💧 Pentair WhisperFlo 2.0 HP 3-Phase TEFC Super-Duty Pool Pump | 011643
The industry’s most trusted high-performance pool pump — built tough for commercial and residential applications with whisper-quiet 3-phase power.
📋 Product Overview
The Pentair WhisperFlo WFK-8 (Part #011643) is a 2.0 HP single-speed, three-phase pool pump engineered for maximum water circulation with minimum noise. Powered by a TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled) super-duty motor, this pump delivers the highest water flow of any high-performance pump within its typical 35–80 feet of head operating range — all while consuming less electricity than competing models.
Built from 40% glass-filled thermoplastic with a commercial-grade 56-frame motor, stainless steel shaft, and permanently sealed bearings, the WhisperFlo is designed for years of trouble-free operation. The patented FunnelFlo diffuser and high-efficiency impeller maximize water flow while minimizing turbulence, making it one of the quietest pumps on the market. Whether you’re running a commercial pool, a large residential setup, or a pool/spa combination, this pump is built to be a tireless workhorse.
Ideal for: Commercial pools, large residential inground pools, pool/spa combinations, and in-floor cleaning systems where 3-phase power is available.
⭐ Key Features
✅ TEFC Super-Duty Motor — Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled design provides superior protection against dust, moisture, and debris, extending motor life significantly in harsh outdoor environments.
✅ Patented FunnelFlo Diffuser — Advanced hydraulic engineering maximizes water flow and energy efficiency while minimizing turbulence and noise for whisper-quiet operation, as documented in rigorous ETL testing.
✅ 40% Glass-Filled Thermoplastic Housing — Engineered to withstand extreme heat and resist corrosion, providing a durable, long-lasting pump body that won’t rust or degrade over time.
✅ Cam and Ramp See-Through Lid — User-friendly quarter-turn lid allows fast, tool-free inspection and cleaning of the strainer basket. The engineered polymer remains clear and strong for years.
✅ Oversized Strainer Basket — Industry-standard large capacity basket reduces cleaning frequency, saving you time on routine maintenance.
✅ Commercial-Grade 56-Frame Motor — Features a rustproof stainless steel threaded shaft and sealed bearings that never need lubrication. NEMA-rated square flange mounting for easy installation.
✅ 3-Phase Power Capability — Dual voltage 208-230/460V operation makes this pump versatile for commercial electrical systems. Motor is prewired for 460V; rewirable for 208-230V per the wiring diagram on the motor label.
✅ High-Efficiency Impeller — Maximizes water flow while a life-extending diffuser wear-ring prevents uneven impeller wear, maintaining performance over the long haul.
✅ Universal Compatibility — Compatible with all cleaning systems, various filters, and jet-action spas. 2″ suction and discharge ports with female pipe thread (FPT) connections fit standard pool plumbing.
✅ Self-Priming Design — Engineered for reliable priming and operation, even in challenging installation scenarios.
🔧 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Pentair |
| Model | WhisperFlo WFK-8 |
| Part Number | 011643 (replaces 40313) |
| Horsepower | 2.0 HP |
| Service Factor | 1.30 |
| Service Factor HP (SFHP) | 2.60 HP |
| Motor Type | TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled) Super-Duty |
| Motor Voltage | 208-230V / 460V (3-Phase) |
| Motor Amperage | 7.5A–7.2A at 208-230V / 3.6A at 460V |
| Speed | Single Speed (3,450 RPM) |
| Weighted Energy Factor (WEF) | 2.5 |
| Motor Frame | 56 Frame, Square Flange (NEMA) |
| Pool Type | Inground |
| Operating Range | 35–80 feet of head |
| Suction Port | 2″ Female Pipe Thread (FPT), Top Mount |
| Discharge Port | 2″ Female Pipe Thread (FPT), Center Discharge |
| Housing Material | 40% Glass-Filled Thermoplastic |
| Motor Shaft | Stainless Steel, Threaded |
| Bearings | Sealed, Permanently Lubricated |
| Drain Plug Location | 6 o’clock, Right Side Bottom |
| Self-Priming | Yes |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited (professional install); 60-Day (non-professional install) |
💰 Usage Costs & Running Expenses
📊 Estimated Annual Running Cost Calculation
⚠ Important Note on Power Consumption: Pentair does not publish a direct wattage figure for the WFK-8 (011643) 3-phase model. The calculation below is derived from the verified motor amperage rating using standard 3-phase electrical formulas.
