⚡ Pentair La Sta-Rite 5P2R 1.5HP Three Phase Pool Pump (5P2RF-3) – 18m³/hr Flow Rate

🏢 IE3-Compliant Commercial Powerhouse – Maximum Efficiency for Professional Installations

📋 Product Overview

The Pentair La Sta-Rite 5P2RF-3 represents the ultimate expression of the 5P2R series – a powerful 1.5HP three-phase swimming pool pump engineered for commercial and industrial applications at Pentair’s prestigious facility in Pisa, Italy. Combining exceptional 18m³/hr flow capacity with IE3 energy efficiency compliance, this pump delivers the professional-grade performance that demanding facilities require.

Three-phase motor technology offers significant advantages over single-phase alternatives: smoother operation, improved starting torque, enhanced reliability, and – critically – superior energy efficiency. The 5P2RF-3’s IE3-compliant motor draws just 1.37kW compared to 1.43kW for the equivalent single-phase model, translating to meaningful energy savings in high-usage commercial environments where pumps operate for extended hours daily.

Built around the proven Sta-Rite platform with bi-material shaft design, stainless steel 304 shaft-end, and premium SKF sealed bearings, the 5P2RF-3 delivers the durability essential for continuous commercial operation. Salt-resistant construction (>0.4%) ensures compatibility with both traditional and saltwater sanitisation systems, while comprehensive thermal protection safeguards your investment.

Backed by a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty including bearings, the 5P2RF-3 is the definitive choice for commercial pool operators, leisure facilities, and industrial applications where efficiency, reliability, and performance are non-negotiable.

⭐ Key Features

✅ IE3 Energy Efficiency Compliance – Meets the highest international motor efficiency standards, delivering measurable energy savings over standard motors

✅ Three-Phase Motor Technology – Smoother operation, superior starting torque, enhanced reliability, and improved efficiency compared to single-phase alternatives

✅ Maximum 18m³/hr Flow Rate – High-capacity circulation for commercial pools up to 110,000 litres with complete turnover every 6 hours

✅ Lower Power Consumption (1.37kW) – Draws 60W less than the equivalent single-phase model, reducing operating costs in high-usage applications

✅ Italian Manufacturing Excellence – Precision-engineered at Pentair’s Pisa facility to exacting European quality and safety standards

✅ Self-Priming Diffuser Design – Industry-leading priming capability minimises downtime and gets commercial systems operational faster

✅ Premium SKF Sealed Bearings – Industrial-grade, permanently lubricated bearings engineered for the demands of continuous commercial operation

✅ Bi-Material Shaft with Stainless Steel 304 End – Superior corrosion resistance for chlorine, saltwater, and chemically-treated commercial pool environments

✅ Salt-Resistant Construction (>0.4%) – Purpose-built for saltwater chlorination systems increasingly specified in commercial installations

✅ Built-In Thermal Overload Protection – Essential safeguard for commercial pumps, preventing costly motor damage from overheating

✅ “See-Thru” Trap Lid – Transparent cover rated to 4 bar test pressure allows quick visual inspections without tools

✅ Exclusive 5″ Lock-In Basket – Large capacity strainer handles the higher debris loads typical in commercial environments

✅ IP-55 Motor Protection – Dust-tight and water-jet resistant enclosure for demanding plant room environments

✅ 3-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty – Comprehensive commercial-grade coverage demonstrates confidence in build quality

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Detail
Model Number	5P2RF-3
Motor Power	1.5 HP (1.10 kW output)
Power Input (P1)	1,370W
Power Output (P2)	1,100W
Phase	Three Phase
Voltage	380-420V / 50Hz
Motor Speed	2,850 RPM
Energy Efficiency Class	IE3 Compliant
Flow Rate @ 10m Head	18 m³/hr
Maximum Flow Rate	22 m³/hr
Maximum Head	22.5 metres
Suction Port	1½” BSP
Discharge Port	1½” BSP
Strainer Basket Size	5″ (127mm)
Salt Resistance	>0.4% concentration
Protection Rating	IP-55 (motor) / IP-X5 (pump)
Insulation Class	F
Max Liquid Temperature	52°C
Max Ambient Temperature	50°C
pH Operating Range	4-9
Bearing Type	SKF Sealed (permanently lubricated)
Shaft Material	Stainless Steel 304
Impeller Material	Glass-filled Lexan
Body Material	Fiberglass-reinforced thermoplastic
Mechanical Seal	Carbon/Ceramic/Stainless Steel
Manufacturing Location	Pisa, Italy
Warranty	3 years (90 days on mechanical seal)

