Best Variable Speed Pool Pump
So we’ve talked a lot about pool cover pumps on our site so let’s talk about those OTHER pumps that we all need for pools.
Most pool owners know a bit about pool pumps, but most don’t realize that you can buy VARIABLE SPEED pumps. These pumps have the ability to move water at different speeds and unlike the single speed models, variable speed pool pumps are super efficient. Many people love variable speed pool pumps because they operate quietly in addition to saving energy which ultimately keeps money in your pocket. Choosing to buy a pool pump is easy but the hard part is choosing the best variable speed pool pump to fit your budget and needs.
Disclaimer! This is by no means an all-encompassing list of every pump on the market. My intent is to give you a couple of really good options from some of the best manufacturers out there and which also get HIGH MARKS from other pool owners. If we missed a pump that you really thing is a great deal, please let us know in the comments below!
Our Best Variable Speed Pool Pump Top Five:
THE WORKHORSE! Hayward SP3400VSP EcoStar
Hayward SP3400VSP is highly regarded as the most energy efficient variable speed pump in the industry. This is the reason why it is number one on this list of the best variable speed pool pumps. It has an excellent permanent magnet and a fan-cooled motor that is totally enclosed which helps the pump last longer and be less susceptible to corrosion.
Research reveals that Hayward EcoStar pumps save up to 90% on energy expenses compared to the single speed pumps! That is some serious savings! The EcoStar is also smart enough to match the speed with the needs of the pool so it’s a ‘pool genius’ when it comes to circulating water. Easily this is TOP RATED in it’s class!
Product Features
- An innovative digital control interface which can rotate to 4-different positions on the pump.
- It complies with the energy efficiency regulations such as the APSP-15 and Title 20.
- Has a self-contained and fully programmable 24-hour clock. This clock has eight custom speed & timer functions.
- A 2.5 HP motor.
The Pros Of the Hayward SP3400VSP
- Doesn’t require any additional timer clock or controller.
- Saves money on energy costs.
- Its control panel is easy to read & program.
- The gradual wind-up of the motor exerts a smaller amount of stress on the equipment, thereby making it safer than the other pumps on this list of the best variable speed pool pumps.
The Cons Of the Hayward SP3400VSP
- Its number of speeds is limited to the number of relays in the automation system.
———————————————————————————————————————————————
A CLOSE SECOND! Pentair Sta-Rite P6E6XS4H-209L
Our research found that in order to be listed in the top 5 and considered the best variable speed pool pump, you needed to be HIGH on the list for efficiencies. Out of all the ones we looked into on the market, the Pentair Sta-Rite is easily one of the most energy efficient which is why it ended up #2 on our list. It can be programmed to the exact speed for a particular operation and it can cut your energy costs by a whopping 90 percent!
One really nice feature is the ‘safety lockout’ which prevents unauthorized people from changing the speed settings of the pump. So no more wondering which of your kids hit the button by accident! Since it can set the maximum and minimum speeds, the Pentair Sta-Rite variable speed pool pump can only run within the set ranges. This is a great feature as it helps to guarantee long life and safe operation. The pump is also compatible with SunTouch, EasyTouch, and IntelliTouch pool control systems and can be connected via the RS-485 digital interface so users of those systems can really take advantage of the Pentair.
This pump is right up there with the best of them. Pound for pound, a great pump and it can go head-to-head with the Hayward any day of the week!
Product Features
- Dimensions are 28” x 14” x 12” (LxHxW).
- 3-Horsepower motor fixed with a variable speed drive.
- It has completely programmable schedules and speeds.
- Has a very informative manual, which makes the installation and wiring process very easy.
- A safety vacuum release system.
- It can clean your house too! (just seeing if you were still reading!)
The Pros of Pentair Sta-Rite P6E6XS4H-209L
- With a PDA remote, this pump can be controlled by the popular Aqualink system with the newer firmware.
- The speeds and schedules can be controlled externally.
- The pump is also available in the suction vacuum release system (SVRS) model which complies with the Florida Building Code for pools and the Graeme Baker Act.
The Cons of Pentair Sta-Rite P6E6XS4H-209L
- Can’t be connected to non-Pentair automation without the Intellicom 2 digital interface. Make sure you check this before buying as the digital interface can run upwards of $200 by itself.
