Pool equipment: Pentair, Hayward or Jandy?

Pentair, Hayward and Jandy (part of Fluidra) make most of the residential pool equipment installed in California. All three make good pumps, filters, heaters and automation. The brand matters less than four other things.

1. Sizing and plumbing matter more than the logo

An oversized pump on undersized pipe wastes power and wears out early. Ask the builder for the pipe sizes, the pump size and the flow it is designed to deliver. California's energy code has specific rules for new residential pool plumbing and pumps, including pipe sizing and limits on pressure loss through fittings.

2. Variable-speed pumps

Under federal efficiency rules and California's energy code, the filtration pump on a new pool is in practice a variable-speed or multi-speed pump. It costs more up front and much less to run. If a bid lists a single-speed pump, ask why.

3. Heating: gas, heat pump, or both

California did not ban gas pool heaters. But under the state energy code (Title 24, section 110.4(c)) a gas heater by itself is not one of the ways a new pool's heating system can meet the code. A common approach is a heat pump as the primary heater, with a gas heater as a supplement. Ask your builder which path the plans use, and whether your gas meter and electrical service can carry it.

4. Who will service it

Pick the brand your local service companies stock parts for and know how to repair. A great heater is a bad choice if the nearest technician who works on it is an hour away. Equipment warranties usually require licensed installation and may need registration.

What to get in writing

• The make and model number of every piece of equipment: pump, filter, heater or heat pump, automation, lights, sanitizer, cleaner.
• Pipe sizes, and the length of the run to the equipment pad.
• Who registers the equipment warranties, and who you call when something fails in year two.
• Bonding and grounding of the equipment, lights and metal around the pool, required by the electrical code and checked by the inspector.

Equipment by model number is one of the most common things left out of pool contracts.

By Randy Beard, licensed California pool contractor (CSLB #871188, C-53 Swimming Pool and C-27 Landscaping). Updated November 9, 2026. Practical guidance, not legal advice.