When you live in Florida, a pool provides a great way to escape the heat for a spell. All pools have a pump that circulates the water to keep everything fresh, but my pool also features a separate system for a waterfall feature. After over a decade of use, the pool pump finally gave out, and I installed an Aquastrong 2HP model (PSP200PM) to replace it.
Overview & Application
The Aquastrong PSP200PM 2 HP Variable Speed Pool Pump provides a balance between performance and energy efficiency. With customizable speed settings, it satisfies the requirements for more energy-efficient pumps that provide optimal water circulation.
In our application, we needed to push enough water to drive a 36-inch wide waterfall as well as an auxiliary 16-inch side waterfall. This is also a tall waterfall with over 5 feet of lift, so the pump has to have enough of a flow rate to drive the required volume.
Key Features
Let’s take a look at the basic features of this pump as well as some that are included with the entire line of Aquastrong pool pumps.
- Variable Speed Control: All Aquastrong pumps have adjustable speeds. The 2HP PSP200PM ranges from 1200 RPM (3566 GPH) to 4000 RPM (10566 GPH), allowing for a custom-tailored water flow based on your pool size or application.
- Energy Efficiency: Because it uses variable speed pump technology, these pumps reduce energy consumption by up to 81% compared to traditional single-speed pumps. In many municipalities, pumps over 1.5 to 2 HP are now required to be variable speed.
- Durable Construction: Built with cast iron and plastic materials, Aquastrong pumps are made for longevity and resistance to the elements and corrosion.
- High Flow Rate: With a maximum flow rate of 176 GPM (10566 GPH), this pump supports efficient water circulation for various pool sizes and water features.
- Quiet Operation: Designed for low-noise performance, enhancing the poolside experience.
Performance
The Aquastrong PSP200PM delivers a high maximum flow rate of 10566 GPH, perfect for medium to large pools as well as large water features like my high-lift wide waterfall. Its variable speed settings allow for energy savings—especially if you choose to operate it during low-demand periods, such as capitalizing on nighttime filtration. The pump operates quietly enough to make this very possible.
Installation and Usability
Installation of the Aquastrong 2 HP pool pump was straightforward, with clear instructions provided. The pump’s compact dimensions (30″L x 14″W x 12″H) are traditional, so you should be able to install it wherever you typically see pool pumps. The user-friendly interface allows for easy speed adjustments in any of the four settings (1200-4000 RPM). This lets you schedule various flow rates under as many as four different schedules. The clock works on a 24-hour schedule only, so keep that in mind when setting times.
Which Aquastrong Pool Pump Should You Buy?
Which Aquastrong pool pump you buy should depend on the amount of water flow and the length of pipe you need to travel from the pump to the output. Many pools can use a 1.5–2HP variable speed pump. A 3 HP pump is reserved for extremely large water flows and much larger pools and water features.
| Feature | PSP150PM (1.5 HP) | PSP200PM (2 HP) | PSP300PM (3 HP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 1.5 HP | 2 HP | 3 HP |
| Voltage | 220V | 220V | 220V |
| Flow Rate (GPH) | 8189 | 10566 | 11359 |
| Max Flow Rate (GPM) | 136 | 176 | 189 |
| Max Head (ft) | 65 | 75 | 80 |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 30.01″x12″x14″ | 30″x14″x12″ | 27″x13″x9.75″ |
| Energy Savings | Up to 80% | Up to 81% | Up to 80% |
| Material | Cast Iron, Plastic | Cast Iron, Plastic | Cast Iron, Plastic |
| Weight (lbs) | 34.5 | 37.7 | 37.7 |
| Price | $599 | $699 | $799 |
Configuration and Final Thoughts
After installing the Aquastrong 2 HP variable speed pump, I was able to get my waterfall up and running smoothly. Programming took a little bit of time, but in the end, I settled on a single schedule of 1 hour per day for the waterfall at 2900 RPM. Any more, and I would have turned my waterfall into a veritable tsunami of water! At 2900 RPM, I’m also using just about three-quarters of the capacity of the pump, ensuring that I am not taxing it to its limits.
The Aquastrong PSP200PM 2 HP Variable Speed Pool Pump offers a compelling combination of performance, energy efficiency, and quiet operation. Its customizable speed settings and durable construction make it a suitable choice for pool owners seeking to optimize water circulation while reducing energy costs. Compared to its 1.5 HP and 3 HP counterparts, the PSP200PM provides a balanced solution for medium to large pools.
For more information, visit the Aquastrong PSP200PM product page.
