Hayward Super Pump VS 700 Timer and Speed Programming: Setup and Troubleshooting

How VS 700 Scheduling Works

The Super Pump VS 700 VS drive contains an onboard real-time clock and a programmable timer that allows you to set multiple run periods per day, each with an independent speed setpoint. This means the pump can run at low speed for overnight filtration, switch to a higher speed for midday cleaning cycles, and drop back to low speed in the evening — all automatically.

Each programmed run period requires three pieces of information: a start time, a stop time, and a target speed in RPM. If the speed is set too low for the application — for instance, a filtration speed that does not meet turnover requirements, or a cleaning speed that does not provide enough suction for a robot or cleaner — the pump runs correctly from the drive's perspective but does not meet the pool's operational needs.

When the pump is connected to a Hayward automation system (OmniLogic, ProLogic), the automation controller typically takes over scheduling and may override or supplement the pump's internal timer. Understanding which control source is active is the first step in any scheduling diagnosis.

Step 1: Verify the Clock Settings

An incorrect internal clock is the most common cause of scheduling failures on VS pumps. This includes wrong day-of-week (the display may show "Monday" when it is actually "Tuesday"), reversed AM/PM, or a clock that drifted to 12:00:00 AM after a power outage.

1. Access the display panel on the pump.
2. Navigate to the clock or time settings menu. On most Hayward VS drives, this is accessible through the main menu or settings menu — the specific navigation depends on the firmware version. Refer to the VS drive user interface guide for your pump model.
3. Confirm the displayed time matches the actual current time, including AM/PM.
4. Confirm the displayed day-of-week matches the actual current day. Many technicians overlook this — a pump programmed to run Monday through Friday will not run on weekends, but if the drive thinks today is Sunday when it is actually Monday, it will not run on what is actually a scheduled day.
5. If the clock was reset by a power outage, all programmed timer events will still be in memory but will not execute correctly until the clock is reset to the correct time and day.

Step 2: Review the Speed Programs

After confirming the clock is correct, review the speed program schedule to confirm the pump is programmed to run during the period you expect it to run, at the speed appropriate for the task.

Accessing and reviewing programs

1. Navigate to the program or timer menu on the VS drive display.
2. For each programmed period, note: the start time, the stop time, and the speed setpoint in RPM.
3. Confirm that the current time falls within a programmed run period. If it does not, the pump is behaving correctly — it will start when the next programmed period begins.
4. Confirm the speed setpoint is appropriate for the task. Common speed guidelines for a standard residential pool:
   • Low-speed filtration: 1,200–1,800 RPM (energy-efficient, adequate for basic turnover on smaller pools)
   • Medium-speed cleaning/heating: 2,000–2,500 RPM (adequate flow for most pressure cleaners and heaters)
   • High-speed vacuuming or feature operation: 2,800–3,450 RPM (maximum flow for waterfalls, vacuuming, or high-demand applications)

Step 3: Manual Run Override

If you need the pump to run immediately for testing or servicing — regardless of the schedule — VS drives include a manual run or override mode. This is the correct way to bypass the timer during service, rather than disconnecting the timer wiring or modifying the schedule.

1. On the drive display, look for a "Manual" or "Override" button or menu option.
2. Entering manual mode typically runs the pump at a specified speed until you exit manual mode or the manual override timeout expires.
3. After servicing, exit manual mode to return control to the programmed schedule. Leaving the pump in manual mode means it will run continuously at whatever speed was set, regardless of the programmed schedule.

Step 4: Check Automation Override

When a VS pump is connected to a Hayward OmniLogic or ProLogic automation system, the automation controller can override the pump's internal schedule. This is usually the intended behavior — the automation system controls when and at what speed the pump runs, based on the broader pool equipment program.

The complication arises when the pump's internal timer is programmed AND the automation system is also sending commands. The result can be conflicts — the pump may run at the automation-commanded speed rather than the internally programmed speed, or the automation may turn the pump off during a period when the internal schedule would have it on.

1. If the pump is connected to automation, verify on the automation controller whether the pump is currently commanded to run and at what speed.
2. Check the automation's pump schedule and compare it to the pump's internal schedule. One should take priority — on Hayward systems, the automation typically takes precedence when a RS-485 communication link is active.
3. If you want the pump to run on its internal schedule independent of automation, disable or remove the RS-485 communication link. Note that this will also prevent automation features like speed changes based on solar heating demand, cleaner timing, or freeze protection from operating.