Pentair WhisperFlo VST
#1 in Large PoolsFull review
For in-ground pools that need a bit more than a 1.5 HP pump, especially ones replacing an old WhisperFlo, where a simple keypad pump is enough.
Amazon $1,559$1,559
The Pentair WhisperFlo VST is the better pool pump overall, rated 3.7 to 3.5. The Pentair WhisperFlo VST leads on efficiency and value. The Hayward TriStar XL 2.7 HP wins on warranty and controls. The Pentair WhisperFlo VST costs $644.55 less ($1,559 vs $2,203.55).
Hayward TriStar XL 2.7 HP
#7 in Large PoolsFull review
A heavy-duty 2.7 HP pump for large pools and pads with many water features; a typical backyard pool saves energy with a smaller TriStar VS.
INYOPools $2,203.55$2,203.55
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 Pentair WhisperFlo VST for efficiency (WEF 8.4, 54% above the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size vs WEF 7.2, 37% above the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size) and value ($1,559 for 2.6 HP ($600 per HP) vs $2,204 for 2.7 HP ($816 per HP)).
- Choose the Hayward TriStar XL 2.7 HP for warranty (4-year warranty vs 2-year warranty) and controls (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) vs Built-in schedule, works with pentair automation (rs-485 kit), relay or digital-input controllers).
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 WhisperFlo VST | Hayward TriStar XL 2.7 HP |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Efficiency 35% | 88 WEF 8.4, 54% above the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size | 54 WEF 7.2, 37% above the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size |
| Value 25% | 49 $1,559 for 2.6 HP ($600 per HP) | 31 $2,204 for 2.7 HP ($816 per HP) |
| Warranty 15% | 25 2-year warranty | 75 4-year warranty |
| Controls 15% | 65 Built-in schedule, works with pentair automation (rs-485 kit), relay or digital-input controllers | 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) |
| Noise 10% | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Pentair WhisperFlo VST | Hayward TriStar XL 2.7 HP | |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency ratings | ||
| Pump type | In-ground (self-priming) | In-ground (self-priming) |
| Motor | Variable speed | Variable speed |
| Rated horsepower (DOE) | 2.6 HP | 2.7 HP |
| Hydraulic horsepower (DOE) | 1.6 HP | 1.8 HP |
| Weighted energy factor (WEF) | 8.4 kgal/kWh | 7.2 kgal/kWh |
| ENERGY STAR minimum for its size | 5.5 kgal/kWh | 5.2 kgal/kWh |
| ENERGY STAR certified | Yes | Yes |
| Pump | ||
| Voltage | 115/230 V | 115/230 V |
| Speed range | 450 to 3,450 rpm | 600 to 3,450 rpm |
| Maximum flow | 140 gpm | 200 gpm |
| Pipe size | 2 in | 2.5 in |
| Size (W × D × H) | - | 12.8 × 31.9 × 13.9 in |
| Weight | 45 lb | - |
| Controls | ||
| Built-in schedule | Yes | Yes |
| Freeze protection | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No | Optional module |
| App | - | Hayward OmniX |
| Automation compatibility | Pentair automation (RS-485 kit), Relay or digital-input controllers | 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) |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 2 years | 4 years |
| Warranty terms | Pentair lists the SuperFlo VS/VST, SuperMax VS and WhisperFlo VST pumps at 2 years (parts and labor when professionally installed from a dealer, pool builder or service company); a qualifying pump + filter + one more Pentair product install extends that to 3 years. Bought online (including EC- part numbers) it is 1 year, parts only. | Expert Line pump sold only through pool pros: 4 years on residential and 3 years on commercial installs when sold by a Totally Hayward partner (sell sheets); the product page's spec table lists 3 years parts and 3 years labor. Exclusions and other terms at hayward.com/expert; Hayward does not publish separate terms for online buyers. |
| Released | 2022-03 | 2019-01 |