🏊‍♂️ Calpeda MC553: 5.5HP (4.1kW) Commercial Pool Pump with 3″ Suction & Delivery

💧 Industrial-strength circulation for commercial pools, leisure facilities, and high-performance swimming applications

📋 Product Overview

The Calpeda MC553 represents the pinnacle of commercial pool pump engineering, delivering 5.5HP (4.1kW) of robust, three-phase power through generously sized 3″ BSP connections. Manufactured by Calpeda, Italy’s leading pump specialist, this self-priming centrifugal pump is specifically engineered for demanding commercial swimming pool filtration systems where reliability, efficiency, and performance are non-negotiable.

Built with a cast iron body and impeller, stainless steel shaft, and integral strainer basket, the MC553 excels in continuous-duty applications from leisure centres and hotel pools to aquatic centres and water parks. Its self-priming capability eliminates installation complexity, while the 7-metre total suction lift accommodates flexible installation configurations even in challenging plant room layouts.

Whether you’re specifying equipment for a new commercial facility or upgrading aging infrastructure, the MC553 delivers commercial-grade performance with the efficiency modern operators demand.

⭐ Key Features

✅ 5.5HP Three-Phase Motor (4.1kW) – Commercial-grade 2,900 RPM three-phase induction motor delivering consistent, powerful circulation for pools up to 120m³ capacity

✅ Generous 3″ BSP Connections – Large suction and delivery ports minimize friction losses and maximize flow efficiency, reducing energy consumption compared to undersized alternatives

✅ Self-Priming Operation – Eliminates priming hassles and reduces installation complexity; automatically evacuates air from suction lines up to 7 metres above water level

✅ Cast Iron Construction – Heavy-duty cast iron body and impeller provide exceptional durability and vibration resistance for 24/7 commercial operation in demanding environments

✅ Stainless Steel Shaft (AISI 303) – Corrosion-resistant precision-machined shaft ensures long service life even in chemically treated pool water with minimal maintenance requirements

✅ Integral Strainer Basket – Built-in stainless steel (AISI 304) filter basket captures debris before it reaches the impeller, protecting pump internals and extending service intervals

✅ Mechanical Seal Technology – Premium mechanical shaft seal prevents leakage and eliminates the maintenance burden associated with traditional gland packing

✅ High-Efficiency Motors (EFF 80-87%) – Modern high-efficiency motor design with power factors of 0.83-0.9 significantly reduces operating costs compared to older standard-efficiency alternatives

✅ IP54 Protection Rating – Suitable for installation in well-ventilated plant rooms with protection against dust ingress and water splashing (IP55 available on request)

✅ Maximum Working Pressure: 6 Bar – Robust construction handles high-pressure filtration systems and elevated installations without compromise

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Detail
Model	MC553
Power Output	5.5HP (4.1kW)
Motor Type	3-Phase Induction, 2,900 RPM
Voltage	400/690V (+/-10%)
Frequency	50Hz (60Hz available on request)
Running Current	9.6 Amp
Suction Connection	3″ BSP Female Thread
Delivery Connection	3″ BSP Female Thread
Body Material	Cast Iron (Bronze available)
Impeller Material	Cast Iron (Bronze available)
Shaft Material	Stainless Steel AISI 303
Strainer Basket	Stainless Steel AISI 304
Seal Type	Mechanical Seal
Motor Efficiency	80-87% (High EFF)
Power Factor	0.83-0.9
Insulation Class	F
Protection Rating	IP54 (IP55 on request)
Maximum Suction Lift	7 metres
Maximum Working Pressure	6 Bar
Maximum Water Temperature	60°C
Maximum Ambient Temperature	40°C
Sound Pressure Level	≤ 85 dB(A)
Dimensions (L×W×H)	692mm × 278mm × 440mm
Weight	76 kg

💰 Usage Costs & Running Expenses

📊 Annual Running Cost Calculation

Power Consumption: 4.1 kW
Typical Commercial Pool Operation: 12 hours/day × 180 days/year = 2,160 hours annually
Commercial Electricity Rate: £0.26 per kWh (UK average for non-domestic users, Q4 2024)

✅ Annual Running Cost:
4.1 kW × 2,160 hours × £0.26/kWh = £2,305.44 per year

💡 Comparative Operating Costs

Seasonal Pool (180 days, 12 hrs/day):

• 🏊 Year-round operation: £2,305/year
• ☀️ Summer-only operation (90 days): £1,153/year

Extended Operating Scenarios:

• 🛁 Spa/Leisure Centre (300 days, 16 hrs/day): 4.1 × 4,800 × £0.26 = £5,126/year
• 🏢 Hotel Pool (365 days, 8 hrs/day): 4.1 × 2,920 × £0.26 = £3,112/year

💵 Energy Efficiency Comparison

Upgrading from Older Standard-Efficiency 5.5HP Pump:

❌ Old Pump (70% efficiency, 5.86kW actual draw):
5.86 kW × 2,160 hours × £0.26/kWh = £3,297/year

✅ Calpeda MC553 (85% efficiency, 4.82kW actual draw):
4.82 kW × 2,160 hours × £0.26/kWh = £2,709/year

💷 Annual Saving: £588
⏱ 3-Year Saving: £1,764
📈 ROI Period: Approximately 18-24 months (depending on installation costs)

⚡ Energy-Saving Notes

The MC553’s high-efficiency motor (80-87% EFF) with superior power factor (0.83-0.9) significantly outperforms older standard-efficiency pumps. The oversized 3″ connections reduce system resistance, allowing the pump to achieve target flow rates at lower speeds and reduced power consumption compared to pumps with undersized 2.5″ connections.

