How To Program Hayward TriStar VS 900 Speeds and Timers for Energy Efficient Filtration
Quick Summary
Key Programming Features:
- 4 programmable preset speeds (Speed 1-4 buttons)
- 8 independent timers with daily schedules
- Automatic freeze protection (low temp operation)
- External control via relays or automation
- Priming feature with adjustable duration
Typical Setup Time: 15-30 minutes for complete programming
Power Loss: Settings are stored in non-volatile memory (won't lose programming)
Understanding VS 900 Operation Modes
The TriStar VS 900 can operate in three distinct control modes:
1. Manual Mode
Press any Speed button (1-4) to run immediately at that preset RPM. Pump runs continuously until you press Stop or a timer starts. Best for:
- Initial setup and testing
- Quick cleaning or backwashing
- Temporary operation during service
- Override when automation has issues
2. Timer Mode (Stand-Alone Scheduling)
Program up to 8 daily timers that automatically start and stop the pump at specific times and speeds. The pump acts as its own time clock. Best for:
- Pools without automation systems
- Simple daily schedules
- Installations where external controls failed
- Budget-conscious setups
3. External Control Mode
Automation systems or simple relay controls select pump speeds. The VS 900 monitors low-voltage inputs to determine which speed to run. Best for:
- Integration with Hayward ProLogic/OmniLogic
- Third-party automation systems
- Complex pool/spa combinations
- Multiple equipment packages
Step-by-Step: Setting Preset Speeds
Before programming timers or connecting automation, configure your four preset speeds based on actual pool needs.
Programming Each Speed (1-4)
- Enter Speed Menu:
- Press "Menu" button
- Use ▲/▼ to select "Speed Settings"
- Press "Select"
- Choose Speed Slot:
- Select "Speed 1" (or 2, 3, 4)
- Press "Select"
- Set RPM Value:
- Use ▲/▼ to adjust RPM (range: 600-3450)
- Changes in 50 RPM increments
- Watch wattage estimate on display
- Press "Select" to save
- Test Immediately:
- Press the Speed button (1-4) you just programmed
- Verify pump runs at correct RPM
- Check flow, filter pressure, equipment operation
Recommended Speed Programming for Typical Pool
- Speed 1 (Overnight Skim): 1200-1500 RPM - Continuous circulation, minimal noise
- Speed 2 (Daily Filter): 1800-2200 RPM - Standard filtration, good skimming
- Speed 3 (Heating/Salt): 2400-2800 RPM - Meets equipment minimum flow
- Speed 4 (Clean/Backwash): 3000-3450 RPM - Maximum flow when needed
Step-by-Step: Programming Timers
The VS 900 supports 8 timers, each with independent start time, stop time, speed selection, and day-of-week settings.
Setting Up a Timer
- Enter Timer Menu:
- Press "Menu"
- Select "Timer Settings"
- Press "Select"
- Choose Timer Number:
- Select "Timer 1" through "Timer 8"
- Timer 1 has highest priority if timers overlap
- Press "Select"
- Enable the Timer:
- Set "Timer Enable" to "ON"
- Press "Select"
- Set Start Time:
- Select "Start Time"
- Use ▲/▼ to set hour
- Press "Select"
- Set minutes
- Press "Select"
- Choose AM/PM
- Press "Select"
- Set Stop Time:
- Select "Stop Time"
- Follow same process as start time
- Can span midnight (start 11 PM, stop 6 AM)
- Assign Speed:
- Select "Speed Setting"
- Choose Speed 1, 2, 3, or 4
- This determines RPM during timer window
- Select Days:
- Select "Days Active"
- Choose "Every Day", "Weekdays", "Weekends", or "Custom"
- For custom: toggle each day ON/OFF individually
- Save and Exit:
- Press "Menu" to return to main screen
- Settings save automatically
- "Timers Active" indicator should light
Timer Priority Rules
When timers overlap: Lower numbered timers take priority. If Timer 1 and Timer 3 both run 2-4 PM, Timer 1's speed wins. Plan schedules to avoid conflicts or use priority intentionally.
Manual override: Pressing any Speed button or Stop overrides timers until next scheduled start, or press Resume to restore timer control immediately.
