Pentair Pool Filtration Pumps: Performance, Silence and Savings

The pump is the heart of your pool. It often runs for 10 to 12 hours a day in summer, making it your garden’s biggest electricity consumer. An old, noisy, energy-guzzling pump can turn your moments of relaxation into a noise nightmare, while adding to your bills.

At Astro Piscines, we have exclusively selected Pentair technology, the world leader in pool equipment, to equip or renovate pools in Geneva and Vaud. Our aim: to offer you the best filtration quality with maximum silence and savings.

The Revolution: Variable Speed (VS) pumps

Why we chose Pentair exclusively

Pentair is a brand like no other. With over 1,200 registered patents, 10,000 employees and a European manufacturing base in Pisa, Italy, Pentair is the world’s no. 1 in pool equipment. Pentair pumps equip Olympic-size swimming pools as well as the most demanding residential pools.

  • Industrial quality: each pump is manufactured to strict standards, using glass-fibre-reinforced anti-corrosion materials.
  • Constant innovation: Pentair has revolutionized the market with variable-speed pumps that save up to 70% electricity.
  • Proven reliability: Sta-Rite and Ultra-Glas pumps are renowned for their “puncture-proof” design, with service lives of 15 to 20 years.
  • Guaranteed after-sales service: all spare parts are available in our aquastore.ch store

 

Our Best-Seller: The Ultraflow VS2M Variable Speed Pump

This is our #1 recommendation for any new installation or renovation.

Why continue to run a pump at full speed (2,900 rpm) all the time when slow filtration is more efficient? The Ultraflow VS2m is equipped with a permanent magnet motor (the same technology used in electric cars) which allows you to adjust the speed to your real needs.

 

3 Reasons to Invest in a Variable Speed Pump

  1. Golden silence (45 dB vs. 67 dB)

At low speeds, the Ultraflow VS2m is virtually inaudible. No more incessant whirring when you’re relaxing by the water. 75% less noise than a conventional single-speed pump.

  1. Superior filtration

The slower the water flows through the filter, the better the filtration quality. The variable-speed pump provides continuous, slow-speed filtration 24 hours a day, with the option of switching to maximum speed for backwashing.

  1. Spectacular savings (-70%)

When flow rate is divided by 2, energy consumption is divided by 8 (affinity law). Over a 5-month season, a variable-speed pump consumes 648 kWh, compared with 2,475 kWh for a single-speed pump. The investment pays for itself in 2-3 seasons.

Pompe de filtration piscine à vitesse variable Pentair par Astro Piscines

📋 Ultraflow VS2m data sheet

CharacteristicValue
Pool volume40 – 100 m³
Power1.5 kW (2 HP) single-phase 230V
Flow @8m HMT31 m³/h (max)
Programmable speeds3 speeds + manual mode
LCD displayWatts, rpm, time display
Pentair warranty4 years parts
Aquastore priceCHF 1,850 (hardware only)

Ideal for: energy-efficient renovation, ponds close to neighbors, ecologically-minded homeowners.

Pompes de filtration piscine Pentair par Astro Piscines à Genève et Vaud

Rugged Classics : Sta-Rite and Ultra-Glas

For standard replacements or three-phase installations, we rely on Pentair brand legends. These single-speed pumps have a reputation for being “puncture-proof” and offer excellent value for money.

Sta-Rite 5P2R: “The Standard

Recognizable by its stainless steel locking collar, it’s the best-selling pump in history for a reason: its legendary reliability.

  • Ultra-fast maintenance: collar opens in seconds without tools
  • Compact: perfect for tight spaces
  • Upgradeable: pump can be converted into a booster
  • Available in single- and three-phase versions: suitable for all installations

Ultra-Glas: Universal for large volumes

An all-terrain pump built to last, ideal for pools from 40 to 120 m³.

  • Large XL pre-filter: ideal if your pool is close to trees (reduces basket cleaning frequency)
  • Salt resistance: corrosion-resistant composite materials (0.40% or 4 g/l)
  • Transparent lid: visual check of basket condition without disassembly
  • Three-phase recommended: for professional installations or high flow rates

Comparative table: Which pump for your pool?

