Single Speed Pool Pump Reviews

This page is a buyers guide and industry professional review for single speed pool pumps. If you are shopping for a variable speed pump read the variable speed pump reviews section which will help you to understand how much cost savings you would experience if you choose a VSP for your pool.





Shopping for pool pumps can be a frustrating process due to the number of pumps on the market combined with the fact that each pump is made for a specific type of application - choose the wrong one and you may find yourself shopping for a new one again sooner than you hope. Even shopping from a major retailer requires a grain- of-salt type approach since not all advice in the pool industry is created equal.







The industry as a whole carries a negative stigma, not unlike that of used car salesmen, which is largely due to an industry-wide lack of congruency in training practices. In short - there is no trade certification in this industry that can produce a well rounded and skilled tradesmen. Each pool technician is only as good as the sum of their individual experiences, which unsurprisingly, results in a great deal of contradictory advice. This confuses customers and results in a mixed bag of solutions to every problem and without any official protocol manual of any kind to reference there is no way to fact check as a consumer.



All this means is that as a pool owner you must be diligent in doing your homework and selective about who you take advice from for your pool. Ultimately as the pool owner the financial responsibility for the pool rests on your shoulders - educate yourself and protect your investment or pay the consequences in the future.



Swimming Pool Steve is an industry expert - read his latest article in Pool & Spa Marketing trade magazine relating to Understanding Energy Loss In Pool Systems or watch his video review series of swimming pool pumps, filters and heaters that has over 50 video reviews of pool equipment installations.





This page will help you to find the right pool pump - If you want to buy your pump online this is the guide you need





How To Choose The Right Pool Pump

The process of sizing pool filtration equipment is a technical calculation in which the pump is sized against the volume of the pool, the size of the plumbing lines and the limitations of the filter. In the most simple of terms the pump needs to be powerful enough to turn over the volume of your pool 2-3 times every 24 hours without exceeding the maximum design flow rate for your filter. As a bonus it would be nice if the pump did not cost a small fortune to operate - however if running costs are a concern of yours you would be absolutely crazy to not get a variable speed pump. The only reason that you would ever choose a single speed pump is if you simply can not afford the upfront cost of a variable speed pump. Variable speed pumps save so much energy (money) compared to single speed pumps that many jurisdictions in Canada and the USA are mandating variable speed pumps for all new pools. Service companies can now get fined for servicing single speed pumps in these areas - it is simply a matter of time before variable speed pumps are installed on every pool.



Assuming that your situation requires a single speed pump, such as a pool that operates the pump only certain hours of the day, you should look towards higher quality brand name pumps as opposed to lower quality models. More so than 10 or 20 years ago the market is flooded with very poorly made pool pumps. Even the brand names do not seem to last as long as they used to which is not simply old people lamenting about the world changing - pool pumps, and all pool equipment for that matter, are lower quality in general.



Pentair - The Pentair brand is much larger than most people are aware. In addition to making swimming pool pumps Pentair is an industry leader in residential, commercial and industrial water systems including agriculture, mining, power, gas & oil, telecommunications and much more. It is little wonder why so many pool professionals feel that Pentair pool pumps are the highest quality pumps on the market - or at least the first, highest quality pumps on the market.



Hayward - Hayward Pool Products is the largest manufacturer of residential pool products in the world and started in 1925. Regarded in the industry as cost effective and reasonably high quality, the Hayward brand is a great choice for budget minded consumers who expect professional quality performance from their equipment. In 2004 Hayward acquired the Goldline control brand and positioned themselves as a leader in residential and commercial automation and control systems in a continuation of their mid 1990's shift to being a one-stop manufacturer, attempting to provide all of the equipment for a pool instead of only individual components.



Zodiac / Jandy / Polaris - Jandy began in 1958 as a pool cleaner invention and by the early 1990's had over 100 employees. In 2006 Jandy merged with Zodiac Pool Systems which itself had grown from a recreational boating company first registered in 1909. Zodiac also merged with the Polaris pool brand at this time as a continuation of the plan to grow through mergers and acquisitions as with the Sweepy, Baracuda, Fountainhead Technologies, DriClad, AUTOFLUG, CLEARWATER, P.S.A and EVAC.





