS Variable-Speed Pool Pump

When it comes to the performance itself, there are very few units that can beat the level of perfection the MaxFlo VS aims to provide. Made in Hayward's factories, this unit is the perfect solution for a quick fill-up of your swimming pool while reducing the cost of electricity and energy.

A part of the VS line, this unit is a massive upgrade from its predecessors as it commits to provide a higher performance level at a more energy-efficient method. According to third-party testing by EPA ENERGY STAR, it can run on 230V at a speed of 1.65HP, making it one of the most efficient models of this series.

This model follows a plug and plays model that drastically reduces the strain on users and makes the entire process of filling up pools faster than ever. Simply connect the pump to the pool, and it will fill it up accordingly in standalone mode without causing any inconvenience or filling up the pool more than the requirement.

There are some issues that users may face when operating this device and will fall into a lot of discomfort if it isn't handled correctly. One of the most critical problems is that this device's packaging is not up to the mark, and users may run the risk of finding missing parts of this product on arrival.

Pros:

  • Saves 80% more energy than competitors
  • Motors are protected by TEFC
  • Can function in standalone mode
  • Smart hydraulic build for quietness

Cons:

  • Lackluster packaging
  • Possibility of system failure after a few months

Benefits of Variable Speed Pool Pump

We will now look into some benefits of using a variable speed pool pump over a single speed or two-speed pool pumps and why you should purchase a variable speed pump.

Long Term Savings and Longevity

The primary benefit of using a variable speed pool pump is the amount of money you will end up saving if you buy and use one compared to other options.

This is mainly due to modifying how fast the pump works, meaning there are no chances of overworking the pump and using up more energy and hence more money.

Alongside the obvious money savings aspect to this, as stated above, you can very easily monitor and modify the RPM to ensure it is not over-worked. This means you can easily prevent it from malfunctioning or failing far too early, thus reducing costs even further as you don't have to worry about replacing it soon.

Superior Filtration

If there is less water flowing per minute, then there is more time for the water to be filtered appropriately. Normally, you would be stuck with one or two speeds at which the water will flow through, but with a variable speed pool pump, that no longer is an issue for your hygienic needs.

With greater filtration than you would get with other types of pumps, while the whole thing will take a bit more time, it definitely is worth it, as the cleaner and slower water can also contribute to the longevity of all your other pool equipment.

Reducing Noise Pollution

Alongside all this, variable speed pool pumps also help reduce noise pollution as you can reduce the RPM to levels far below single or 2-speed pumps can, thus causing the motors to make far less noise than they would otherwise.

This, coupled with the energy-efficiency, will keep you happy and in the clear with the most state, county, or HOA regulations.

Smarter Systems and Better Functionality

Variable speed pool pumps are programmed to ensure better user experiences, and as such, they are often very intuitive to use.

What this means is that the pumps can be used in automation systems or otherwise to make the management of everything far easier, with full control over all mechanisms operating on your pool, or with modern-day technological advancements, perhaps your entire home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a variable speed pool pump worth it?

Of course, it is! Not only does it make the difficult chore of cleaning out your pool easy, but it also takes care of providing an uninterrupted stream of water without any difficulty at all.

Navigating water into the pool is also easy when using this device, and it also reduces strain and labor drastically.

What is the best pool pump brand?

The best pool pump brand varies according to the user's needs, requirements, and specifications.

If the user prefers a compact device with longevity, then the Harris brand is the perfect fit for them. At the same time, Hayward is ideal for those users who prefer convenience, the broad scope for customization, and energy efficiency above everything else.

How many hours should a pool pump run per day?

The pool pump needs to be operational until all the water within the swimming pool receives proper circulation and filtration. Although the size and shape of pool pumps may vary, a good pool pump can complete full circulation within a time limit of 6-8 hours, ideally, while the smaller ones can take as much as 12 hours.

How do you size a variable speed pool pump?

The size of a variable speed pool pump is directly proportional to the swimming pool the user has. Depending on the pool's shape and capacity, the user will have to examine the speed pool pump, calculate its pumping prowess, and the amount of horsepower it is running in to estimate the size of the variable pool pump.

Do I need a 2-speed pool pump?

Variable speed pool pumps that have more than two-speed modes are known as a 2-speed pool pump. Having a 2-speed pool pump is quite beneficial as they can slowly circulate pool water that guarantees a better filtration rate.

It also consumes less energy than single speed pool pumps, making it a nifty device to have around.

How much do variable speed pool pumps cost?

Variable speed pool pumps are indeed costly, and a lot of contemplation is necessary before settling on a purchase. Buying a unit that is not powerful enough to fulfill your requirements can essentially lead to a loss of a lot of money.

Purchasing a variable speed pool pump will set you back by $700-$1,500. Furthermore, the operational cost of this device can go up to $500 a year on average.

Buy on Etsy

Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo Variable Speed High Performance Pool Pump, 3 Horsepower, 230 - Etsy Link

Hayward SP3206VSPVR 2.7 HP Variable-Speed Pool Pump, TriStar VS - Etsy Link

Hayward SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS Variable-Speed Pool Pump, BLACK / GOLD - Etsy Link

Buy on eBay

Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo Variable Speed High Performance Pool Pump, 3 Horsepower, 230 - eBay Link

Hayward SP3206VSPVR 2.7 HP Variable-Speed Pool Pump, TriStar VS - eBay Link

Hayward SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS Variable-Speed Pool Pump, BLACK / GOLD - eBay Link

Conclusion

There you have it! All the information you can ever need to find the best variable speed pool pump. Now you'll not have to worry about buying another faulty pool pump ever again!

About James Williams

Hi, This is James from HomerDIY. I have great experience in writing about everything related to Pump and DIY tools. For the last few years, I am researching the different types of tools and sharing my opinion on this blog.

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