Were you searching for a review of the Pentair WhisperFlo, SuperFlo and IntelliFlo inground pool pumps? My Pentair pool pump review looks at the WhisperFlo, SuperFlo, and IntelliFlo models to answer many questions before reaching a conclusion.
Pentair WhisperFlo Inground Pool Pump Review
This Pentair single speed inground pool pump moves the water efficiently and quietly: for that reason, it is called the WhisperFlo.
Is the WhisperFlo a single speed pool pump?
It depends on which model number you buy. Pentair WhisperFlo pool pumps can differ according to whether or not it has a standard or energy efficient single speed motor. For instance, there are Pentair WhisperFlo pool pumps available that have an energy efficient two speed motor. These pool pumps might also be either full rated or up rated. There are simply too many product and model numbers to mention here.
The Pentair WhisperFlo I looked at has a standard efficiency single speed up rated motor. It is available with single speed motor sizes from 3/4 horsepower up to 2-1/2 horsepower.
How noisy is the WhisperFlo pool pump?
The name WhisperFlo suggests that it is a quiet pool pump that only whispers while working. The reality is that it makes noise while pumping water. Whether the noise level is irritating to you or not might depend on personal perception as well as on how far from the house it is installed. If the pool pump is installed correctly, then it runs very well and circulates water without making too much noise.
It seems that there might be issues concerning its longevity. Some owners have been disappointed when the pump developed problems after about 2 or 3 years of work. It seems that the manufacturer’s warranty is only valid for one year, which is a frustrating fact for pool pump owners. Thus, a few people have been disappointed by their experience with the Pentair WhisperFlo.
Overall, owners think it runs more quietly than their previous pool pumps. Do not expect it to only whisper, but it is probably less noisy than similar pool pumps.
Pentair WhisperFlo: Verdict
Pentair single speed pool pumps are under a one-year warranty if they are installed by a qualified installer. The pump must be registered within sixty days after it has been properly installed.
This Pentair single speed pool pump might be easy to install if you have enough pool plumbing and electrical wiring experience. However, for the warranty to be valid, it is better to hire a professional to install it correctly. This might also decrease the chance of costly leaks or dangerous connections.
The Pentair WhisperFlo is relatively quiet, as its name suggests, and it circulates the pool water effectively. The see-through lid of the strainer pot makes it easy to look inside the strainer basket and see the collected debris. No need to remove the clamp, lid and O-ring to see if the strainer basket needs cleaning.
Should you care about this Pentair, or do you say no to the WhisperFlo? You may consider current prices and read customer reviews for the Pentair WhisperFlo pool pump on Amazon before making your decision.
Pentair SuperFlo Single Speed Inground Pool Pump Review
My Pentair SuperFlo review looks at its features and answers a few questions about its self-priming, winterizing and voltage. I also compare the SuperFlo to the WhisperFlo and the Hayward Super Pump.
Key Features Of The SuperFlo
- Cam and ramp transparent lid for quick inspection of the strainer basket.
- Can be used as a replacement for the Hayward Super Pump.
- Certifications: UL/CUL/NSF.
- Large strainer basket: holds more debris for longer cleaning intervals.
- Made for water circulation of permanent inground pools.
- One year limited warranty (only valid if installed by a qualified installer).
- The self-priming pool pump gets rid of air bubbles on start-up.
- Single speed, single phase, 56 square flange motor, 115V or 230V models.
- Unionized fittings (1.5-inch internal slip and 2-inch external slip).
When it comes to horsepower, there are 1/2 Hp, 3/4 Hp, 1 Hp, 1.5 Hp, 2 Hp and 2.5 Hp SuperFlo pool pumps available.
General Warnings
The Pentair SuperFlo pool pump is created for circulating the water of a permanent, inground swimming pool. Do not use it for an above ground, non-permanent swimming pool.
The pool pump should be connected to a power circuit that is safeguarded by a ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI). It is best if the pool pump is installed by qualified plumbers and electricians with the necessary tools and experience.
The pump motor should be protected against dirt, moisture and direct sunlight. The motor needs enough air ventilation to prevent it from overheating.
How does the SuperFlo pool pump prime itself?
Well, you need to remove the clamp and lid. Then you fill the strainer pot with water. Replace the lid and clamp. Turn on the switch and keep an eye on the air release valve. If water comes out of the air release valve, then you may close the valve. The system should now be free from air bubbles. Never run the pump completely dry since this can damage the seal, the pump case and the impeller.
How do you protect the pump against freeze damage?
You might be watching the weather report. The weather prophet predicts freezing conditions. You decide to winterize the pool pump. This is an important problem to anticipate because the limited warranty does not cover freeze damage.