As a pool owner you can be sure that any product from any of these manufacturers listed above will be of professional quality - It is more a question of who makes the pump that suits your needs the best for the least amount of money.





Eco-boost - Eco Boost pumps were started in 2007 as a new form of energy efficient pool pump. This was right around the same time that variable speed pumps started to catch on in the residential pool market. In summary EcoBoost makes efficient 2 speed pool pumps and do a lot of counter-selling against variable speed pumps saying that they are prone to failure. The market of variable speed pumps has shown that these claims are unfounded - while an increase in technology can increase the potential for failure rates, most variable speed pumps are meeting and exceeding industry expectations with some experts talking about the potential for some to last upwards of 20 years long. Time will tell but this heavy handed information manipulation by Eco Boost makes me wary to recommend their products - combined with their relative new standing in the industry versus the more established brands.



Waterways - While Waterways pumps are advertised as American made products they are still lower quality that the major 3 manufacturers and one only needs to look as far as the price to determine this. A good deal on a pool pump is only a good deal if you can get at least 7 years of life from it. As of this point in my professional career the Waterways pumps I have been exposed to were too inferior in quality to recommend. If you purchase a Waterways pump it will very likely meet your needs for the short term but might likely sacrifice some longevity as compared to other brands.













How To Pick The Right Size Pool Pump Motor

The most important aspect of choosing a new pool pump is the size of the motor. The most common mistake that uniformed purchasers make is to buy a "more powerful" pool pump when in reality, if anything, they need a smaller pool pump. The reason why variable speed pumps are so efficient is that single speed pumps in general provide way more flow than the average residential pool needs. You can turn off the average pool pump for 12 hours and still meet the minimum required 24 hour turnover rate - upgrading to a more powerful pump will do absolutely nothing positive for your pool! It will cost more money to run every second of its life and can even potentially damage other components such as the filter so don't make this common mistake.





Pool Volume

12 x 24' = 8000 - 12,000 gallons

16 x 32' = 16,000 - 18,000 gallons

20 x 40' = 26,000 - 30,000 gallons





Required Pool Turnover

12 x 24' = 24,000 - 36,000 gallons every 24 hours

16 x 32' = 48,000 - 54,000 gallons every 24 hours

20 x 40'= 78,000 - 90,000 gallons every 24 hours





This general information allows you to calculate the flow rate that you need a pump to provide to meet the turnover rate that your pool requires. For example if a 20 x 40' pool requires about 86,000 gallons every 24 hours (as an average) then this means it needs to pump 3583 gallons every hour - or just under 60 gallons every minute to meet this requirement. For this pool you would want to buy a pump that can deliver up to 60 gallons per minute. If you are matching this pump to a suitable filter you would then need to verify that the maximum designed flow rate for your filter is at least 60 GPM or more. If you want to read more about how these numbers are calculated then check out the section on filter sizing for a more detailed breakdown.



Electrical Considerations - The electrical supply that you have available for your pump will ultimately dictate what size of pump motor that you can have. If you have 110 volt power only then the limitation will be that you are restricted to pumps that are less than 1.5HP. A standard 110 volt house circuit is a 15 amp line however circuit loading requires that a circuit operate at no more than 80% capacity for sustained periods. This means that a 110 volt, 15 amp circuit should not exceed 12 amps sustained draw. 12 amps is fairly limiting for pool pumps and there is also an efficiency loss from running at higher amps like 12 as opposed to 6 amps if the line were upgraded to 220 volts since current and voltage are inversely proportional (as voltage goes up, current goes down and vice versa). Current creates heat so higher current means higher heat, and from a technical perspective, heat is a form of energy loss - energy loss is just wasted money. If possible you want to upgrade your pump circuit to 220 volts.