ModelTypeVolumeFlowWarrantyAquastore prices
Ultraflow VS2mVariable speed 230V40-100 m³31 m³/h4 yearsCHF 1,850
Sta-Rite 5P2R 1CVSingle-speed 230V30-60 m³16 m³/h3 yearsCHF 1,010
Sta-Rite 5P2R 1.5HPSingle-speed 230V50-80 m³20 m³/h3 yearsCHF 1,097
Sta-Rite 5P2R 1.5HPSingle-speed 400V three-phase50-80 m³20 m³/h3 yearsCHF 1,154
Ultra-Glas 1.5CVSingle-speed 400V three-phase40-100 m³23 m³/h3 yearsCHF 1,135

★ Best-seller Astro Piscines = Ultraflow VS2m (highlighted in green)

How to choose the right pump for your pool?

An incorrectly sized pump is the main cause of persistent cloudy water or excessive consumption. The choice depends on 3 key factors:

  • The volume of your pond: the entire volume should be filtered in 4 to 6 hours maximum. For 50 m³, you need at least 50 ÷ 4 = 12.5 m³/h of flow.
  • Compatibility with your filter: the pump’s flow rate must match the filter’s capacity (a Calplas FA-20 filter can handle up to 14 m³/h).
  • Ancillary equipment: counter-current swimming, solar heating, hydraulic robots, etc. increase flow requirements.
  • Electrical installation: single-phase 230V or three-phase 400V (for high flow rates or professional installations)

💡 Our advice: Always opt for a variable-speed pump. It adapts to every need and will save you money in the long run. If you’re on a tight budget, the Sta-Rite 1.5CV remains a safe bet.

Free quote for pump replacement
Pompe de filtration piscine et débordement par Astro Piscines en Suisse

Our services in Geneva and Vaud

Astro Piscines has been installing and replacing filtration pumps throughout the Lake Geneva region since 1974:

  • Free in-home diagnosis: our technicians analyze your system (volume, filter, piping, electricity) and recommend the right pump for you.
  • New pump installation: installation, hydraulic and electrical connections, commissioning
  • Pump replacement: remove old pump, adapt piping if necessary, program speeds (VS)
  • Repair and after-sales service: mechanical seal replacement, basket replacement, spare parts available at aquastore.ch

Operating areas: Geneva (Versoix, Cologny, Carouge, Chêne-Bougeries), la Côte(Nyon, Gland, Rolle, Coppet) and the whole canton of Vaud (Morges, Lausanne, Pully, Vevey, Montreux, Aigle).

Need a free diagnosis for your pump?

Our experts come to Geneva and Vaud to analyze your installation and recommend the right Pentair pump. Don’t let a noisy old pump spoil your summer!

Free quote for pump replacement

Frequently Asked Questions about Pool Pumps

Which pump should you choose for a 50 m³ pool?

For a 50 m³ pool, we recommend the Ultraflow VS2m (variable speed), which adapts perfectly to this volume and will save you 70% on electricity. If you prefer a single-speed pump, the Sta-Rite 1 HP (16 m³/h) is sufficient for conventional filtration.

Single-speed or variable-speed pump: what’s the difference?

A single-speed pump always runs at maximum speed (2,900 rpm), while a variable-speed pump adjusts its speed according to your needs. The result: 70% electricity savings, 75% less noise, and better filtration as the water passes more slowly through the filter.

How much can you save with a variable-speed pump?

Over a 5-month season, a single-speed pump consumes around 2,475 kWh, compared with 648 kWh for a variable-speed pump. At 0.25 CHF/kWh, this represents annual savings of around 450 CHF. The pump pays for itself in 2-3 seasons.

When should I replace my pool pump?

Signs of wear: excessive noise, mechanical seal leaks, loss of flow, increased power consumption. A well-maintained Pentair pump lasts 15 to 20 years, but after 10 years it’s often more cost-effective to switch to a variable speed.

How quiet is a variable-speed pump?

At low speed, the Ultraflow VS2m produces just 45 dB (the level of normal conversation), compared with 67 dB for a conventional pump. You can install it near your terrace or your neighbor’s fence without creating a nuisance.

Can a single-speed pump be replaced by a variable-speed pump?

Absolutely! The Ultraflow VS2m is designed to replace older Ultraflow pumps. Standard 2″ fittings make for easy adaptation. Our technicians check compatibility during the free diagnostic service.

Single-phase or three-phase: how to choose?

Most homes are equipped with single-phase 230V, sufficient for pumps up to 2 HP. Three-phase 400V is recommended for large installations (swimming pools >100 m³, fitness centers, hotels), as it allows smoother starts and more powerful motors.

What is the warranty on Pentair pumps?

The Ultraflow VS2m comes with a 4-year parts warranty. Sta-Rite and Ultra-Glas are guaranteed for 3 years. All spare parts are available on aquastore.ch for easy after-sales service.

Free quote for pump replacement