🏊Pool Pump

E96

Hayward · TriStar VS 950 Variable Speed Pool Pump

Hayward TriStar VS 950 Variable Speed Pool Pump E96 Error Fix: Drive Assembly Failure

Drive assembly failure — the motor drive assembly has malfunctioned, preventing the pump from operating at the correct speed or starting at all

Medium severity2 fixes available✨ Free fix available

Quick Answer

Error E96 on the Hayward TriStar VS 950 Variable Speed Pool Pump means: Drive Assembly Failure. The top-ranked community fix is “Test and Replace the Drive Assembly” (hard difficulty, ~90 min, DIY cost: $0-$20). 2 community-ranked fixes available below.

Published February 2026 · 2 fixes · pool pump

Content is based on manufacturer service documentation, community repair experience, and OEM technical bulletins. Always verify with your owner's manual.Learn about our editorial standards.

When to Call a Professional

While many pool pump repairs can be done safely at home, consider hiring a qualified technician if:

The repair involves electrical wiring, gas lines, or refrigerant
You've tried the top-ranked fix and the error persists
You smell gas, see sparking, or notice water leaking
The repair requires specialized tools you don't have
Your appliance is still under manufacturer warranty

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $400-$600.

Other Hayward Models with Error E96

Super Pump VS Variable Speed Pool Pump

pool_pump · 2 fixes

Other Hayward TriStar VS 950 Variable Speed Pool Pump Error Codes

AIR LEAK

Suction Side Air Leak

2 fixes

E97

Drive Communication Error

2 fixes

E98

Critical Drive Failure

2 fixes

IMPELLER CLOG

Impeller Clogged or Jammed

2 fixes

MOTOR NOISE

Excessive Motor Noise

Pump Unable to Prime

Shaft Seal Water Leak

2 fixes

People Also Ask About Hayward TriStar VS 950 Variable Speed Pool Pump Error E96

What does error code E96 mean on a Hayward TriStar VS 950 Variable Speed Pool Pump?

Error code E96 on the Hayward TriStar VS 950 Variable Speed Pool Pump means: Drive Assembly Failure. Drive assembly failure — the motor drive assembly has malfunctioned, preventing the pump from operating at the correct speed or starting at all

How do I fix error code E96 on my Hayward TriStar VS 950 Variable Speed Pool Pump?

The most successful fix is "Test and Replace the Drive Assembly" (hard difficulty, ~90 minutes). Estimated DIY cost: $0-$20. HomeMD has 2 community-ranked fixes for this error.

Is error code E96 on a Hayward TriStar VS 950 Variable Speed Pool Pump serious?

This error is rated medium severity. It should be addressed soon, but your appliance may still function in a limited capacity.

Can I fix Hayward TriStar VS 950 Variable Speed Pool Pump error E96 myself?

Yes — the top-ranked community fix ("Test and Replace the Drive Assembly") is rated hard difficulty and takes about 90 minutes. Tools needed: T25 Torx screwdriver, Multimeter, Socket wrench set.

How much does it cost to repair Hayward TriStar VS 950 Variable Speed Pool Pump error E96?

DIY cost: $0-$20. Professional repair typically costs $400-$600. Many homeowners save money by trying the top-ranked community fix first.

What other error codes does the Hayward TriStar VS 950 Variable Speed Pool Pump have?

The Hayward TriStar VS 950 Variable Speed Pool Pump has 7 other known error codes, including: AIR LEAK (Suction Side Air Leak), E97 (Drive Communication Error), E98 (Critical Drive Failure), IMPELLER CLOG (Impeller Clogged or Jammed), MOTOR NOISE (Excessive Motor Noise), and 2 more.

Which other Hayward models have the E96 error?

Error code E96 also appears on 1 other Hayward model: Super Pump VS Variable Speed Pool Pump. The fix may vary by model, so check each model's specific page for tailored repair steps.

What other error codes does the Hayward TriStar VS 950 Variable Speed Pool Pump have?

The Hayward TriStar VS 950 Variable Speed Pool Pump has 7 other known error codes:

AIR LEAK — Suction Side Air Leak (2 fixes)
E97 — Drive Communication Error (2 fixes)
E98 — Critical Drive Failure (2 fixes)
IMPELLER CLOG — Impeller Clogged or Jammed (2 fixes)
MOTOR NOISE — Excessive Motor Noise (2 fixes)
PRIMING FAILURE — Pump Unable to Prime (2 fixes)
SHAFT SEAL LEAK — Shaft Seal Water Leak (2 fixes)

Which other Hayward models have the E96 error?

Error code E96 also appears on 1 other Hayward model:

Super Pump VS Variable Speed Pool Pump (pool pump) · 2 fixes

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