Pentair 342001 vs Hayward SP2303VSP: Variable-Speed Pool Pumps
- Loredo Litherland
- Mar 28, 2020
- 5 min read
There are three types of pool pumps that you can purchase. You can purchase a single-speed pool pump, a dual-speed pool pump, or, last but not least, a variable-speed pool pump.

As you probably figured out, in this buying guide, we’re going to be looking at variable-speed pool pumps. More specifically, we’re going to be looking at two of the best variable-speed pool pumps available; the Pentair 342001, and the Hayward SP2303VSP.
Of course, before we can look at those two variable-speed pool pumps, it’s important to define what a variable-speed pool pump is, and what separates it from the other two pool pumps.
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Using a single-speed pool pump gives you a single water pumping speed. There are no other speeds to choose from, and this means that, no matter what, the pump will always be using the maximum amount of power.
Using a dual-speed pool pump gives you two different water pumping speeds — usually, a low speed, and a high speed. Naturally, the high-speed uses all of the power that the pump can muster.
With a variable-speed pool pump, you have access to a wide variety of different pool pumping speeds. You can choose the exact speed you would like, and this allows you to, essentially, tailor the pumping speed to your exact specifications, while also making it easier to use less power.
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What Does The Pentair 342001 Have To Offer?
Right away, you’re going to notice that the Pentair 342001 is much simpler than many of the other variable-speed pool pumps on the market. What makes it simpler than the others isn’t just the design, which isn’t that different, but the fact that setting it up is very easy.

Most of the time, setting up a variable-speed pool pump – especially if you’re replacing an older pump – requires a lot of rewiring. This can take time and, depending on if you’re paying someone to do this for you, a lot of money.
But, the Pentair 342001 doesn’t require you to do that. Instead, it has a very simple and concise setup, and you can use it with 115-volt power, or 230-volt power. Everything runs very smoothly, and the setup should only take around thirty-minutes to one-hour, at the most.
On the front of the Pentair 342001, there are a series of buttons, and a digital display. The digital display shows the amount of electric watts that are being used, so you have a good idea of the amount of electricity that the pump is using. It also shows a 24-hour clock and gives you data regarding the electric usage and speeds, based on those hours. Using the different buttons, you’re able to select the exact speed that you would like the Pentair 342001 to run at.

When this variable-speed pool pump is running, it doesn’t make that much noise. Instead, it’s nice and quiet, making very little noise, and operating at the exact speed that you need. You don’t have to deal with any of the annoying throbbing and humming sounds that most variable-speed pool pumps make, unfortunately.
If you have a pool that requires a 1.5HP pump, then the Pentair 342001 is an excellent choice! If you have a pool that requires something more than that, this may not be the right pump for you, because it isn’t designed for those kinds of pools.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a great variable-speed pool pump that is easy to set up, easy to use, quiet, durable, and powerful, then you can’t go wrong with the Pentair 342001!
Variable speed technology costs significantly less to operate. Savings based on variable speed pump compared...
Ideal for standard pools requiring up to 1. 5 hp pump; 110-230v and 50 and 60 Hz capability
Real-Time clock with 24-hour memory retention
What Does The Hayward SP2303VSP Have To Offer?
When you first look at the Hayward SP2303VSP, you’ll notice that it has a sleek design. It looks nice, and every little feature and facet is properly delineated, so you always know what to do, and how to do it. Having a nice, concise design is one of the most underrated features in a pool pump of any sort, and the Hayward SP2303VSP delivers.

Setting up the Hayward SP2303VSP is a very easy process. Just like the Pentair 342001, this variable-speed pool pump supports 115V and 230V connections. There’s no need for you to perform any complex and convoluted rewiring schemes. Instead, just find the right place to put it, plug the wires in, and that’s it, that’s all you need to do!
To use the Hayward SP2303VSP, there is a small digital console that’s on the top of the variable-speed pool pump. You can press these buttons to access the different speed settings, so that you can tailor the speed and energy usage to your exact needs. By looking at the digital display, you can see which settings are currently being used, and the amount of energy that is being used.

What’s great about this variable-speed pool pump is the fact that it has been designed with energy efficiency in mind. That’s the main thing Hayward was focusing on when designing this variable-speed pool pump, and this pump is great at using very little energy, but still giving you an excellent and efficient experience.
When the Hayward SP2303VSP is running, it doesn’t make that much noise. Just like the Pentair 342001, very little noise is made while the Hayward SP2303VSP is running, and this means that it’s nice and quiet. You don’t have to worry about hearing any annoying and loud sounds while you’re in the pool, or by it.
Ultimately, the Hayward SP2303VSP doesn’t offer too much that is distinct from the Pentair 342001. But, what it does offer is an excellent pool pumping experience. Setting the pump up is very easy, using it is effortless, and with the press of a few buttons, you’re able to adjust the pump speed to your exact settings.
If you’re looking for a great variable-speed pool pump that is simple, concise, easy to set up, powerful, and very energy efficient, then the Hayward SP2303VSP is a fantastic choice! But, be warned, it’s a little more expensive than the Pentair 342001.
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