Jandy vs Hayward – What’s better?
There isn’t a lot of difference between Jandy and Hayward – they’re both reliable brands to use in your pool. There are builders that stand by both brands and you’ll find either will do a great job.
However, based on experience and research, Hayward is the better brand to go for. They’re affordable and provide the same level of quality as Jandy, if not better. Hayward’s heaters, pumps, and automation systems are top-notch and their equipment usually comes with longer warranties. When pool building, Hayward can be more expensive though.
Saying this, with some product lines, Jandy does stand out. Hayward doesn’t do everything better, so it’s often worth comparing at an equipment level rather than an overall comparison. Also, Jandy products are usually easier to work on.
Nonetheless, I’ll be diving into a full comparison of Jandy vs Hayward below and will cover both brands based on a range of factors.
The Brands
Both brands have been around for a while. They’re household names that most pool owners are familiar with. They both make great products and offer a wide array of options.
The oldest player in the industry is Hayward. They’ve been around for 80 years and serve pools all over the world – not just in the US. They provide cutting-edge, high-quality equipment and are trusted by millions.
They provide just about every piece of pool equipment someone might need, including filters, pumps, sanitization, and much more.
Jandy is younger but has still been about since the 1950s, so they have a good few miles on the tank. Jandy is usually the go-to for a lot of pool cleaners and owners as they offer a ton of products and are easier to repair and work on.
Jandy also offers products to both commercial and residential customers.
Product Ranges
Both brands stock a wide selection of products. They both pretty much stock the same equipment but there are a few differences worth mentioning.
Hayward has an impressive range that includes just about anything an owner would need to maintain their pool. This includes pumps, filters, heaters, and automation systems. Hayward is known for their pumps and heaters (as we’ll explore later). They have pump horsepower options ranging from 0.5 to 7.5, so there’s something for everyone.
They also have specific products for above and in-ground pools, which is unique and something you don’t see with other brands.
Jandy also offers a large range of products and services for both residential and commercial customers. Like Hayward, they include things like pumps, filters, systems, heaters, and much more in their product range.
The main difference though is Jandy doesn’t allow you to purchase their equipment online. With Hayward, you can pick up a pump or a filter from an online store. With Jandy, you have to go through a pool professional and get it installed properly. This can be a pain for a lot of people, especially those who have the knowledge to do it themselves.
However, you could probably pick up Jandy equipment secondhand if you weren’t fussed about getting it new. Just be prepared for a lot more maintenance and repairs.
How do They Compare Between Specific Equipment?
Despite Hayward and Jandy having nearly identical product ranges, there are a few performance differences with their equipment.
Pool professionals tend to prefer different brands for different equipment. For example, you might find one pool owner has everything from Hayward or you’ll find another with a Hayward pump, Jandy valves, and a Pentair heater.
I’ll go through some of the specific equipment differences below so you can mix and match the best brands.
Be warned, mixing and matching brands during the pool building process can result in shorter warranties! Speak to your pool builder for more advice on what specific equipment to include.
Pumps
When it comes to pool pumps, I would classify Hayward as having the best. Jandy does produce good pumps that last, but from experience and through listening to the stories of other owners, Hayward definitely has more praise.
From what I’ve seen, more builders stand by the Hayward brand as well for their efficient pumps.
Some owners have had their Hayward pumps for 5+ years without any issues or complications. The only problem some owners might find is Hayward pumps are difficult to open up and work on. However, replacing basic items like the impeller and motor usually isn’t a problem.
Hayward does have a large market share in parts of the country as well. So, getting a pump delivered quickly is easy.
I will say though, you do tend to see more variable speed pumps from Pentair. So, if you’re considering a variable pump, Hayward might be your second choice.
Filters
Filters are a tough one because all brands do them well. However, when you’re comparing Jandy vs Hayward, there are some equipment performance benefits between specific filters.
