🏊‍Pentair WhisperFlo 1.5HP 3-Phase TEFC Super-Duty Pool Pump | 011642

Move More Water, More Quietly — The Industry’s #1 Commercial Pool Pump Built to Last a Lifetime

📋 Product Overview

The Pentair WhisperFlo WFK-6 (011642) is a 1.5 HP, 3-phase, single-speed commercial pool pump engineered for demanding aquatic environments. Built around Pentair’s proven hydraulic design, this pump delivers the highest water flow of any high-performance pump within its typical 35–80 feet of head operating range — all while running quieter than the competition.

The heart of the pump is its TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled) super-duty motor with a commercial-grade 56-frame and NEMA-rated square flange, paired with Pentair’s patented FunnelFlo diffuser and high-efficiency impeller. The result: maximum water circulation with minimum turbulence, noise, and energy waste. The 40% glass-filled thermoplastic housing resists corrosion and withstands extreme heat, while the rustproof stainless steel motor shaft and permanently sealed bearings deliver years of maintenance-free operation.

Designed for commercial swimming pools, aquatic centers, and large-scale pool/spa combinations, this pump is the go-to choice for operators who need reliable, efficient performance day after day.

⭐ Key Features

✅ TEFC Super-Duty Motor — Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled design provides superior protection against moisture, dust, and debris for a longer motor life in harsh pool environments

✅ Patented FunnelFlo Diffuser — Pentair’s proprietary diffuser technology maximizes water flow efficiency while minimizing internal turbulence and operational noise

✅ 3-Phase Power (208-230/460V) — Delivers smooth, consistent power delivery ideal for commercial installations — motor is prewired for 460V with easy rewiring to 208-230V per the motor label wiring diagram

✅ 40% Glass-Filled Thermoplastic Housing — Engineered polymer construction resists corrosion and withstands extreme heat far better than metal housings

✅ Cam and Ramp See-Through Lid — Quarter-turn locking design makes strainer basket inspection and cleaning fast and tool-free; clear polymer lid stays strong and transparent for years

✅ Oversized Strainer Basket & Volute — Industry-standard sizing extends time between cleanings and reduces maintenance downtime

✅ Self-Priming Design — Reliable self-priming capability ensures quick startup without manual intervention

✅ 2″ FPT Suction & Discharge Ports — Standard 2-inch Female Pipe Thread connections on both inlet and outlet for straightforward plumbing integration

✅ Commercial-Grade Stainless Steel Shaft — Rustproof threaded shaft with permanently lubricated sealed bearings that never need maintenance

✅ Universal Compatibility — Works with all cleaning systems, various filters, and jet-action spas

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model	WhisperFlo WFK-6
Part Number / SKU	011642
Manufacturer	Pentair
Complete Pool Pump Type	In-Ground
Horsepower	1.5 HP (Full Rated)
Speed	Single Speed (3,450 RPM)
Motor Type	TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled) Super-Duty
Phase	3-Phase
Motor Voltage	208-230V / 460V
Motor Amperage	6.4A (208V) / 6.3A (230V) / 3.2A (460V)
Motor Frame	56-Frame, NEMA Square Flange
WEF (Weighted Energy Factor)	2.6
Suction Pipe Size	2 inches
Suction Connection Type	Female Pipe Thread (FPT)
Suction Style	Top
Discharge Pipe Size	2 inches
Discharge Connection Type	Female Pipe Thread (FPT)
Discharge Style	Center
Housing Material	40% Glass-Filled Thermoplastic
Motor Shaft	Rustproof Stainless Steel, Threaded
Bearings	Permanently Lubricated, Sealed
Typical Operating Head Range	35–80 feet
Drain Plug Location	6 o’clock, Right Side Bottom
Wiring Configuration	Prewired for 460V; rewire for 208-230V per motor label diagram
Warranty	1 Year Limited (Professional Installation) / 60 Days (Non-Professional Installation)

💰 Usage Costs & Running Expenses

⚠ Important Note About This Pump: The Pentair WhisperFlo 011642 is a single-speed, 3-phase commercial pump. Because Pentair does not publish a specific wattage draw figure for this model, the cost estimates below are calculated using the motor’s rated horsepower and standard motor efficiency assumptions. All assumptions are clearly stated.

