AQM121 Aquamite Pump 💧 1.25HP (0.88kW) Single Phase – Professional Pool & Water Feature Circulation
Compact Power Meets Energy Efficiency for Domestic Pools and Small Water Features
📋 Product Overview
The AQM121 Aquamite pump represents the perfect balance of compact design and reliable performance for domestic swimming pools and small recirculation systems. With its efficient 1.25HP (0.88kW) single-phase motor and space-saving footprint, this pump delivers professional-grade circulation in installations where space is at a premium.
Engineered with advanced hydraulic design and built-in secondary seal protection, the Aquamite AQM121 provides worry-free operation for residential pools, ponds, and water features. The 1.5″/50mm quick-connect unions and generous 0.9-litre strainer basket make installation and maintenance straightforward, while the protected mechanical seal ensures extended service life even in challenging water chemistry conditions.
Whether you’re maintaining a backyard pool, managing a decorative pond, or circulating water through a small fountain system, the AQM121 delivers consistent, energy-efficient performance that keeps running costs manageable.
⭐ Key Features
✅ Efficient 1.25HP Single-Phase Motor – Delivers 22.2 m³/hr flow rate with just 0.88kW power consumption, providing ample circulation for domestic pools up to 90,000 litres while maintaining low operating costs
✅ Compact Space-Saving Design – Total length of just 520mm with 71mm motor frame allows installation in tight pump rooms and confined spaces where larger pumps won’t fit
✅ Secondary Seal Protection Technology – Patented design captures and drains any leakage from worn mechanical seals, protecting the motor from water damage and extending pump lifespan
✅ Premium 316 Stainless Steel Mechanical Seal – High-grade seal assembly provides superior corrosion resistance against chlorinated water, saltwater, ozone, bromine, and other pool chemicals
✅ Quick-Connect Barrel Unions – 1.5″/50mm (1½”) unions for both suction and delivery enable tool-free installation and removal for easy maintenance and winterisation
✅ Large 0.9 Litre Strainer Basket – Generous capacity reduces cleaning frequency and captures debris before it reaches the impeller, protecting pump components
✅ Thermally Protected Motor – Built-in thermal overload protection automatically shuts down the pump if overheating occurs, preventing motor damage from blocked filters or closed valves
✅ Advanced Hydraulic Design – Engineered impeller and diffuser maximise water flow while minimising turbulence and energy waste, delivering optimal performance per watt consumed
✅ Robust Single-Piece Construction – Glass-filled thermoplastic pump body with integrated strainer pot and volute provides exceptional strength and eliminates potential leak points
✅ Drain Plugs for Winterisation – Integrated drain ports allow complete water removal in freezing conditions, protecting the pump from frost damage during winter months
🔧 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | AQM121 |
| Nominal Power | 1.25HP (0.88kW) |
| Phase | Single-phase (1PH) |
| Voltage | 220-240V |
| Frequency | 50Hz |
| Motor Speed | 2,860 RPM |
| Current Draw | 3.90 Amps |
| Flow Rate | 22.2 m³/hr (maximum) |
| Suction Connection | 1.5″ / 50mm |
| Delivery Connection | 1.5″ / 50mm |
| Connection Type | Quick-connect barrel unions |
| Strainer Basket Capacity | 0.9 litres |
| Mechanical Seal Type | Carbon/graphite with 316 SS spring |
| Motor Shaft Material | 303 grade stainless steel |
| Total Length | 520mm |
| Motor Frame | 71mm |
| Motor Cooling | Fan-cooled (150mm clearance required) |
| Thermal Protection | Built-in thermal overload switch |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 45°C |
| Pump Body Material | Glass-filled thermoplastic |
| Special Features | Secondary seal protection, drain plugs |
| Suitable For | Domestic pools, ponds, water features |
💰 Usage Costs & Running Expenses
📊 Annual Running Cost Calculation
Understanding the true operating costs helps you budget accurately and appreciate the Aquamite’s efficiency advantages.
Basic Cost Formula:
- Power consumption: 0.88 kW
- Current UK commercial electricity rate: £0.26 per kWh (2024 average)
- Annual cost formula: kW × hours × £0.26
🏊♂️ Domestic Pool Scenario (6-Month Season)
Typical Usage Pattern:
- Operating time: 8 hours per day
- Season length: 180 days (May through October)
- Total annual hours: 1,440 hours
Annual Cost Calculation:
- Energy consumption: 0.88 kW × 1,440 hours = 1,267 kWh
- ✅ Annual electricity cost: £329
Monthly breakdown (during season):
- Monthly cost: £329 ÷ 6 months = £55 per month
- Daily cost during operation: £329 ÷ 180 days = £1.83 per day
♨️ Year-Round Water Feature Scenario
Continuous Operation:
- Operating time: 6 hours per day, year-round
- Total annual hours: 2,190 hours
Annual Cost Calculation:
- Energy consumption: 0.88 kW × 2,190 hours = 1,927 kWh
- ✅ Annual electricity cost: £501
Monthly breakdown:
- Average monthly cost: £42 per month
🔄 Comparison vs Higher Power Alternatives
Many installers might consider oversized pumps “just to be safe.” Here’s what that actually costs:
❌ Oversized 2HP pump (1.5kW):
- 1,440 hours seasonal operation
- Annual cost: 1.5 × 1,440 × £0.26 = £562
✅ Right-sized Aquamite AQM121 (0.88kW):
- Same usage pattern
- Annual cost: £329
💷 Annual saving: £233 – The Aquamite pays for the difference in electricity costs year after year, making it the economical choice for appropriately sized applications.
