1.85hp Tristar VS 900 Review - My Favorite Pool Pump!

At 1.85 hp with a high head performance chart, this pump is extremely versatile and capable for a host of different pool applications. From small and basic pools to very large and feature rich pools there is a good change that the Hayward Tristar VS 900 will be one of the best options for you to consider.

In this video you will also see the pump in action where we will measure some flor rates and power consumption at different speeds, as well as monitoring the amount of noise this pump makes.

I hope you enjoy this "deep dive" into my favorite pool pump - the Tristar VS 900 from Hayward.

#poolpump #swimmingpoolsteve #variablespeedpump

[brabs_weather]

Cannot wait to see this in action... 13 year old Pentair started smoking and decided to go with Hayward 900. Thanks for all the data. I have mixed 2" and 1.5" so the sweet spot can be found... I initially was gonna go with the Super Pump 700 but the basket size pushed me to the 900series

[azteknomco]

Awesome video, the Tri-Star vs 900 is what I'm having installed on 6/18/25. It will be replacing a 14-year-old Pentair Intelliflo variable speed, who's keypad is very similar to the VS 900. It will be filtering an open(unscreened) 20, 000-gal pool in Central Florida, USA. Thank you for what you do!

[SoundAloneband]

Eehhh pentair pumps still reign supreme. I will say haywards rep support and stuff has improved a lot though. The new Omni system is cool. I'm glad companies are finally starting to let you use other brands with automation now. Before almost nothing was compatible save for a heater.

[patdu]

I had my pool built by Dolphin pools here in Phoenix, Arizona, that's the pump that was included with the 10, 300 gallon pool package I selected. I love the way I can adjust the pump RPM, at night I have it going at around 75%. And I turn it on during the day at around 45% just to run the water through the filter.
I had one small issue with it. It would turn off after around 25 seconds after coming on for no reason at all once in a while, I would clear it by turning the breakers off for a few minutes and then turn them back on, and it would run normally again for a while. I called Dolphin pools up and they sent a Hayward repair man over and he replaced a circuit board under warranty. Has not done it since then and that was around four months ago.

[mitchtoftdahl]

Very helpful Steve I am looking at a pump and Filter for my inground Pool
Question is the Cartridge filter good for Salt Pools?

[harveypaxton]

Great video. We have been running the SP3400SP for a little over ten years. We love it however it is on its third drive controller board. The first two Hayward replaced under warranty however the last one I just replaced was just out of warranty. When we installed the pump originally in 2012 the cost was 899.00 which has now climbed to around 2200.00. We also got a fairly large rebate from the power company in 2012.

[jrdbuddy]

The Black & Decker 2hp is half the price and can install myself. I like the Tristar but is it twice as good as the B&D pump?

[AB_productions]

I am building a pool In Brisbane, Australia and based off this review video I have specified this pump for my filtration needs. Thanks

[schmoron]

great video Steve. We have a 16000 gallon kidney shaped pool in california, and we want to run a new VS with a solar pool heater, are the issues regarding the 1.85hp vs the bigger 2.7hp (the VS95) still applicable? Struggling to figure out how to calculate the needed draw

[mitchtoftdahl]

How do you tell what your flow is? I have a in ground with I think 2” and one skimmer two bottom drains and several flows around the pool on the sides

[Ryan-Chicago]

Fantastic video, I’ve worked with you a bit on a lack of full prime in the skimmer basket of the pump which I think maybe be due to have 1.5” pipes to and from the pool, but other than that the pump has been great. Having a flow meter is a must to help determine the optimal speeds and hours to get the 3x turnover. I’ve learned a ton for you and your content.

[cemeyer]

we're putting in a 20k gallon pool with a few return lines + 2 waterfalls, our contract had this pump in it but our builder gave us a "free upgrade" to the 950 saying it would be better for our circumstances. Hoping this was wise

[mitchtoftdahl]

What should I expect to pay from a dealer for the 4030 cartridge filter and the TRI-star 9030 pool pump.? Also can you you tell me what heater is best I have natural gas at my equipment site

[Toxic_doc]

Would appreciate your opinion on overall Hayward vs jandy or pentair equipment and pumps in general. Is there one that is just superior over other brand?
appreciate any feedback thanks.
great video

[ToddWrenn]

I’ve installed three of these so far and love love love them!

[PaulsProTips]

Love the video! My pool builder supplied this Hayward unit with the Hayward Automation. Is there a way to add the flow meter and read it via my phone? Would love to also display some of the other data like amp draw etc. Thanks for all the great videos!

[patricksquires]

Dinner tonight my family was smiling as our Hayward tristar VS900 arrived today - I then rationed the cup of lima beans.

[almo]

My pool is plumbed with 1.5” pipe. Can I use 2” pipe for my equipment and would it make a difference?

[nhr]

Hi! My pool professional recommended the bigger VS950. My pool is only 12, 000 gallons but I have solar, a spa and a water feature (small waterfall). Will the 950 hurt my pool? I have two main drains and a skimmer.

[lIII]

Nice! Can this pump be used on a water well or lake well?