- With the external control, pump doesn’t display the operating speed or energy used on the integrated display. Not a game breaker, but some like to see a display.
———————————————————————————————————————————————
Third Place Ain’t Too Bad! Jandy JEP 2.0 ePump
Number three on our ‘best variable speed pool pump’ list is the Jandy JEP 2.0 ePump. This pump has 8 variable speeds so you can imagine the efficiencies of this pump and how it can affect your operating costs for the good. Since it is the quietest of all the variable speed pool pumps, and due to its efficiency, the Jandy ePump is considered to be the best variable speed pool pump in this price range by many pool owners. The pump can be fully programmed and customized with five various control systems which include Aqualink RS PDA, Aqualink RS OneTouchTM, Aqualink TouchTM, iAquaLinkTM, and JEP-R Pump Controller. And can you say QUIET? On lower speeds you won’t even know this one is running! A great value, no doubt.
Pump Features
- A Very efficient 2 horsepower motor.
- Jandy Stealth wet-end with large basket.
- Analog controls for accomplishing external automation tasks.
The Pros of the Jandy JEP 2.0 Epump
- Operates quietly.
- The efficiency of the motor extends the life of the pump.
- Doesn’t need a lot of maintenance due to its extra large trap basket.
- It is possible to mount the ePump controller remotely.
- New basket style makes cleaning very easy.
The Cons of the Jandy JEP 2.0 Epump
- Some customers made note this Jandy was a bit more expensive than the others on our best variable speed pool pump list.
- To operate it independently, you need a Jandy ePump controller. This increases the overall cost of the pump.
- External automation can’t be done without the ePump controller.
- Has limited speeds.
- Has lower hp-rating compared to some of the other best variable speed pool pumps.
———————————————————————————————————————————————
Easily could be Top 3 – Superflo VS
This variable speed pool pump is also manufactured by Pentair ranks number 4 on our best variable speed pool pump list. It offers all the benefits of variable speed technology at price which is affordable. The Superflo VS is perfect for standard swimming pools which require a pump of up to 1.5 horsepower.
It has a user-friendly graphical display which eases the task of programming and monitoring and, unlike other pumps on our best variable speed pool pump list, the Superflo’s electronic board isn’t exposed to exterior parts at installation. That’s the piece of mind knowing that your investment will be protected. The pump can be plumbed and serviced easily due to its glue-able unions.
The pump is ENERGY STAR Certified and UL listed and that little blue sticker basically means this device will ultimately save you money as it’s more efficient than most of the other pumps on the market.
Product Features
- The pump has 3 adjustable operating speed settings.
- Has a built-in timer.
- Tough polymer pump body.
- A fully enclosed fan-cooled motor.
The Pros of Superflo VS
- It is more affordable compared to the others listed in our best variable speed pool pump list.
- Easy to install, operate and service.
The Cons of Superflo VS
- It isn’t the most quiet variable speed pool pump.
———————————————————————————————————————————————
Rounding out the Top 5 – Waterway Econoflo VSA
This is the best variable speed pool pump for pool owners that are conscious of their safety and the economy. Waterway Econoflo has a low-amp design and an easy to use built-in seven-day programmable user interface. The pump complies with all the energy legislation.
Pump Features
- Built-in safety vacuum release system.
- Protected against frost.
- Uses an AO-Smith onboard controller and a champion motor.
The Pros of Waterway Econoflo
- The external equipment can be controlled like a heat-pump with a relay.
- The pump’s external automation systems work very well.
- Comes with a 3-year limited warranty – most other pumps only have 1 year!
- MADE IN THE USA!
The Cons of Waterway Econoflo
- Can’t be controlled externally.
- Not fit for operating a solar pool heater.
One thing you will notice (and if you’re shopping for a variable speed pump, you probably already know) is that these pumps are not cheap. The technology that goes into making these pumps and the money savings you can see from them over their lifetime is why they are more expensive than your run-of-the-mill single speed pumps. A great way to reduce your costs is to check with your local electric company and see if they’re offering any rebates for Energy Star products. We’ve seen some pool owners who have received rebates from their electric companies to the tune of $400-600 for purchasing one of these variable speed ones! That puts a lot of these pumps right in the price range of the higher end single speed pumps that don’t come anywhere close in their performance.
So there you have our best variable speed pool pump TOP 5. If you have any questions or would like us to include another pump for review, just hit us up at our contact page!
