If you’ve never had to choose a swimming pool pump before, it can feel like you’re dropped straight into the deep end. Flow rates, horsepower, voltages, pipe sizes, model codes, none of it is particularly intuitive, and very little of it is explained in simple terms.
That’s why we’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide, along with a short video, to help you work out the flow rate your pool actually needs, before you start looking at pump models, which you can access here: How to Choose a Swimming Pool Pump in 5 Easy Steps
If you’re specifically considering Plastica Pumps, this guide focuses on breaking their range down into sensible, practical groupings, so you can narrow things down without having to decode spec sheets.
It’s worth noting that all Swimming Pool Pumps are Surface Pumps. Unlike Submersible Pumps, they do not sit in the water. Instead, they are installed in a suitable housing outside the pool, with suction and return pipework connected back to the pool. The distance and height between the pump and the water level matters: the further away (or higher) the pump is located, the harder it has to work to draw water in.
For example, the smaller Plastica AG models are self-priming up to 1.8 m of suction lift, whereas the larger Argonaut AV range can self-prime up to 3 m, which can be an important deciding factor where plant rooms are set back or below pool water level.
Plastica was founded in 1972 and remains the UK’s leading independent pool products manufacturer. They operate from a 13,000 m² facility in St Leonards-on-Sea, where a wide range of pool equipment is manufactured.
Unlike many pool brands that rely heavily on overseas manufacturing, a significant proportion of Plastica’s pumps are designed, built, tested and packed in the UK. That tends to show over time, particularly in durability, parts availability, and long-term support.
For simplicity, Plastica’s swimming pool pumps can be grouped into three categories:
Each serves a different purpose. More power is not always better.
Plastica iFlo Swimming Pool Pump
The iFlo range is Plastica’s entry-level option, suited to smaller pools where simplicity and cost are priorities.
Good value, without cutting corners:
The iFlo sits at a noticeably lower price point than many comparable pool pumps, but without the usual compromises you’d expect. For smaller pools in particular, it offers a sensible balance between cost, performance and longevity.
Designed and manufacturer with a heavy-duty, air-cooled motor and robust pump housing. They are designed to cope with continuous use in a pool environment. The iFlo range has proven to be extremely reliable, with very low failure rates in real-world installations. Including a large strainer basket and a high-load, self-priming impeller mean the iFlo is well suited to swimming pool circulation, helping maintain consistent flow without unnecessary strain on the motor.
Available models:
Manufacturers tend to use technical coding rather than memorable names, but once you know this, the range becomes much easier to compare, noting that the coding here reflects the power: SFP075 = 0.75hp, SFP100 = 1hp, SFP150 = 1.5hp.
Pipe connections:
All iFlo pumps connect to 1.5″ industry-standard rigid pool pipe, (50mm). This is with a female BSP hose tail union, as pictured below:
Plastica AG Series Swimming Pool Pump
The AG range is a step up in build quality and prestige, designed for residential pools, above-ground pools, and ornamental ponds.
These pumps are designed and engineered in the UK, with an emphasis on reliability and quiet operation.
Key technical features:
Available models & flow rates:
This range suits users who want a quiet, durable pump for smaller pools.
Plastica Argonaut AV Series Swimming Pool Pump
The Argonaut AV range is Plastica’s flagship in-ground pool pump, designed for performance, efficiency, and long-term reliability.
Power range:
Electrical options:
230V pumps are standard domestic single-phase units, while 400V pumps use three-phase power, making them better suited to larger pools and commercial or high-duty applications.
Design & manufacture:
Key benefits:
One of the most common mistakes with swimming pool pumps is oversizing. More power does not automatically mean better circulation. In many cases it leads to:
That’s why we always recommend starting with flow-rate calculation, not horsepower.
If you’d like help working out what your pool actually needs, our sizing guide and video will walk you through it step by step.
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