If freezing conditions are only temporary, then you may run the pool pump system all through the night to prevent it from freezing.
If the cold weather is going to last longer, then you should turn off the electrical power to the pump before draining all the water out. You do this by removing the two drain plugs located on the housing. You can cover the motor to protect it against the bitter cold and stormy weather. When the weather clears up, remove the covering material before using the pump again.
Can the SuperFlo pump run on 115 volts?
SuperFlo pumps with motors that are less than 2 horsepower can be wired to use either 115 volts or 230 volts. Pool pumps with 2-horsepower motors and above can only run on 230 volts. Pay an electrician to do the wiring properly to avoid voiding the warranty.
Pentair SuperFlo vs. WhisperFlo
I really do not see any major differences between these two Pentair single speed pool pumps. The WhisperFlo is supposed to make less noise. It might also have a larger strainer basket.
However, the price tag of the WhisperFlo is roughly 100 dollars more than the SuperFlo. The SuperFlo is simply the more popular and less expensive Pentair single speed inground pool pump.
Pentair SuperFlo vs. Hayward Super Pump
The SuperFlo pool pump is in direct competition with the Hayward Super Pump. Pentair promotes it as a superior replacement for the Super Pump.
These single speed pool pumps have similar features and similar price tags. The Super pump might have a slightly larger strainer basket and a different lid-locking design. You may read my Hayward Super Pump review for more information.
Pentair SuperFlo: Verdict
The SuperFlo pool pump has a single speed motor, which uses more electricity than a variable speed motor. The benefit of a single speed motor, except for the cheaper price, is that it might last longer than a variable speed motor. The constant starting, stopping and variation in speed can take its toll on the longevity of a pump motor. Nevertheless, current swimming pool standards give preference to variable speed pool pumps because it uses a lot less electricity when compared to single speed pumps.
Installing this single speed inground swimming pool pump is not a headache if you pay a plumber and an electrician to do the work. Installation by qualified people, as well as product registration within sixty days, are necessary for the one-year limited warranty to be considered valid. Pentair wants proof that it was installed by a professional. If you install it yourself, then you will miss out on the warranty.
In brief, the Pentair SuperFlo is not too loud while pumping water. It runs quietly and produces superb flow for good water circulation (check price on Amazon).
Pentair SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Inground Pool Pump Review
The Pentair SuperFlo VS pump is a good replacement for a single speed pool pump because it can run on either 115V or 230V power at 50Hz and 60Hz: as a result, it might not need expensive rewiring.
This variable speed pool pump is more energy efficient than a single speed pump because it circulates water at lower speeds, as long as the pool system does not require a pump larger than 1.5 horsepower.
Key Benefits Of The SuperFlo VS
The Pentair SuperFlo VS is probably the best drop-in replacement for the SuperFlo single speed pump. It might even replace a Hayward Super Pump, unless you want to upgrade to a Hayward Super Pump VS model.
The SuperFlo VS is suitable for pool systems that do not require more than a 1.5 horsepower pump. It has a totally enclosed fan cooled motor (TEFC) that runs quietly and efficiently on either 115V or 230V power. It has a keypad controller with a 24-hour clock, three programmable speeds plus an override speed setting. The small display can also show wattage and other information.
A variable speed pump might reduce energy costs by up to 80% when compared to a similar size single speed pump. The actual cost savings will differ according to factors such as previous pump model, pump horsepower, plumbing size, pool size, pump run time and the current local utility rates. Nevertheless, a variable speed pool pump is said to move water more efficiently at lower speeds.
To sum up, the SuperFlo VS is probably one of the most efficient pool pumps that you can get from Pentair. If you install this variable speed pool pump, then your friends might be green with envy, but your swimming pool will not be green with algae.
Installing The Pentair SuperFlo VS
Pentair warns that a qualified professional should do the plumbing. Moreover, the wiring installation must be done by a licensed electrician according to local and national electric codes and standards. There are a lot of requirements for installing this variable speed pool pump, so I am not going to go into any detail. The product manual has more information on the plumbing and electrical requirements.
What is the operational speed of the SuperFlo VS pump?
The variable speed motor provides flexibility for programming the desired speed. The pump is able to run between 300 and 3450 RPM. The best speed setting depends on the size and features of the specific pool system.
In general, a low speed setting combined with a long run time duration is the way to go to decrease overall energy consumption. However, some swimming pools might require the pump to run at a higher speed for a limited time each day in order to achieve good filtration.
What options are available on its control panel?
The small display has a button for showing different types of information. The mode LED indicators next to the display screen shows which information is being displayed. Press the display button to show the speed, time, duration or watts.
Under the display screen are the speed buttons and Quick Clean button. The speed buttons are used for selecting different running speeds.
