PUMP CATEGORY

Swimming Pool Pumps

A swimming pool pump is the heart of the pool’s circulation system. It draws water from the pool, moves it through the system – typically via a filter – and returns it clean and clear. Without a functioning pump, water quickly becomes st...

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From £245£204.17 (Exc VAT)
Power range 0.5–2.2 kW
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FPS Engineered™

Swimming Pool Draining Pump Kit | Mizar 60/S Submersible Pump

  • Around 130 l/m through the supplied hose. A typical 45,000 litre pool in under six hours.
  • 316 stainless steel throughout. The grade that resists chlorides, so it suits chlorinated and salt-chlorinated pools.
  • 10 mm free passage. Copes with leaves and debris in a pool that has been standing.
  • Connects with nothing else to buy. Male hose tail and clip matched to the pump's 32 mm outlet.
£439.37 £366.14 (Exc VAT)
In stock
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Swimming Pool Pump Calculator.

Choosing the right swimming pool pump comes down to two things: flow rate and head. Your pump must circulate all the water in your pool through the filtration system within a set period, typically 8 hours for a domestic pool, and it must do so against the resistance of your pipework, filter, and fittings combined. Get either wrong and the pump will either struggle to keep the water clean or wear out prematurely.

We have a step-by-step guide and video on how to choose a swimming pool pump which walks you through the process manually in 5 easy steps. Our calculator below takes this further, and our guide to how to size a swimming pool pump explains the method behind it and how to read the result against a pump curve.

It works through the same flow rate calculation but also factors in an estimated total head based on your suction lift, filtration system resistance, pipework, and return height, then identifies pumps from our range that meet both requirements simultaneously.

Please note: all results are indicative only. The calculator uses simplified assumptions and a linear pump curve approximation. Before purchasing, always verify the pump’s performance against its published curve at your required head, and check that the pump’s inlet and outlet sizes are compatible with your existing pipework and fittings.

Indicative only This calculator uses simplified assumptions for pool volume, flow rate, and total head. Results are a guide only. Always verify against your pump's published performance curve and ensure pipework diameter is matched to the pump outlet. Contact our team if you are unsure before purchasing.
How to use this calculator
  1. Select your power supply. Choose 230V for a standard domestic single-phase supply, or 400V for a three-phase commercial supply. This filters the pump range shown in the results.
  2. Select your pool shape and enter dimensions in metres. For pools with a sloping floor, use the average depth across the shallow and deep ends.
  3. Choose a turnover period. All pool water should pass through the filtration system within this time. 8 hours is the standard for domestic pools; 6 hours is recommended for pools with higher bather loads.
  4. Adjust the head values in Step 4 to match your installation. The defaults are conservative estimates for a typical domestic pool. The total head is the resistance your pump must overcome in addition to achieving the required flow rate.
  5. Read the results. The calculator estimates each pump's likely flow at your required head using a simplified linear curve approximation. The pump must meet both the required flow rate and total head simultaneously, so always check the published pump curve before purchasing. An oversized pump wastes energy and can damage the filtration system.
Understanding pool pump sizing
  1. Turnover theory. All water in the pool must circulate through the filtration system within a set period to maintain water quality. The required flow rate is calculated directly from pool volume and turnover time.
  2. Flow rate. Pool volume (litres) divided by turnover hours, then divided by 60, gives the minimum flow rate in litres per minute (L/min). That's the figure quoted on all pump datasheets.
  3. Total head. The pump must also overcome resistance from suction lift, the filtration system pressure drop, pipework friction, and return height. A pump must meet both the required flow rate and head simultaneously at the same operating point on its curve.
  4. Right-sizing matters. An oversized pump wastes energy, increases noise, and can damage the filtration system by pushing water through it too fast. An undersized pump will not circulate the pool within the required period. Always aim for the smallest pump that comfortably meets both requirements.
  5. Pipework and fittings must be checked separately. This calculator is indicative only. Before purchasing, you must verify that the pump's inlet and outlet sizes are compatible with your existing pipework, and that all fittings, valves, and connections are rated for the flow rate and pressure your pump will produce. A pump that is correctly sized on paper can still underperform or cause damage if the pipework is mismatched. If you are unsure, call us on 0115 987 0358 before ordering.