💡 Energy Efficiency Advantage
10-Year Ownership Cost Projection:
Assuming stable energy prices (conservative estimate):
- ✅ Aquamite AQM121: £329 × 10 years = £3,290
- ❌ 2HP alternative: £562 × 10 years = £5,620
- 💰 Total 10-year saving: £2,330
Note: This calculation uses current UK commercial electricity rates of £0.26 per kWh. Actual costs may vary based on your specific energy tariff and usage patterns. Energy prices are trending upward, making efficient equipment even more valuable over time.
🎯 Real World Applications & Examples
🏊♂️ Residential Swimming Pools
Ideal pool sizes: 40,000 – 90,000 litres (9,000 – 20,000 gallons)
The AQM121 excels in typical domestic pool installations, providing sufficient turnover for pools up to 90,000 litres with complete water circulation every 4-6 hours. Its compact footprint makes it perfect for installations where pump room space is limited, while the single-phase power requirement means it can connect to standard household electrical circuits without requiring three-phase infrastructure.
Expected performance: Complete pool turnover in 4-6 hours, meeting residential pool circulation standards with energy-efficient operation throughout the swimming season.
🛁 Garden Hot Tubs & Spa Pools
Applications: Portable spas, small permanent spa installations
The Aquamite’s secondary seal protection is particularly valuable in spa applications where higher chemical concentrations and elevated temperatures can accelerate seal wear. The 50mm connections accommodate standard spa plumbing, and the thermal overload protection provides peace of mind during extended operation cycles.
Maintenance advantage: Quick-connect unions make seasonal maintenance and winterisation straightforward, with complete drainage via built-in drain plugs.
🌊 Decorative Ponds & Water Features
Suitable installations: Koi ponds, ornamental ponds, waterfalls, fountains
For pond applications requiring reliable circulation and filtration, the AQM121 delivers consistent performance with minimal noise and energy consumption. The large 0.9-litre strainer basket is particularly beneficial in pond installations where leaves and organic debris are common, reducing pump-out frequency for maintenance.
Installation flexibility: Can be installed above water level with proper suction line design, or positioned below water level for gravity-fed applications.
🏢 Small Commercial Applications
Settings: Bed & breakfast establishments, small guesthouses, farm diversification pool installations
When commercial operators need reliable pool circulation for smaller facilities, the Aquamite provides commercial-grade construction with residential-scale operating costs. The secondary seal protection extends service intervals, reducing maintenance visits and associated labour costs.
Cost advantage: Lower running costs compared to oversized three-phase alternatives commonly specified for commercial installations, with £200-300 annual savings on electricity.
🔄 Replacement & Upgrade Scenarios
Upgrading from older single-speed pumps
Older circulation pumps from the 1990s and early 2000s often consumed 1.5-2.0kW for similar performance. Upgrading to the modern, efficient Aquamite can reduce operating costs by 40-50% while providing the same or better circulation performance.
Payback period on upgrades: If replacing a 1.5kW pump with similar usage patterns (1,440 hours annually), the energy savings of approximately £233 per year mean the new pump cost is recovered through electricity savings in 2-3 seasons.
💡 Cost Savings Examples
📍 Scenario 1: Replacing an Aged Pump
Customer situation: A homeowner with a 70,000-litre pool was running an older 1.5kW pump from 2005, operating 8 hours daily during a 6-month season.
Previous running costs:
- ❌ Old pump: 1.5 kW × 1,440 hours × £0.26 = £562 per year
After upgrading to Aquamite AQM121:
- ✅ New cost: 0.88 kW × 1,440 hours × £0.26 = £329 per year
💰 Annual saving: £233 ⏱️ Payback period: 2-3 years (assuming pump cost of £500-700) 📈 Five-year savings: £1,165 in electricity costs alone
📍 Scenario 2: Right-Sizing from Oversized Equipment
Customer situation: A pond owner was advised to install a 2HP pump “to be safe” for a 15,000-litre koi pond with waterfall feature, running 6 hours daily year-round.