💰 Usage Costs & Running Expenses

Three-phase motors deliver inherent efficiency advantages, and the 5P2RF-3’s IE3 compliance takes this further. For commercial operators running pumps 8-12+ hours daily, the energy savings are substantial.

📊 Annual Running Cost Calculation

Power consumption: 1.37 kW (input power – 60W less than single-phase equivalent) UK electricity rate: £0.2635 per kWh (Ofgem Price Cap, Q4 2025)

🏢 Scenario 1: Commercial Pool (Standard Season)

• Usage: 10 hours/day × 200 days (April–October)
• Total hours: 2,000 hours/year
• ✅ Annual running cost: 1.37 kW × 2,000 hrs × £0.2635 = £722.19

🏊 Scenario 2: Leisure Centre Pool (Extended Hours)

• Usage: 12 hours/day × 300 days
• Total hours: 3,600 hours/year
• ✅ Annual running cost: 1.37 kW × 3,600 hrs × £0.2635 = £1,299.94

🏨 Scenario 3: Hotel Pool (Year-Round Operation)

• Usage: 10 hours/day × 365 days
• Total hours: 3,650 hours/year
• ✅ Annual running cost: 1.37 kW × 3,650 hrs × £0.2635 = £1,318.00

🎢 Scenario 4: Water Park/Attraction (Intensive Use)

• Usage: 14 hours/day × 180 days (peak season)
• Total hours: 2,520 hours/year
• ✅ Annual running cost: 1.37 kW × 2,520 hrs × £0.2635 = £909.96

🏋️ Scenario 5: Health Club (Year-Round, Extended)

• Usage: 14 hours/day × 350 days
• Total hours: 4,900 hours/year
• ✅ Annual running cost: 1.37 kW × 4,900 hrs × £0.2635 = £1,769.68

⚡ Three-Phase vs Single-Phase Efficiency Comparison

Model	Power Input	Annual Cost (3,000 hrs)	Annual Saving
✅ 5P2RF-3 (Three-Phase)	1.37 kW	£1,083.29	Baseline
❌ 5P2RF-1 (Single-Phase)	1.43 kW	£1,130.44	-£47.15/year

💡 Key Insight: The three-phase 5P2RF-3 saves approximately £47 annually over the single-phase equivalent at 3,000 operating hours. For facilities running 4,000-5,000+ hours annually, savings exceed £60-80 per year – compounding significantly over the pump’s 10-15 year lifespan.

📈 Efficiency Comparison vs Older/Alternative Pumps

Pump Type	Power Input	Annual Cost (3,000 hrs)	vs. 5P2RF-3
✅ Sta-Rite 5P2RF-3 (IE3)	1.37 kW	£1,083.29	—
❌ Older 3-phase 1.5HP	1.55 kW	£1,225.58	+£142.29/year
❌ Non-IE3 1.5HP pump	1.50 kW	£1,186.05	+£102.76/year
❌ Oversized 2.0HP 3-phase	1.90 kW	£1,502.31	+£419.02/year

💷 Commercial Impact: At 4,000+ operating hours typical in commercial facilities, the 5P2RF-3 can save £150-£550+ annually compared to older or oversized alternatives – potentially £1,500-£5,500+ over the pump’s lifetime.

🎯 Real World Examples & Applications

🏢 Commercial Leisure Centres

The 5P2RF-3 is ideally suited for municipal and private leisure centre pools up to 110,000 litres, providing the robust 18m³/hr circulation that ensures compliance with stringent commercial water quality standards. Three-phase power supply is standard in commercial premises, and the IE3 efficiency helps control operational costs in facilities where pumps run 12+ hours daily.