Step 1: Power supply

Select your available voltage. This filters the pump range shown in the results.

Standard domestic supply

Step 2: Pool dimensions

Use average depth if the pool has a sloping floor

Step 3: Turnover period

How long should it take to circulate all pool water through the filtration system?

Recommended for most domestic pools

Step 4: Total head estimate

The pump must overcome resistance from four sources. Adjust the values below to match your installation. The defaults are typical for a standard domestic pool.

Suction lift Vertical height from water surface to pump inlet. Typically 0.5–2 m for most domestic pools.
m
Pool filtration system Pressure drop through the filter. Typically 2–4 m for a clean sand filter; rises as the filter loads between backwashes.
m
Pipework & fittings Friction loss through suction and delivery pipework, valves, and elbows. Typically 1–3 m for a short domestic run.
m
Return / discharge head Height water is pushed up to reach the return jets. Often 0.5–1 m.
m
Estimated total head 7.0 m

Results

Four brands,

Four brands, one for every pool.

From compact above-ground pools to high-duty commercial systems, our four pump brands cover the full spread of UK pool installations. Every model is chosen for proven reliability in real systems, not headline box figures.

Pictured is the Speroni SWIMM, our high-head workhorse for pools with long pipe runs, heaters and high-resistance filters. Alongside it we stock the British-built Plastica iFlo, AG and Argonaut ranges, the Pentair line-up of variable-speed, commercial and self-priming pumps (Swimmey VSE, Sta-Rite and Freeflo), and the salt-friendly ESPA Repospool, across 230V single-phase and 400V three-phase. The comparison table and buying guide below show which suits which pool.

How to choose a new pool pump in 5 easy steps.

Below is a short video, How to Choose a New Swimming Pool Pump in 5 Easy Steps, which explains the basics of pump selection in a simple, practical way, focusing mainly on flow rate.

It's intended as a guide to help you understand the theory, but it is indicative only and does not account for system head or friction losses. We can't specify a pump remotely without understanding the full site setup, pipework and system resistance.

Compare the range

Which pump for which pool?

Compare our pool pump ranges side by side: what each is best at, its flow and head, and whether it suits a salt pool. Everything you need to narrow it down.

Range Best for Max flow Max head Salt-safe Power
Swimmey VSEPentair Efficiency, low running cost 100–270 L/min 15 m – 230V View →
SWIMMSperoni High head, long pipe runs 250–450 L/min 11–24 m – 230V/400V View →
Sta-Rite 5P2RPentair Heavy-duty, commercial 200–367 L/min 12–22.5 m – 230V/400V View →
FreefloPentair Above-ground, self-priming 150–258 L/min 11–17 m – 230V View →
RepospoolESPA Salt pools, adjustable flow 367 L/min 16 m Yes 230V View →
Argonaut AVPlastica Large & commercial pools 216–533 L/min 11–18 m Yes 230V/400V View →
AGPlastica Quiet, above-ground 150–266 L/min 8–13 m Yes 230V View →
iFloPlastica Budget, smaller pools 166–283 L/min 10–17.5 m – 230V View →
Size yours with the calculator
Buying guide

All about pool pumps.

The deeper read: the four pump ranges we stock, the three numbers that matter, and how to pick the right pump for your system.

Our swimming pool pump ranges

The best swimming pool pump for your pool is the one sized to circulate the whole pool in about eight hours at your system's real head. For most smaller domestic pools that is the value Plastica iFlo or the quiet, salt-safe Plastica AG, while larger pools, commercial systems and setups with long pipe runs, heaters or high-resistance filters are better matched to the Plastica Argonaut, the high-head Speroni SWIMM or the heavy-duty Pentair Sta-Rite. For the lowest running cost there is the variable-speed Pentair Swimmey, for above-ground pools the self-priming Pentair Freeflo, and for salt pools the ESPA Repospool. Here is how the four brands compare; the table above breaks it down model by model.