Example: Energy-Efficient Daily Schedule
- Timer 1: 11 PM - 7 AM, Speed 1 (1200 RPM), Every Day
Overnight circulation and skimming at minimal energy - Timer 2: 7 AM - 11 AM, Speed 2 (2000 RPM), Every Day
Morning filtration as pool warms up - Timer 3: 11 AM - 3 PM, Speed 3 (2600 RPM), Every Day
Peak hours, highest bather load and solar heating - Timer 4: 3 PM - 11 PM, Speed 2 (2000 RPM), Every Day
Evening circulation with moderate flow
Total runtime: 24 hours | Average speed: ~2000 RPM | Energy use: ~400W average vs 1500W single-speed
Configuring Freeze Protection (Low Temp Operation)
The VS 900 includes a freeze protection feature that automatically runs the pump when ambient temperature drops, even when timers are inactive.
How Low Temp Operation Works
- Internal sensor monitors air temperature inside motor housing
- When temp falls below setpoint AND pump is off, it auto-starts
- Runs at maximum allowed speed for 8 hours
- Prevents ice formation in plumbing and equipment
- Only active in stand-alone mode (disabled when external control is enabled)
Programming Freeze Protection
- Enter Configuration Menu:
- Press "Menu"
- Select "Configuration"
- Press "Select"
- Find Low Temp Settings:
- Select "Freeze Protection" or "Low Temp Operation"
- Press "Select"
- Enable Feature:
- Set to "ON" or "ENABLED"
- Press "Select"
- Set Temperature Threshold:
- Select "Trigger Temperature"
- Common settings: 35-38°F
- Lower = less protective but fewer false triggers
- Higher = more protective but may run unnecessarily
Freeze Protection Limitations
The VS 900 freeze feature is not a substitute for proper winterization in climates with extended freezing. It:
- Does NOT protect against power outages
- Does NOT protect if breaker is off
- May not activate if motor housing is warmer than pipes
- Only runs when pump would otherwise be stopped
Always winterize properly or use a dedicated freeze sensor and time clock in freeze-prone areas.
Setting Priming Duration and Maximum Speed
Proper priming settings prevent dry running and equipment damage during startup.
Configuring Prime Settings
- Access Configuration:
- Press "Menu" → "Configuration"
- Set Prime Duration:
- Select "Prime Duration"
- Adjust time (typically 3-8 minutes)
- Longer for systems with long suction runs or after service
- Shorter for good systems that prime quickly
- Set Maximum Speed Limit:
- Select "Max Speed Limit"
- Default: 3450 RPM
- Can reduce to limit noise or restrict flow
- Priming always uses max allowed speed
When does priming occur?
- Every time pump starts from stopped state
- After power loss/restoration
- After pressing any speed button
- When timer starts new run cycle
External Control and Relay Operation
The VS 900 can be controlled by automation systems or simple relay contacts.
Terminal Connections for External Control
Inside the drive housing, you'll find low-voltage terminals:
- Common (COM): Reference point for all control signals
- Speed 1, 2, 3, 4: When connected to COM, runs that preset speed
- External Enable/Disable: Master control to allow/prevent pump operation
- Remote Stop (optional): Safety shutdown input
Wiring for Basic Relay Control
- Kill all power to pump
- Access low-voltage terminal block (separate from line power)
- Connect relay contacts:
- To run Speed 1: Close contact between COM and Speed 1 terminal
- To run Speed 2: Close contact between COM and Speed 2 terminal
- Multiple speeds closed = lowest number wins (Speed 1 priority)
- Set pump to "External Control Mode":
- Menu → Configuration → Control Mode → "External"
- This disables internal timers and manual speed buttons
- Pump only responds to relay inputs
Common External Control Mistakes
- Forgetting to set External Control Mode: Pump won't respond to relay inputs if still in Stand-Alone mode
- Wiring line voltage to control terminals: These are low voltage only! Will destroy drive.
- No speed selected: If all relay contacts open, pump stops. Unlike single-speed, there's no default run state.
- Timer conflicts: If Control Mode is still Stand-Alone, internal timers override relay inputs
Viewing Diagnostics and Runtime Data
The VS 900 tracks useful operating data accessible through the menu system.
