Pool Pumps
A pool pump draws water from the skimmer and main drain, pushes it through the filter and returns it clean to the pool. The right size is not the biggest pump you can afford – it is the pump that turns your pool over in 6 to 8 hours against the real resistance of your filter and pipework. This guide shows you how to work that out, with full specifications for every pump in our range and current South African prices.
Power Range
250W – 2 200W
230V and 400V
Turnover Target
6 – 8 hours
Full pool volume through the filter
Pool Pumps
From about R1 940
Incl. VAT
Max Flow
Up to 30 m³/h
Leo XKP2204
Max Head
Up to 18 m
Leo XKP2204
Solar Option
Vega TSP
Runs directly from solar panels
How a pool pump works
Water is drawn from the skimmer box and main drain into the pump's strainer basket, which catches hair, leaves and lint before they reach the impeller. The impeller then pushes the water through the sand filter, where fine dirt is trapped, and back into the pool through the return inlets. Chlorine, salt chlorinators and heaters all rely on this circulation to work.
Clean the strainer basket weekly. A blocked basket starves the pump of water, cuts the flow, overheats the motor and can damage the mechanical seal.
Sizing a pool pump in three steps
1. Work out your pool volume
| Pool shape | Volume in litres |
|---|---|
| Rectangle | Length × width × average depth (m) × 1 000 |
| Round | Diameter × diameter × 0.785 × average depth (m) × 1 000 |
| Oval | Length × width × 0.785 × average depth (m) × 1 000 |
Average depth is the shallow end plus the deep end, divided by two. Example: a 10 m × 5 m pool that is 1.0 m deep at one end and 2.0 m at the other holds 10 × 5 × 1.5 × 1 000 = 75 000 litres.
2. Work out the flow you need
Divide the volume by the turnover time. For a 6 to 8 hour turnover, the 75 000 litre pool needs 75 000 ÷ 8 = 9 375 litres per hour (about 9.4 m³/h) at minimum, and 12.5 m³/h for a 6-hour turnover. Aim for 6 hours in hot summer weather or after heavy rain, when algae grows fastest.
3. Check the flow at your real head
A pool pump never works at zero head. The sand filter, pipes, bends and valves create resistance, typically 6 to 10 m of head in a home installation. Read the flow from the pump curve at that head, not the maximum flow on the box, and check that it stays within the rated flow of your filter.
Do not oversize the pump. A pump that pushes more water than the filter is rated for drives dirt straight through the sand, raises filter pressure and wastes electricity. Match the pump to the filter.
Leo XKP pool pump specifications
Flow figures below are read from the manufacturer's performance curves at 6 m and 8 m of head, the typical range for a home pool with a sand filter.
XKP compact series – small pools, plunge pools and above-ground pools
| Model | Power | Ports | Max head | Flow at 6 m | Flow at 8 m |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XKP250 | 250W | 40 mm | 7.5 m | 2.4 m³/h | – |
| XKP300 | 300W | 40 mm | 8.5 m | 3.4 m³/h | 1.4 m³/h |
| XKP350 | 350W | 40 mm | 9.0 m | 4.2 m³/h | 1.8 m³/h |
| XKP450 | 450W | 40 mm | 10.0 m | 6.3 m³/h | 4.0 m³/h |
XKP 6-series – small to medium home pools
| Model | Power | Ports | Max head | Flow at 6 m | Flow at 8 m |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XKP256 | 250W | 50 mm | 7.5 m | 3.3 m³/h | – |
| XKP306 | 300W | 50 mm | 8.5 m | 4.3 m³/h | 1.2 m³/h |
| XKP456 | 450W | 50 mm | 10.3 m | 7.2 m³/h | 4.8 m³/h |
| XKP756 | 750W | 50 mm | 12.5 m | 13.7 m³/h | 11.3 m³/h |
XKP 4-series – medium to large pools, water features and long pipe runs
| Model | Power | Ports | Max head | Flow at 6 m | Flow at 8 m |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XKP804 | 800W | 50 mm | 11.0 m | 13.2 m³/h | 10.3 m³/h |
| XKP904 | 900W | 50 mm | 14.0 m | 15.5 m³/h | 13.3 m³/h |
| XKP1104 | 1 100W | 50 mm | 15.0 m | 19.9 m³/h | 18.0 m³/h |
| XKP1604 | 1 600W | 50 mm | 17.0 m | 24.9 m³/h | 22.8 m³/h |
| XKP2204 | 2 200W | 50 mm | 18.0 m | 27.5 m³/h | 25.5 m³/h |
The XKP804, XKP1104, XKP1604 and XKP2204 are also available in 400V three phase. All XKP pumps have an engineering-plastic pump body, strainer basket, Class F insulation, IPX5 motor enclosure and a built-in thermal protector on single-phase models, and handle water from 5 to 50 °C.
Which size for my pool?
