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Pentair Swimmey Centrifugal Swimming Pool Pumps
The Pentair Swimmey is a self-priming swimming pool pump with a built-in pre-filter, designed for the filtration and circulation of chlorine-treated pool water. Six sizes cover maximum flows from 210 to 550 litres per minute, and every size comes in a 230v single-phase version and a 400v three-phase version, so the range suits everything from a small garden pool to a larger private pool with its own plant room.
The pump body and pre-filter are ABS, and the impeller and diffuser are glass-fibre reinforced Lexan, which resists abrasion from any sand carried over from the filter. A large strainer basket sits under a clear, hand-tightened cover, so you can see when it needs emptying. The motor runs at 2850 rpm, is IPX5 rated with class F insulation, and is suitable for continuous duty. Suction and delivery connections are DN 50 on every model.
Choosing the right Swimmey
The number in the model name is the approximate maximum flow in cubic metres per hour: a Swimmey 12 moves up to about 12 m³/h (210 l/min) and a Swimmey 33 up to about 33 m³/h (550 l/min). Motor sizes run from 0.37 kW on the Swimmey 12 to 1.5 kW on the Swimmey 33.
The letter gives the supply. M models are 230v single-phase, with a run capacitor and a thermal cut-out built into the motor winding, so they plug into a normal domestic circuit. T models are 400v three-phase (listed as 415v), and the installer must fit external motor protection such as an overload starter.
Maximum flow only happens at zero head, so size the pump on the resistance of your filter, heater and pipework. The table shows how much head each pump develops at 100 and 200 l/min. The Swimmey 19 pushes harder than the Swimmey 24 at low flow, which suits a sand filter on a long pipe run, while the Swimmey 24 carries on delivering at higher flows where the 19 runs out. If your current pump is struggling to turn the pool over, compare the figures at your working flow rather than the headline maximum.
| Model | Max Flow (l/min) | Head at 100 l/min (m) | Head at 200 l/min (m) | Current 230v (A) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swimmey 12M / 12T | 210 | 9 | 2 | 2.5 | 8 |
| Swimmey 15M / 15T | 250 | 11 | 4.5 | 3.0 | 8.5 |
| Swimmey 19M / 19T | 310 | 15.5 | 10 | 5.0 | 10.2 |
| Swimmey 24M / 24T | 400 | 13 | 10.5 | 4.8 | 11 |
| Swimmey 28M / 28T | 470 | 15.5 | 13 | 7.0 | 13 |
| Swimmey 33M / 33T | 550 | 18.5 | 15.5 | 8.5 | 14.5 |
Flow and head figures are from Pentair’s published performance data; the M and T versions of each size have the same hydraulic performance. Click through to any model for its full specifications, performance curve and dimensions.
Where to Use Pentair Swimmey Pool Pumps
The Swimmey is a filtration pump: it draws water from the skimmers and main drain, pushes it through the sand or cartridge filter and any heater, and returns it to the pool. Pentair rates it for the circulation and filtration of swimming pools and tubs using chlorine-treated water at up to 40°C, with a maximum operating pressure of 2.5 bar. Because it is self-priming, it can sit above the water level in a pump house or plant room and lift water up to 3 metres on the suction side, provided you fit a foot valve.
Start with the turnover you need. Most private pools aim to pass the whole volume through the filter in around eight hours, so a 60 m³ pool needs roughly 7.5 m³/h (125 l/min) at the head your system actually creates. Our swimming pool pump selection guide walks through the calculation, and our guide to pump head and flow rate explains how to read the curves. Avoid oversizing: a pump that is too big for the filter wastes electricity.
Install the pump as close to the pool as you can, in a dry, ventilated spot protected from frost, with isolating valves on both sides and a non-return valve after the pump. On the Swimmey 33, Pentair asks for suction and delivery pipework of at least 75 mm (3 inch). For a smaller single-phase alternative on a domestic pool, compare the Swim Buddy pool pumps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the numbers and letters in Swimmey model names mean?
The number is the approximate maximum flow in m³/h, so the Swimmey 19 delivers up to about 19 m³/h (310 l/min). M means 230v single-phase and T means 400v three-phase.
Do I need a three-phase supply?
No. Every size is available as an M model for a standard 230v supply. Three-phase Swimmeys have no built-in thermal protection, so the installer must fit an overload or motor starter, while the single-phase versions have a thermal cut-out in the motor winding.
Can I replace my existing Swimmey with the same size?
Yes. Pentair’s dimension drawings show all six sizes sharing the same height, base and DN 50 connection positions; only the overall length grows, from 582 mm on the Swimmey 12 and 15 to 635 mm on the Swimmey 28 and 33. If the old pump never kept the water clear, check the head and flow against the table above before ordering.
How do I prime a Swimmey pump?
Unscrew the clear pre-filter cover and fill the pump body with water up to the suction opening, refit the cover by hand and start the pump. Never run it dry. Our guide on how to prime a pump covers the general steps and common air-leak problems.
How do I look after the strainer basket?
Isolate the pump, unscrew the cover, then lift out and empty the basket. Clean the clear cover with water and mild detergent, never solvents, and tighten it by hand, not with tools. If you shut the pool down for winter, drain the pump using the drain screw.
What electrical protection does a Swimmey need?
Pentair requires an earthed supply protected by a 30 mA residual current device, and an isolating switch.
If you would like help choosing a Swimmey for your pool, or matching a replacement to your existing filter, call the AES Rewinds team on 01252 515169 or email sales@aesrewinds.com. You can also browse all swimming pool pumps or the wider Pentair range.
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