💧 Hayward TriStar VS 950 Variable-Speed Pool Pump, 2.7THP, 115/230V | SP32950VSP
Maximum Power Meets Maximum Efficiency — Save Up to 90% on Energy Costs with 2.7 THP 🌊
📋 Product Overview
The Hayward TriStar VS 950 (SP32950VSP) is a premium, high-output ENERGY STAR® certified variable-speed pool pump built for pool owners who need serious hydraulic power without the punishing electricity bills. With 2.7 Total Horsepower at 230V, it replaces most high-performance single-speed pumps up to 3.0 HP while using a fraction of the electricity — tests confirm up to 90% energy savings compared to traditional single-speed units.
Engineered with Hayward’s advanced hydraulic design and a totally enclosed, permanent magnet motor (TEFC), the TriStar VS 950 delivers a Weighted Energy Factor (WEF) of 10.1 at 115V and 7.3 at 230V. Upgraded with a chemical-resistant Viton® pump seal and backed by a 3-year parts warranty (with extended warranty options through authorized Hayward Expert dealers), the VS 950 is the go-to choice for larger residential pools, pools with water features, and demanding applications where high flow and energy savings are equally critical. Part of Hayward’s Expert Line.
⭐ Key Features
✅ 2.7 Total Horsepower at 230V — Powerful enough to replace most high-performance single-speed pumps up to 3.0 HP, making it ideal for larger pools, pools with attached spas, water features, or high-demand plumbing systems.
✅ Save Up to 90% on Energy Costs — Variable-speed technology allows the pump to run at lower, more efficient speeds for everyday filtration, drastically reducing electricity consumption compared to single-speed pumps. Hayward states average savings of up to $1,500 per year.
✅ ENERGY STAR® Certified with High WEF Rating — Weighted Energy Factor of 10.1 (115V) / 7.3 (230V) means outstanding gallons pumped per kilowatt-hour. The higher the WEF, the more efficient the pump.
✅ Extended-Life Viton® Pump Seal — Chemical-resistant Viton seal provides superior durability and long-term protection against chemical imbalances and corrosion — outlasting standard pump seals.
✅ Dual-Voltage TEFC Motor (115/230V) — Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled permanent magnet motor delivers up to 30% quieter high-speed operation than comparable models. Built-in protection for high temperatures and voltage fluctuations.
✅ Programmable Digital Control Interface — Intuitive touchpad rotates in four positions on the pump or can be removed and wall-mounted. Features up to 8 custom timer functions, programmable speeds, a 24-hour clock, and real-time power consumption display in Watts.
✅ Drop-In Retrofit Ready — Includes a second pump base for direct alignment with Pentair® WhisperFlo® installations. A separate base (SPX3200SR) is available for Sta-Rite®, Max-E-Pro®, Max-E-Glas®, and Dura-Glas® retrofits. Side and rear conduit entries plus standard 2″ x 2.5″ CPVC union connections simplify installation.
✅ Extra-Large No-Rib Strainer Basket — Oversized basket design with smooth interior ensures fast, easy debris removal and extends time between cleanings. Transparent lid lets you check basket status without opening.
✅ Universal Automation Compatibility — Operates standalone, integrates with Hayward automation systems (OmniLogic®, OmniPL™), or connects to third-party controllers via relay.
✅ Freeze Protection, NSF Certified & DOE Compliant — Meets all current Department of Energy efficiency standards, certified to CEC T20 FDAS Pool Control Requirements, and includes built-in freeze protection.
🔧 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | SP32950VSP |
| Manufacturer | Hayward |
| Pump Model | TriStar VS 950 |
| Product Line | Expert Line |
| Total Horsepower (THP) | 2.7 HP (230V) / 1.5 HP (115V) |
| Voltage | 230/115V (Dual Voltage) |
| Phase | Single Phase |
| Speed Type | Variable Speed |
| Speed Range | 600–3,450 RPM |
| Motor Type | TEFC Permanent Magnet |
| Motor Frame | Square Flange |
| Weighted Energy Factor (WEF) | 10.1 (115V) / 7.3 (230V) |
| Pool Type | In-Ground |
| Pump Type | Self-Priming |
| Suction Pipe Size | 2″ |
| Suction Style | Top |
| Discharge Pipe Size | 2″ |
| Discharge Style | Center |
| Union Connections | 2″ x 2.5″ CPVC |
| Freeze Protection | Yes |
| ENERGY STAR Certified | Yes |
| DOE Compliant | Yes |
| NSF Certified | Yes |
| CEC T20 FDAS Certified | Yes |
| Parts Warranty | 3 Years |
| Labor Warranty | 1 Year |
| Extended Warranty | Up to 4 Years (through authorized Hayward Expert dealers — see sell sheet) |
| Shipping Weight | 62 lbs |
| Shipping Dimensions | 16.8″ x 14.5″ x 30.8″ |
| GTIN | 610377340946 |
| ENERGY STAR Unique ID | 2381311 |
Sources: Hayward.com official product page (SP32950VSP), Hayward TriStar VS 950 Sell Sheet (LITTSVS95025), Hayward Bilingual Sell Sheet (LITTSVS95020C)
⚠ Warranty Note: Hayward.com lists 3-year parts warranty and 1-year labor warranty. The official TriStar VS 950 sell sheet references a 4-year extended warranty available through authorized Hayward Expert dealers. Confirm warranty terms with your Hayward dealer at time of purchase.
