Name: Hayward PowerFlo Matrix 1.5 HP 2-Speed Above Ground Pool Pump W3SP1520
Brand: Hayward
SKU: W3SP1520
Price: 629.00 USD
Availability: InStock

The Hayward PowerFlo Matrix W3SP1520 is a 1.5 HP 2-speed above ground pool pump. High speed (3450 RPM) for vacuuming and peak circulation; low speed (1725 RPM) for quiet, energy-efficient overnight filtration. Same compact Matrix body and side-discharge design as the single speed models. 1-year limited warranty.

SKU: W3SP1520
1 year warranty
2-speed above ground pool pump: 3450 RPM (high) and 1725 RPM (low)
1.5 HP at high speed; low speed draws approx. one-eighth the power of high speed
115V; 14.2A at high speed; approx. 3.5A at low speed
Speed is selected by external wiring or timer; requires a two-circuit timer or dual-relay setup
Same compact Matrix body, side-discharge port, and front-access basket as the single speed Matrix models
Direct plumbing replacement for the PowerFlo Matrix 1.5 HP single speed; no replumbing required
Self-priming; always start on high speed for initial prime
Compatible with 1.5" and 2" above ground pool plumbing connections
Corrosion-resistant polymer housing; UL Listed

Hayward PowerFlo Matrix 2-Speed Above Ground Pool Pump W3SP1520

The W3SP1520 is a 2-speed pump, not a variable speed pump. It has two fixed operating speeds: 3450 RPM (high) for vacuuming, running a suction-side cleaner, and recovering water quality, and 1725 RPM (low) for overnight filtration where you want lower energy draw and less noise. Because power scales with the cube of motor speed, dropping to half the RPM uses roughly one-eighth the electricity. Running low speed for 8 to 10 hours overnight rather than high speed for a shorter window is where most of the savings come from.

The pump body is physically identical to the single speed Matrix models, so it drops into an existing Matrix installation without any plumbing changes. The only difference is the electrical wiring, which needs a two-circuit timer or switch to control both speed leads.

How 2-Speed Control Works on the W3SP1520

Two-speed motors have two independent winding sets inside the motor housing, each with its own wire lead. Speed selection is a wiring decision, not a setting on the pump. In practice this means you need either a two-speed timer (which switches between the high and low speed leads on a daily schedule) or a two-position switch for manual selection at the equipment pad. A standard single-circuit pool timer can only control one speed; it cannot switch between both leads automatically.

Two-speed pump wiring connects multiple motor leads to a timer or switching circuit. If you are not experienced with pool equipment wiring, a licensed electrician should handle this. An incorrect connection between the high and low speed leads can damage the motor. Always refer to the wiring diagram in the installation documentation before beginning electrical work.

Hayward PowerFlo Matrix 2-Speed W3SP1520 - Specifications

Hayward PowerFlo Matrix 1.5 HP 2-Speed Above Ground Pool Pump W3SP1520 - Full Specifications
Specification	Detail
SKU / Model	W3SP1520
Speed Type	2-Speed (not variable speed)
Motor Horsepower	1.5 HP (high speed)
High Speed RPM	3450 RPM
Low Speed RPM	1725 RPM
Voltage	115V
Amperage (High Speed)	14.2A
Amperage (Low Speed)	Approx. 3.5A (confirm against motor nameplate)
Speed Control	External two-circuit timer or dual-position switch; not controlled on the pump itself
Discharge Orientation	Side discharge
Port Size	1.5" and 2" connections
Basket Access	Front-access strainer basket
Pool Application	Above ground pools
Body Material	Corrosion-resistant polymer
Certifications	UL Listed
Warranty	1 year

Low-speed amperage is approximate. Confirm exact ratings against the motor nameplate and installation documentation before wiring the low-speed circuit.

Hayward PowerFlo Matrix Above Ground Pool Pump - Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a variable speed pump?

No. The W3SP1520 is a 2-speed pump with two fixed speeds: 3450 RPM (high) and 1725 RPM (low). Variable speed pumps have a continuous range of speeds and programmable schedules; this pump switches between two fixed settings using external wiring. It costs less than a variable speed model and is simpler to control, but does not offer the fine-tuned energy optimization of a full variable speed system.

Can it replace a single speed Matrix 1.5 HP without replumbing?

Yes. The W3SP1520 uses the same body dimensions, port positions, and plumbing connections as the PowerFlo Matrix 1.5 HP single speed. No plumbing modification is required. Only the electrical wiring changes to accommodate the second motor lead for low-speed operation. The 20-amp circuit requirement is the same as the single speed 1.5 HP.

What timer or switch do I need to run both speeds?

A standard single-circuit outdoor pool timer cannot switch between both motor leads automatically. You need either a two-speed mechanical timer (which manages both leads on a daily schedule) or a two-position switch wired to both leads for manual speed selection at the equipment pad. The installation guide documents the wiring configuration for both options.

Should I start the pump on high or low speed?

Always start on high speed for initial priming. High speed produces the suction needed to draw water through the system and clear air from the plumbing. Once the pump is primed and water is circulating, the timer or switch can transition to low speed for the filtration cycle. Starting directly on low speed when the system is not already primed can stress the shaft seal and may not establish full prime before thermal protection activates.

How much does the low-speed setting actually save on electricity?

Because power scales with the cube of motor speed, dropping from 3450 RPM to 1725 RPM (half the speed) cuts power draw to roughly one-eighth of high speed. The low-speed setting draws approximately 3 to 4 amps at 115V versus 14.2 amps at high speed. Running low speed for 8 hours overnight instead of high speed for the same period reduces that portion of electricity consumption by roughly 75%. Actual dollar savings depend on your local electricity rate and daily run schedule.

Hayward PowerFlo Matrix 2-Speed Above Ground Pool Pump W3SP1520

How 2-Speed Control Works on the W3SP1520

Hayward PowerFlo Matrix 2-Speed W3SP1520 - Specifications

Hayward PowerFlo Matrix Above Ground Pool Pump - Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward PowerFlo Matrix 2-Speed Above Ground Pool Pump W3SP1520 Manual and Warranty Info

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