Below this row of speed buttons is the External Control Only LED Indicator that indicates external control.
The bottom buttons are the very important start/stop button, up and down arrow buttons and the power LED indicator.
A word of caution: do not press any buttons unless the pump is ready to be used.
Is there a custom schedule for the SuperFlo VS pump?
The default factory schedule was programmed to provide sufficient circulation for a typical swimming pool:
- Speed 1: starts pump at 8am for 2 hours at 3000 RPM.
- Speed 2: runs for 10 hours at 1400 RPM
- Speed 3: runs for 2 hours at 2200 RPM.
As you can see, the pump runs for 14 hours at different speeds before pausing for 10 hours for a total of 24 hours. The pool pump restarts at 8am the next morning. The SuperFlo VS pump follows this default schedule until you program your own custom schedule into the keypad control unit.
You can create a custom schedule by changing the speed, time and duration parameters for all four speed buttons. This custom schedule is based on the current clock time, thus make sure that the time is correct before proceeding with the programming of the custom schedule.
The SuperFlo VS pool pump is able to connect to external controls if you combine it with Pentair’s External Control Wiring Kit. If wired correctly, then you can trigger the four programmed speeds with the external control.
How does the SuperFlo VS pool pump prime itself?
Priming a pool pump with water is very important to prevent damage to the mechanical seal. The swimming pool should always be at its correct water level to prevent priming problems. Furthermore, you should always check that the necessary valves and pipes are open and that there is water in the pump’s strainer basket.
The SuperFlo VS variable speed pump is set to prime itself by default (priming mode is enabled). For this reason, the pump initially runs at 3450 RPM for five minutes when you press the start/stop button (except in Quick Clean mode).
The priming speed can be adjusted with the plus/minus arrow buttons to anywhere between 1700 RPM and 3450 RPM, or to OFF if you continue below 1700 RPM. The optimal priming speed might vary according to environmental conditions or water levels. Nevertheless, the default priming speed of 3450 RPM should successfully prime the pump under most conditions.
Pentair SuperFlo VS: Verdict
To conclude, the Pentair SuperFlo VS variable speed pool pump might cost more to buy, but it costs less to operate, when compared to the SuperFlo single speed pump. It is fairly easy to install and provides quiet operation at lower speeds (buy on Amazon).
Pentair IntelliFlo VS Variable Speed Inground Pool Pump Review
Are you an inground swimming pool owner? Is your electricity bill too high? Does your pool pump have a single speed motor? Where can you save money? You might be interested in the Pentair IntelliFlo variable speed inground pool pump because it reduces energy consumption when compared to a single speed pool pump.
The Pentair IntelliFlo variable speed pool pump runs a lot quieter than a single speed pump. One reason for its quietness is its totally enclosed fan-cooled design. This also prevents bugs or water from interfering with the fan.
An additional reason for its quiet operation is its permanent magnet motor. It runs at a lower temperature, which makes the enclosed fan-cooled design possible.
My Pentair IntelliFlo review looks at its features and answers a few questions before reaching a short conclusion.
Key Features Of The Pentair IntelliFlo
- Product number: 011018.
- Totally enclosed fan-cooled design.
- Self-priming pool pump.
- Pump operates between 450 RPM to 3450 RPM.
- Operator control panel with LCD screen, buttons and LED lights.
- Low noise levels while working.
- Four preset speeds: 750, 1500, 2350 and 3110 RPM.
- Compatible with wide range of cleaning, filter and jet action spa systems.
- Well-matched with IntelliTouch, EasyTouch and SunTouch pool control systems.
- Compatible with IntelliCom communication center remote control.
- Certifications: NSF, UL-C US, Energy Star.
- 8 programmable speed settings and built-in timer.
- 56 square flange, 230V, 50/60Hz, 3 horsepower, one phase, permanent magnet synchronous motor.
What warranty does Pentair provide for this pool pump?
It seems like Pentair gives a 3-year extended warranty on IntelliFlo variable speed pumps, but the pump needs to be installed by a qualified person and then registered within sixty days. Pentair requires the installer’s invoice and date of installation as proof that it was installed by a pool professional and not a do-it-yourself job.
Please note that it is better to contact the seller or the manufacturer directly to hear what they say is the current warranty because some owners have only gotten a 1-year limited warranty. Some owners who installed the pump by themselves got no warranty at all. Do not rely exclusively on the information of the warranty support page.
Does the Pentair IntelliFlo have an Energy Star certification?
Yes, it is Energy Star certified. It satisfies the energy efficiency limits laid down by the U.S. Department of Energy as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Who might buy the Pentair IntelliFlo variable speed pool pump?