Brand Ranges Best for Salt-safe Supply
Plastica iFlo, AG, Argonaut UK-built; value through to commercial duty AG & Argonaut 230V / 400V
Speroni SWIMM High head: long runs, heaters, high-resistance filters No 230V / 400V
Pentair Swimmey VSE, Sta-Rite, Freeflo Variable-speed efficiency, commercial, self-priming No 230V / 400V
ESPA Repospool Salt pools, adjustable flow Yes 230V

We stock four brands, and between them a range that covers every kind of UK pool, from above-ground pools with the Plastica AG or self-priming Pentair Freeflo, through to large commercial systems on three-phase power with the Plastica Argonaut or Pentair Sta-Rite.

230V single-phase is the standard domestic supply for smaller, typical home pool pumps, while 400V three-phase is used for larger or commercial pumps where higher power, better efficiency, and smoother operation are required.

We don’t stock budget pumps built to fail after a season or two. Every model in our range has been selected for its proven reliability and suitability for real-world pool systems.

Plastica iFlo (entry-level, smaller pools)

The iFlo is the most affordable pump in our range. It is a simple, reliable, cost-effective pool pump designed for smaller residential pools and straightforward circulation loops. British-engineered by Plastica, who have been manufacturing pool equipment in the UK since 1972. Easy to fit, easy to replace, with a 2-year warranty on the electronics. The right starting point for a standard domestic pool when budget is a priority.

Plastica AG Series (quiet, above-ground and ornamental)

Mid-range Plastica pump with ultra-quiet operation at approximately 55 dB. Designed for above-ground pools and ornamental ponds where low noise matters. Built with materials that handle saltwater, so suitable for salt-chlorinated systems as well as standard chlorinated pools. The quietest pump we sell.

Plastica Argonaut AV Series (premium, larger and commercial pools)

Plastica's premium pool pump. Higher flow capacity, heavier-duty build, and capable of handling saltwater. Designed for larger residential pools and commercial systems where the pump is running long hours every day. Choose Argonaut if your pool is over 60,000 litres, runs more than 8 hours a day, or needs a pump built for sustained continuous duty. For the single-phase and three-phase options across the AV range, see our guide to the Plastica Argonaut AV range.

For a fuller comparison of how iFlo, AG and Argonaut sit alongside each other in the Plastica range, read our guide: Understanding the Plastica Range of Swimming Pool Pumps.

Speroni SWIMM (high head, continuous duty)

Italian-engineered by Speroni, the SWIMM is a continuous-duty pool pump and one of our most popular models thanks to its high-head performance. It handles systems with long pipe runs, heaters and high-resistance filters that would push other pumps off their working curve. The models cover everything from compact pools to larger domestic and commercial systems. Removable filter basket, inspection cover, and both 230V and 400V models available.

Pentair Swimmey VSE (variable speed, lowest running cost)

The Swimmey VSE is our variable-speed pool pump. Rather than running flat out, you set the speed to the flow your pool actually needs, which cuts energy use sharply over a season of daily running. Flow is adjustable from around 100 to 270 litres per minute, so one pump covers a wide range of pool sizes, and it is the model to choose when running cost is the priority. Engineered by Pentair, one of the largest names in pool equipment worldwide.

Pentair Sta-Rite 5P2R (heavy-duty and commercial)

The Sta-Rite is a robust, heavy-duty pump built for demanding and commercial installations. It delivers up to around 367 litres per minute against up to roughly 22.5 metres of head, with 230V single-phase and 400V three-phase options for larger sites. Choose it where the pump runs long hours and reliability under load matters most.

Pentair Freeflo (above-ground and self-priming)

The Freeflo is a self-priming pump aimed at above-ground pools and installations where the pump sits at or above water level and needs to draw water up to prime itself. It covers roughly 150 to 258 litres per minute at up to about 17 metres of head on a 230V supply, a straightforward, dependable choice for a typical above-ground setup.

ESPA Repospool (salt pools, adjustable flow)

The Repospool is our dedicated salt-pool pump, built by ESPA with materials chosen to resist salt-chlorinated water. It offers adjustable flow up to around 367 litres per minute at about 16 metres of head on a 230V supply. If you run a saltwater pool, this is the purpose-built option alongside the salt-capable Plastica AG and Argonaut.

The numbers that matter

Five specifications decide whether a pool pump will perform well in your system, and our product pages publish them clearly. If you are replacing an existing pump, you can read all five off its data plate, the sticker or stamped panel on the motor body.

