Choosing a Pump Brand for Your Waterfall
Pentair, Hayward, and Jandy all make solid waterfall pumps. Here is how to pick the right brand and size for your feature.
The pump is the heart of any pool waterfall. Choose the wrong one and your beautiful sheer descent turns into a disappointing trickle, or your energy bill doubles for no reason. Here is what actually matters when comparing brands.
Pentair is the most common choice among pool builders for water features. Their WhisperFlo and IntelliFlo lines are quiet, reliable, and parts are available everywhere. The IntelliFlo variable-speed model is the favorite for waterfalls because you can dial in the exact flow your weir needs and save a lot on electricity.
Hayward is the other big name. The TriStar and Super Pump lines are workhorses, and their variable-speed TriStar VS is a direct competitor to the IntelliFlo. Hayward tends to be a little cheaper, and their warranty support is solid.
Jandy (now part of Fluidra) makes excellent pumps too, especially the VS FloPro. If your pool already runs Jandy automation, staying in the family makes control much simpler.
Brand matters less than sizing. A 24-inch sheer descent typically wants around 24 gallons per minute at the weir. A 4-foot rock waterfall might want 60 to 100 GPM for a full, natural look. Always check the flow requirement of your specific waterfall and match the pump curve to it, accounting for the height the water has to be lifted and the length of the pipe run.
Our advice: pick a variable-speed pump from any of the big three, size it so your waterfall runs at 40 to 60 percent of the pump maximum, and you will get a quiet, efficient feature that lasts for years.
Find waterfall kits, spillways, scuppers and installation options for your pool at PoolWaterFountain.com. We ship throughout the United States and can help you compare styles and sizes for your project.