All calculations based on Q4 2024 UK commercial electricity rates (26p/kWh average). Actual costs vary by supplier, location, usage patterns, and tariff structure. Installation of variable speed drives can reduce costs by additional 20-40% in variable-load applications.

🎯 Real World Applications

🏊 Commercial Swimming Pools & Leisure Centres

The MC553 is the workhorse of commercial aquatic facilities. Designed for continuous operation in pools from 80-120m³, it delivers the high flow rates essential for effective sand filtration systems while maintaining the reliability leisure operators demand. The robust cast iron construction withstands the vibration and thermal cycling inherent in 12-16 hour daily operation, while the integral strainer basket simplifies maintenance in high-traffic facilities.

Typical Installation: Municipal pools, school swimming facilities, leisure centre main pools, competition training pools

Performance Expectations: Turnover times of 3-4 hours for 100m³ pools, compatible with multi-port sand filters up to 36″ diameter, minimal downtime with proper maintenance

🏢 Hotel & Resort Pool Systems

Hotel pool operations demand 24/7 reliability with minimal maintenance interventions. The MC553’s self-priming capability simplifies installation in challenging plant room locations, while the mechanical seal eliminates the drip-tray maintenance and packing adjustments that plague older gland-sealed pumps. The high-efficiency motor reduces electricity costs – a critical consideration for facilities operating year-round.

Typical Installation: Boutique hotel pools, resort outdoor pools, apartment complex pools, fitness centre aquatic facilities

Performance Expectations: Extended service intervals (2,000+ hours), low-noise operation suitable for plant rooms adjacent to guest areas, chemical-resistant construction for varying water chemistry

🌊 Aquatic Centres & Water Features

Beyond traditional pool filtration, the MC553 excels in water circulation systems for lazy rivers, interactive play features, and decorative water displays. The 3″ connections accommodate high-volume circulation with minimal head loss, while the 7-metre suction lift permits flexible equipment placement away from water features.

Typical Installation: Lazy river circulation, interactive splash pads, commercial water features, aquatic play installations

Performance Expectations: High-volume low-pressure applications, continuous-duty reliability, resistance to debris ingestion from play environments

🔄 Filtration System Upgrades

When replacing aging commercial pool pumps, the MC553 offers a direct upgrade path with modern efficiency. The generous 3″ connections are backward-compatible with most commercial filtration systems, while the improved motor efficiency immediately reduces operating costs without system redesign.

Typical Installation: Replacement of worn 5HP+ pumps, energy efficiency retrofits, compliance upgrades for aging facilities

Performance Expectations: Direct replacement capability, 20-30% energy cost reduction vs. standard-efficiency predecessors, extended service life with modern materials

🏊‍♂️ Therapy Pools & Hydrotherapy Systems

The MC553’s ability to handle water temperatures up to 60°C makes it suitable for heated therapy pools and hydrotherapy facilities where water temperatures exceed typical swimming pool ranges. The stainless steel internal components resist accelerated corrosion at elevated temperatures.

Typical Installation: Rehabilitation centres, physiotherapy pools, spa therapy systems, hot tub circulation (commercial scale)

Performance Expectations: Continuous operation at 32-38°C, chemical resistance in heavily treated therapy water, reliable performance in high-humidity plant rooms

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💡 Cost Savings Examples

📍 Scenario 1: Municipal Leisure Centre Pool Upgrade

Situation: 100m³ municipal pool operating 12 hours/day, 300 days/year, replacing 15-year-old 5.5HP pump

❌ Old Pump Operating Cost:

• Power draw: 6.2 kW (poor efficiency)
• Annual hours: 3,600
• Cost: 6.2 × 3,600 × £0.26 = £5,799/year

✅ New Calpeda MC553 Operating Cost:

• Power draw: 4.1 kW (high efficiency)
• Annual hours: 3,600
• Cost: 4.1 × 3,600 × £0.26 = £3,838/year

💰 Annual Saving: £1,961
📊 5-Year Saving: £9,805
⏱ Payback Period: 10-14 months (including installation)

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📍 Scenario 2: Hotel Pool Energy Efficiency Retrofit

Situation: 25m hotel pool (80m³) operating 8 hours/day year-round (365 days), replacing competitor 5HP pump with 2.5″ connections

❌ Competitor Pump (Undersized Connections):

• Power draw: 4.8 kW (running harder due to restricted flow)
• Annual hours: 2,920
• Cost: 4.8 × 2,920 × £0.26 = £3,645/year