📊 Annual Running Cost Calculation

Assumptions:

• Motor Output: 1.5 HP = 1,119 watts (shaft power)
• Estimated Motor Efficiency: 84%–87% (typical for 1.5 HP TEFC 3-phase motors per NEMA MG-1 standards)
• Estimated Input Power Draw: ~1,286W to ~1,332W (approximately 1.3 kW)
• ⚡ Commercial Electricity Rate: $0.135/kWh (US national average commercial rate, EIA projected for 2026 — source: American Action Forum analysis of EIA data, published October 2025, americanactionforum.org)

📍 Scenario 1: Year-Round Commercial Pool Operation

• Usage: 12 hours/day × 365 days = 4,380 hours/year
• Estimated Power: 1.3 kW × 4,380 hours = 5,694 kWh/year
• ✅ Estimated Annual Cost: 5,694 kWh × $0.135 = ~$769/year

📍 Scenario 2: Seasonal Commercial Operation (6 Months)

• Usage: 12 hours/day × 180 days = 2,160 hours/year
• Estimated Power: 1.3 kW × 2,160 hours = 2,808 kWh/year
• ✅ Estimated Annual Cost: 2,808 kWh × $0.135 = ~$379/year

📍 Scenario 3: Extended-Season Operation (8 Months)

• Usage: 10 hours/day × 240 days = 2,400 hours/year
• Estimated Power: 1.3 kW × 2,400 hours = 3,120 kWh/year
• ✅ Estimated Annual Cost: 3,120 kWh × $0.135 = ~$421/year

⚠ Note: These estimates use an assumed motor input power of ~1.3 kW based on standard TEFC motor efficiency calculations. Actual power consumption may vary based on system conditions, plumbing resistance, and motor load. Your actual electricity rate will vary by state — the US national average residential rate is $0.1778/kWh as of November 2025 (source: Choose Energy, citing EIA data, chooseenergy.com, February 2026 report). Commercial rates are typically lower. Always check your local utility bill for your actual rate.

🎯 Real-World Examples & Applications

🏊‍♂ Commercial Swimming Pools

The WhisperFlo WFK-6 is purpose-built for commercial pool operations. The 3-phase motor delivers smooth, reliable power that commercial electrical systems are designed to support, and the TEFC enclosure shrugs off the moisture and chemical exposure common around pool equipment pads. Ideal for municipal pools, hotel pools, HOA community pools, and apartment complex pools.

🏢 Aquatic Centers & Water Parks

For multi-pool facilities and water feature installations, this pump handles the sustained operation demands of high-use commercial environments. The 35–80 feet of head operating range accommodates a wide variety of plumbing configurations in larger facilities.

🔄 Replacement & Upgrade for Existing WhisperFlo Pumps

The WFK-6 is a direct drop-in replacement for any existing WhisperFlo pump using the same model designation. The standard 2″ FPT connections and NEMA square flange motor mounting make swaps straightforward without re-plumbing.

♨ Large Pool/Spa Combinations

Pentair specifically engineered the WhisperFlo to handle pool and spa combo installations. The high flow capability at moderate head pressures means a single pump can efficiently circulate water through both pool and spa plumbing when properly valved.

🌊 Water Features & Fountain Applications

The high-flow-at-moderate-head design makes this pump well-suited for commercial fountains, water features, and decorative water installations that need consistent flow without excessive pressure.

