For large pools or pools with spas and water features, where an owner wants app control and constant-flow filtering without buying an automation system.
Amazon $1,750 Leslie's $1,719.99The Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF 3 HP and the BLACK+DECKER VS In-Ground 3 HP are evenly matched, rated 3.5 and 3.5. The Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF 3 HP leads on controls. The BLACK+DECKER VS In-Ground 3 HP wins on warranty and value. The BLACK+DECKER VS In-Ground 3 HP costs $420.99 less ($1,299 vs $1,719.99).
The largest Black+Decker in-ground pump, for big pools or heavy water features; smaller pools save more power with the 1.5 or 2.2 HP.
Amazon $1,299Prices 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 Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF 3 HP for controls (Built-in schedule, built-in wi-fi, works with pentair intellicenter, pentair easytouch, pentair intellitouch vs Built-in schedule).
- Choose the BLACK+DECKER VS In-Ground 3 HP for warranty (5-year warranty vs 3-year warranty) and value ($1,299 for 3 HP ($433 per HP) vs $1,720 for 3 HP ($573 per HP)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every large pools pool pump; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF 3 HP | BLACK+DECKER VS In-Ground 3 HP |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Efficiency 35% | 47 WEF 7.1, 33% above the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size | 42 WEF 7.5, 31% above the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size |
| Value 25% | 52 $1,720 for 3 HP ($573 per HP) | 68 $1,299 for 3 HP ($433 per HP) |
| Warranty 15% | 50 3-year warranty | 100 5-year warranty |
| Controls 15% | 100 Built-in schedule, built-in wi-fi, works with pentair intellicenter, pentair easytouch, pentair intellitouch | 30 Built-in schedule |
| Noise 10% | 50 55 dB(A) | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF 3 HP | BLACK+DECKER VS In-Ground 3 HP | |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency ratings | ||
| Pump type | In-ground (self-priming) | In-ground (self-priming) |
| Motor | Variable speed | Variable speed |
| Rated horsepower (DOE) | 3 HP | 3 HP |
| Hydraulic horsepower (DOE) | 1.7 HP | 1.4 HP |
| Weighted energy factor (WEF) | 7.1 kgal/kWh | 7.5 kgal/kWh |
| ENERGY STAR minimum for its size | 5.3 kgal/kWh | 5.8 kgal/kWh |
| ENERGY STAR certified | Yes | Yes |
| Pump | ||
| Voltage | 230 V | 230 V |
| Speed range | 450 to 3,450 rpm | 1,000 to 3,450 rpm |
| Maximum flow | 170 gpm | - |
| Pipe size | 2.5 in | 2 in |
| Sound level | 55 dB(A) | - |
| Size (W × D × H) | 26 × 11.7 × 14 in | 23.4 × 11.5 × 13.1 in |
| Weight | 55 lb | 32 lb |
| Controls | ||
| Built-in schedule | Yes | Yes |
| Freeze protection | Yes | No |
| Wi-Fi | Built in | - |
| App | Pentair Pool | - |
| Automation compatibility | Pentair IntelliCenter, Pentair EasyTouch, Pentair IntelliTouch | - |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 3 years | 5 years |
| Warranty terms | Pentair lists the IntelliFlo3 VSF and IntelliPro3 VSF at 3 years, parts and labor when professionally installed from a dealer, pool builder or service company. Bought online it is 1 year, parts only. | 5-year limited warranty from Blue Torrent Pool Products, the same for any buyer (no dealer-install requirement in the manual); service via the Pump Service Center in Seaford, NY. |
| Also sold as | Sta-Rite IntelliPro3 VSF 3 HP (013075 / 013076 / 013077 / 013078) | Blue Torrent BTIGV300SP |
| Released | 2022-02 | 2026-01 |
