Hayward TriStar VS 900
#19 in In-GroundFull review
A mid-size dual-voltage pump for typical in-ground pools, best for owners who want keypad schedules and a link to Omni, Pentair or Jandy automation.
Amazon $2,199$2,199
The Hayward TriStar VS 900 is the better pool pump overall, rated 3.1 to 3.0. The Hayward TriStar VS 900 leads on efficiency. The Hayward MaxFlo VS 420 wins on value. The Hayward MaxFlo VS 420 costs $364.01 less ($1,834.99 vs $2,199).
Hayward MaxFlo VS 420
#25 in In-GroundFull review
The bigger MaxFlo VS 400, for mid-size pools that need more flow in a compact body, controlled from the OmniX app.
INYOPools $1,834.99$1,834.99
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 Hayward TriStar VS 900 for efficiency (WEF 8.3, 37% above the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size vs WEF 8.6, 22% above the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size).
- Choose the Hayward MaxFlo VS 420 for value ($1,835 for 2.2 HP ($816 per HP) vs $2,199 for 1.9 HP ($1,189 per HP)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every in-ground pool pump; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Hayward TriStar VS 900 | Hayward MaxFlo VS 420 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Efficiency 35% | 54 WEF 8.3, 37% above the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size | 24 WEF 8.6, 22% above the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size |
| Value 25% | 9 $2,199 for 1.9 HP ($1,189 per HP) | 31 $1,835 for 2.2 HP ($816 per HP) |
| Warranty 15% | 50 3-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
| Controls 15% | 85 Built-in schedule, optional wi-fi module, works with hayward omnilogic, hayward omnihub, hayward omnipl, hayward prologic, hayward aqualogic, hayward e-command 4, hayward oncommand, hayward omnix, pentair automation (universal comms), jandy automation (universal comms) | 85 Built-in schedule, optional wi-fi module, works with hayward omnix |
| Noise 10% | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Hayward TriStar VS 900 | Hayward MaxFlo VS 420 | |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency ratings | ||
| Pump type | In-ground (self-priming) | In-ground (self-priming) |
| Motor | Variable speed | Variable speed |
| Rated horsepower (DOE) | 1.9 HP | 2.2 HP |
| Hydraulic horsepower (DOE) | 1.2 HP | 0.8 HP |
| Weighted energy factor (WEF) | 8.3 kgal/kWh | 8.6 kgal/kWh |
| ENERGY STAR minimum for its size | 6.1 kgal/kWh | 7 kgal/kWh |
| ENERGY STAR certified | Yes | No |
| Pump | ||
| Voltage | 115/230 V | 115/230 V |
| Speed range | 600 to 3,450 rpm | 600 to 3,450 rpm |
| Maximum flow | 140 gpm | 120 gpm |
| Pipe size | 2 in | 2 in |
| Size (W × D × H) | 11.5 × 25.9 × 13.5 in | 9.8 × 25.1 × 11.1 in |
| Controls | ||
| Built-in schedule | Yes | Yes |
| Freeze protection | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Optional module | Optional module |
| App | Hayward OmniX | Hayward OmniX |
| Automation compatibility | Hayward OmniLogic, Hayward OmniHub, Hayward OmniPL, Hayward ProLogic, Hayward AquaLogic, Hayward E-Command 4, Hayward OnCommand, Hayward OmniX, Pentair automation (Universal Comms), Jandy automation (Universal Comms) | Hayward OmniX |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Warranty terms | Expert Line pump sold only through pool pros: 3 years parts and labor when sold by a Totally Hayward partner (sell sheet); the product page lists 3 years parts and 1 year labor. Exclusions and other terms at hayward.com/expert; Hayward does not publish separate terms for online buyers. | Sold only through pool pros: 3 years parts when sold by a Totally Hayward partner (sell sheet); the product page lists 3 years parts and 1 year labor. Exclusions and other terms at hayward.com/expert. |
| Also sold as | EF200VS | - |
| Released | 2020-08 | 2025 |