Original specification costs:
- ❌ 2HP pump: 1.5 kW × 2,190 hours × £0.26 = £855 per year
After right-sizing to Aquamite AQM121:
- ✅ Correct specification: 0.88 kW × 2,190 hours × £0.26 = £501 per year
💰 Annual saving: £354 📊 Three-year savings: £1,062 – enough to cover the complete pump cost 💷 Ten-year savings: £3,540 in unnecessary electricity costs eliminated
📍 Scenario 3: Seasonal Pool Operation Optimization
Customer situation: A holiday cottage with a pool operates the pump 10 hours daily during peak summer months (90 days) and 6 hours daily during shoulder season (90 days) = 1,440 total hours.
With competitor’s 1.1kW pump:
- ❌ Competitor cost: 1.1 kW × 1,440 hours × £0.26 = £412 per year
With Aquamite AQM121:
- ✅ Aquamite cost: 0.88 kW × 1,440 hours × £0.26 = £329 per year
💰 Annual saving: £83 📈 Ten-year saving: £830 while maintaining identical circulation performance
Additional benefit: Lower motor load extends mechanical seal life, reducing maintenance interventions over the pump’s lifetime.
📥 Downloads & Resources
Complete Technical Documentation:
📄 Installation & Operation Manual – Comprehensive 40-page guide covering installation procedures, electrical connections, priming instructions, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting. Available in English, French, German, and Spanish. Essential reading before installation. (Download PDF)
📄 Product Specifications Leaflet – Technical datasheet with performance curves, sound level data, dimensional drawings, and comparison specifications across the complete Aquamite range. Includes flow rate graphs and hydraulic performance data. (Download PDF)
🏆 Why Choose the AQM121 Aquamite Pump?
✅ Genuine OEM Quality – Factory-direct specifications ensure you receive authentic components with full manufacturer backing, not aftermarket alternatives with uncertain performance
✅ Proven Reliability – Decades of field experience demonstrate consistent performance across thousands of installations worldwide, with secondary seal technology providing additional protection
✅ Energy Cost Savings – Modern efficient hydraulic design delivers £200-350 annual savings compared to oversized or older pump models while maintaining required circulation rates
✅ Compact Installation Footprint – 520mm total length fits in tight pump rooms and confined spaces where larger pumps require extensive modifications or alternative locations
✅ Easy Maintenance Access – Quick-connect unions and large strainer basket reduce service time, while drain plugs enable complete winterisation without removing pump from system
✅ Chemical Resistance – Premium 316 stainless steel mechanical seal withstands chlorine, saltwater chlorination, bromine, ozone, and alternative sanitisers without premature degradation
✅ Motor Protection Features – Built-in thermal overload protection prevents damage from blocked filters, closed valves, or debris jams, extending equipment lifespan
✅ Single-Phase Convenience – Standard 220-240V power connection means no three-phase infrastructure required, reducing installation costs compared to commercial-grade alternatives
✅ Comprehensive Documentation – Multi-language installation manuals and technical specifications support proper installation and ongoing maintenance by qualified personnel
🛒 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs?
✅ Genuine Manufacturer Parts – We supply authentic factory components, not substitute alternatives. Every pump carries original specifications and full manufacturer support.
✅ Expert Technical Support – Our team understands commercial pool equipment and can provide installation guidance, troubleshooting assistance, and specification advice for your specific application.
✅ Competitive Pricing – Direct relationships with manufacturers mean we offer professional equipment at prices that make sense for contractors, facility managers, and serious pool owners.
✅ Fast UK Delivery – Stock held in UK warehouses ensures rapid dispatch. Most orders ship within 24 hours, getting your equipment to site when you need it.
✅ No-Hassle Returns – If the pump arrives damaged or doesn’t meet specifications, our returns process is straightforward. We stand behind every product we sell.
✅ Trade Accounts Available – Regular installers and facility managers can benefit from trade account terms, simplified ordering, and volume pricing on recurring purchases.
✨ Summary
The AQM121 Aquamite pump delivers exactly what domestic pool and water feature installations require: reliable circulation performance in a compact, energy-efficient package. With its 1.25HP motor consuming just 0.88kW, this pump provides professional-grade construction and genuine OEM quality while keeping operating costs under £330 annually for typical seasonal pool use.
The patented secondary seal protection technology, premium 316 stainless steel mechanical seal, and robust thermoplastic construction ensure years of dependable service, while the quick-connect unions and accessible strainer basket make routine maintenance straightforward. Whether you’re installing a new pool system, upgrading aged equipment, or specifying components for a water feature project, the AQM121 represents sound engineering and sensible economics working together.
Ready to install efficient, reliable pool circulation? The AQM121 Aquamite pump combines compact design, modern efficiency, and proven durability in one professional package.