Flow rate

Flow rate is the volume of water the pump moves, quoted in litres per hour (sometimes litres per minute). The industry standard is to circulate the entire pool volume once every 8 hours. So if your pool holds 40,000 litres, you need a pump rated to move at least 5,000 litres per hour at your system's working head.

Bigger is not better. Oversized pumps cost more to run, overpower the filter, strain the seals, and fail early. Matching the flow rate is the single most important decision.

Head

Head is the resistance the pump has to push against. It includes the height it has to lift water, plus friction loss from pipework, filters, heaters and fittings. It is measured in metres.

As a working guide, 10 metres of head is roughly equivalent to 1 bar of pressure. The total head for any given pool depends on its size, pipe runs, filtration setup and return height, so it varies significantly from one installation to the next. The pump's published flow rate must be the flow rate at your head, not the headline figure quoted on the box, which is the maximum at zero head.

Long pipe runs, sand filters, heat pumps and salt cells all add to total head. Systems with high total head are where the Speroni SWIMM tends to outperform other pumps in the category.

Voltage and phase

Every brand we stock offers a standard 230V single-phase mains supply, with 400V three-phase options across the Plastica Argonaut, Speroni SWIMM and Pentair Sta-Rite ranges.

If you are replacing a like-for-like pump, voltage is rarely an issue, but it is worth checking the existing pump's plate before ordering.

Pipe and connection size

Most domestic pool pumps use 1.5 inch or 2 inch unions. Matching the existing connection size keeps the pipework swap simple and avoids adapters.

Power

The motor rating is marked on the data plate in watts or kilowatts; older or imported pumps may show horsepower instead, where 1 HP is roughly 0.75 kW. Treat it as a sense check that the new pump is in the same class, not the deciding figure: flow rate and head determine whether a pump suits your pool, and a higher power rating on its own usually just means higher running cost.

Key considerations when selecting a swimming pool pump

  • Flow rate at working head: circulate the pool volume in 8 hours, calculated at your system's actual head, not the pump's maximum.
  • Pool type: chlorinated, above-ground, ornamental and saltwater pools all have different requirements. Saltwater specifically demands a salt-safe pump: the purpose-built ESPA Repospool, or the Plastica AG or Argonaut series.
  • Filter compatibility: the pump must not exceed the filter's maximum flow rating.
  • Connection size: most domestic pumps use 1.5" or 2" unions.
  • Voltage: 230V or 400V

How a swimming pool pump works

Three components do the work, and understanding them will tell you why a pump fails and how to extend the next one's life.

  • Electric motor: spins at high speed on a 230V supply, driving the impeller. This is the part most likely to burn out if the pump is undersized for the system or starved of water through a blocked basket.
  • Impeller: creates the pressure that pulls water through the strainer, pushes it through the filter, and returns it to the pool. Our pumps use thermoplastic impellers on stainless-steel shafts, the combination that resists corrosion and fatigue.
  • Pump basket: the first line of defence. Catches leaves, hair and grit before they reach the impeller. A clogged basket is a common cause of premature pump failure.

Pool, pond and saltwater uses

Although designed for chlorinated swimming pools, our pumps cover a wider range of applications:

  • Domestic chlorinated pools: any of the four brands, sized to pool volume.
  • Commercial and leisure pools: Plastica Argonaut, Speroni SWIMM (300T and 4000T) or the heavy-duty Pentair Sta-Rite.
  • Above-ground pools: Plastica AG (quiet), iFlo (cost-effective) or the self-priming Pentair Freeflo.
  • Ornamental ponds: Plastica AG runs continuously and quietly enough for garden installations.
  • Saltwater pools: the purpose-built ESPA Repospool, or the Plastica AG or Argonaut, all built to handle the corrosive nature of salt.

Replacing a broken swimming pool pump

If your existing pump has run reliably for many years, a like-for-like replacement is often the sensible option. However, if it failed prematurely or struggled to keep the pool clear, it was likely the wrong pump for the system in the first place, so a quick sanity check is worthwhile before replacing.

It is also worth noting that many pumps have been rebranded or updated over time, so a direct equivalent is usually available even if the original model is no longer listed.

Our step-by-step guide on how to replace a swimming pool pump walks through removing the old unit and fitting the new one. Orders placed before 2pm are dispatched on a next working day service.