Above Ground Pool Pumps

An above ground pool pump is designed for light duty applications and a very low price point and typically comes wires with a 110 volt cord end. (as opposed to a hardwired connection like with an inground pool pump). Above ground pumps are usually low head or medium head pumps, which refers to the amount of lift the pump is able to overcome. The lower price point and lighter duty components make above ground pool pumps likely to fail earlier than a similarly sized inground pool pump.



Can I use an above ground pool pump on an inground pool? - I know many readers will have this question so I feel I need to address it directly. There are certain occasions where you can get away with this such as with very small inground pools or onground pools (partially submerged pools). If you have an inground pool, in general, you will be doing yourself a disservice to try to get away with an above ground pool pump.







In the entry level above ground pool pump market from Hayward is this SP1580 1 HP Power-Flo LX . This is one of the lowest cost, brand name quality above ground pumps.



Motor size - 1 Horsepower

Electrical - 110 volts only with cord end

Max flow rate - 86 GPM @ 20ft head / 58 GPM @ 40ft head

Port size - 1.5" FPT (female pipe thread)

Pool volume - For pools up to 20,000 gallons











For slightly larger above ground pools you can use the Hayward SP1580X15 1.5 HP Power-Flo LX which provides a small increase in flow over the SP1580 for a small amount more money.



Motor size - 1.5 Horsepower

Electrical - 110 volts only with cord end

Max flow rate - 91 GPM @ 20ft head / 62 GPM @ 40ft head

Port size - 1.5" FPT (female pipe thread)

Pool volume - For pools up to 25,000 gallons







This is the SP1591 Matrix The Matrix pump has a twist lock discharge port for if you need to turn the discharge to the side instead of out of the top of the pump.



Motor size - 3/4 Horsepower

Electrical - 110 volts only with cord end

Max flow rate - 76 GPM @ 20ft head / 44 GPM @ 40ft head

Port size - 1.5" FPT interior or outside thread for SP1500UNPAK2 unions

Pool volume - For pools up to 15,000 gallons







The Hayward SP1592 Matrix is a 1 horsepower above ground pool pump.



Motor size - 1 Horsepower

Electrical - 110 volts only with cord end

Max flow rate - 86 GPM @ 20ft head / 58 GPM @ 40ft head

Port size - 1.5" FPT interior or outside thread for SP1500UNPAK2 unions

Pool volume - For pools up to 20,000 gallons











The Hayward SP1593 Matrix is a 1.5 horsepower above ground pool pump.



Motor size - 1.5 Horsepower

Electrical - 110 volts only with cord end

Max flow rate - 91 GPM @ 20ft head / 62 GPM @ 40ft head

Port size - 1.5" FPT interior or outside thread for SP1500UNPAK2 unions

Pool volume - For pools up to 25,000 gallons









This is the Pentair 340194 Dynamo above ground pool pump. This is the entry level above ground pool pump from Pentair (same as Sta-Rite).



Motor size - 3/4 Horsepower

Electrical - 110 volts only with cord end

Max flow rate - 70 GPM @ 20ft head / 30 GPM @ 40ft head

Port size - 1.5" FPT

Pool volume - For pools up to 15,000 gallons









This is the Pentair 340197 Dynamo 1 horsepower above ground pool pump.



Motor size - 1 Horsepower

Electrical - 110 volts only with cord end

Max flow rate - 82 GPM @ 20ft head / 44 GPM @ 40ft head

Port size - 1.5" FPT

Pool volume - For pools up to 20,000 gallons













This is the Pentair 340210 Dynamo 1.5 horsepower above ground pool pump.



Motor size - 1.5 Horsepower

Electrical - 110 volts only with cord end

Max flow rate - 82 GPM @ 20ft head / 44 GPM @ 40ft head (same as 1HP model)

Port size - 1.5" FPT

Pool volume - For pools up to 20,000 gallons







This is the Pentair 347984 OptiFlo above ground pool pump. The OptiFlo line are a direct drop-in replacement for the Hayward Matrix series pumps.



