You don’t need us to tell you the importance of a pool pump. In a nutshell, this type of device moves water through a filter and, oftentimes, a pool heater. The best pool pumps should have at least one 12-hour turnover (the amount of time needed for the entire contents of a pool to move through the filter).
Also, keeping the water flowing, the best pool pumps should save you the most money in the long run. We generally find it acceptable to purchase machines with a hefty price tag if it means saving us dollars over the years.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at three of Hayward’s most reliable pool pumps – the Hayward SP2603VSP, Hayward SPT2610X15, and the Hayward SP2615S202S Pool Pump. Although they’ll work in pretty much any moderately sized home pool, there are significant differences between the models. Let’s see which of the three offers the most value.
Speed
SP2603VSP
The speed of the pump determines how much water can be passed through the machine and into your pool filter and water heater. Depending on how large a pool you own, you’ll want a device that offers enough power and speed to produce at least one daily turnover.
This is a variable speed model, meaning that the user determines how much electricity to use to run the machine throughout the day and night. It also has a wide speed range, so it fits for pools of almost every size.
SP2610X15
The 1.5-HP motor in the Hayward 2610 has only one speed which is about 83 GPM at its peak. This means that this pool pump is designed for large pools with a daily turnover rate of one to two, or small pools with a faster turnover rate. Unfortunately, there’s no middle ground, so you’re stuck using the same amount of electricity despite your pool not needing more than two cycles daily.
SP2615X202S
This model is somewhere in between the Hayward 2603 and 2610. The 2-HP motor on this pool pump gives you two-speed settings with a maximum speed performance of 63 GPM. Like a single-speed model, this unit is somewhat inflexible regarding working on pools of various sizes.
Conclusion: The general rule is that a variable speed is much better in performance, versatility, and saving money. Because the user sets the speed of the motor to fit his or her specific pool, they have the freedom to determine the turnover rate for virtually every residential-grade pool out there.
As for the 2610 and the 2615, you’re stuck using constant speeds that could potentially be both cost-inefficient and overkill.
Noise Production
SP2603VSP
Water pumps can be incredibly annoying, especially when running during the nighttime when everybody’s trying to get to sleep. If only there were a way to reduce the speed of a pool to prevent loud noises? This is entirely possible with the 2603.
Because it comes with variable speed settings, you can adjust the GPM rating to produce low turnovers which, in turn, prevents the device from making loud pumping sounds. At its slowest performance, this pump produces only around 45 decibels.
SP2610X15 and SP2615X202S
The 2610’s one-speed performance means you’ll either need to shut the device off when not in use to prevent loud noises or live with it. As for the 2615’s two-speed motor, you can switch the machine to its lower setting to reduce noise levels.
Conclusion: Once again, the variable speed motor in the SP2603VSP proves to be the more beneficial model.
When you need to circulate the water in your pool but don’t want a loud droning in the background, change the speed to its lowest setting; this should continue the filtering process without bothering you or your next-door neighbors.
- Install in any application: in stand-alone mode, with Hayward automation (including Omni...
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Controls
SP2603VSP
If you have a variable speed pool pump – such as with the Hayward 2603 – then you’ll need to make sure you understand how to use the digital control panel to set up the priming mode, as well as three preprogrammed speeds (configurable).
It can be quite tricky to understand, especially if this is your first pool pump, but it’s easy to learn and extremely helpful for priming the pump and circulating water in every size pool.
SP2610X15 and SP2615X202S
As for the 2610 and its older brother, the 2615, it’s a simple process of plug-and-play. There are no buttons, dials, digital displays, or anything that give you control over the priming process or water circulation volume and speed. Both gears on the 2615 will run for a predetermined amount of time before kicking it up or down a notch.
Conclusion: Basically, with either the 2610 or the 2615, you’re at the mercy of your pool pump. They don’t come with any controls for pool priming or speed settings (the speed is not adjustable in the 2610).
As for the 2603, it’s proving time and time again that it’s the more worthy choice for owners of any sized pool.
- The industry’s workhorse - recognized for reliability and performance
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Hayward SP2603VSP vs SP2610X15 vs SP2615X202S: Bottom Line
If you read through this article, you’ll see how the Hayward SP2603VSP – the only variable speed pool pump on this list – outshines both the Hayward SP2610X15 and SP2615X202S over and over again. The adjustable speed makes the 2603 so much more versatile than the 2610, and the 2615 could ever hope to be.
If you purchase any constant speed pool pump, you’ll want to make sure that the pump is specifically designed to handle your pool’s size and water content without going beyond your pool’s needs. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying for unused capacity and increased electricity bills to keep the pump operational.
The general belief is that variable speed pumps can save you upwards of 80% on electricity when compared to one- or two-speed models, but this is a little too optimistic. However, when speed and cycles are configured correctly, it’s realistic to expect more than a 50% reduction in electricity costs.
Variable speed models, such as the Hayward SP2603VSP, can be rather expensive – almost double or triple the cost of a single-speed unit. However, they’re also much more durable, lasting for more than a decade without any significant hiccups. In combination with the amount of money you’ll save on energy, there’s no reason not to get a variable speed pump for your pool.
- For use of Inground pools of all types and sizes
- Self priming suction lift up to 8 feet above water level
Our Recommended Pool Pumps
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Last Update: 2024-04-17 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