If you’re after a sand or cartridge filter, Hayward is going to be your best friend. Their sand and cartridge filters are used all over the country and they’re a common brand to see. People own them for years without any complaint, and they’re easy to clean.
If you’re after a DE filter, Jandy is going to be the one to choose. This comes from what I’ve read about Hayward not having a wide selection of DE filters in some parts of the country. If you’re after a DE filter for your pool, go with Jandy.
Automation Systems
Automation systems are a tough one, as it depends on what you’re going to be automating.
If you’re after automated systems for chlorination and other chemical automation, I would suggest Hayward. Their applications are easy to use and I’ve heard other pool owners sing nothing but praise. They also have consoles and automation for novices who don’t need all the details a professional might need.
If you’re looking to automate things such as lights, I’d go with Jandy. Jandy lights are easy to install and a monkey could operate them. They produce vibrant colors and seem to last longer than Haywards.
Be aware you can’t mix two different lighting systems together. If you’re going to install Jandy lights, you can’t control them with a Hayward controler.
Heaters
For heaters, there is one clear winner – Hayward. When you head over to the colder states and locations, Hayward heaters have a monopoly and for a good reason. They’re reliable and easy to use.
To be honest, I can’t remember the last time I saw a Jandy heater being used in a pool. Hayward always seems to be the go-to.
There have been some conversions around whether Rheem should be used. However, from what I’ve read, 3 pool builders have had unpleasant experiences, particularly with their warranty. So, maybe stay away from Rheem if you’re looking for a heater.
Valves
For valves, it has to be Jandy all the way. Their no-lube pool valves are so easy to use and owners have never really experienced any problems. Whether you’re after a diverter valve, check valve or ball valve, Jandy has you covered.
Despite the recommendations to use Hayward for automation, I will say Jandy’s valve automation is very good. If you need to quickly divert water or chemicals, their Aqualink automation is efficient and easy to use.
Pricing
Both Jandy and Hayward are similarly priced. However, due to the prestige and legacy Hayward has, they can sometimes be a little more expensive. This is especially true when it comes to pool building.
This is largely because Jandy equipment can only be installed through an expert or pool builder. Therefore, pool builders can get good deals on Jandy equipment if they design to stand by the brand. I’ve heard Jandy installers charging 4x less than Hayward competitors.
At an equipment level, it is hard to differentiate. It will depend on what you need and it is difficult to compare individual products like-for-like as they’ll have different features and benefits. All of which impact price.
To keep things simple, both are affordable and to save costs you should focus on specific equipment (a 1-speed pump compared to a 2-speed pump, etc.). However, when it comes to pool building, Jandy will be the cheaper option.
Customer Support and Warranties
Throughout my time in this industry, Hayward always wins when it comes to customer support and warranties. I’ve heard of pool builders praising Hayward for their quick and helpful customer service and their tendency to honor warranties.
Jandy can sometimes be picky about when they honor warranties on their equipment. So, although you might get offered a long warranty by exclusively using Jandy equipment, you might be shocked when they don’t keep their word.
Hayward is also happy to come out and make repairs. This is usually because they have large market shares in certain locations. So, they’re used to being called out and are efficient when they do so.
It’s worth noting both offer 1-3 year warranties. However, you will often find Hayward providing extended warranties, particularly if you agree to use their equipment exclusively. And because you can repair and install Hayward yourself, they have plenty of guides and FAQs on their site for repairs and assistance.
If you’re looking for solid customer support and a company that will honor warranties with little resistance, Hayward is the top choice.
Jandy vs Hayward – The Winner?
As you already know by now, Hayward is the one that comes out on top. If you’re looking for reliable and easy-to-use equipment, great customer support, and extended warranties that actually get honored, Hayward is the one to choose.
However, if you’re building a pool and are looking to keep costs down, Jandy might be the better option. Just be aware of the issues we’ve mentioned above (only pool experts can install them, poorer customer support, etc.)