💡 Cost Savings Considerations

Since this is a single-speed, 3-phase commercial pump, cost savings comparisons depend heavily on what you’re replacing or comparing against. Here are some realistic considerations:

📍 Scenario: Replacing a Less Efficient Single-Speed Pump

If your current pump draws 2.0 kW or more (common in older or less efficient 1.5–2.0 HP single-phase pumps), stepping to the WhisperFlo’s efficient hydraulic design can reduce power draw:

• ❌ Older pump at 2.0 kW × 4,380 hours × $0.135 = ~$1,183/year
• ✅ WhisperFlo WFK-6 at ~1.3 kW × 4,380 hours × $0.135 = ~$769/year
• 💵 Estimated Savings: ~$414/year
• 📈 Estimated 5-Year Savings: ~$2,070
• ⏱ Note: These figures assume the older pump draws 2.0 kW at the wall — actual savings depend on the specific pump being replaced. Verify your existing pump’s actual power draw before projecting savings.

📍 Scenario: 3-Phase Advantage Over Single-Phase

3-phase motors are inherently more efficient than single-phase motors of the same horsepower. A comparable 1.5 HP single-phase pump typically draws more current and generates more heat waste. By operating on 3-phase power (which commercial facilities already have), you avoid the energy losses associated with single-phase motor start capacitors and running windings.

⚠ Honest Disclaimer: Because Pentair does not publish a verified wattage figure for the 011642, and actual power consumption varies with system conditions, all cost and savings figures above are estimates based on standard engineering calculations. They are presented for general planning purposes only. Confirm with your electrician or use a power meter on your installation for precise figures.

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 Installation & User’s Guide — Complete installation, wiring, maintenance, and troubleshooting instructions for all WhisperFlo pump models

📄 WhisperFlo Product Brochure — Overview of features, performance curves, and specifications for the full WhisperFlo pump family (PDF)

🏆 Why Choose the Pentair WhisperFlo WFK-6?

✅ Proven Track Record — The WhisperFlo has been the industry’s top-selling pool pump for years, with over 2 million Pentair pumps selected by pool professionals worldwide

✅ Whisper-Quiet Operation — Specially-engineered FunnelFlo diffuser design is documented in rigorous ETL tests to deliver significantly quieter performance than competitive pumps

✅ Built for Commercial Duty — TEFC motor, 3-phase power, commercial-grade 56-frame, and heavy-duty thermoplastic housing are designed to handle the demands of high-use commercial pools

✅ Lower HP, Higher Performance — Pentair’s hydraulic engineering delivers more water flow per horsepower than industry standard, meaning lower energy consumption for the same job

✅ Easy Maintenance — Cam and Ramp see-through lid, oversized strainer basket, and sealed-for-life bearings minimize maintenance time and cost

✅ Drop-In Replacement — Standard NEMA square flange mounting and 2″ FPT connections make this pump a straightforward swap for most existing commercial pool pump installations

🛒 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs?

✅ Fast shipping across the USA

✅ Expert customer support from real pool & spa professionals

✅ Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

✅ Hassle-free returns and warranty support

✅ Trusted by thousands of American pool and spa owners

✅ Secure checkout and multiple payment options

✨ Summary

The Pentair WhisperFlo WFK-6 (011642) is the 1.5 HP, 3-phase commercial workhorse that has earned its place as the industry standard. With its proven hydraulic design, TEFC super-duty motor, and heavy-duty construction, this pump delivers reliable high-flow performance with low noise and minimal maintenance. If your commercial pool needs a pump that shows up every day and just works — this is it. Order now and keep your commercial pool running at peak performance!

How do I Replace a Hot Tub Pump?

Here's a general step-by-step guide on how to replace a hot tub pump. Keep in mind that the specific steps may vary depending on your hot tub's make and model, so it's essential to consult your hot tub's manual for model-specific instructions. If you're not comfortable with this procedure, it's a good idea to seek professional assistance.

Materials You'll Need:

• Replacement pump
• Pipe wrench
• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver
• Pipe sealant (thread tape or plumber's putty)
• PVC primer and cement (if you have PVC plumbing)
• Teflon tape (for threaded connections)

Procedure:

1. Turn Off the Power: Before you begin, ensure the hot tub's power supply is turned off at the circuit breaker or disconnect switch. Safety should always be a priority when working with electrical components.