As a starting point, based on a typical home installation with a sand filter and short pipe runs. Always confirm against your filter's rated flow.
| Pool volume | Typical pool | Suggested pump |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 20 000 L | Plunge pool, above-ground pool, small splash pool | XKP250 – XKP350, or XKP256 – XKP306 |
| 20 000 – 40 000 L | Small home pool | XKP450 or XKP456 |
| 40 000 – 70 000 L | Average family pool | XKP756 or XKP804 |
| 70 000 – 100 000 L | Large home pool | XKP904 or XKP1104 |
| Over 100 000 L | Complex, guest house, pool with water features | XKP1604 or XKP2204, 230V or 400V |
Solar pool pumps
A Vega TSP solar pool pump runs directly from solar panels through its own controller. Pools need the most filtration on hot, sunny days – exactly when a solar pump delivers its full output – so solar is a natural fit for pool circulation. There is no electricity bill and no load on the grid, and the pump keeps working through load shedding. See our Solar Pump Guide for how solar pumping works.
Installation and running tips
- Install the pump close to the pool and as low as possible – ideally at or below water level. Every metre of suction lift and pipe makes the pump work harder.
- Prime the pump before starting – fill the strainer housing with water. Never run a pool pump dry; the mechanical seal is cooled by the water.
- Protect the motor from rain and sun – a ventilated cover keeps the motor dry without trapping heat.
- Use a timer – run the pump long enough for one full turnover each day, longer in summer and after heavy use or storms.
- Backwash when the filter pressure rises – typically 0.5 bar above the clean reading.
- Use the right supply – 230V pumps on a dedicated circuit with earth leakage protection; 400V pumps need a three-phase supply and correct motor protection.
Price guide
| Pool pump range | Price range |
|---|---|
| Leo XKP compact series 230V (250W – 450W) | R2 070 – R2 270 |
| Leo XKP 6-series 230V (250W – 1 100W) | R1 940 – R3 780 |
| Leo XKP 4-series 230V (800W – 2 200W) | R3 400 – R5 290 |
| Leo XKP 400V (800W – 2 200W) | R3 400 – R5 290 |
| Vega TSP500 solar pool pump | About R8 620 |
Prices include VAT and are indicative. See each product page for the current price.
Shop the range
| Range | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Leo XKP 230V Series | Single-phase pool pumps from 250W to 2 200W for home pools |
| Leo XKP 400V Series | Three-phase pool pumps from 800W to 2 200W for large pools and commercial use |
| Vega TSP Solar Pool Pumps | Solar-powered pool circulation with no electricity cost |
| Leo Pool Pump Series | The complete Leo pool pump range |
Frequently asked questions
What size pool pump do I need?
Work out your pool volume in litres and divide it by 8 to get the minimum flow per hour. Then choose a pump that gives that flow at 6 to 10 m of head, and that does not exceed the rated flow of your filter. An average 40 000 – 70 000 litre family pool usually needs a 0.75 kW pump.
How many hours a day should I run my pool pump?
Long enough to turn the pool volume over at least once a day – typically 6 to 8 hours, and up to 10 hours or more in hot summer weather or after heavy use or storms. Less is usually fine in winter.
Is a bigger pool pump better?
No. An oversized pump pushes water through the filter too fast, so dirt passes straight through the sand. It also raises filter pressure and uses more electricity. Match the pump to the pool volume and the filter.
What is the difference between 230V and 400V pool pumps?
230V single-phase pumps run from a normal household supply and suit home pools. 400V three-phase pumps need a three-phase supply and are used for larger pools, complexes and commercial installations.
Can I replace just the pool pump and keep my filter?
Yes, as long as the new pump's flow at your working head is within the filter's rated flow and the port sizes match your pipework. XKP pumps use 40 mm or 50 mm connections, depending on the model.
Why is my pool pump not pulling water?
Check the strainer basket and skimmer basket for blockages, make sure the pump is primed with water, check that the pool water level is halfway up the skimmer mouth, and look for air leaks at the strainer lid O-ring and suction fittings.
Why is my pool pump humming but not starting?
On single-phase pumps this is usually a failed start capacitor or a seized impeller from standing unused. Switch off immediately to protect the motor and have the capacitor and shaft checked.
Do solar pool pumps work?
Yes. A pool needs the most filtration on hot, sunny days, which is when a solar pool pump produces its full output. It runs with no electricity bill and keeps working during load shedding.
How much does a pool pump cost in South Africa?
Pool pumps start from about R1 940 for a 250W model. Most home pools use a 450W to 1 100W pump at R2 200 to R3 800, and large 1.6 kW to 2.2 kW pumps cost about R4 870 to R5 290, including VAT.
Not sure which pool pump you need?
Send us your pool size, the make and model of your filter and a photo of your current pump. We will match the right pump for you.
Related ranges
- Pool Pumps — the full pool pump category
- Solar Pump Guide — off-grid and solar pumping
- Booster Pump Guide — household water pressure
- Sewage & Drainage Pump Guide — emptying and draining pools and sumps