Argonaut AV50-3DN-S Three Phase Pool Pump – 0.33HP | 0.24kW | 400V

💧 Professional-grade three-phase circulation pump delivering reliable, energy-efficient performance for small to medium pools and water features

📋 Product Overview

The Argonaut AV50-3DN-S represents the perfect entry-level solution for small to medium-sized swimming pools, spas, and water features requiring three-phase power. Manufactured by ITT HydroAir, this compact circulation pump combines modern engineering with proven reliability, making it an ideal choice for both domestic and light commercial applications.

This pump delivers consistent performance with its 0.33HP (0.24kW) three-phase motor, designed specifically for installations where three-phase power is available. Its self-priming capability up to 3 meters eliminates the need for foot valves, while the glass-filled polypropylene construction ensures exceptional chemical resistance in both chlorinated and saltwater environments. The compact design saves valuable plant room space, and the large strainer basket with clear lid makes routine maintenance quick and hassle-free.

What sets the AV50-3DN-S apart is its three-phase efficiency advantage—three-phase motors typically run cooler, smoother, and more reliably than single-phase equivalents, making this pump perfect for installations where consistent, long-term operation is essential.

⭐ Key Features

✅ Self-Priming Up to 3 Meters – Eliminates the need for foot valves and simplifies installation; capable of re-priming automatically after maintenance or power interruptions

✅ Three-Phase 400V Operation – Delivers smoother, more efficient operation with reduced electrical noise compared to single-phase motors, ideal for commercial and larger domestic installations

✅ Chemical-Resistant Construction – Glass-filled polypropylene tank and AISI 316 stainless steel shaft provide exceptional durability against chlorine, bromine, iodine, and saltwater environments

✅ Large Clear-Lid Strainer Basket – Transparent cover allows visual inspection without opening, while the generously-sized basket reduces cleaning frequency and protects the impeller from debris

✅ Compact Modern Design – Space-saving footprint (144mm width × 527mm length) fits easily into tight plant rooms while maintaining full serviceability

✅ IPX5 Rated Motor – Totally enclosed motor provides protection against water jets from any direction, ensuring safe operation in humid pool environments

✅ Whisper-Quiet Operation – Typically runs at just 60-62 dB, quieter than normal conversation, making it suitable for residential installations near living spaces

✅ TÜV Certified Quality – Meets stringent European safety standards (EN60335-1 / EN60335-2-41), providing peace of mind for professional installations

✅ Standard 2″ BSP Connections – 63mm unions with 2¾” BSP threads ensure compatibility with most UK pool plumbing systems

✅ Maintenance-Friendly Design – Tool-free strainer access and modular construction enable quick servicing without specialist equipment

🔧 Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Model	AV50-3DN-S
Motor Type	Three-Phase
Horsepower (HP)	0.33 HP
Power Output (P2)	0.24 kW
Power Input (P1)	0.45 kW
Voltage / Frequency	400V / 50Hz
Current Draw	Requires 3A automatic circuit breaker
Maximum Head	9-11 meters
Maximum Flow Rate	96 litres per minute (5.76 m³/h)
Self-Priming Capability	Up to 3 meters suction lift
Tank Material	Glass-filled polypropylene
Shaft Material	AISI 316 stainless steel
Seal Type	Carbon/ceramic mechanical seal
Motor Protection	IPX5 rated (water jet protected)
Connection Size	2″ / 63mm unions (BSP 2¾” threads)
Noise Level	Approximately 60-62 dB
Dimensions (W × L)	144mm × 527mm
Maximum Ambient Temperature	40°C
Certifications	TÜV certified (EN60335-1 / EN60335-2-41)
Weight	Approximately 12kg

💰 Usage Costs & Running Expenses

📊 Annual Running Cost Calculation

🏊 Typical Swimming Pool Application:

• Power consumption: 0.45 kW (P1)
• Typical usage: 6 hours/day × 180 days per season
• Total annual running hours: 1,080 hours/year
• UK energy rate: £0.24 per kWh (average domestic rate, November 2024)

✅ Annual running cost: 0.45 kW × 1,080 hours × £0.24 = £116.64 per year

🛁 Year-Round Spa/Hot Tub Application:

• Usage: 4 hours/day × 365 days
• Total annual running hours: 1,460 hours/year

✅ Annual running cost: 0.45 kW × 1,460 hours × £0.24 = £157.68 per year

💡 Three-Phase Efficiency Advantage

Compared to single-phase equivalent (AV50-2DN-S):

• ❌ Single-phase power input: 0.45 kW (same electrical consumption)
• ✅ Three-phase motor benefits: Runs 15-20% cooler, reducing thermal stress and extending motor life
• ✅ Smoother operation with less vibration and noise
• ✅ More reliable starting under load conditions
• ✅ Longer service life – typically 25-30% longer than single-phase motors

💵 Long-Term Ownership Costs

3-Year Total Cost of Ownership (Pool Application):

• Electricity costs: £116.64 × 3 = £349.92
• ✅ Extended motor lifespan reduces replacement frequency
• ✅ Lower maintenance costs due to cooler operation
• ✅ Estimated savings vs. single-phase: £75-125 over 5 years in reduced maintenance and repairs

⚡ Energy Efficiency Comparison

vs. Older/Oversized Single-Phase 0.75HP Pump:

• ❌ Old 0.75HP pump: 0.90 kW power draw
• ❌ Annual cost (1,080 hours): £233.28
• ✅ Saving with AV50-3DN-S: £116.64 per year
• 💰 Payback period: Typically 6-9 months through energy savings alone

vs. Competitor Three-Phase 0.5HP Pump:

• ❌ Competitor 0.5HP: 0.60 kW power draw
• ❌ Annual cost (1,080 hours): £155.52
• ✅ Saving with AV50-3DN-S: £38.88 per year
• 📊 Right-sizing your pump prevents over-circulation and wasted energy

🎯 Real World Examples & Applications

🏊‍♂️ Small Residential Swimming Pools (20,000-35,000 litres)

Perfect for pools up to 8m × 4m in size. The 96 LPM flow rate provides 2-3 complete turnovers per day when run for 6-8 hours, meeting Health & Safety Executive guidelines for domestic pools. Three-phase operation ensures consistent filtration performance throughout the swimming season.

Installation context: Typically installed in plant rooms with three-phase supply already available (common in rural properties, workshops, or properties with commercial-grade electrical installations)

Performance expectations: Complete pool turnover in 3.5-6 hours depending on pool volume and pipe run distances

🛁 Domestic Spas and Hot Tubs (2,000-4,000 litres)

Ideal for circulation duties on larger domestic spas where three-phase power is available. The gentle flow rate prevents excessive turbulence while maintaining effective filtration. Typically operates on a timer for 2-4 hours daily to maintain water clarity between bathing sessions.

Maintenance considerations: Monthly basket cleaning recommended; annual seal inspection ensures leak-free operation

🌊 Garden Ponds and Water Features (5,000-15,000 litres)

Excellent choice for koi ponds and large decorative water features requiring continuous circulation. The self-priming capability handles ponds with surface-level pumping requirements up to 3 meters below the pump location. Silent operation (60-62 dB) ensures minimal disturbance in garden settings.

Typical installation: Often paired with UV clarifiers and multi-stage filtration systems for crystal-clear water year-round

🏢 Light Commercial Applications

Suitable for:

• Small hotel or B&B pools (with appropriate pre-filtration)
• Gym and fitness center plunge pools
• Therapy pools in physiotherapy practices
• Display pools in garden centers
• Small public swimming facilities (as secondary circulation pumps)

Commercial advantage: Three-phase reliability reduces downtime in applications where pump failure impacts business operations

🔄 Upgrade/Replacement Projects

📍 Scenario: Replacing old single-phase 0.5HP pump An ideal replacement for aging single-phase pumps where three-phase power is already present. The modern design offers improved efficiency, quieter operation, and better spare parts availability compared to pumps manufactured 10+ years ago.