✅ Calpeda MC553 (Optimized 3″ Connections):

• Power draw: 4.1 kW (reduced resistance, better hydraulic efficiency)
• Annual hours: 2,920
• Cost: 4.1 × 2,920 × £0.26 = £3,112/year

💰 Annual Saving: £533
💵 Additional Benefit: Reduced maintenance – mechanical seal vs. gland packing saves £200-300/year in service costs
📈 Total Annual Saving: £733-833
⏱ Payback Period: 18-24 months

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📍 Scenario 3: Aquatic Centre with Variable Speed Drive Installation

Situation: 120m³ aquatic centre installing MC553 with VSD (Variable Speed Drive) for off-peak operation

✅ Standard MC553 Operation (12 hrs/day, 180 days):
4.1 × 2,160 × £0.26 = £2,305/year

✅ MC553 with VSD (30% speed reduction for 6 hrs/day during low-use periods):

• Full speed (6 hrs/day): 4.1 × 1,080 × £0.26 = £1,153
• Reduced speed (6 hrs/day, 70% power): 2.87 × 1,080 × £0.26 = £807
• Total: £1,960/year

💰 VSD Annual Saving: £345
⚡ Additional 15% energy reduction through intelligent pump control
📊 VSD typically pays for itself in 3-4 years through energy savings alone

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 Product Technical Datasheet – Complete technical specifications, performance curves, and dimensional drawings (PDF, 245KB)

📄 Installation & Operating Manual – Comprehensive installation instructions, electrical connection diagrams, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting guide (PDF, 857KB)

📄 CE Conformity Declaration – Certification confirming compliance with EU Directives 2004/108/CE, 2006/42/CE, 2006/95/CE (included in operating manual)

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🏆 Why Choose the Calpeda MC553?

✅ Proven Commercial Reliability – Calpeda’s 60+ years of pump manufacturing expertise delivers equipment you can trust for critical commercial applications where downtime costs money

✅ Superior Energy Efficiency – High-efficiency motors (80-87% EFF) with excellent power factors (0.83-0.9) deliver 20-30% energy savings compared to standard-efficiency alternatives, reducing operating costs year after year

✅ Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Construction – Unlike plastic or composite alternatives, cast iron provides exceptional dimensional stability, vibration damping, and longevity in continuous-duty commercial service

✅ Oversized 3″ Connections – Generously sized ports reduce system resistance and energy consumption while providing compatibility with commercial filtration equipment and future system expansion

✅ Minimal Maintenance Requirements – Self-priming operation, mechanical seal, and integral strainer basket minimize service interventions and reduce total cost of ownership over the pump’s 15-20 year service life

✅ European Manufacturing Quality – Manufactured in Calpeda’s Italian facility to rigorous ISO standards with comprehensive quality control and supported by extensive UK parts inventory

✅ Flexible Installation Options – 7-metre suction lift capability accommodates challenging plant room layouts, while IP54 (IP55 optional) protection suits various environmental conditions

✅ Chemical Resistance – Stainless steel shaft and internals withstand pool chemicals including chlorine, bromine, salt chlorination, and pH adjustment chemicals without premature corrosion

💼 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs?

✅ Authorized Calpeda Distributor – We supply genuine factory-fresh Calpeda equipment with full manufacturer warranty and technical support, never grey-market imports or refurbished units

✅ Expert Technical Guidance – Our team understands commercial pool systems and can provide application-specific advice on pump selection, sizing, and integration with your filtration equipment

✅ Competitive Pricing – Direct relationships with manufacturers allow us to offer commercial-grade equipment at prices that make sense for facilities managers and contractors alike

✅ Fast UK Delivery – Stock held in our UK warehouse for rapid dispatch; most orders ship same-day for next-business-day delivery across the UK

✅ Comprehensive Support – From pre-sales specification assistance through installation support and ongoing parts availability, we’re with you for the equipment’s entire service life

✅ Trade Accounts Available – Established contractors, pool maintenance companies, and facilities management firms benefit from trade pricing, credit terms, and priority order processing

✅ Complete Filtration Solutions – Beyond pumps, we supply filters, valves, automation controls, and chemicals – everything you need for complete pool system solutions from a single trusted supplier

✨ Summary

The Calpeda MC553 5.5HP three-phase pool pump represents the gold standard for commercial swimming pool filtration systems. With heavy-duty cast iron construction, self-priming convenience, and high-efficiency motor technology, it delivers the reliability and performance commercial operators demand while significantly reducing energy costs compared to older alternatives. The generous 3″ connections and 7-metre suction capability provide installation flexibility, while the mechanical seal and integral strainer minimize maintenance interventions that interrupt facility operations.

Whether you’re specifying equipment for new construction, replacing aging infrastructure, or implementing energy efficiency improvements, the MC553 offers the perfect balance of initial investment, operating economy, and long-term reliability that makes it the preferred choice of leisure centres, hotels, aquatic facilities, and pool professionals across the UK.

Ready to upgrade to commercial-grade reliability and efficiency? The Calpeda MC553 is the pump that keeps your facility running.