💧 Pentair WhisperFlo VST Variable Speed Pool Pump | 2.6 THP, 115/208-230V, 2″ Plumbing | 011533
More power, more savings — Pentair’s whisper-quiet variable speed workhorse for pools that demand serious performance.
📋 Product Overview
The Pentair WhisperFlo VST (011533) is built for pool owners who need more muscle than the SuperFlo VST can deliver. With a 2.6 Total Horsepower (THP) permanent magnet motor and a Weighted Energy Factor (WEF) of 8.4, this pump handles larger pools, water features, spa spillovers, and higher-head plumbing systems — all while slashing energy costs by up to 90% compared to a single-speed pump.
What makes the WhisperFlo VST the go-to upgrade? It’s a direct drop-in replacement for existing Pentair WhisperFlo pumps with 2″ plumbing — no re-piping, no rewiring. The dual-voltage design (115V to 230V, 50/60 Hz) adapts to your existing electrical setup automatically. The digital control keypad gives you three programmable speeds plus an override, with a built-in 24-hour real-time clock for set-it-and-forget-it operation. RS-485 connectivity lets you integrate with Pentair automation systems for remote control.
This is a TradeGrade product backed by Pentair’s Eco Select designation — purpose-built for demanding pool professionals and smart homeowners who refuse to compromise on power or efficiency.
⭐ Key Features
- ✅ 2.6 THP Permanent Magnet Motor: Delivers serious flow for pools requiring up to 2.0 HP, handling filtration, water features, and higher-head applications with ease. The Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled (TEFC) design runs ultra-quiet and withstands harsh outdoor conditions.
- ✅ Up to 90% Energy Savings: Variable speed technology dramatically reduces energy costs compared to conventional single- or two-speed pumps. Run at lower speeds most of the day and ramp up only when needed. (Source: Pentair official sell sheet P5-794, 04/2022)
- ✅ WEF 8.4 — ENERGY STAR Certified: Meets strict energy efficiency criteria set by the U.S. EPA and Department of Energy. Hydraulic Horsepower (HHP) of 1.64 delivers efficient water movement per kilowatt consumed. (Source: ENERGY STAR Product Finder, Unique ID: 2393189)
- ✅ Dual Voltage — No Rewiring Required: Automatically adapts to 115V, 208V, or 230V and 50Hz or 60Hz power. One of the most installation-friendly variable speed pumps on the market.
- ✅ 2″ Plumbing — Drop-In WhisperFlo Replacement: 2″ x 2″ Female Pipe Thread (FPT) connections match existing Pentair WhisperFlo installations. Superior drop-in replacement — same footprint, same plumbing, minimal downtime.
- ✅ Digital Control with 24-Hour Clock: Three programmable speeds plus an override mode. The advanced onboard digital display shows watts and RPM in real time. Built-in schedule runs automatically once programmed.
- ✅ RS-485 Automation Connectivity: Integrates with Pentair EasyTouch, IntelliCenter, and compatible third-party automation systems for remote speed control, scheduling, and diagnostics.
- ✅ See-Through Strainer Lid: Lexan see-through lid allows quick visual inspection of the strainer basket without removing the lid or shutting down the pump.
- ✅ Improved Mechanical Seal: Upgraded seal design stands up to harsh pool chemicals and temperature extremes for long, leak-free service life.
- ✅ Self-Priming Design: Purpose-built for in-ground pool installations with reliable self-priming capability.
