Best Variable Speed Pool Pump for the Money

I may receive a commission for purchases made through product links on this page, but I always stand by my opinions and endorsements!

After hours of research and digging through countless customer reviews to find out which is the best variable speed pool pump, I think Hayward SP2610X15 Super Pump (Amazon link) is the best option for most people.

Read on to find out about other great pumps on the market today. 

So, if you’re looking for the best solution for the money, I’ve got a ton of research and recommendation for you below. 

(Here’s a quick overview of our top picks, first -:)  

• Best VS Pump:  Hayward SP2610X15 Super Pump (Amazon)
• Also Great: Pentair 342001 SuperFlo Variable Speed (Amazon)
• Best High Capacity: Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo (Amazon)

When it comes to variable speed pumps, two of the most popular brands are Pentair vs Hayward. Between these two, they hold over 70% market share.

So, there can be no review of these machines without comparing Hayward vs Pentair Variable Speed Pumps which are the top two brands. 

Hayward vs Pentair Variable Speed Pumps Compared 

Best Variable Speed Pool Pump Reviews

Hayward SP2610X15 Super Pump -Best Budget Pool Pump

As you know, there are lots of pool pumps on the market today, but few of them can go head to head with Hayward SP2610X15 Super Pump when it comes to endurance. One look at this pump and you’ll see it has endurance written all over it.  On top of that, you don’t have to part with an arm and a leg to buy this pump. The initial investment required is a fraction of what others are going for. 

In fact, there are pumps that are inferior to this pump in terms of performance but cost double the cost.  Lots of buyers have said that they really love its efficiency and dependability. It virtually does not require any maintenance after you have installed it. 

The Hayward super pump has such a durable design to run smoothly for many years. It has a large debris basket that can hold lots of debris, therefore, requiring less maintenance. I love the fact that it is super easy to install. And if you’ve got a pump that is already installed right now can utilize the existing wiring because you have the option of choosing either the 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 Horsepower model depending on your requirements.

With Hayward Super Pump you get…

Before we begin looking at the pros and cons, You should now that, although Hayward super pool pump is a single speed pump, it is such a great pump that is why it has remained a best seller for decades. It’s recommended by most pool experts. This pump has set the standard for other models on the market today. With that out of the way, let us now look at the pros and cons. 

Pentair 342001 SuperFlo VS- Best Fairy Priced Variable Speed

As you probably know,  variable speed technology tends to be a bit expensive. Pentair 342001 SuperFlo makes this remarkable technology available to ordinary pools at a reasonable price.

If you’re looking for the best variable speed pump for money, you should definitely have a look at this model. The Pentair 342001 has tons of great features. I love that you don’t need to embark on expensive rewiring because it instantly adapts to 115 and 230 volts power. 

It comes with three programmable speeds and, it has an override capability. When I was researching on the reviews I noticed quite a few customers reported that they loved that it’s ultra-quiet. It’s used Totally enclosed fan-cooled TEFC motors; You can, therefore, be assured that it’s energy-efficient. Check a list of features and benefits you get from Pentair 342001. 

With Pentair 342001 SuperFlo VS you get…

I’m not saying that Pentair 342001 is the perfect pump, it does have some issues as I come across a customer who complained that sometimes it has some difficulties priming after staying overnight. Bear in mind that most people who installed this unit did notice a substantial reduction in the electricity bill. Check out the pros and cons of Pentair 342001 below.

Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo Variable Speed -Best High Capacity

In this comprehensive review of Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo, I will cover all the major features of this outstanding variable speed pool pump and provide an in-depth understanding of how it functions and how to compares to others. 

If you are looking for a major way to save on your energy costs, you should have a look at this model. In fact, if you’re using a single speed or two-speed pool pump, you can expect to save up to 90% on your energy cost. 

In addition to that, this unit is ultra quiet when it’s pumping. Unlike other pumps that produce lots of noise, you can’t detect any noise from this machine. when it’s operating at low speed, it gives out 45 decibels which are hardly noticeable to the human ear. 

With Pentair  011028 You Get…

I’m not saying that Pentair  011028 is the perfect pool pump, it does have some shortcomings. For example, when I was researching the reviews, I did come across some guys who complained that the instructions are not clear. And some customers complained that of short warranty period if you don’t get a professional to install it for you. Having said that, it doesn’t mean that it’s not a great product. So, with that out of the way let’s jump in and check out the pros and cons of this pool pump.  

Hayward SP2303VSP MaxFlo Variable Speed

The Hayward SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS is one of the best entry-level variable speed pumps on the market today. Unlike other variable speed pumps, like Pentair  011028, which are 3.0 horsepower, this is a 1.5 horsepower pump. It’s, therefore, more suitable for small pools. 

Due to its electric motor being enclosed such that it doesn’t allow air to freely circulate through and through the motor, it’s very energy efficient.  I love the fact that it’s available in both 230V and 115V.

Its user interface is fully programmable. And it’s able to move around 360 degrees and can also be affixed on top of a wall. Giving the user lots of conveniences.  

Features and Benefits of Hayward SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS

The Hayward SP2303VSP is for those looking to have the best entry-level variable speed (VS) pool pump. It doesn’t come cheap, but in all fairness, the amount you save in reduced energy cost will pay for it quickly. Lets now jump in and look at the pros and cons of this model.