ChatGPT made a recommendation for a VSP Hayward Aqualogic P4 compatible pump, can I have your opinion on it please

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R

Rockstead

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2010
515
Montreal, QC, Canada
Pool Size
100000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
I currently own a Hayward 1HP super pump and it doesn’t cut it, any slight change in filter pressure and there goes my suction power, vacuuming is always weak, so I thought that instead of throwing another 200USD for another refreshed upgrade, like to 1.5HP, I could just jump in to the VS pumps finally.

I tried asking ChatGPT based on my pool config on which used VSP pump to buy and also asked it to compare to the Calimer, I would like to know if you guys agree with the answer as I found a used Tristar.

Based on my config of 26K Gallons, 300 pound sand filter, Heat pump, 5 returns, Aqualogic P4 automation system

Pump Comparison for My Pool (100,000L, sand filter, heat pump, AquaLogic P4 w/ firmware 2.65):


1. Hayward EcoStar VS (SP3400VSP)

  • 2.7 HP / ~150 GPM
  • Fully RS485 compatible with AquaLogic
  • Works great with sand filter (you’ll run it at lower RPMs)
  • Removable, user-friendly display
  • Often cheaper on the used market
    ✅ Best value used pump for full automation

2. Hayward TriStar VS (SP3200VSP or SP3202VSPND)
  • 2.7 HP / ~140–150 GPM
  • Fully RS485 compatible with AquaLogic
  • Compact and very quiet
  • Integrated display (not removable)
  • Slightly more expensive than EcoStar used
    ✅ Best for tight spaces or quieter operation

3. Calimar VS (VGreen motor-based)

  • 1.65 or 2.7 HP models
  • No RS485 – not directly compatible with AquaLogic
  • Standalone use only (or basic relay toggling with optional module)
  • App control via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi (model-dependent)
  • Some parts may be proprietary
    ⚠️ Good budget pump if not using automation – not ideal for AquaLogic setups
 
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None of that above is useful except for the automation control of sticking with one brand, which is likely going to be the answer you were looking for.

The Tristar is a great pump. How old is it and how much are they asking ?

Is there a story with the pump ? Seems kinda sus to be selling a perfecly working flagship pump. Its a little big for the 'we took down the above ground pool and are selling the pump' story.
 
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I would agree with @Newdude
If you have automation and wish to use it to control and schedule your pump then stick with Hayward brand.
It is best to go with a 2.7 or 3.0 hP pump as you then can run it at lower speed and still move a lot of water. Also will be quieter when run at low speed.
So then it comes down to price and any personal preference you may have.

If price is a high consideration then 1.65 hP will work.
 
Newdude said:
None of that above is useful except for the automation control of sticking with one brand, which is likely going to be the answer you were looking for.

The Tristar is a great pump. How old is it and how much are they asking ?

Is there a story with the pump ? Seems kinda sus to be selling a perfecly working flagship pump. It’s a little big for the 'we took down the above ground pool and are selling the pump' story.
Click to expand...
I’m not sure of the year, they provided the following information sticker and other photos. Pre-negotiation they want $600USD for it with a 1 month warranty.

In regards to story, from their marketplace profile I see they buy and sell a lot of pumps.
 

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Rockstead said:
I tried asking ChatGPT based on my pool config on which used VSP pump to buy and also asked it to compare to the Calimer, I would like to know if you guys agree with the answer as I found a used Tristar.

Based on my config of 26K Gallons, 300 pound sand filter, Heat pump, 5 returns, Aqualogic P4 automation system

Pump Comparison for My Pool (100,000L, sand filter, heat pump, AquaLogic P4 w/ firmware 2.65):


1. Hayward EcoStar VS (SP3400VSP)

  • 2.7 HP / ~150 GPM
  • Fully RS485 compatible with AquaLogic
  • Works great with sand filter (you’ll run it at lower RPMs)
  • Removable, user-friendly display
  • Often cheaper on the used market
    ✅ Best value used pump for full automation

2. Hayward TriStar VS (SP3200VSP or SP3202VSPND)
  • 2.7 HP / ~140–150 GPM
  • Fully RS485 compatible with AquaLogic
  • Compact and very quiet
  • Integrated display (not removable)
  • Slightly more expensive than EcoStar used
    ✅ Best for tight spaces or quieter operation

3. Calimar VS (VGreen motor-based)

  • 1.65 or 2.7 HP models
  • No RS485 – not directly compatible with AquaLogic
  • Standalone use only (or basic relay toggling with optional module)
  • App control via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi (model-dependent)
  • Some parts may be proprietary
    ⚠️ Good budget pump if not using automation – not ideal for AquaLogic setups
Click to expand...
I wouldn’t buy a used pump.
 
Used pump is like a used car - you might get a good one...and you might not. They are selling it for a reason ;)

Based on some quick googling, that serial number suggests a manufacturing date of early 2021...so it could be over 4 years old already....
 
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SJPoe said:
Used pump is like a used car - you might get a good one...and you might not. They are selling it for a reason ;)

Based on some quick googling, that serial number suggests a manufacturing date of early 2021...so it could be over 4 years old already....
Click to expand...
But a new one seems to be 3-4x times the price of used.

Which new one would you look at for Aqualogic compatibility?
 
It really comes down to how much 'automation' you need / want. One of the advantages of the VSP pump is that you can run then 24x7 at much lower speeds, saving you money, and only bump them up when you need extra flow for cleaning or skimming, or running a waterfall etc. Any VSP pump can do this. The Automation just makes controlling the pump speed etc easier. If you have lots of different 'scenarios' involving valves, heaters, different schedules and so on, then automation may be important to you. I don't, so automation is more of a I'm-a-nerd-and-like-to-tinker-with-stuff thing.

I have the Calimar pump, and I can manually push a button to give me 4 different speeds, or set a schedule. I have the automation board that allows me to essentially push 3 of the speed buttons remotely (via a Raspberry PI / Node-Red automation setup - it's just a momentary trigger via a relay). I don't have anything else that really needs 'automating', so while the RS485 interface would be cool, its not worth $1000 bucks more to me.

Really is more down to your current and future plans - and obviously your budget. I saw no real reason to spend triple on a 'name brand' pump for features I really didn't need, that my old pump didn't have, and instead spent the extra money on an SWG ;)
 
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It doesn't seem to be listed as current on the Hayward site. So while parts are probably readily available, who knows for how long? But I get the appeal of $600 vs up to $2K for new....

I can't advise, but the minimum for me would be integrating with the SWCG, so that it doesn't run when the pump isn't running, if your current system already has that as part of whatever automation you do have.
 
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Rockstead said:
But a new one seems to be 3-4x times the price of used.
Click to expand...
Is longevity or automation control more important to you ? I had a heater and SWG and ran it 24/7 high enough to turn both on. I didn't need automation and the $519 Calimar would be the best play here. If you needed the automation, Hayward is the way.

If i bought the used pump, I would do so expecting to need to replace it much sooner than a new pump. I like that a guy who repairs pumps has repaired and/or bench tested it, but used is still used.

So in this instance its your risk tolerance level that will decide new vs old. Or. You expect finances to be better in a couple of years when the used one dies. (Protip: Mo money Mo problems, same relative struggle)

*edit as Poe pretty much said this and beat me. Lol.
 
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99% sure the pics were showing the pump repair operation, not the VS pump in question.

(I went down that rabbit hole hours ago and it took WAY too long to realize)
 
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I guess that I am confused.

You are talking about getting a used variable speed pump, so why are the pictures of a single speed pump?

Are you getting the pump and replacing the motor with a variable speed motor?
 

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