Motor size - 3/4 Horsepower

Electrical - 110 volts only with cord end

Max flow rate - 62 GPM @ 20ft head / 20 GPM @ 40ft head

Port size - 1.5" FPT

Pool volume - For pools up to 12,000 gallons









This is the Pentair 347985 OptiFlo 1 horsepower above ground pool pump. It has a vertical discharge and is a drop in replacement for a Hayward Matrix pump.



Motor size - 1 Horsepower

Electrical - 110 volts only with cord end

Max flow rate - 78 GPM @ 20ft head / 36 GPM @ 40ft head

Port size - 1.5" FPT

Pool volume - For pools up to 15,000 gallons









This is the Pentair 347986 OptiFlo 1.5 horsepower above ground pool pump. It has a vertical discharge and is a drop in replacement for a Hayward Matrix pump.



Motor size - 1 Horsepower

Electrical - 110 volts only with cord end

Max flow rate - 85 GPM @ 20ft head / 48 GPM @ 40ft head

Port size - 1.5" FPT

Pool volume - For pools up to 20,000 gallons









This is the Hayward SP15932S Matrix 2-Speed 1 horsepower above ground pool pump suitable for reducing electrical costs below that of single speed pumps.



Motor size - 1.5 Horsepower

Electrical - 110 volts only with cord end

Max flow rate - 86 GPM @ 20ft head / 58 GPM @ 40ft head / 28 GPM @ Low Speed

Port size - 1.5" FPT or outside thread for SP1500UNPAK2 unions

Pool volume - For pools up to 25,000 gallons









This is a Hayward SP15932S Matrix 2-Speed 1.5 horsepower above ground pool pump.



Motor size - 1.5 Horsepower

Electrical - 110 volts only with cord end

Max flow rate - 91 GPM @ 20ft head / 62 GPM @ 40ft head / 30 GPM @ Low Speed

Port size - 1.5" FPT or outside thread for SP1500UNPAK2 unions

Pool volume - For pools up to 25,000 gallons









This is the Pentair 340204 Two-Speed Dynamo above ground pool pump.



Motor size - 1 Horsepower

Electrical - 110 volts NO cord end

Max flow rate - 82 GPM @ 20ft head / 44 GPM @ 40ft head / 26 GPM @ Low Speed

Port size - 1.5" FPT

Pool volume - For pools up to 20,000 gallons











This is the Pentair 340206 Dynamo Two-Speed 1.5 horsepower above ground pool pump.



Motor size - 1.5 Horsepower

Electrical - 110 volts NO cord end

Max flow rate - 82 GPM @ 20ft head / 44 GPM @ 40ft head / 26 GPM @ Low Speed

Port size - 1.5" FPT

Pool volume - For pools up to 20,000 gallons



Since the flow curves published by these above ground manufacturers do not include flow rates for the low speed settings these values are approximated. Also approximated for all above ground pumps listed here are the suitable pool volume sizes. There are many factors that will change the mathematical calculation of flow rates and turnover rates and so these numbers are intended to be used as a general guideline as opposed to a hard value.







Inground Pool Pumps

Choosing the correct pool pump for an inground pool can seem overwhelming since there are hundreds of models, brands and sizes made for all different kinds of applications. If you make an uniformed decision this can cost you in the form of poor performance all the way up to early failure or damage to other equipment - it is very important that you understand some basics about pool pumps.



Motor ratings - Pump motor ratings can be true rated, max rated, up rated, peak rated and this refers to the service factor of the motor. Service factor is a multiplier used to calculate the operational performance of the motor and is something that is specifically used by pump manufacturers to enhance the salability of a product. To understand these values further is beyond the scope of this pump review but this discrepancy in terminology can confuse the average shopper. Instead of looking at horse power of a motor you need to consider the electrical draw and the flow rate - two numbers which can not be manipulated so easily.