💰 Usage Costs & Running Expenses
The real cost to operate your pool pump can be the biggest ongoing expense in pool ownership. Here’s exactly what the TriStar VS 950 costs to run — and how much it saves — using verified data.
⚡ Energy Rate Used for Calculations: $0.1778 per kWh — U.S. national average residential electricity rate, November 2025 data, per the EIA Electric Power Monthly (released January 26, 2026, reported by Utility Dive and ChooseEnergy.com).
📊 Annual Running Cost Calculation — Hayward TriStar VS 950
The TriStar VS 950 owner’s manual provides a power consumption example of 300 Watts (0.30 kW) at a typical filtration speed. Real-world installations running at approximately 1,100–2,000 RPM may consume as little as 100 Watts (0.10 kW).
Scenario: Typical residential pool, running 8 hours/day for a 6-month season (180 days)
At 300W typical filtration speed:
- Power: 0.30 kW
- Daily usage: 0.30 kW × 8 hours = 2.4 kWh/day
- Seasonal usage: 2.4 kWh × 180 days = 432 kWh/season
- ✅ Annual cost: 432 kWh × $0.1778 = $76.85/season
At 100W low-speed circulation:
- Power: 0.10 kW
- Daily usage: 0.10 kW × 8 hours = 0.8 kWh/day
- Seasonal usage: 0.8 kWh × 180 days = 144 kWh/season
- ✅ Annual cost: 144 kWh × $0.1778 = $25.60/season
📊 Cost Comparison vs. Typical 2.0 HP Single-Speed Pump
The TriStar VS 950 is designed to replace high-performance single-speed pumps. A typical 2.0 HP single-speed pool pump draws approximately 2,000–2,500 Watts. Industry sources commonly cite approximately 2,200 Watts for a standard 2.0 HP single-speed pump.
(Sources: SwimmingPoolSteve.com — “A more realistic number for a 1.5 HP pool pump is 2.2 kW per hour”; SolarTechOnline.com Pool Pump Electricity Guide, December 2025 — “Single-speed pumps typically use between 1,500-2,500 watts”; ElectricityPlans.com — “A standard pool pump uses between 1500 and 2500 Watts of energy”)
Scenario: Same conditions — 8 hours/day, 180-day season
❌ Single-speed 2.0 HP pump at 2,200W:
- Power: 2.20 kW
- Daily usage: 2.20 kW × 8 hours = 17.6 kWh/day
- Seasonal usage: 17.6 kWh × 180 days = 3,168 kWh/season
- ❌ Annual cost: 3,168 kWh × $0.1778 = $563.27/season
✅ TriStar VS 950 at 300W typical filtration speed:
- ✅ Annual cost: $76.85/season (as calculated above)
💵 Your Savings: $563.27 − $76.85 = $486.42 per season 💰 That’s an 86.4% reduction in pump energy costs.
📊 Year-Round Operation Comparison (12 hours/day, 365 days — warmer climates)
This matches Hayward’s own comparison baseline for their “up to $1,500 savings” claim.
