The Hayward MaxFlo pool pump is made for circulating the water of a permanently installed inground swimming pool with equipment such as a filter, heater and automatic pool cleaner. Does the MaxFlo series of inground pool pumps provide efficient and dependable performance?
Maxflo Pool Pump: General Features
This is an inground pool pump, thus it shares the same basic design as other Hayward inground pumps such as the Super Pump. It has a strainer housing, motor and mounting foot.
Other similar, but less expensive, inground pool pumps are made by lesser known brand names such as XtremepowerUS. Another cheaper option is the Harris Proforce pool pump.
The MaxFlo pool pump has a see-through strainer cover with swing-aside knobs. This knob design supposedly makes it easier to remove the strainer cover compared to other designs.
The transparent strainer cover makes it easy to check if the strainer is empty or full. The strainer basket has a handle to make it easy to grab, remove and carry.
The MaxFlo pool pump is self-priming, if it has been installed correctly. It has a suction lift up to 8 feet above the water level of a swimming pool.
MaxFlo Pool Pump Models
The Hayward website has information on the MaxFlo pool pump series. These pumps are an affordable choice for smaller pool systems. It is available in both single speed and two speed models with different horsepower and voltage selections.
The MaxFlo XL pumps are expert line pumps that are compatible with original MaxFlo pool pump installations. It is available in single speed or two speed models with various voltages and horsepower options (view offers on Amazon).
The MaxFlo VS series are variable speed inground pool pumps that save a lot of energy when compared to the single speed MaxFlo pumps. It is suitable for small to medium pool systems. The MaxFlo VS has a totally enclosed fan cooled motor with a permanent magnet for increased energy efficiency and quieter operation. It has a touchpad control panel. The MaxFlo VS variable speed inground pool pump is available in 115V, 230V or dual-voltage models (buy on Amazon).
Where should you install the pool pump?
The best place is a dry and ventilated area that is close to the swimming pool. The area should not be in danger of flooding during heavy rainfall.
The pump should be mounted on a firm pad that is level and free from vibration. The height of the inlet should not differ too much from the water level of the pool.
There are other considerations when it comes to plumbing, piping, fittings and valves which we are not going to discuss here because it is beyond the focus of this review.
Where do you plug in the MaxFlo pool pump?
You don’t plug it in anywhere. Instead, all the wiring must be completed by a licensed electrician. The voltage, phase and cycle of the pump motor should match the available power supply. The motor should be grounded and bonded to prevent a fatal electrical shock. The wiring must be the correct size and should include a GFCI for increased safety against shock hazards.
How do you prime the MaxFlo pool pump?
It is very important not to run the pump without water in the strainer housing. The seals might be damaged if the pump runs dry.
The single speed MaxFlo pumps are self-priming if it is installed lower than the water level of the swimming pool. In that case, the pool water should flow freely into the strainer when you open the suction and outlet valves. However, the 2-speed MaxFlo pump will only prime itself on the high speed setting.
If the pump is installed above the water level, then you have to remove the strainer cover and fill the strainer bowl with water.
The pump should prime within a few minutes. If it does not, then it is time to turn off the motor and determine the reason why it is not priming properly.
Why is the pump not priming?
There are a few things that might prevent the Maxflo pump from priming properly.
- Is the strainer housing still full of water?
- Was the o-ring cleaned, lubricated and properly seated in its groove?
- Are there any loose connections or leaking valves in the suction pipes?
- Is the suction side piping or strainer basket clogged with debris?
- Is there a voltage problem that might cause the pump motor to rotate slower than full RPM?
If you cannot find the problem, then it might be time to call in a qualified repair professional to fix the problem.
Verdict
The MaxFlo pool pump series are efficient, reliable and quiet self-priming inground pumps. However, if you decide to install the pump yourself, then the warranty is void. You also run the risk of poor performance due to an unforeseen electrical or plumbing error. The MaxFlo pool pump provides good value as long as the installation was done by qualified and experienced professionals.