Head resistance - Head resistance is the restriction to flow that your pump will have to work against in order to pump the water. Since a pump can not operate effectively in all performance ranges, there exists specialty pumps for applications where the resistance to flow exceeds that normally found in a swimming pool installation - or in applications where higher flow rates than normal are desired. Above ground pool pumps would be classified typically as low head and medium head pumps, where inground pumps will usually come in medium head and high head models. Medium head pumps are usually found on circulation systems where high head pumps are used for very large circulation systems as well as booster jets, waterfalls and water features. Always be sure to check the maximum design flow rate for your filter and make sure the pump flow rate will not exceed this value.



Electrical connections - All inground pool pumps should be hard wired (not a cord end) and should be installed on circuits that are GFCI protected. While some inground pumps under 1.5 horsepower in size have the option to operate at 110 volts, it would be an advantage to you to use 220 volt connections whenever possible. This way the pump draws less current, which in turn produces less heat (less energy loss) which is both inefficient as well as one of the biggest concerns for longevity - heat dissipation. Heat can kill a pump motor so the less of it that your motor experiences the better.







Hayward Pool Pumps





0.5 HP Super Pump - 47 GPM @ 20ft / 23 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 11,000 gallons

0.75 HP Super Pump - 62 GPM @ 20ft / 41 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 20,000 gallons

1 HP Super Pump - 74 GPM @ 20ft / 54 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 26,000 gallons

1.5 HP Super Pump - 84 GPM @ 20ft / 65 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 30,000 gallons

2 HP Super Pump - 123 GPM @ 20ft / 97 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 46,000 gallons

2.5 HP Super Pump - 116 GPM @ 20ft / 96 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 45,000 gallons

The Hayward Super Pump is best selling pool pump in the world. This pump is perfect for circulation systems and is a cost effective single speed pump that is available in multiple motor sizes to suit every application. This pump uses a 1.5" FPT for connection ports for all sizes of motor up to 2 HP at which point it changes to a 2" FPT.













0.75 HP Max-Flo XL - 63 GPM @ 20ft / 38 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 18,000 gallons

1 HP Max-Flo XL - 95 GPM @ 20ft / 86 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 30,000 gallons

1.5 HP Max-Flo XL - 95 GPM @ 20ft / 72 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 35,000 gallons

2 HP Max-Flo XL - 125 GPM @ 20ft / 98 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 45,000 gallons

The Hayward Max-Flo XL is the entry level inground pool pump from Hayward. This pump is intended to meet the needs of the entry level price point while still providing professional level performance. This pump has a smaller wet end chamber and strainer basket than most which is not ideal for pools that have a lot of debris in them. This pump also comes with threaded unions which allows you to disconnect the plumbing lines quickly and easily.







0.5 HP TriStar - 87 GPM @ 20ft / 62 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 30,000 gallons

0.75 HP Tristar - 104 GPM @ 20ft / 85 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 40,000 gallons

1 HP Tristar - 131 GPM @ 20ft / 110 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 53,000 gallons

1.5 HP Tristar - 150 GPM @ 20ft / 140 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 67,000 gallons

2 HP Tristar - 170 GPM @ 20ft / 162 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 78,000 gallons

3 HP Tristar - 190 GPM @ 20ft / 186 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 90,000 gallons

5 HP Tristar - 200 GPM @ 20ft / 200 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 96,000 gallons



The Hayward Tristar pump is the most energy efficient single speed pump offered by Hayward. What makes this pump unique is the large volume of water that this pump can deliver for a relatively small amount of energy use. The smaller motor size pumps, especially the 1/2 horsepower Tristar, is a great option as a circulation pump. The larger size motors can also be used for circulation systems where high water volume and a single speed pump are needed. If you intend to use this pump for a circulation pump you should be sure to check the maximum design flow rate for your filter as these pumps can exceed the flow rate for most sand filters. Cartridge filters are more suitable for matching to the Tristar pump. In order to get the most flow from this pump larger than 2" pipe size should be used. The union connectors for this pump are 2" slip 2.5" MPT. The most popular application for the Tristar pump is as a booster pump for spa jets, waterfalls, water features, laminar deck jets, sheer decent waterfalls and any other application where a high volume of water is needed.









