Aquastrong 1.5 HP Dual Speed
#8 in Above-GroundFull review
A budget two-speed pump for above-ground pools, for buyers who want a timer and two speeds for the lowest price rather than top efficiency.
Amazon $214.40$214.40
The Aquastrong 1.5 HP Dual Speed is the better pool pump overall, rated 2.7 to 2.3. The Aquastrong 1.5 HP Dual Speed leads on value and controls. The Aquastrong 1.5 HP Dual Speed costs $414.60 less ($214.40 vs $629).
Hayward PowerFlo Matrix 2-Speed
#9 in Above-GroundFull review
A simple two-speed upgrade for above-ground pools from a major brand, best for owners who want a familiar pump and will switch speeds themselves.
Amazon $629$629
Prices were last checked October 27, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Aquastrong 1.5 HP Dual Speed for value ($214 for 0.7 HP ($320 per HP) vs $629 for 1 HP ($629 per HP)) and controls (Built-in schedule vs No schedule, wi-fi or automation link).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every above-ground pool pump; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Aquastrong 1.5 HP Dual Speed | Hayward PowerFlo Matrix 2-Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.7/5 | 2.3/5 |
| Efficiency 35% | 0 WEF 3.7, at the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size | 5 WEF 5.7, 28% above the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size |
| Value 25% | 86 $214 for 0.7 HP ($320 per HP) | 46 $629 for 1 HP ($629 per HP) |
| Warranty 15% | 25 2-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
| Controls 15% | 30 Built-in schedule | 0 No schedule, wi-fi or automation link |
| Noise 10% | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Aquastrong 1.5 HP Dual Speed | Hayward PowerFlo Matrix 2-Speed | |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency ratings | ||
| Pump type | Above-ground (non-self-priming) | Above-ground (non-self-priming) |
| Motor | Two speed | Two speed |
| Rated horsepower (DOE) | 0.7 HP | 1 HP |
| Hydraulic horsepower (DOE) | 0.4 HP | 0.5 HP |
| Weighted energy factor (WEF) | 3.7 kgal/kWh | 5.7 kgal/kWh |
| ENERGY STAR minimum for its size | 4.8 kgal/kWh | 4.5 kgal/kWh |
| ENERGY STAR certified | No | No |
| Pump | ||
| Voltage | 115 V | 115 V |
| Pipe size | 1.5 in | 1.5 in |
| Controls | ||
| Built-in schedule | Yes | No |
| Freeze protection | - | No |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty terms | 2-year warranty (Amazon listing). | Hayward 2026 Expert Line above-ground terms: 2 years parts (3 years extended), no labor. The W3 (Open Line) version sold online gets 1 year parts only. |