❌ Single-speed 2.0 HP pump at 2,200W (12 hrs/day, year-round):
- Power: 2.20 kW
- Annual usage: 2.20 × 12 × 365 = 9,636 kWh/year
- ❌ Annual cost: 9,636 × $0.1778 = $1,713.28/year
✅ TriStar VS 950 at 300W (12 hrs/day, year-round):
- Power: 0.30 kW
- Annual usage: 0.30 × 12 × 365 = 1,314 kWh/year
- ✅ Annual cost: 1,314 × $0.1778 = $233.63/year
💵 Your Savings: $1,713.28 − $233.63 = $1,479.65 per year
❌ Larger single-speed 3.0 HP pump at 2,500W (12 hrs/day, year-round):
- Power: 2.50 kW
- Annual usage: 2.50 × 12 × 365 = 10,950 kWh/year
- ❌ Annual cost: 10,950 × $0.1778 = $1,946.91/year
✅ TriStar VS 950 at 300W (12 hrs/day, year-round):
- ✅ Annual cost: $233.63/year
💵 Your Savings vs. 3.0 HP pump: $1,946.91 − $233.63 = $1,713.28 per year
⚠ Note: Hayward states savings are “compared to a single speed pump running 12 hours per day, on a 20,000 gallon pool, at an average electrical rate of $0.15/kWh.” Using the current national average rate of $0.1778/kWh, real-world savings are even greater than Hayward’s published figures.
Assumptions & Sources:
- TriStar VS 950 power at typical speed: 300W (Hayward Owner’s Manual, IS32950VS)
- TriStar VS 950 low-speed power: ~100W (real-world application data from multiple distributors)
- Single-speed pump power: 2,200W–2,500W range (industry-typical for 2.0–3.0 HP pumps, per multiple sources cited above)
- Energy rate: $0.1778/kWh (U.S. national average residential, November 2025, EIA Electric Power Monthly, released January 26, 2026)
- Actual savings will vary based on your specific pump, local electricity rates, hours of operation, pool size, and plumbing configuration.
🎯 Real-World Examples & Applications
🏊♂ Large Residential In-Ground Pool (25,000+ Gallons) The TriStar VS 950’s 2.7 THP at 230V makes it the ideal choice for larger residential pools where higher flow rates are needed for proper turnover. Its advanced hydraulic design provides ample power to circulate large volumes of water efficiently, even through extended plumbing runs. Run it at low speed for daily filtration and ramp up only when needed.
🌊 Pools with Water Features, Waterfalls, or Spillover Spas Water features, deck jets, waterfalls, and attached spas demand higher flow rates that smaller pumps can’t deliver. The VS 950’s 2.7 THP provides the power to drive these features at full speed while still giving you the option to dial back to ultra-efficient low-speed filtration when features aren’t in use. This dual capability eliminates the need for a separate booster pump in many installations.
🔄 Replacing a 2.0–3.0 HP Single-Speed Pump If you’re running an older Hayward Super II, Pentair IntelliFlo competitor, or any single-speed pump in the 2.0–3.0 HP range, the VS 950 is a direct performance replacement. The included dual mounting bases (standard + WhisperFlo-compatible) and optional SPX3200SR base for Sta-Rite models make the swap straightforward with minimal plumbing changes.
🏠 New Pool Construction — Future-Proof Efficiency For new builds, the VS 950 gives you more than enough power for any residential application while meeting all current DOE and ENERGY STAR efficiency standards from day one. Its 600–3,450 RPM range and 8-timer programmable interface let you fine-tune filtration schedules precisely to your pool size and usage patterns. Integration with Hayward OmniLogic® and OmniPL™ enables full smart-pool management.
🏢 Small Commercial / HOA / Community Pools With 2.7 THP and robust construction, the TriStar VS 950 handles the demands of small commercial and community pool applications. Its ENERGY STAR certification and DOE compliance make it a strong choice where energy codes, utility rebates, and operating budgets all factor into purchasing decisions.
💡 Cost Savings Examples
📍 Scenario 1: Upgrading from a 2.0 HP Single-Speed Pump (Seasonal Use)
A homeowner in a moderate climate running their old 2.0 HP single-speed pump 8 hours/day for 6 months (180 days):
- ❌ Old pump (2,200W): 3,168 kWh × $0.1778 = $563.27/season
- ✅ TriStar VS 950 (300W typical): 432 kWh × $0.1778 = $76.85/season
- 💵 Annual Savings: $486.42
- ⏱ Payback Period: Approximately 4.2 years (based on $2,031.66 purchase price ÷ $486.42 annual savings)
- 📈 5-Year Net Savings: $400.44 | 10-Year Net Savings: $2,832.54
📍 Scenario 2: Year-Round Pool in Florida or Arizona (12 hrs/day, 365 days) — Replacing a 2.0 HP Pump
- ❌ Old pump (2,200W): 9,636 kWh × $0.1778 = $1,713.28/year
- ✅ TriStar VS 950 (300W typical): 1,314 kWh × $0.1778 = $233.63/year
- 💵 Annual Savings: $1,479.65
- ⏱ Payback Period: Approximately 1.4 years
- 📈 5-Year Net Savings: $5,366.59 | 10-Year Net Savings: $12,764.84
📍 Scenario 3: Replacing a 3.0 HP Pump Year-Round in California ($0.3191/kWh)
California’s average residential rate is $0.3191/kWh (EIA data via ChooseEnergy.com, February 2026).