🏨 Hotels & Hospitality

For hotel pools, resort facilities, and hospitality venues, the 5P2RF-3 delivers the reliability that guest-facing operations demand. The combination of premium construction, comprehensive warranty, and energy efficiency makes it the professional choice for facilities where pool closure is not an option. Three-phase installation ensures smooth, quiet operation appreciated in guest environments.

🏋️ Health Clubs & Gyms

Fitness facilities with pools and spa areas benefit from the 5P2RF-3’s combination of high flow capacity and energy efficiency. With operating hours often exceeding 4,000 annually, the IE3 efficiency delivers measurable cost savings while the robust construction handles the demands of continuous commercial use.

🎢 Water Parks & Attractions

Theme parks, water parks, and visitor attractions require pumps that deliver consistent performance throughout intensive operating seasons. The 5P2RF-3’s 22m³/hr maximum flow and 22.5m head capability handle demanding water feature and attraction requirements, while the salt-resistant construction accommodates modern sanitisation systems.

🏫 Schools & Universities

Educational facility pools require reliable, efficient equipment that operates within tight budgets. The 5P2RF-3’s IE3 efficiency helps control energy costs while the comprehensive warranty provides budget certainty. Three-phase installation is standard in institutional buildings.

🏥 Hydrotherapy & Rehabilitation Pools

Healthcare and rehabilitation facilities demand exceptional reliability – the 5P2RF-3’s premium construction and thermal protection ensure consistent operation for therapy pools where equipment failure directly impacts patient care.

🌊 Large Water Features & Fountains

Commercial water features in shopping centres, corporate headquarters, public spaces, and hospitality venues require powerful, reliable circulation. The 5P2RF-3’s exceptional head capability and quiet three-phase operation make it ideal for high-visibility installations.

🏭 Industrial & Process Applications

Beyond pools, the 5P2RF-3 serves industrial water circulation, process cooling, and similar applications where robust construction and energy efficiency are priorities.

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💡 Cost Savings Examples

📍 Scenario: Upgrading a Leisure Centre’s Ageing Pump System

The situation: A local authority leisure centre’s 15-year-old 1.5HP three-phase pump is increasingly unreliable and energy-hungry. Pool operates 12 hours/day, 300 days/year (3,600 hours annually).

Factor	❌ Ageing 1.5HP Pump	✅ New 5P2RF-3
Power consumption	~1.65 kW (degraded)	1.37 kW
Annual energy cost	£1,565.37	£1,299.94
Maintenance costs	High (frequent repairs)	Minimal (warranty)
Reliability	Poor	Excellent
Efficiency class	Pre-IE standards	IE3 compliant

💰 Annual energy saving: £265.43 📈 5-year energy saving: £1,327.15 💷 10-year energy saving: £2,654.30 ⏱️ Payback period: Under 18 months on energy alone ✅ Additional saving: Avoided emergency repairs (£200-500+ per incident)

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📍 Scenario: Three-Phase vs Single-Phase Selection for New Hotel Pool

The situation: A boutique hotel is installing a new 80,000-litre pool. Three-phase supply is available. Expected operation: 10 hours/day, 365 days (3,650 hours annually).

Factor	Single-Phase 5P2RF-1	✅ Three-Phase 5P2RF-3
Power consumption	1.43 kW	1.37 kW
Annual energy cost	£1,375.31	£1,318.00
Motor longevity	Standard	Enhanced
Starting stress	Higher	Lower (smoother)
Efficiency class	Standard	IE3 compliant

💰 Annual energy saving: £57.31 📈 10-year energy saving: £573.10 💷 15-year saving: £859.65 ✅ Additional benefits: Smoother operation, longer motor life, reduced electrical stress

💡 Recommendation: Where three-phase supply is available, the 5P2RF-3 offers superior efficiency and longevity that justify the specification for commercial installations.

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📍 Scenario: Right-Sizing from Oversized 2.0HP Commercial Pump

The situation: A health club’s pool system was specified with a 2.0HP three-phase pump, but actual circulation requirement is only 16-18m³/hr for the 90,000-litre pool. Operation: 14 hours/day, 350 days (4,900 hours annually).

