Hayward TriStar VS 950 Timers Or Preset Speeds Not Working As Expected

Understanding The Control Layers

From lowest to highest:

1. Timers: Up to eight schedules, each with a speed, start/stop time, and day pattern.
2. Preset speeds: Speed 1–4, each with a name, duration, and RPM.
3. Quick Clean: Temporary run at max allowed speed for a fixed time.
4. Remote control mode: Standalone/Hayward or Relay Control determines who is in charge.
5. Stop/Resume and remote stop: Can shut the pump down regardless of timers.

If you do not know which layer is active, the pump will appear unpredictable.

Step-By-Step Troubleshooting

Step 1: Check if timers are even enabled

Owner-level:

1. Look for the Timers Active LED on the keypad.
2. If it is off, the pump has no scheduled runs and will only operate when commanded manually.

Enter the Timer menu and review Timer 1:

• Default from the factory is a nearly all-day run. If someone has set start and stop times equal, that timer is disabled.

Step 2: Review each timer for conflicts

1. Step through Timer 1 to Timer 8.
2. For each, note:
   • Name.
   • Speed.
   • Start/stop times.
   • Day pattern.

Remember:

• If Timer 1 and Timer 2 overlap, the pump obeys Timer 1 until it ends, then runs Timer 2.
• If you expect a speed change at a certain time, but an earlier timer is still active, it will not change.

Owners can simplify by using fewer timers. Techs can design more complex schedules carefully.

Step 3: Confirm remote control mode

In the Configuration menu:

1. Look at Remote Control Mode.
2. If it is set to Relay Control, the pump is expecting external relay inputs to select timer speeds 1–8. Internal timers still hold speeds, but relay inputs pick which one runs.
3. When in remote modes, Speed 1–4 and Quick Clean may be disabled.

If you want the pump to run itself, set Remote Control Mode to Standalone/Hayward and program timers accordingly.

Step 4: Check preset speeds and durations

In the Speeds menu:

1. Confirm each Speed 1–4 has a name, duration, and RPM that make sense.
2. Duration is how long that speed runs each time you press the button. Multiple presses add more time, up to a limit.
3. If duration is set to zero or a very short time, the pump may start and stop so quickly that owners think it is ignoring them.

Step 5: Understand Stop/Resume and remote stop behavior

• Pressing Stop/Resume stops the pump and lights a red LED. It will not resume until you press it again, even if timers say it should run.
• A wired remote stop switch can hold the pump off as long as it is engaged.

Always check for an active stop status if the pump refuses to run.

Step 6: Check low temperature operation

If configured:

• When the drive's internal temperature drops to the low temperature set point, the pump can start and run at a set speed, even if no timer is active.
• If owners see the pump run at odd times in cold weather, this may be why.

If you do not want this behavior, disable low temperature operation in the configuration.

Common Parts And Fixes

Usually there are no parts involved here. Fixes are:

• Clearing and reprogramming timers from scratch.
• Setting remote control mode correctly.
• Adjusting preset speed durations and RPM to useful values.
• In rare cases, replacing a faulty keypad if buttons do not register.

Model-Specific Notes

• When connected to compatible Hayward automation, prime duration and certain local control functions are overridden by the external controller.
• In Relay Control mode, timer speeds serve as "speed presets" that relays pick. This can be powerful but confusing if you are not familiar.

How To Prevent Control Confusion

• On new installs, document timer settings, min/max speed, and remote mode for the homeowner.
• Avoid using all eight timers unless the system truly needs complex scheduling.
• For simple pools, one or two timers and a couple of preset speeds are plenty.