We can provide indicative guidance based on the information available, but this does not constitute a design or engineering review.

Why buy your swimming pool pump from us

  • Specialist pump supplier since 2012, part of Flood Protection Solutions Ltd, with engineers in the team, not call-centre staff.
  • Trusted by the Environment Agency, the NHS and councils nationwide. The same pumps we ship to a domestic customer in Surrey go to public-sector frameworks.
  • Next-day delivery from Nottinghamshire. Orders before 2pm dispatched the same working day.
Common questions

Frequently asked questions.

What size swimming pool pump do I need?

Size on flow rate and head, not horsepower. The industry standard is to circulate your whole pool once every eight hours, so divide your pool volume in litres by eight to get the litres per hour you need, then choose a pump that delivers that flow at your system’s actual head, not the headline figure on the box. Our free pool pump sizing calculator works it out, and our 5 easy steps guide explains the method.

What is the best swimming pool pump?

There is no single best pump; the right one is matched to your pool. For most smaller domestic pools the Plastica iFlo (best value) or AG (quietest, salt-safe) suits, while larger or commercial pools and systems with long pipe runs, heaters or high-resistance filters are better served by the Plastica Argonaut, the high-head Speroni SWIMM or the heavy-duty Pentair Sta-Rite. For the lowest running cost look at the variable-speed Pentair Swimmey, and for salt pools the ESPA Repospool. Our guide to the Plastica range of swimming pool pumps compares the Plastica models side by side.

How long should a swimming pool pump run each day?

Long enough to circulate the whole pool volume at least once a day, which is where the eight-hour turnover figure comes from. Many domestic pools run the pump around 8 hours a day, more in hot weather or heavy use and less in winter. Because running cost scales with hours, correct sizing matters, which we cover in our guide to pool pump running costs.

How much does it cost to run a swimming pool pump?

It depends on the pump’s power and how many hours a day it runs. Since a pool pump runs for hours daily through the season, an oversized pump is expensive to run, which is the main reason to size it correctly. We work through the figures, and how to reduce them, in our guide to pool pump running costs.

Can I use a pool pump for a saltwater pool?

Yes, but only with a pump built for it. Salt-chlorinated water is corrosive, so choose a salt-safe pump: the purpose-built ESPA Repospool, the Plastica AG or the heavier-duty Plastica Argonaut, which use materials that resist salt. A standard pump not rated for salt will corrode and fail early. See our guide to the Plastica Argonaut AV range for one salt-capable option.

How do I replace my swimming pool pump?

Read the old pump’s data plate for its flow, head, voltage and connection sizes and match those rather than the horsepower. If it failed early it may have been the wrong pump, so a quick sizing check is worthwhile. Our step-by-step guide to replacing a swimming pool pump covers removing the old unit and fitting the new one.

Where should I buy a swimming pool pump from?

FloodAndWaterPumps.co.uk is part of Flood Protection Solutions Ltd, a UK specialist pump supplier established in 2012. We are not a generic online retailer. Our team includes engineers with real-world experience in water management, drainage and flood resilience.

The products we supply are selected based on how they perform in real installations, not just catalogue specifications. This means you get pumps that are proven, correctly specified, and supported by practical advice when you need it.

Why is my pool pump not circulating water properly?

This is usually caused by a blockage (pump basket, skimmer or filter), an air leak on the suction side, or the pump being unable to overcome the system resistance. Air leaks and clogged impellers are among the most common causes of poor circulation.

Is it worth repairing a pool pump or replacing it?

Minor issues like seals, baskets or capacitors can often be repaired. However, if the motor has failed or the pump is several years old, replacement is usually more cost-effective. In many cases, repeated failures indicate the pump was not correctly sized for the system.

Why is my pool pump making noise?

Noise is typically a sign of a problem rather than just age. Common causes include worn bearings, cavitation (running without enough water), poor mounting, or debris in the impeller. Ignoring it often leads to full failure if not addressed early.

Do pool pumps need regular maintenance?

Yes. Regularly emptying the pump basket, checking seals, and ensuring good airflow around the motor are essential to prevent overheating and premature failure. Most common pump issues are avoidable with basic maintenance and periodic checks.