Factor	❌ Oversized 2.0HP	✅ Right-Sized 5P2RF-3
Power consumption	1.90 kW	1.37 kW
Annual energy cost	£2,453.02	£1,769.68
Actual flow needed	16-18 m³/hr	18 m³/hr ✅
Excess capacity	25%+ wasted	Optimal match
Filter/system stress	Excessive	Normal

💰 Annual energy saving: £683.34 📈 5-year energy saving: £3,416.70 💷 10-year saving: £6,833.40

⚠️ Critical insight: Oversized pumps are extremely common in commercial installations due to over-cautious specification. The energy waste is substantial – this health club example shows potential savings exceeding £680 annually, or nearly £7,000 over a decade.

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📍 Scenario: Municipal Pool Tender – Total Cost of Ownership

The situation: A council is tendering for pool pump replacement. Pool operates 12 hours/day, 340 days/year (4,080 hours annually). Evaluation period: 10 years.

Cost Element	Budget Option	✅ Sta-Rite 5P2RF-3
Purchase price	Lower	Moderate
Power consumption	1.55 kW	1.37 kW
Annual energy cost	£1,667.11	£1,474.17
10-year energy cost	£16,671.10	£14,741.70
Expected lifespan	6-8 years	12-15 years
Warranty	1-2 years	3 years
Replacement cycles (10yr)	1-2	0

💰 10-year energy saving: £1,929.40 💷 Avoided replacement cost: £800-1,500+ 📊 Total cost of ownership advantage: £2,500-3,500+

💡 Procurement insight: Lowest purchase price rarely equals lowest total cost. The 5P2RF-3’s combination of efficiency, longevity, and warranty delivers superior value over the equipment lifecycle.

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 Sta-Rite 5P2R Series Technical Manual – Comprehensive 12-page manual covering the complete 5P2R range including the three-phase 5P2RF-3 model

Manual Contents Include:

• Complete specifications for all 5P2R series models (single and three-phase)
• Performance curves showing flow rates across the full head range
• Electrical wiring diagrams for three-phase (380-420V) installation
• Motor protection and control box requirements for three-phase models
• Detailed installation guidelines including piping recommendations
• Pump priming, startup, and commissioning procedures
• Winterisation, storage, and seasonal shutdown instructions
• Step-by-step mechanical seal replacement procedures
• Comprehensive troubleshooting guide
• Exploded parts diagram with individual part numbers
• Seal and gasket kit information (Parts-Pak No. PP 1000)

⚡ Why Buy From Parts4Tubs?

✅ Genuine Pentair/Sta-Rite Product – Authentic Italian-manufactured pump with full manufacturer warranty, not grey imports or reconditioned units

✅ Commercial & Trade Expertise – Our team understands commercial pool requirements and can advise on pump sizing, system design, and electrical considerations

✅ Comprehensive Spare Parts Stock – Full range of 5P2R series spares for lifetime maintenance support – essential for commercial operations

✅ Competitive Commercial Pricing – Professional trade pricing that recognises volume and repeat business

✅ Fast UK Delivery – Stock items dispatched promptly to minimise costly commercial pool downtime

✅ Full Warranty Administration – We handle warranty claims directly with Pentair, providing hassle-free support for commercial customers

✅ Technical Documentation – Access to installation manuals, wiring diagrams, and specification sheets for your project files

✨ Summary

The Pentair La Sta-Rite 5P2RF-3 delivers the ultimate combination of power, efficiency, and reliability for commercial pool applications. With IE3-compliant three-phase motor technology drawing just 1.37kW – 60W less than the single-phase equivalent – this 1.5HP pump offers substantial energy savings in facilities operating 3,000-5,000+ hours annually. Annual savings of £100-£680 compared to older or oversized alternatives translate to thousands of pounds over the pump’s 10-15 year expected lifespan. Backed by Italian engineering excellence, premium SKF bearings, and a comprehensive 3-year warranty, the 5P2RF-3 is the professional specification for commercial leisure centres, hotels, health clubs, and demanding industrial applications where performance and efficiency are business-critical.