Running 12 hours/day for 365 days:
- ❌ Old pump (2,500W): 2.50 × 12 × 365 = 10,950 kWh × $0.3191 = $3,494.15/year
- ✅ TriStar VS 950 (300W): 0.30 × 12 × 365 = 1,314 kWh × $0.3191 = $419.30/year
- 💵 Annual Savings: $3,074.85
- ⏱ Payback Period: Under 8 months
- 📈 5-Year Net Savings: $13,342.59
📍 Scenario 4: VS 950 vs. TriStar VS 900 — When Does the Upgrade Make Sense?
Both the VS 900 (1.85 THP) and VS 950 (2.7 THP) consume similar power at typical filtration speeds (~300W). The running cost difference is minimal. The VS 950’s advantage is its higher maximum flow capability at full speed — critical for:
- Pools over 25,000 gallons
- Systems with water features, waterfalls, or attached spas
- Installations replacing 2.0–3.0 HP single-speed pumps
- Plumbing systems with higher total dynamic head (TDH)
If your pool is under 20,000 gallons with standard plumbing and no water features, the VS 900 may be all you need. For larger or more demanding applications, the VS 950’s extra horsepower provides the flow reserve needed for peak-demand situations.
⚠ All calculations use verified sources. Actual savings depend on your specific old pump model, local utility rates, pool size, and operating hours. Power consumption figures are from the Hayward TriStar VS 950 Owner’s Manual (300W typical operating example) and industry-standard single-speed pump power draws. Energy rates sourced from the U.S. EIA Electric Power Monthly (November 2025 data, released January 26, 2026) and ChooseEnergy.com (February 2026, citing EIA data).
📥 Downloads & Resources
📄 TriStar VS 950 Sell Sheet — Key specifications, features, and performance comparison at a glance (PDF) Download TriStar VS 950 Sell Sheet
📄 TriStar Family Brochure — Complete overview of the Hayward TriStar pump family (PDF) Download TriStar Family Brochure
📄 2.70 THP VS Pump Family Owner’s Manual — Complete installation, operation, and maintenance instructions for the VS 950 (PDF) Download Owner’s Manual (2.70 THP)
🏆 Why Choose the Hayward TriStar VS 950?
✅ More Power When You Need It — 2.7 THP at 230V gives you the flow capacity to handle larger pools, water features, attached spas, and high-demand plumbing systems that the smaller VS 900 can’t fully support at peak load.
✅ Ultra-Efficient When You Don’t — At typical filtration speeds (300W), the VS 950 consumes the same low power as smaller variable-speed pumps. You only use the extra horsepower when your system actually needs it.
✅ Verified Energy Savings — WEF of 10.1 (115V) / 7.3 (230V) confirms best-in-class efficiency per EPA ENERGY STAR testing. Real-world savings of $486–$3,075+ per year depending on what you’re replacing, your climate, and your local electricity rate.
✅ Built to Last in Harsh Pool Environments — The Viton® pump seal resists chemical degradation far better than standard seals. The TEFC permanent magnet motor is designed for years of reliable, low-maintenance operation with built-in protection for temperature and voltage extremes.
✅ Universal Retrofit Compatibility — Two included mounting bases (standard + WhisperFlo compatible), optional Sta-Rite/Max-E-Pro base, side/rear conduit entries, and 2″ x 2.5″ CPVC unions make the VS 950 one of the most installation-flexible variable-speed pumps available.
✅ Smart Control Ready — Full compatibility with Hayward OmniLogic®, OmniPL™, and third-party automation systems via relay. The rotatable, wall-mountable digital touchpad gives you complete programmability with real-time watt monitoring.
🛍 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 Hayward TriStar VS 950 (SP32950VSP) delivers the perfect combination of raw hydraulic power and cutting-edge energy efficiency. With 2.7 THP at 230V, it handles everything from large residential pools to demanding water feature systems, while its variable-speed technology slashes energy consumption by up to 90% compared to single-speed pumps. Backed by a Viton® seal, ENERGY STAR certification, a 3-year parts warranty, and universal retrofit compatibility, the VS 950 is an investment that pays for itself — often in under two years.
Order now and start saving hundreds — or thousands — of dollars per year on your pool pump energy costs!
