Benefits: Direct replacement in most cases with standard 2″ BSP connections; improved energy efficiency; TÜV certification ensures compliance with current safety standards

💡 Cost Savings Examples

💰 Example 1: Upgrading from Oversized Older Pump

📍 Scenario: Homeowner replacing 15-year-old 0.75HP single-phase pump with correctly-sized AV50-3DN-S (three-phase supply available)

Calculations:

• ❌ Old 0.75HP pump: 0.90 kW × 1,080 hours/year × £0.24 = £233.28/year
• ✅ New AV50-3DN-S: 0.45 kW × 1,080 hours/year × £0.24 = £116.64/year
• 💵 Annual saving: £116.64
• ⏱ 3-year total saving: £349.92
• 📈 5-year total saving: £583.20

Additional benefits: Reduced filter backwash frequency due to optimal flow rate; extended filter media lifespan

💰 Example 2: Three-Phase vs. Single-Phase Comparison

📍 Scenario: New installation with choice between single-phase and three-phase variants

Calculations (5-year comparison):

• AV50-2DN-S (single-phase): Same running costs but higher maintenance risk
• ❌ Estimated maintenance over 5 years: £150-200 (seal replacements, capacitor failures)
• ✅ AV50-3DN-S (three-phase): More reliable operation
• ✅ Estimated maintenance over 5 years: £75-100 (seal replacement only)
• 💰 Maintenance saving: £75-100 over 5 years
• ✅ Lower breakdown risk saves emergency callout costs

Long-term value: Three-phase motors typically outlast single-phase equivalents by 25-30%, reducing replacement frequency

💰 Example 3: Right-Sizing Saves Money

📍 Scenario: Pool owner considering 1.0HP pump vs. correctly-sized 0.33HP pump for 25,000-litre pool

Calculations:

• ❌ Oversized 1.0HP pump: 1.30 kW × 1,080 hours × £0.24 = £336.96/year
• ✅ Correctly-sized AV50-3DN-S: 0.45 kW × 1,080 hours × £0.24 = £116.64/year
• 💵 Annual saving: £220.32
• 📊 10-year saving: £2,203.20

Hidden benefits: Reduced wear on filter media, less frequent backwashing, quieter operation, lower chemical consumption due to gentler circulation

📥 Downloads & Resources

Technical Documentation

📄 Argonaut Owner’s Manual – Complete installation, operation, and maintenance instructions (PDF, multi-language)

📄 Argonaut Technical Datasheet – Detailed specifications, dimensions, performance curves, and spare parts information (PDF)

🏆 Why Choose the Argonaut AV50-3DN-S

✅ Three-Phase Reliability – Smoother operation, cooler running, and longer service life compared to single-phase alternatives make this the professional’s choice for critical applications

✅ Proven ITT HydroAir Quality – Manufactured by a globally-recognized leader in fluid handling equipment with decades of pool pump engineering expertise

✅ Chemical-Resistant Materials – Glass-filled polypropylene and 316 stainless steel construction ensure years of trouble-free service in the harshest pool chemical environments

✅ Self-Priming Convenience – Eliminates the complexity and cost of foot valves while providing automatic re-priming after maintenance or power interruptions

✅ Quiet, Neighbor-Friendly Operation – At just 60-62 dB, this pump won’t disturb outdoor living spaces or cause noise complaints in residential settings

✅ Energy-Efficient Performance – Right-sized power output delivers effective circulation without wasting energy, reducing operating costs year after year

✅ Easy Maintenance Access – Large, clear-lid strainer basket and modular design enable quick, tool-free servicing that pool owners can perform themselves

✅ Professional Certification – TÜV approval ensures compliance with European safety standards, providing insurance coverage confidence and installation sign-off

✅ Compact Space-Saving Design – Fits into tight plant rooms and pump houses without compromising serviceability or performance

✅ Long-Term Value – Superior build quality and component reliability deliver lower total cost of ownership compared to budget alternatives

✨ Summary

The Argonaut AV50-3DN-S three-phase pool pump represents exceptional value for small to medium swimming pools, spas, and water features where three-phase power is available. With its energy-efficient 0.24kW output, chemical-resistant construction, and proven ITT HydroAir engineering, this pump delivers reliable, cost-effective operation season after season.

Running costs of just £116-158 per year, combined with the inherent reliability advantages of three-phase motor technology, make the AV50-3DN-S a smart long-term investment. Whether you’re replacing an aging pump or installing new, this compact, quiet, and maintenance-friendly circulation pump provides the perfect balance of performance, efficiency, and professional-grade quality.

Ready to upgrade to reliable three-phase performance? The Argonaut AV50-3DN-S delivers professional results at sensible running costs.