🔧 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 011533 |
| Brand | Pentair |
| Product Line | WhisperFlo VST |
| Total Horsepower (THP) | 2.6 |
| Hydraulic Horsepower (HHP) | 1.64 |
| Motor Type | Permanent Magnet, TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled) |
| Service Factor | 1.0 |
| Speed Type | Variable Speed |
| Programmable Speeds | 3 speeds + override |
| Voltage | 115/208-230V |
| Frequency | 50/60 Hz |
| Phase | Single Phase |
| Full Load Amps | 13.9A (115V) / 11.1A (208V) / 10.1A (230V) |
| Port Size (NPT) | 2″ x 2″ |
| Suction Connection | 2″ Female Pipe Thread (FPT), Top |
| Discharge Connection | 2″ Female Pipe Thread (FPT), Center |
| Motor Frame | Square Flange |
| Priming | Self-Priming (In-Ground) |
| WEF (Weighted Energy Factor) | 8.4 kgal/kWh |
| Connectivity | RS-485 (for automation integration) |
| Weight | 45 lbs |
| Color | Almond |
| ENERGY STAR Certified | Yes (Unique ID: 2393189) |
| NSF Listed | Yes (Standard 50) |
| UL Listed | Yes (UL 1081) |
| Eco Select | Yes |
| Warranty | 2-Year (when sold and installed by a pool professional) |
Data Sources:
- Pentair Official Sell Sheet (P5-794, 04/2022)
- ENERGY STAR Product Finder (energystar.gov) — Unique ID: 2393189
- Pentair Official Product Page (pentair.com/whisperflovst)
- Amazon Product Listing (ASIN: B0B2V93BHG)
💰 Usage Costs & Running Expenses
Here’s what the WhisperFlo VST 011533 means for your electricity bill — with real numbers.
📊 Annual Running Cost Calculation
Energy Rate Used: $0.1778 per kWh — U.S. national average residential electricity rate, based on the latest EIA (U.S. Energy Information Administration) data as reported by ChooseEnergy.com, February 2026.
Pentair’s Energy Savings Claim: Up to 90% energy cost reduction compared to a conventional single-speed pump running 12 hours per day at $0.16/kWh in a 20,000-gallon pool. (Source: Pentair official sell sheet P5-794, 04/2022. Disclaimer: “Actual savings may vary based on local utility rates, pool size, pump run time, pump horsepower, pump rpm, plumbing size and length, pump model, service factor, and other hydraulic factors.”)
🏊 Scenario 1: Year-Round Pool (Sunbelt States — FL, TX, AZ, CA)
Running 12 hours/day, 365 days/year.
❌ Typical Single-Speed 2.0 HP Pump (draws approximately 1.8–2.0 kW at full speed):
- 2.0 kW × 12 hours × 365 days = 8,760 kWh/year
- 8,760 kWh × $0.1778 = $1,557.53 per year
✅ Pentair WhisperFlo VST 011533 (with up to 90% savings per Pentair):
- Estimated annual cost: ~$155.75 per year
💵 Estimated Annual Savings: ~$1,401.78 📈 Estimated 3-Year Savings: ~$4,205.34 ⏱ Estimated Payback Period: Typically under 2 years (varies by purchase price)
☀ Scenario 2: Seasonal Pool (Northern States — 6-Month Season)
Running 12 hours/day, 180 days/year.
❌ Typical Single-Speed 2.0 HP Pump:
- 2.0 kW × 12 hours × 180 days = 4,320 kWh/year
- 4,320 kWh × $0.1778 = $768.10 per year
✅ Pentair WhisperFlo VST 011533 (with up to 90% savings per Pentair):
- Estimated annual cost: ~$76.81 per year
💵 Estimated Annual Savings: ~$691.29 📈 Estimated 5-Year Savings: ~$3,456.45
⚡ Scenario 3: Optimized Variable Speed Usage (Default Schedule Example)
The WhisperFlo VST ships with a default schedule that demonstrates real-world variable speed operation:
- Speed 1: 3,000 RPM for 2 hours (higher speed for filtration/cleaning)
- Speed 2: 1,400 RPM for 10 hours (low speed for daily circulation) (Source: Leslie’s Pool Supplies product page for EC-011533)
This pattern — mostly low speed with short high-speed bursts — is how variable speed pumps achieve dramatic energy savings. At low RPM, power consumption drops exponentially (the Affinity Law: half the speed = one-eighth the power).