0.75 HP Super II - 47 GPM @ 40ft / 27 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 22,000 gallons

1 HP Super II - 63 GPM @ 40ft / 45 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 30,000 gallons

1.5 HP Super II - 90 GPM @ 40ft / 65 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 43,000 gallons

2 HP Super II - 115 GPM @ 40ft / 89 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 55,000 gallons

2.5 HP Super II - 131 GPM @ 40ft / 103 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 63,000 gallons

3 HP Super II - 159 GPM @ 40ft / 134 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 76,000 gallons

The Hayward Super 2 (Super II) pump is a medium to high head application pump. Notice that the flow rating for this pump is different than the other pumps listed in that it compares the 40ft and 60ft head applications instead of the 20ft and 40ft like all of the other pumps. This is because this pump is intended for a specific application and is not a general use pump as it is often mistaken to be by uninformed pool owners. An example of a suitable application for this pump is a shared pool / spa combination system where there is a cartridge filter or very large sand filter capable of handling the flow from this pump. Also useful for waterfalls and water features, spa booster pumps and circulation systems that include solar heating where the pump must work harder than normal to lift the water. There was very little information available in the "AZ Market" pump designation on these pumps so I spoke with Hayward and confirmed that this refers to a certification that was added when the lid design was changed from screw down bolts (like the Super Pump) to a threaded lid as now used with the Super II. At the time it was important in Arizona and so the AZ tag was added to the product number and never removed once the entire line of Super II pumps switched over to the threaded lid. Super II pumps sold in Canada have screw down bolts instead of a threaded lid which is why only Super II pumps sold in the USA have the AZ code in the serial number.









Pentair Pool Pumps









0.5 HP SuperFlo - 70 GPM @ 20ft / 44 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 21,000 gallons

0.75 HP SuperFlo - 70 GPM @ 20ft / 44 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 21,000 gallons

1 HP Superflo - 86 GPM @ 20ft / 65 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 31,000 gallons

1.5 HP SuperFlo - 102 GPM @ 20ft / 82 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 40,000 gallons

2 HP SuperFlo - 98 GPM @ 30ft* / 88 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 45,000 gallons

2.5 HP SuperFlo - 123 GPM @ 30ft* / 111 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 60,000 gallons

The Pentair Superflo is the Pentair version of the Hayward Super Pump - and these pumps are built as a direct replacement for each other meaning the orientation and spacing of the inlet and outlet ports are an exact match. This is the entry level inground single speed pump from Pentair and the motors up to and including 1.5 HP can be wired for either 110 volts or 220 volts - all larger sizes are 220 volts only. *The 2 HP and 2.5 HP models do not have a published flow performance at 20 ft of head so the values for 30ft have been used.







0.5 HP Challenger - 74 GPM @ 20ft / 53 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 25,000 gallons

0.75 HP Challenger - 90 GPM @ 20ft / 71 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 34,000 gallons

1 HP Challenger - 109 GPM @ 20ft / 90 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 43,000 gallons

1.5 HP Challenger - 120 GPM @ 20ft / 104 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 50,000 gallons

2 HP Challenger - 129 GPM @ 20ft / 112 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 54,000 gallons

The Pentair Challenger is a medium head application pump suitable for moving more water than other pumps with similar sized motors. The large wet end and low friction, energy efficient design make this pump idea for hot tub booster jets, water falls, water features, smaller lifts to solar heaters and very large circulation systems. As a frame of reference this pump is somewhat better in performance than the Hayward Super Pump and slightly less than the Hayward Tristar series in terms of flow. For improved flow dynamics this pump uses 2" FPT connection ports so if you have 1.5" pipe you will need a reducing bushing.









