Pentair SuperFlo VS Pumps
The SuperFlo VS pump product line are variable speed 1.5HP pumps rated at WEF 9.0 THP 2.2 that can run on 1115 volts or 230 volts. The Superflo VST pump will automatically detect the voltage and does not have a voltage selection switch. These VS pumps are a direct replacement for Pentair SuperFlow pumps and the Hayward Super Pump.
In the SuperFlo VS product line there is the SuperFlo VS pump manufactured before 11/20/2020 which does not have RS-485 communication ability and the SuperFlo VST, SuperFlo VS, and Sta-Rite Supermax pumps manufactured after 11/20/2020 that have RS-485 communication ability.
The 2023 Pentair Pump Parts Catalog shows the parts commonality across the product line.
The Pentair WhisperFlo VST pump uses the same motor and drive as the SuperFlo VS pump.
SuperFlo versus IntelliFlo
If you need the pump to run on 120 volts or want a direct replacement for a Superflow or Hayward Super Pump then the SuperFlo VS pump is the right pump for you.
An IntelliFlo VS/VSF pump will be more efficient and use less electricity at the equivalent HP then a SuperFlo VS pump. Let's say your pool needs .75 HP of water flow. The 1.5 HP Superpump VS will run at about half speed of 1750 RPM while the 3 HP IntelliFlo will be able to run at .75 HP at 1000 RPM or less. 1000 RPM on the IntelliFlo will use less electricity then 1750 rpm on the SuperFlo VS.
Consider the compatibility you need with any automation.
SuperFlo versus WhisperFlo
The Whisperflo is a 2" pump and the SuperFlo is a 1.5" pump.
The Whisperflo moves more water.
Pentair Automation Compatibility
The SuperFlo VS, Supermax VS, and WhisperFlo VST pumps manufactured after 11/20/2020 with RS-485 communication can digitally communicate with IntelliCenter, IntelliSync, EasyTouch, and IntelliTouch systems.
The SuperFlo VS pumps manufactured before 11/20/2020 can connect to automation systems using an external low voltage control and a relay for each speed.
The Pentair IntelliSynch will provide wireless app control for all SuperFlo VS pumps through the RS-485 inputs or external low voltage inputs.
The SuperFlo VST will not connect by RS-485 with a Pentair IntelliConnect system with firmware before 1.6.1.5. Pentair Support can push a firmware update to IntelliConnect systems connected to the internet.
It was deduced from Pentair documentation that instead of the IntelliConnect controlling the pump speeds/times directly it relies on the pumps own built-in scheduler. Whereas the Intelliflo can be programmed with up to 4 schedules at different times and durations, the Superflo only has 1 scheduled start time with up to 3 different speeds of varying duration (running after one another).[1]
A member reported in February 2024 that Pentair is working on a firmware update to the IntelliConnect to work with the Superflo VST and Whisperflo VST pumps. He received the following from a contact at Pentair: "342002 pumps made after 2020 are capable of connecting to our automation via RS-485, IntelliConnects with host firmware 1.6.2.5 and above now have the ability to control these pumps wired as such. Any newly manufactured IntelliConnect will have this firmware from the factory so the only thing that would be needed to make it work is the external control cable for the pump which is 356324Z. The only wires you would use off the cable is green/yellow for RS-485 comm. FYI WhisperFlo VST also has the same capabilities as the SuperFlo VST when it comes to these features."[2] We have not heard of anyone having this setup yet.
Pentair Superflo VS Firmware
To determine the current Superflo pump firmware simultaneously press the #1, UP arrow, and the DOWN arrow on the pump.
For one member, when pressed the “2.2.2H” firmware was displayed which, according to Pentair, was causing a communication loss with his IntelliCenter. Pentair replaced the drive under warranty with “2.2.2L” firmware that corrected the problem.[3]
SuperFlo VS Communications Cable
The SuperFlo VS and WhisperFlo VST pump has an 8 pin proprietary connector on the side for the communication cable. It is different then the 7 pin connection used in the IntelliFlo pumps and the cables are not interchangeable.[4]
The WhisperFlo VST uses the same motor and drive as the SuperFlo VS pump and connects to automation in the same way.