Verified Data Used:
- Motor full load amperage: 7.2A at 230V (3-phase) — Source: Pentair product specifications via Parts4tubs.com, Bathparts.com
- US national average residential electricity rate: $0.1778/kWh — Source: Choose Energy Electricity Rates Report, February 2026, based on U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data (eia.gov)
Power Draw Calculation:
- Formula: P = √3 × V × I × Power Factor
- At 230V, 7.2A, estimated PF of 0.85 (typical for 2HP 3-phase TEFC motors):
- P = 1.732 × 230 × 7.2 × 0.85 ≈ 2,438W (2.44 kW)
⚠ Note: This is the estimated maximum power draw at full load. Actual power consumption will vary based on system head pressure, plumbing configuration, and operating conditions. The power factor (0.85) is an industry-typical estimate for motors of this size and type — not a manufacturer-provided figure.
🏊 Scenario 1: Seasonal Residential Pool (6 months operation)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Daily run time | 8 hours |
| Season length | 180 days (6 months) |
| Annual run hours | 1,440 hours |
| Estimated power draw | 2.44 kW (at full load) |
| Energy rate | $0.1778/kWh |
Calculation:
- ✅ Annual energy use: 2.44 kW × 1,440 hours = 3,514 kWh
- ✅ Estimated annual cost: 3,514 kWh × $0.1778 = $624.79/year
♨ Scenario 2: Year-Round Commercial Pool (12 months operation)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Daily run time | 10 hours |
| Season length | 365 days (year-round) |
| Annual run hours | 3,650 hours |
| Estimated power draw | 2.44 kW (at full load) |
| Energy rate (commercial) | $0.1343/kWh |
⚡ Energy Rate Source: US national average total retail revenue per kWh was $0.1343 in November 2025 — Source: EIA Electricity Monthly Update, released January 26, 2026 (eia.gov/electricity/monthly/update/end-use.php)
Calculation:
- ✅ Annual energy use: 2.44 kW × 3,650 hours = 8,906 kWh
- ✅ Estimated annual cost: 8,906 kWh × $0.1343 = $1,196.08/year
💸 Important Electricity Rate Notes
Electricity rates vary significantly by state. For example:
- North Dakota: ~$0.1193/kWh (lowest residential in the US)
- California: ~$0.3191/kWh (among the highest)
- Florida: ~$0.1540/kWh
- Texas: ~$0.1530/kWh
Source: Choose Energy Electricity Rates Report, February 2026, based on EIA data.
⚠ Your actual costs may differ substantially based on your state, utility provider, time-of-use rates, and actual system operating conditions. We recommend checking your local utility rate or visiting eia.gov for the most current rates in your area.
🎯 Real World Examples & Applications
🏊♂ Commercial Swimming Pools
The WhisperFlo WFK-8 is a top choice for commercial pool facilities, community pools, and HOA pools. The 3-phase motor is designed for commercial electrical systems, and the TEFC enclosure protects against the rigors of constant use. The 2.0 HP output provides strong circulation for pools up to approximately 30,000–40,000 gallons, depending on plumbing and filtration setup.
🏢 Hotel & Resort Pool Facilities
The whisper-quiet operation makes this pump ideal for hospitality settings where guest comfort matters. The heavy-duty construction handles the demands of high-bather-load environments, and the oversized strainer basket means less frequent maintenance interruptions.
🛁 Pool/Spa Combination Systems
Pentair engineered the WhisperFlo specifically for pool/spa combos. The 35–80 feet of head operating range provides enough pressure to run spa jets while still efficiently circulating the main pool water. Compatible with jet-action spas and all standard filtration systems.
🔄 Replacement & Upgrade Applications
The WFK-8 (011643) is a direct replacement for older WhisperFlo models (replaces Part #40313). The standard 2″ FPT connections and NEMA square flange motor mount make it a straightforward swap in most existing installations. If you’re replacing an aging single-speed commercial pump, this is a proven, reliable upgrade.