0.5 HP Whisperflo - 66 GPM @ 40ft / 41 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 32,000 gallons

0.75 HP Whisperflo - 80 GPM @ 40ft / 61 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 38,000 gallons

1 HP Whisperflo - 100 GPM @ 40ft / 76 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 48,000 gallons

1.5 HP Whisperflo - 125 GPM @ 40ft / 100 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 60,000 gallons

2 HP Whisperflo - 137 GPM @ 40ft / 113 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 66,000 gallons

3 HP Whisperflo - 156 GPM @ 50ft* / 142 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 75,000 gallons

The Whisperflo pump by Pentair is a medium to high head pool pump suitable for large volumes of water flow under increased resistance to flow. Similar to the Super II pump from Hayward you will notice that this pump is compared for 40ft and 60ft resistance as opposed to 20ft and 40ft. If this pump is to be used as a circulation pump you will need a cartridge filter or a large sand filter that has a maximum design flow rate higher than what this pump will deliver. This pump has 2" FPT suction and discharge ports and a minimum of 2" pipe should be used for this pump to even come close to reaching the flow potential it has - and larger is better. This would be a good pump to use for lifting to solar heaters, for booster jets / spa water, swim jets, water features requiring a lot of flow volume or large pool circulation systems. * The 3 horsepower Whisperflo does not publish a flow rating for a 40ft head resistance so the 50ft value was used.







Sta Rite Pool Pumps







0.5 HP SuperMax - 65 GPM @ 20ft / 44 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 21,000 gallons

0.75 HP SuperMax - 70 GPM @ 20ft / 53 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 25,000 gallons

1 HP SuperMax - 86 GPM @ 20ft / 65 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 31,000 gallons

1.5 HP SuperMax - 102 GPM @ 20ft / 82 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 40,000 gallons

2 HP SuperMax - 98 GPM @ 30ft* / 88 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 45,000 gallons

2.5 HP SuperMax - 123 GPM @ 30ft* / 111 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 60,000 gallons

The Sta Rite SuperMax is the exact same pump as the Pentair Superflo except that the published flow curves are slightly different for the 0.5 HP and 0.75 HP models. This allows brand loyal builders and pool owners to select their preferred equipment but is also used for a marketing advantage for distribution. If there are two pool stores on one street one may sell the Pentair (almond) brand while the other sells the Sta Rite (black) brand without competing with each other and Pentair gets to do business with both retailers. As with the SuperFlo, this pump is an identical, drop-in replacement for the Hayward Super Pump.









0.5 HP Dyna-Pro - 91 GPM @ 20ft / 61 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 29,000 gallons

0.75 HP Dyna-Pro - 101 GPM @ 20ft / 77 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 37,000 gallons

1 HP Dyna-Pro - 118 GPM @ 30ft* / 107 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 51,000 gallons

1.5 HP Dyna-Pro - 128 GPM @ 40ft / 88 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 61,000 gallons

2 HP Dyna-Pro - 132 GPM @ 50ft* / 108 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 63,000 gallons

Sta Rite joined with Pentair in 2004 and while the two product lines (Pentair & Sta Rite) may share similar technology the origin, engineering and materials are different in their pump classes more than with other equipment. Prior to 2004 the Pentair and Sta Rite brands were competing so they have similar pump offerings from both lines. The Sta Rite Dyna-Pro pumps are medium head pumps capable of a large amount of flow - similar in class to the Hayward Tristar as well as the Pentair Challenger.









0.5 HP Max-E-Pro - 55 GPM @ 40ft / 28 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 26,000 gallons

0.75 HP Max-E-Pro - 70 GPM @ 40ft / 54 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 33,000 gallons

1 HP Max-E-Pro - 86 GPM @ 40ft / 70 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 41,000 gallons

1.5 HP Max-E-Pro - 126 GPM @ 40ft / 97 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 60,000 gallons

2 HP Max-E-Pro - 142 GPM @ 40ft / 116 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 68,000 gallons

3 HP Max-E-Pro - 155 GPM @ 50ft* / 141 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 74,000 gallons





The Sta Rite Max-E-Pro pump is a medium to high head application pump suitable for lifts to solar heaters as well as for use as a booster pump for spa jets or swim jets. Similar in class to the Hayward Super II or the Pentair Whisperflo, this pump would only be suitable for use on circulation systems with cartridge filters or large sand filters where the maximum design flow rate for the filter head is not exceeded by this pump. For maximum water flow and reduced resistance to flow this pump uses 2" slip unions on both the suction and discharge ports. Motors up to 1 HP can be run on 110 or 220 volts but the 1.5HP and larger require 220 volt connections.