2. Drain the Hot Tub: If your hot tub is not already empty, you'll need to drain it. Follow your hot tub's manual or manufacturer's instructions for proper draining. (You might not need to do this if you can lock the pump off with the gate valves)

3. Locate the Pump: Identify the location of the existing pump in your hot tub. It's usually located near the equipment area or in a designated pump compartment.

4. Disconnect the Electrical Wiring: Carefully disconnect the electrical wiring from the old pump. This typically involves removing the electrical conduit cover, unscrewing wire nuts, and disconnecting the wires from the terminals. Be sure to note the wire connections or take a picture for reference when connecting the new pump.

5. Disconnect the Plumbing: Depending on your hot tub's plumbing setup, you'll need to disconnect the plumbing connections to the pump. Use a pipe wrench or adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the fittings. Be prepared for some water spillage when disconnecting the plumbing.

6. Remove the Old Pump: Once the electrical and plumbing connections are detached, carefully remove the old pump from its mounting position. Some pumps may be secured with mounting brackets or bolts.

7. Prepare the New Pump: If the new pump is not pre-assembled, you may need to attach fittings, unions, or adapters to match your hot tub's plumbing. Ensure that you use the appropriate sealant or Teflon tape on threaded connections to prevent leaks.

8. Mount the New Pump: Position the new pump in the same location as the old one and secure it in place using the mounting brackets or bolts.

9. Reconnect Plumbing: Reconnect the plumbing to the new pump, ensuring that all connections are tight and secure. If your hot tub uses PVC plumbing, use PVC primer and cement to bond the connections properly.

10. Reconnect Electrical Wiring: Reconnect the electrical wiring to the new pump, following the notes or pictures you took earlier. Make sure all wires are properly connected and secure.

11. Turn On the Power: Restore power to the hot tub by switching on the circuit breaker or reconnecting the disconnect switch.

12. Test the Pump: Turn on the hot tub's pump to ensure that it's working correctly. Check for any signs of leaks or irregularities in the plumbing connections.

13. Refill the Hot Tub: Once you've confirmed that the new pump is functioning properly, refill the hot tub with water.

14. Check for Leaks: Inspect the plumbing connections for any leaks. If you find any, turn off the pump, drain the tub again, and reseal the connections as needed.

15. Monitor: Keep an eye on the pump and plumbing for the next few days to ensure everything is functioning correctly and that there are no further issues.

Remember that this is a general guideline, and the specific steps may vary based on your hot tub's design. If you're unsure or uncomfortable with any aspect of this process, please do get in touch, happy to help.

How do I know what size hot tub pump I have?

Determining the size of your hot tub pump is an important step when it comes to maintenance or replacement. To find out the size of your hot tub pump, follow these steps:

1. Check the Manual: The easiest way to determine the size of your hot tub pump is to consult the owner's manual or user documentation that came with your hot tub. The manual typically contains detailed information about the specifications and components of your hot tub, including the pump.

2. Look at the Pump Housing: If you don't have access to the manual or it doesn't provide the information you need, inspect the pump itself. Most hot tub pumps have a label or plate on the pump housing that displays essential details, including the pump's model number, manufacturer, and specifications. You can then send that to me or Google it.

3. Measure the Pump: If the label is missing or damaged, you can measure the pump's dimensions. Measure the diameter of the pump's wet end (the part where the water flows) and the length of the wet end. These measurements can help identify the size and capacity of the pump.

4. Consult the Manufacturer: If you can't find the information on the pump or in the manual, contact the hot tub manufacturer or a reputable dealer. Provide them with your hot tub's model and serial number, and they should be able to identify the correct pump size for your specific hot tub.

5. Online Research: You can also search online using the pump's model number or hot tub's make and model. Many manufacturers provide detailed information about their products on their websites, and you may find specifications for your pump model.

Once you have determined the size and specifications of your hot tub pump, you can proceed with maintenance, repairs, or replacement if necessary. Keep in mind that replacing a hot tub pump with the same size and capacity as the original is crucial to ensure proper water circulation and filtration in your hot tub. If you're unsure about any aspect of this process, get in touch, always happy to help.