Available Diagnostic Information
- Enter Diagnostics:
- Press "Menu"
- Select "Diagnostics" or "System Info"
- Real-Time Operating Data:
- Current RPM
- Current wattage draw
- Drive temperature
- Input voltage
- Current (amps)
- Runtime hours
- Historical Data:
- Total hours run
- Hours at each speed
- Total kilowatt-hours consumed
- Error/fault history (last several events)
Using diagnostics for troubleshooting:
- Compare displayed watts to expected values for current speed
- High watts at low speed = restriction or mechanical binding
- Low voltage under load = wiring or supply problem
- High drive temp = poor ventilation or overload
Common Programming Problems and Solutions
Problem: Timers Don't Start Pump
Solutions:
- Verify current time and date are set correctly
- Check that timer is enabled (not just programmed)
- Ensure days are selected (not set to "None")
- Verify Control Mode is "Stand-Alone" not "External"
- Press "Resume" if pump is in manual stop mode
Problem: Pump Runs at Wrong Speed
Solutions:
- Check which timer is currently active (lower number = priority)
- Verify speed settings - may have changed Speed 1-4 presets
- Look for external control signals overriding timers
- Check for manual speed button press that hasn't been stopped
Problem: Can't Save Settings
Solutions:
- Ensure stable power supply (low voltage can prevent saves)
- Check for corrupted memory - may need drive replacement
- Try factory reset and reprogram (Menu → Configuration → Reset)
- Verify you're pressing "Select" to save, not just "Menu" to exit
Problem: Pump Ignores External Controls
Solutions:
- Must set Control Mode to "External" in Configuration menu
- Verify relay contacts actually close (test with multimeter)
- Check low-voltage wiring for loose connections
- Confirm using correct terminals (not line power)
Optimizing for Energy Savings
The Energy-to-Flow Relationship
Variable speed pumps follow the affinity laws:
- Flow is proportional to RPM (half speed = half flow)
- Energy is proportional to RPM3 (half speed = 1/8 energy!)
Practical example:
- 3450 RPM: 100 GPM at 1500 watts
- 1725 RPM: 50 GPM at ~190 watts
- Running twice as long at half speed uses 1/4 the energy for same water turnover
Best Practices for Maximum Savings
- Run Lower Speeds Longer
- Instead of: 8 hours at 2800 RPM
- Try: 16 hours at 1800 RPM
- Same turnover, 60% energy reduction
- Match Speed to Task
- Skimming overnight: 1200 RPM
- Normal filtration: 1800-2000 RPM
- Heating/equipment: 2400+ RPM
- Spa jets/cleaning: 3000+ RPM
- Use Multiple Daily Timers
- Vary speed throughout day based on needs
- Higher during swim time and heat of day
- Lower overnight and during temperate periods
- Monitor and Adjust
- Check water clarity and chemistry after changes
- Gradually reduce speeds until you find minimum that works
- Seasonal adjustments (higher in summer, lower in spring/fall)
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my programming if power goes out?
No. The VS 900 stores all settings (speeds, timers, configuration) in non-volatile memory. After power restoration, the pump will resume its programmed schedule. However, you may need to reset the current time if the outage was extended.
How do I know which timer is currently running?
The main display screen shows the active timer number and scheduled stop time. You can also check the Timer Settings menu to see which timer window you're currently in. The "Timers Active" LED indicator shows that at least one timer is enabled.
Can I use both timers and external controls?
No. You must choose one mode. Setting Control Mode to "External" disables all internal timers. Setting it to "Stand-Alone" disables external control inputs. Most automation systems use External mode and handle all scheduling themselves.
What happens if I press a speed button while a timer is running?
Manual speed buttons override timers immediately. The pump runs at the selected speed continuously until you press Stop. Pressing "Resume" returns control to the timer schedule. The timer continues its schedule in the background - if still within its window when you press Resume, it resumes at the timer's programmed speed.
Why does my pump start at high speed even though Timer 1 is set to low speed?
This is the priming cycle. The pump always runs at maximum allowed speed for the configured prime duration (typically 3-8 minutes) before dropping to the programmed timer speed. This ensures proper priming and prevents dry running. You can reduce prime duration in Configuration menu if it's too long.
Can I run the pump 24/7 at very low speed?
Yes, but be strategic about it. Many pools successfully run continuously at 1200-1500 RPM, providing constant skimming and circulation. However, you should still program higher speeds for specific periods when equipment needs more flow (heating, salt generation) or for occasional high-speed cleaning. A good hybrid: 20 hours at low speed, 4 hours at medium speed.
How do I do a factory reset if programming is corrupted?
To reset all settings to factory defaults: Press Menu → Configuration → scroll to "Factory Reset" or "Reset to Defaults" → Select → Confirm. This clears all speeds, timers, and settings. Power cycling the pump does NOT reset programming - only this menu option or replacing the drive unit resets settings.