The pre 11/20/2020 SuperFlo VS without RS-485 used Pentair Wiring Kit 353129Z with wires in six of the eight pins. Pentair Wiring Kit 353129Z is now obsolete and is replaced by Wiring Kit 356324Z with wires connecting all eight pins.
The pumps with RS-485 ability use Wiring Kit 356324Z with wires connecting all eight pins.
If you get the 356424Z SuperFlo VS to Automation Cable package it will contain the following labels:
Note how the cable wiring colors have changed for connection to the IntelliSynch depending on which cable is used. The green and yellow wires changed to white and blue since green and yellow are the standard colors used for the RS-485 data wires.
The SuperFlo VS automation cables have not been widely available and some members have figured out how to build them. A M12 (12mm) "aviation plug" was tried and was too small. What did fit with some dremerling is a "GX16" - 16mm "aviation plug".
The pinout of the 353129Z cable for the pre 11/20/2020 SuperFlo VS pump From the notched edge going clockwise is:
- Center - Black
- 1- red
- 2- empty
- 3- empty
- 4- green
- 5- yellow
- 6- orange
- 7- brown
The cable connector looks like:
Here is the EXACT plug that makes up the cable. It is designed to be put on a cable and has a good watertight connection. It is on Digi-Key for $12.25:[5]
It is an Amphenol LTW:
- BD-08BFFA-LL7001
- CONN PLUG FMALE 8P GOLD SLDR CUP
Another member couldn't find a compatible connector off the shelf but after looking at the back of the existing connector to check, it's just terminated from the loose wires coming out of the controller module anyway. So he bought a standard GX16 connector kit and just cut off the proprietary/mystery Pentair port and reterminate the wires onto the GX16 port (which fits the same hole in the cover). He felt his time soldering this together may not have been worth the ~$40-50ish for the Pentair solution if it was available but it's certainly worth $200 for a simple cable.
Replacing a Cracked Superflo Union
Pentair unions use a proprietary thread. To install a new union you need to cut the pipe.
Mikeys Quick Coupler is a split union that fits Pentair Superflo pumps. You do not need to cut the pipe to install a split union.[6]
YouTube videos are at Mikey's Quick Coupler PVC Split Couplers Save Time & Money -No Replumbing! and MikeysQuickCoupler Longer video and 2-piece quick coupler fits. Pentair and hayward salt cells.
SuperFlo VS losing Clock with Power Loss
A members Pentair SuperFlo VS - 342001 - would lose its clock when the power was lost. He found there is a super capacitor on the key pad module that keeps the clock powered for 24 hours.
Specifically c26 on the cover board, seen on the pictures below, is a ELNA 3.3V 0.33F, Part Number DSK-3R3H334U-HL. It is on the driver cover/display, so not so difficult to replace and can be ordered from Digikey for $2 + shipping,[7]
Keypad Removal
Keaypad Module
Circuit Board
Connector
PCB w/Capacitor
Super Capacitor
These small super capacitors are very sensitive to the soldering temperature. Hold the legs of the capacitor with a tweezers while soldering to reduce a lot of the heat received by the capacitor. See the pictures below on how to hold the capacitor legs with tweezers to minimize the temperature during soldering
New Capacitor using
Tweezers as Heat Sink
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/the-new-pentair-superflo-vs-or-vst.236244/post-2293130
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/will-superflo-vs-connect-to-intelliconnect.288125/post-2527006
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/erratic-intellicenter-behavior-resolution.289485/post-2553269
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/variable-speed-pump-and-solar-panel-bubble-question.250427/post-2199319
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pentair-superflo-vst-data-comm-port-doesnt-look-like-rs-485.241382/post-2142765
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/cracked-half-union-on-swcg-cell.293057/#post-2571731
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pentair-superflo-vs-342001-no-keeping-the-clock.224536/post-1969644
