Update 7/30/2024: An ongoing issue with the pump shutting off intermittently forced me to power down the pump at the breaker to get it to work again. Jump to my experience with support and the fix.

There is a market for a more affordable variable-speed pump, and Black and Decker seems to have filled that gap. For the price point, their pump has exceeded my expectations after three swim seasons and is indistinguishable from the established brands.

New energy guidelines for pool pumps from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) guide pool owners to variable-speed pumps due to their energy savings and higher efficiency rates.

However, given their price, they almost seem like a luxury item for pool owners. Black and Decker’s pump shows that you can make a good pump at an affordable price.

Black and Decker Variable Speed Pump Overview

These pumps are manufactured by Blue Torrent Pool Products and sold exclusively through online retailers. With some brands almost eliminating online sales, this is becoming more convenient.

Their inground pump has three different models, including an above-ground pump:

• 1HP Above-Ground Only (SKU: BDXBTAGVAR)
• 1.5 HP (SKU: BDXBTVAR150)
• 2 HP (SKU: BDXBTVAR200)
• 3 HP (SKU: BDXBTVAR300)

Each pump is ENERGY STAR Certified and self-proclaims to “pay itself off with up to 80% of energy costs saved in all phases of operation.” It is built with a permanent magnet motor to ensure the pump runs at a lower temperature, is quieter, and lasts longer.

Except for their above-ground pump model, all inground models require 230 volts, so rewiring may be required if you only have a 115-volt panel.

Lastly, the pump includes an easy-to-use control panel for setting a schedule and accommodating heaters, cleaners, salt systems, and any water feature your pool utilizes.

Perhaps one of the most enticing aspects of these pumps is their included 5-year warranty, almost unheard of for pool pumps or any piece of equipment.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of each inground model:

Unboxing and Installation

In my experience, the Black and Decker pump installation was the most painless and quickest. While the instruction manual gives a nice overview, the installation was plug-and-play.

The pump itself comes with CPVC (chlorinated PVC that can withstand higher temperatures) union connectors and adapters for 1.5” and 2” pipe sizes, which makes it super convenient.

But what makes this installation easier than others is its adjustable base. The base can be installed or removed based on the type of pump that you are replacing.

• The installed base meets the height of the suction-side port for Pentair WhisperFlo and Sta-Rite Dyna-Glas.
• Removing the base meets the height of the suction-side port for Hayward Super Pump, Pentair SuperFlo, and Sta-Rite Supermax.

Because of this, the installation, which included removing an existing pump and inserting the Black and Decker pump, took less than 30 minutes.

Remember, this experience might not be the same for everyone, as each pool pad is different, and more piping runs may be required to fit.

Performance of the Black and Decker Variable Speed Pump

Black and Decker designed their pool pump to be as user-friendly as possible.

The control panel’s design is simple enough to start the pump and manually change its speed (4 programmable buttons to input RPM levels manually), but it is also easy to set a schedule based on your needs for runtime.

Noise Level

Right away, the one very apparent thing is how quiet the pump runs, to the point where you might need to double-check that it is still on and running.

Even when the pump runs higher than 2,500 RPMs, it is much quieter than similar pumps.

Check out our noise level check on different RPMs:

Efficiency

A variable speed pump’s biggest benefit is its energy efficiency. It does the same “work” that a single-speed pump can do but at a fraction of the energy consumption and costs.

Black and Decker succeeds in its efficiency standards as each model is ENERGY STAR Certified.

For me, energy bills were cut in half over the swim season, saving an average of $80-$120 monthly.

The pump’s panel shows the watts used at every RPM, so you know exactly how much it costs to run each day.

Reliability

As of writing this review, I have been using the Black and Decker pump for over three years and had one problem that needed to be resolved. (see update below).

Parts are easy enough to order online if necessary. I noticed that unions and connectors aren’t necessarily universal, but that isn’t just a Black and Decker problem.

Also, with the 5-year warranty, there is a lot more wiggle room to work with in case the pump is defective.

Some research online shows a very favorable customer service team that honors the warranty when necessary.

Update 7/30/2024: Pump Shuts Off. Black and Decker Response

Over the last month of June 2024, I would wake up and notice the pump had shut off. This happened three times. The pump was still “on,” and the schedule was working, but the pump would not run with RPMs showing zero.

I had to power the pump down by turning it off at the breaker for a minute or two until the pump shut off. After turning it back on, the pump worked again as expected.

After the third time, I emailed Black and Decker support, and within an hour, I got a response to the problem.

There seems to be a known issue about the pump’s drive not properly communicating with the motor.

Support took my information and sent me a new drive within a day. Installing the new parts took less than 15 minutes (they sent a how-to video to install) without the need to drain or remove the pump itself. They also sent a prepaid return label to send the defective drive back.

It’s been about a month, and the issue has yet to reappear.

While the issue was pretty annoying—luckily, I was home each time—I must say the support and response to the issue were an A+. They seem to care about their product, and I had zero issues using the warranty.

Drawbacks

While there is a lot to like about the Black and Decker pump, some issues can potentially be deal breakers and make the pump a less attractive option.

All of the inground models require 230 volts to run. This may become the norm, but plenty of variable-speed pumps still run on 115 volts. Rewiring might offset the cheaper price in the long term.

Also, while the 5-year warranty is a huge positive, there aren’t any authorized service centers like the other brands. Small problems and issues might require DIY fixes, which can be a problem for less experienced owners.

Lastly (and this may just be me!), the color scheme screams “gimmick.” The bright orange is a bit too much, and I have been contemplating painting it for a while now. This is minor, but it is always the first thing I see when looking at my pool equipment. Luckily, I operate it with the base off, so it isn’t too noticeable!

Testimonials: What Others Are Saying

Given that these pumps are only a couple of years old, there isn’t much user feedback and reviews. However, testimonials and reviews that are available are overwhelmingly positive.

On Amazon, users have found most aspects of the pump, from the DIY install to the noise level, to be very positive.

There are also plenty of first-hand experiences from various threads on Reddit that show some mixed reactions.

The users from the forum TroubleFreePool provide some unique insights into the pump as well.

Verdict: Black and Decker Makes a Solid, Affordable Pump

I have to be honest, I was skeptical at first when I saw this pump at its price point. For most “cheaper” alternatives, you get what you pay for.

I don’t see that with the Black and Decker pump. It is a very good pump with a lower price than competitors.

If you are looking for a variable-speed pump and aren’t looking to break the bank completely, go with Black and Decker.

Why Trust This Review?

I have been using this pump exclusively for three swim seasons, documenting different aspects of its performance and efficiency. This review was done without bias or financial incentive from Black and Decker.