Hayward Ecostar runs loud

Oct 27, 2011
21
I have a Hayward Ecostar C - Model HCP3400VSPVR - that runs ok, but is pretty loud. Not sure if this is normal, or not.
I made a video that shows it gets to 85dB when priming. When running at low RPM it's at 70dB, but still kinda loud, IMO.
I had a pool guy over to look at re-plastering the pool, and he said I needed a new pump.
I installed the pump myself in 2011, and it works fine, it just runs loud. Is this common?

I was considering installing the "Hayward SPXHKIT100 Quick Pump Repair Replacement Kit", but not sure if it would make any difference.

Let me know what you guys think:

Thanks,
-Aaron
 
The Tristar is basically the same as the EcoStar.

The EcoStar has more complaints than the TriStar, but I don't think that there is any difference.

The Tristar comes in two power levels. The smaller pump might be fine if you don't have any high flow requirements.

The bigger pump will be better for any high flow applications.

For most pools, about 20 gpm is fine unless you have a heater or special water features that require high flow.
 
Aaron,

First, for having any EcoStar Model for 9 yrs, you are the profound winner of the longest running EcoStar in Haywards history [I have had 4 ecostars, 3 drives and more in 5 yrs 2015-2020].

Next, any money you spend on this pump will be following a much longer money trail. As James stated, what are your applications? How far is your e-pad from your pool? Do you have a spa or any water features? If not, I would not be concerned about the GPM but any head-loss or if you pump is much lower than the pool water line or is a far distance.

Finally, w your very unique longevity of an Ecostar, can you pls answer a few questions Aaron?
-what part of the country do you live?
-what are your pumps settings, meaning the RPM's settings and how many times a day do you run your pump [pump run times]?
-where is your pump located w respect to the suns daily UV angles during diff times of the year?

The reasons I asked the above questions, I have found from users of EcoStars:
-the cooler the overall climate, the better
-the more constant and lower the RPM speed, the better
-the lower and shorter the priming speed, the better
-the less direct sun and or ambient heat, the better
-using the Siemens DP 20amp breaker w nothing else on that circuit, the better

Last thing, James recommended the tristar. There are 2 versions, the 1.85HP and the 2.7HP, as the ecostar. The 1.85HP pump has a pretty good track record. The 2.7HP, there's not a lot of data on it. I thought [James, Y or N ?], that the control chip and design was changed on the 2.7HP which is the major flaw w all ecostars, and a diff and more durable O-Ring was used...and, a 4-yr warranty*** ***must be installed by a pool professional

Thanks,
tstex
 
I thought [James, Y or N ?], that the control chip and design was changed on the 2.7HP which is the major flaw w all ecostars, and a diff and more durable O-Ring was used...and, a 4-yr warranty*** ***must be installed by a pool professional
The Expert line gets a longer warranty, but requires that you get it from a dealer, not online.

The installation requirements need to be verified with Hayward for warranty.





Upgraded motor drive delivers 30% quieter high speed operation than other models.

Built with a chemical-resistant Viton® seal and accompanied by a 3-year extended warranty**, TriStar VS 900 offers powerful corrosion protection for years of reliable performance.

Built with a chemical-resistant Viton® seal and accompanied by a 4-year extended warranty, TriStar VS 950 offers powerful corrosion protection for years of reliable performance.

**When sold by a Totally Hayward partner. Exclusions, other terms and conditions may apply — visit hayward.com/expert for details.


3 Year + Extended Parts and Labor from Totally Hayward Professionals

Expert Line residential pool products* are backed by 3 year (or more) Extended Warranties covering parts and labor, when purchased and installed by a Totally Hayward pool professional.

Hayward Open Line products, which may be sold online, have a 1 year Warranty - limited to defective parts only.

 
Thanks James.

Aaron, when you are evaluating your choices, the information above is definitely something you should read...IMHO, buying any Hayward VSP w 2.7HP, it would be most inauspicious not to have the max warranty possible.
 
My Pump is about 3feet below water level. and is only 5 feet from the pool, and it's a 18,000 gallon pool.
I have a Raypak 334K Btu Heater, and a Hot tub that waterfalls into the pool, all on the same pump.

-what part of the country do you live?
Brea, California, 92821
-what are your pumps settings, meaning the RPM's settings and how many times a day do you run your pump [pump run times]?
I run the pump at 1000RPM 24hrs a day, except for 1 hour from 10am-11am at 2000RPM.
I run the pump at 2500RPM when heating the Pool or Spa.

-where is your pump located w respect to the suns daily UV angles during diff times of the year?
The Pump is on the North side of my house, so it is shaded most of the day, but it does get direct overhead sunlight from noon till 4pm most days.
The pump is on it's own dedicated circuit, and since it is below water level priming is quick.


Btw, I'm OK with switching brands if there is a better pump than the Hayward. Longevity and Value is what I'd like. I'm hoping to not have to change pumps for another 10yrs+ if I can. I'm about ready to replace our pool heater, so it's a good time to switch pumps too.

How does the TriStar compare to the Pentair IntelliFlo, is it quieter and does it last longer, or are they about the same?
 
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The Pentair 3HP InteliFlo seems to be the best pump w the least amt of problems, per many users on this forum. You'd also achieve .3 for HP from 2.7 to 3.

I believe running your pump at a constant RPM of 1000 has been most beneficial. Anything over 2950/3000 causes excessive heat. However, your model has worked well w a historically problematic pump. I would state that getting another VSP, of any brand, to last another 10 yrs might be a challenge. Note that w the Intelliflo, since it's 3HP vs any of Hayward's highest 2.7, you can run the Pentair at a lower speed to achieve an advantage in RPM's, yet at a lower daily cost. Your initial investment might be a little more, but it will pay for itself over time.

Hope this helps and I am sure there will be some more add'l feedback for you. - good luck
 
I installed a new Hayward Tristar VS 900 1.85HP pump and it is super quiet now (about 15db quieter at same rpm).
It was an easy replacement since the pump has the same dimensions.
It actually is using about 22% less power for the same flow at the lower speeds
An example, 35gpm on new pump uses 195w @1700rpm vs. old pump 220w @1500rpm.
I made note of the sound levels, so I know if it gets loud again, to either get it repaired or replace the pump.

Thanks everyone for your advice and input.
-Aaron
 
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Good deal - since you're only running your prior pump at 2500rpm for the spa, the 1.85HP should be able to do the trick esp since your pump is so close to the pool...you virtually have no head loss...good luck to you Aaron and post back after a couple of months and let us know how it is going, ok?

You should consider joining TFP...it pays dividends everything you ask a question :cool:
 
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Here is a video of the new TriStar pump, which you can see is much quieter:

Here are the readings I got:
rpmFilter
(psi)
flow
(gpm)
power
(watts)
Noise
(db)
6000.082547
10000.0195948
12500.0249648
15003.03114550
17004.03519551
20005.04230755
250010.05456662
300015.06496468
345019.084144072
 
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