Jandy Pool Pumps











0.75 HP FloPro - 74 GPM @ 20ft / 46 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 22,000 gallons

1 HP FloPro - 95 GPM @ 20ft / 68 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 32,000 gallons

1.5 HP FloPro - 113 GPM @ 30ft* / 95 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 45,000 gallons

2 HP FloPro - 126 GPM @ 30ft* / 113 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 54,000 gallons

2.5 HP FloPro - 144 GPM @ 40ft / 109 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 70,000 gallons

The Jandy FloPro is the entry level single speed pump from Jandy for inground pools. As you can see with the flow volumes this pump is suitable for medium head applications at smaller motor sizes however the 2HP and 2.5HP models perform better at the 30ft + resistance level. Sizes up to 1.5 horsepower would be ideal for average circulation systems with the larger sizes being better matched to cartridge filters and filtration systems that have raised solar heaters as well as booster pumps for spa jets or swim jets.











0.5 HP PlusHP - 104 GPM @ 20ft / 75 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 36,000 gallons

0.75 HP PlusHP - 110 GPM @ 20ft / 90 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 43,000 gallons

1 HP PlusHP - 116 GPM @ 40ft / 85 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 55,000 gallons

1.5 HP PlusHP - 148 GPM @ 40ft / 111 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 70,000 gallons

2 HP PlusHP - 157 GPM @ 40ft / 125 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 75,000 gallons

The Jandy PlusHP is a medium to high head application pump suitable for moving a high volume of under regular flow restrictions but also able to operate efficiently under increased load. Similar to the Hayward Tristar, Pentair Challenger, Sta Rite Dyna-Pro classes of pump the PlusHP should only be used as a circulation pump if you have a filter large enough to handle the flow from this pump. Additionally, while this pump can operate in lower head pressure ranges, it is intended for applications that have more resistance to flow than average such with very long pipe runs, horizontal lifts to solar heaters and any application where some extra power is needed.









0.5 HP Stealth - 76 GPM @ 40ft / 25 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 36,000 gallons

0.75 HP Stealth - 83 GPM @ 40ft / 49 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 36,000 gallons

1 HP Stealth - 111 GPM @ 40ft / 82 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 36,000 gallons

1.5 HP Stealth - 142 GPM @ 40ft / 110 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 36,000 gallons

2 HP Stealth - 156 GPM @ 40ft / 125 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 36,000 gallons

3 HP Stealth - 176 GPM @ 40ft / 147 GPM @ 60ft - for pools up to 36,000 gallons

5 HP Stealth - 245 GPM @ 20ft / 226 GPM @ 40ft - for pools up to 36,000 gallons

The Jandy Stealth is a high head application pump for large volume flow under increased resistance to flow conditions. This pump would be suitable for conditions where the pump needs to overcome long distances, increases in elevation and restricted flow while providing a large flow volume. The larger motor sizes are not ideal for circulation purposes as this pump would perform better as a booster pump for swim jets, large waterfalls and large pool / hot tub shared systems. For maximum flow this pump has 2" slip / 2.5" spigot intake and discharge ports on models under 3 HP. The 3 HP model has 2.5" Slip / 3" spigot and the 5 HP model has 4" slip connections.













Tips For Installing Swimming Pool Pumps

Before you attempt to install any swimming pool equipment you should take a look at the video series from Swimming Pool Steve that reviews installations of pool equipment for deficiencies. Additionally there are sections on pipe materials, plumbing fittings, glue, primer, unions and valves commonly used for installing pool and spa equipment. If you would like to learn more about how to install a pool pump correctly as part of a pool system read the Installation Tips from Steve.