❌ Single-Speed 2.0 HP Pump at 12 hours/day, 365 days:
- Annual cost: $1,557.53 (calculated above)
✅ WhisperFlo VST with optimized scheduling:
- Pentair’s 90% savings claim reflects this variable speed advantage
- Estimated annual cost with variable speed scheduling: ~$155–$310 (varies by pool system)
💵 Estimated Annual Savings: $1,247–$1,402
⚠ Important Notes on Cost Calculations:
- Single-speed pump power draw of ~2.0 kW is a typical industry figure for a 2.0 HP single-speed pool pump. Actual draw varies by manufacturer and model.
- The “up to 90% savings” figure is Pentair’s official claim from their sell sheet. Your actual savings depend on your pool size, plumbing, pump run schedule, and local electricity rates.
- Energy rate of $0.1778/kWh is the U.S. national average. Your state rate may be significantly different. For example, California averages ~$0.32/kWh (savings would be nearly double), while states like North Dakota average ~$0.12/kWh.
🎯 Real-World Examples & Applications
🏊♂ Standard to Large Residential In-Ground Pools (20,000–35,000+ Gallons)
The WhisperFlo VST 011533 is purpose-built for pools that need more flow and head pressure than a 1.5 HP pump can provide. If your pool has longer plumbing runs, multiple returns, or requires higher flow rates for adequate filtration, the 2.6 THP motor delivers. Program low speed for overnight circulation and higher speeds during peak swim hours.
🌊 Pools with Water Features, Waterfalls & Spa Spillovers
Water features require consistent, powerful flow. The WhisperFlo VST’s three programmable speeds let you dedicate a higher speed for feature operation while saving energy during standard filtration. The override mode provides full-power flow on demand for waterfalls, fountains, or deck jets.
🔄 Replacing an Existing Pentair WhisperFlo Pump
This is the WhisperFlo VST’s sweet spot. It’s specifically engineered as a direct drop-in replacement for existing Pentair WhisperFlo single-speed or two-speed pumps. Same 2″ x 2″ FPT plumbing connections, same mounting footprint, dual-voltage compatibility — your existing wiring and plumbing likely work as-is. The upgrade from single-speed to variable speed is the single most impactful energy savings move most pool owners can make.
🏢 Small Commercial & HOA Community Pools
For community pools, swim clubs, or small commercial facilities, the WhisperFlo VST’s RS-485 automation connectivity, programmable scheduling, and energy efficiency make it a strong choice. Integration with Pentair EasyTouch or IntelliCenter allows property managers to monitor and control the pump remotely.
🔥 Pools with Heaters or Heat Pumps
Running a pool heater or heat pump requires adequate flow rate to transfer heat efficiently. The WhisperFlo VST’s 2.6 THP motor ensures sufficient flow even at medium speeds, letting you heat your pool effectively while still running at energy-saving RPMs. Program a medium speed during heating cycles and drop to low speed the rest of the time.
💡 Cost Savings Examples
📍 Scenario: Upgrading from a WhisperFlo Single-Speed in Florida
A pool owner in Florida running a single-speed 2.0 HP WhisperFlo pump 12 hours/day, year-round:
- ❌ Old pump annual energy cost: ~$1,558 (2.0 kW × 12 hrs × 365 days × $0.1778/kWh)
- ✅ WhisperFlo VST annual energy cost: ~$156 (based on Pentair’s stated 90% savings)
- 💰 Annual savings: ~$1,402
- 📈 5-year savings: ~$7,010
- ⏱ Payback period: Typically under 2 years
📍 Scenario: California Pool Owner (Higher Electricity Rates)
California’s average residential rate is approximately $0.32/kWh (Source: EIA data via ChooseEnergy.com, February 2026).
- ❌ Single-speed 2.0 HP annual cost: 2.0 kW × 12 hrs × 365 days × $0.32 = $2,803.20
- ✅ WhisperFlo VST annual cost (90% savings): ~$280.32
- 💰 Annual savings: ~$2,522.88
- ⏱ Payback period: Under 1 year
📍 Scenario: Texas Pool Owner (Moderate Rates)
Texas average residential rate is approximately $0.15/kWh (Source: EIA data, March 2025).
