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 $1,559The Pentair WhisperFlo VST is the better pool pump overall, rated 3.7 to 3.5. The Pentair WhisperFlo VST leads on efficiency. The Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF 3 HP wins on controls and warranty. The Pentair WhisperFlo VST costs $160.99 less ($1,559 vs $1,719.99).
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 $1,719.99Prices 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 7.1, 33% above the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size).
- 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, works with pentair automation (rs-485 kit), relay or digital-input controllers) and warranty (3-year warranty vs 2-year warranty).
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 | Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF 3 HP |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Efficiency 35% | 88 WEF 8.4, 54% above the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size | 47 WEF 7.1, 33% above the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size |
| Value 25% | 49 $1,559 for 2.6 HP ($600 per HP) | 52 $1,720 for 3 HP ($573 per HP) |
| Warranty 15% | 25 2-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
| Controls 15% | 65 Built-in schedule, works with pentair automation (rs-485 kit), relay or digital-input controllers | 100 Built-in schedule, built-in wi-fi, works with pentair intellicenter, pentair easytouch, pentair intellitouch |
| Noise 10% | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) | 50 55 dB(A) |
Specifications
| Pentair WhisperFlo VST | Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF 3 HP | |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency ratings | ||
| Pump type | In-ground (self-priming) | In-ground (self-priming) |
| Motor | Variable speed | Variable speed |
| Rated horsepower (DOE) | 2.6 HP | 3 HP |
| Hydraulic horsepower (DOE) | 1.6 HP | 1.7 HP |
| Weighted energy factor (WEF) | 8.4 kgal/kWh | 7.1 kgal/kWh |
| ENERGY STAR minimum for its size | 5.5 kgal/kWh | 5.3 kgal/kWh |
| ENERGY STAR certified | Yes | Yes |
| Pump | ||
| Voltage | 115/230 V | 230 V |
| Speed range | 450 to 3,450 rpm | 450 to 3,450 rpm |
| Maximum flow | 140 gpm | 170 gpm |
| Pipe size | 2 in | 2.5 in |
| Sound level | - | 55 dB(A) |
| Size (W × D × H) | - | 26 × 11.7 × 14 in |
| Weight | 45 lb | 55 lb |
| Controls | ||
| Built-in schedule | Yes | Yes |
| Freeze protection | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No | Built in |
| App | - | Pentair Pool |
| Automation compatibility | Pentair automation (RS-485 kit), Relay or digital-input controllers | Pentair IntelliCenter, Pentair EasyTouch, Pentair IntelliTouch |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 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. | 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. |
| Also sold as | - | Sta-Rite IntelliPro3 VSF 3 HP (013075 / 013076 / 013077 / 013078) |
| Released | 2022-03 | 2022-02 |