🌊 In-Floor Cleaning Systems & Water Features
The WhisperFlo’s high flow output and efficient hydraulic design make it well-suited for pools with in-floor cleaning systems, where consistent water flow is critical for proper cleaning coverage. The pump provides reliable pressure for water features within its operating range.
💡 Cost Savings Considerations
📍 Scenario: Why 3-Phase Matters for Commercial Operators
Three-phase motors offer inherent advantages over single-phase equivalents:
- ✅ Higher motor efficiency (typically 2–5% more efficient than comparable single-phase motors)
- ✅ Smoother operation with reduced vibration
- ✅ Longer motor life due to more balanced electrical loads
- ✅ Lower starting current draw (no capacitor start required)
⚠ Note: We cannot provide specific dollar savings comparing this 3-phase model to single-phase equivalents because the manufacturer does not publish direct wattage comparisons between the WFK-8 (3-phase) and WFE-8 (single-phase) models. Any such comparison would be an estimate.
📍 Scenario: Variable Speed Pump Comparison
If you’re considering energy savings as your top priority, it’s worth noting that variable speed pumps can offer significant cost reductions over single-speed pumps like the WhisperFlo WFK-8. However, the WhisperFlo single-speed remains the right choice when:
- ✅ Your facility requires consistent, full-power flow (e.g., commercial pools with heavy bather loads)
- ✅ You need the proven reliability of a simple single-speed design with fewer electronic components
- ✅ Your application requires 3-phase commercial-grade power
- ✅ You’re operating water features, in-floor cleaning, or spa jets that need full flow
⚠ California Regulatory Note: Pumps and replacement motors that are single speed and 1.0 Total HP or greater cannot be sold, offered for sale, or installed in a residential pool for filtration use in California (Title 20 CCR Sections 1601-1609). This pump can still be used in California for commercial applications.
⏱ Maintenance Savings Over Time
✅ Sealed, permanently lubricated bearings — No greasing schedule required, reducing maintenance labor costs.
✅ Oversized strainer basket — Less frequent cleanings compared to pumps with smaller baskets, saving 10–15 minutes per cleaning session.
✅ Corrosion-resistant thermoplastic housing — Unlike metal pump housings, won’t rust or corrode, eliminating the need for premature housing replacement.
✅ TEFC motor protection — Fully enclosed motor keeps out dust, insects, and moisture that commonly cause premature motor failure in open-ventilated (ODP) motors, potentially extending motor life by several years.
📥 Downloads & Resources
📄 WhisperFlo Installation & User’s Guide — Complete installation instructions, wiring diagrams, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, and parts list.
📄 WhisperFlo High Performance Pump Brochure — Product overview, features, and performance curves.
🏆 Why Choose the Pentair WhisperFlo WFK-8?
✅ Industry’s Top-Selling Pump Platform — More than 2 million Pentair pumps have been selected by pool professionals. The WhisperFlo has been the industry standard for years, backed by over 40 years of refined hydraulic engineering.
✅ Whisper-Quiet Operation — ETL-tested and documented to operate quieter than competing high-performance pumps. Your customers and neighbors will appreciate the difference.
✅ Commercial-Grade Durability — TEFC motor, stainless steel shaft, glass-filled thermoplastic housing, and sealed bearings are built for demanding, continuous-duty applications.
✅ Flexible 3-Phase Voltage — Dual voltage 208-230/460V capability works with virtually any commercial electrical system. Prewired for 460V; easily reconfigured for 208-230V.
✅ Easy Maintenance — Cam and Ramp see-through lid, oversized strainer basket, and tool-free access mean faster routine servicing and less downtime.
✅ Proven Reliability — Simple, single-speed design with no complex electronics means fewer failure points and lower long-term maintenance costs compared to electronically controlled pumps.
🛒 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-8 (011643) delivers what commercial and large residential pool operators need most: reliable, high-flow water circulation from a proven, heavy-duty platform. With its TEFC super-duty 3-phase motor, patented quiet-flow hydraulics, and corrosion-resistant construction, this pump is built to run hard and last long. If you need dependable, full-power performance backed by the industry’s most trusted name in pool equipment, this is your pump. Order now and keep your pool running at peak performance!