- ❌ Single-speed 2.0 HP annual cost: 2.0 kW × 12 hrs × 365 days × $0.15 = $1,314.00
- ✅ WhisperFlo VST annual cost (90% savings): ~$131.40
- 💰 Annual savings: ~$1,182.60
- ⏱ Payback period: Typically under 2 years
📍 Scenario: WhisperFlo VST vs. SuperFlo VST — When to Upgrade
| Factor | SuperFlo VST (342002) | WhisperFlo VST (011533) |
|---|---|---|
| THP | 2.2 | 2.6 |
| WEF | 9.0 (230V) | 8.4 |
| HHP | 1.001 | 1.64 |
| Plumbing | 1.5″ SKT x 2″ SPG | 2″ x 2″ FPT |
| Ideal For | Pools up to 1.5 HP | Pools up to 2.0 HP |
| Best For | Standard residential pools | Larger pools, water features, and higher head |
(Source: Pentair official sell sheet P5-794, 04/2022)
If your pool has 2″ plumbing, water features, longer pipe runs, or currently uses a WhisperFlo pump, the 011533 is the right choice. If you have a smaller pool with 1.5″ plumbing and a SuperFlo or Hayward Super Pump, the SuperFlo VST 342002 is the better fit.
⚠ All cost savings calculations above use:
- Pentair’s official “up to 90%” energy savings claim (Source: Pentair sell sheet P5-794, 04/2022)
- A typical single-speed 2.0 HP pump drawing approximately 2.0 kW
- U.S. residential electricity rates sourced from EIA data as reported by ChooseEnergy.com (February 2026) and state-specific EIA reports
- 12 hours/day runtime as Pentair’s benchmark scenario
📥 Downloads & Resources
📄 WhisperFlo VST Sell Sheet — Product overview, specifications table, Pentair variable speed pump lineup comparison (PDF)
📄 WhisperFlo VST Installation & User’s Guide — Complete installation instructions, electrical wiring diagrams, programming guide, RS-485 external control setup, default schedules, troubleshooting, and performance curves (PDF)
🏆 Why Choose the Pentair WhisperFlo VST 011533
- ✅ More Power When You Need It: 2.6 THP and 1.64 HHP handle larger pools, water features, and higher-head plumbing systems that smaller pumps can’t manage efficiently.
- ✅ Up to 90% Energy Savings: Pentair’s official claim — backed by ENERGY STAR certification and the WEF 8.4 efficiency rating. The savings start from day one.
- ✅ True Drop-In Replacement: Designed specifically to replace existing Pentair WhisperFlo pumps with matching 2″ x 2″ FPT plumbing. Dual voltage means no electrician required for rewiring in most installations.
- ✅ Whisper-Quiet TEFC Motor: The permanent magnet motor with Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled design operates so quietly you’ll barely notice it — even at higher speeds.
- ✅ Smart-Ready with RS-485: Connect to Pentair EasyTouch, IntelliCenter, or compatible automation systems for remote speed control, scheduling, and monitoring.
- ✅ Built for the Long Haul: Improved mechanical seal, robust TEFC motor, and TradeGrade build quality. The Eco Select designation confirms this is one of Pentair’s greenest, most efficient products.
🛍 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs?
- ✅ Fast shipping across the USA — get your pool back in action quickly
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✨ Summary
The Pentair WhisperFlo VST 011533 delivers the power, efficiency, and reliability that larger pools and demanding applications require. With a 2.6 THP motor, ENERGY STAR certification, WEF 8.4 efficiency, up to 90% energy savings, and seamless drop-in replacement for existing WhisperFlo pumps, this is the smart upgrade for pool owners who want serious performance without the serious electric bill. Order now from Parts4Tubs and put the heart of your pool in the hands of the industry’s best.



