The two most important considerations to make when searching for the best pool pump are a) how much water the pump can circulate and b) how much power it consumes by doing so. The safest thing one can do is by checking out what the top brands offer in this case, Pentair.
Let’s check out their 340039 and 342001 offer to determine which is better overall.
Pentair 340039 SuperFlo
1.5-HP Motor
One of the first things shoppers should look out for in a pool pump is the motor, or rather its power output. The 340039’s motor is rated at 1.5 HP, making it adequate for the average-sized backyard swimming pool. It’s not the largest motor or most powerful motor out there, but it does get the job done efficiently.
One-Speed Pool Pump
The 340039 is a one-speed machine that has a water flow rate of 100 GPM. This figure shows just how “slow” it pumps water compared to other models such as the 342001 VS. however, this is not bad by any means, especially if don’t plan on keeping your swimming pool filled all year long or don’t have multiple water features in your pool (jets, slides, fountains, etc.).
XL Strainer Basket with Transparent Lid
Perhaps the prime feature of this pol pump is its strainer. Cleaning the strainer basket out is a necessary challenge, but the 340039’s XL strainer basket should relieve much of the stress involved in the cleaning process. The lid is made of transparent plastic materials allowing users to see how filled the basket is without removing the lid altogether.
Self-Priming
Here’s where things take a turn for the better. The 340039 is a self-priming machine. When you turn the pump on, it only takes a few moments to remove all air from the piping before it begins drawing and shooting water into your pools. This feature in and of itself more than overshadows the inconvenience of low-water flow output.
Quiet Operation
Here’s something that everyone can enjoy. The 340039, like the 342001, has a maximum noise output of only 45 decibels or about the same volume as a microwave. Soundproofing in the 340039 comes from the internal water flow design that softens hydraulic noises significantly. Wear and tear will inhibit sound absorbency so parts need to replace over time.
Pentair 342001 VS SuperFLo
1.5-HP Motor
Although the 342001 VS and 340039 are very different pool pumps in many regards, they do have a handful of similarities. After all, they’re both SuperFlo models. The 340021 VS comes with a 1.5-HP motor which can be limited in some regards, but unlike the 340039, this model can plug into a 240V receptacle to increase its water flow output. The pump automatically detects if it’s drawing power from a 120V or 240V and adjusts its power settings accordingly.
Variable Speed
The VS on its name stands for variable speed, as you may already know, allows you to adjust how much or how little water flows through the pump. With three different speeds, the 340021 VS can deliver a maximum of 103 GPM (110V) or 113 GPM (240V). There’s an override feature that lets you control its speed settings to maximize performance based on your swimming pool’s unique needs.
Eco Select Pump
It is something many might not even consider, but it’s worth noting. The 340021 VS is the greenest pool pump that Pentair has to offer. As an Eco Select brand product, this pool pump can work optimally while using up to 20% less energy than many of its competitors.
Intuitive Controls
The 342001 VS is one of the most user-friendly pool pumps you’ll ever find. Right away, you’ll notice that the digital display helps make using and configuring the pool a piece of cake. The control pad allows you to choose one of the three available speeds and set up a time with just a few presses of a button.
In addition, thanks to its storage capacity, in case of a power outage, your settings will be waiting for you when power kicks back on.
Pentair 340039 vs. 342001: Which Should I Get?
With different maximum water flow rates as well as different convenience-adding features, we have to ask ourselves which of the two covers points a and b mentioned in the beginning. The answer, ladies and gentlemen, is the Pentair 342001 VS SuperFlo. Its higher maximum water flow output paired with the intuitive, user-friendly controls makes this pool pump a real work of art.
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