It works for people who want to replace a single speed pool pump with a variable speed pump to save money on their electricity bill. The electricity savings pay for the purchase and installation price of the pump after a few years.
It will probably work for people who dislike a noisy pool pump because its permanent magnet motor and enclosed fan-cooled design keeps noise levels quite low.
I think this pump is not for people who want to do the installation themselves. It needs to be installed by a qualified installer, backed up with invoices and registered within sixty days before Pentair will honor the warranty. Professional installation might also reduce the likelihood of motor failure due to wrong voltages or other electrical errors.
This is not a simple pump to install and operate. You need to study the manual before you start pressing buttons. Understanding the control panel and how to program it will take some time, attention and patience.
Pentair IntelliFlo: Verdict
Do I say go, or do I say no, to the Pentair IntelliFlo? I say go for its energy efficiency and relatively quiet operation, if you have the money available to buy the pump as well as pay for its proper installation. However, go and check the price on Amazon, and read the reviews of various Pentair IntelliFlo pool pump owners before making your decision.
Pentair IntelliFlo VS+SVRS Inground Pool Pump Review
Do you need to install an inground swimming pool pump with a safety vacuum release system? The Pentair IntelliFlo VS+SVRS is a variable speed pump that has such a system built into it. The SVRS system turns off the pump when it detects a drain obstruction.
My IntelliFlo VS+SVRS pool pump review lists the important features and answers a few questions.
Pentair IntelliFlo VS+SVRS: Key Features
- Model number: 011017
- Ability to set maximum and minimum speed limits.
- Built-in diagnostics save the pump from freezing, overheating and voltage unevenness.
- Built-in safety vacuum release system, which cannot be manually calibrated or disabled.
- Can be used with EasyTouch, IntelliTouch and SunTouch pool control systems.
- Certifications: Energy Star, NSF, CSA, UL, ETL, ASME.
- Enable/disable lock-out protection with a four digit password.
- LCD, clock and timer.
- Permanent magnet synchronous motor, 56 square flange, TEFC design.
- Priming feature (SVRS is disabled while priming).
- Program your own custom speeds for cleaning, filtering, heating, spa jets etc.
What is the warranty on the IntelliFlo VS+SVRS?
This pool pump seems to have a one-year warranty on parts, but not labor, if the pool pump was installed by a qualified installer and registered within sixty days after installation. However, Pentair only offers a sixty-day limited warranty on variable speed pumps purchased from an online store.
Will a suction pool cleaner cause the pump to shut down?
Some owners have problems with the SVRS feature shutting off the pump when running a suction-side pool cleaner, such as the Kreepy Krauly. Make sure the pump is primed and that there is no air in the vacuum hose before using the suction-side cleaner. Do not run the pump at a higher speed than is needed for the suction cleaner to do its cleaning.
The SVRS system should not cause problems if the pool pump was installed correctly. Still, it might be a lot less trouble to simply use a pressure-side or robotic pool cleaner for automatic pool cleaning.
Who should buy the IntelliFlo VS+SVRS pool pump?
This is probably the first pool pump that has its own safety vacuum release system (SVRS). It conforms to the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act. The SVRS cannot be calibrated or turned off. It shuts down the pool pump when it senses a drain blockage. This might save a swimmer from drain entrapment or evisceration. The SVRS is disabled during the self-priming mode.
The Pentair IntelliFlo VS+SVRS pool pump is for you if you need to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act. This act sets new safety requirements for owners of commercial pools and spas.
The IntelliFlo SVRS is not for you if you do not have to comply with the VGB Pool & Spa Safety Act. It is also not for you if your pool has an in-floor cleaning system. The SVRS might shut off too quickly when used with an in-floor cleaning system. You might also want to avoid using a suction-side pool cleaner with this pool pump.
Pentair IntelliFlo VS+SVRS: Verdict
You can get the Pentair IntelliFlo VS+SVRS pool pump if you have a commercial pool or spa or if your local swimming pool codes require such a pump. Otherwise, you might look at the Pentair IntelliFlo variable speed pump as an alternative to the VS+SVRS pool pump, if you do not have to install it. You can view online prices, or read customer reviews, for the Pentair 011017 IntelliFlo VS+SVRS pool pump on Amazon.
Conclusion
It is impossible to maintain a clean and healthy swimming pool without a good pool pump, and Pentair pool pumps are both efficient and durable. In particular, the company is now shifting its focus from single speed pool pumps to variable speed pumps, so that it can keep up with changing pool pump standards.
Saving energy and money while still being able to own a sparkling clean swimming pool is going to become more challenging in a green future of more unreliable, and more expensive, electricity supply. In light of that, you might consider switching from single speed to variable speed swimming pool pumps such as the SuperFlo VS, or the IntelliFlo VS.