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
The Hayward TriStar XL 2.7 HP is the better pool pump overall, rated 3.5 to 3.1. The Hayward TriStar XL 2.7 HP leads on warranty, efficiency and controls. The Waterway Power Defender 270 wins on value. The Waterway Power Defender 270 costs $803.56 less ($1,399.99 vs $2,203.55).
Waterway Power Defender 270
#13 in Large PoolsFull review
A plain, programmable 2.7 HP pump for a large in-ground pool, for owners who want keypad or relay control rather than an app.
Amazon $1,399.99$1,399.99
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 XL 2.7 HP for warranty (4-year warranty vs 2-year warranty), efficiency (WEF 7.2, 37% above the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size vs WEF 7.3, 29% above the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size) 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 waterway oasis, jandy aqualink).
- Choose the Waterway Power Defender 270 for value ($1,400 for 2.7 HP ($519 per HP) vs $2,204 for 2.7 HP ($816 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 | Hayward TriStar XL 2.7 HP | Waterway Power Defender 270 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Efficiency 35% | 54 WEF 7.2, 37% above the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size | 38 WEF 7.3, 29% above the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size |
| Value 25% | 31 $2,204 for 2.7 HP ($816 per HP) | 58 $1,400 for 2.7 HP ($519 per HP) |
| Warranty 15% | 75 4-year warranty | 25 2-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) | 65 Built-in schedule, works with waterway oasis, jandy aqualink |
| Noise 10% | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Hayward TriStar XL 2.7 HP | Waterway Power Defender 270 | |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency ratings | ||
| Pump type | In-ground (self-priming) | In-ground (self-priming) |
| Motor | Variable speed | Variable speed |
| Rated horsepower (DOE) | 2.7 HP | 2.7 HP |
| Hydraulic horsepower (DOE) | 1.8 HP | 1.5 HP |
| Weighted energy factor (WEF) | 7.2 kgal/kWh | 7.3 kgal/kWh |
| ENERGY STAR minimum for its size | 5.2 kgal/kWh | 5.7 kgal/kWh |
| ENERGY STAR certified | Yes | No |
| Pump | ||
| Voltage | 115/230 V | 230 V |
| Speed range | 600 to 3,450 rpm | - |
| Maximum flow | 200 gpm | - |
| Pipe size | 2.5 in | 2 in |
| Size (W × D × H) | 12.8 × 31.9 × 13.9 in | - |
| Weight | - | 60 lb |
| Controls | ||
| Built-in schedule | Yes | Yes |
| Freeze protection | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Optional module | No |
| App | 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) | Waterway OASIS, Jandy AquaLink |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 4 years | 2 years |
| Warranty terms | 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. | Waterway warranty: Power Defender variable-speed pumps carry a 2-year warranty from the sale date with proof of purchase; claims go through the place of purchase. Freeze damage isn't covered. |
| Released | 2019-01 | - |