💧 Pentair Swimmey VSE 1HP Variable Speed Pump
Cut Your Pool Running Costs by Up to 70% with Advanced Variable Speed Technology ⚡
📋 Product Overview
The Pentair Swimmey VSE 1HP Variable Speed Pump represents the next generation of energy-efficient pool circulation technology from Pentair, a global leader in water solutions. Engineered specifically for small to medium-sized swimming pools, this intelligent pump delivers exceptional performance whilst dramatically reducing your electricity bills through advanced variable speed motor technology.
Unlike traditional single-speed pumps that run at full power constantly, the Swimmey VSE automatically adjusts its speed to match your pool’s exact requirements. The result? Up to 70% energy savings compared to conventional pumps, quieter operation, and extended equipment lifespan. With its intuitive LCD display, programmable schedules, and built-in safety features including dry-run and over-current protection, this pump offers professional-grade performance in a compact, installation-friendly package.
Ideal for residential pool owners seeking to reduce running costs, commercial operators looking to improve efficiency, and anyone upgrading from an older single-speed pump, the Pentair Swimmey VSE delivers reliability backed by Pentair’s industry-leading warranty and global reputation.
⭐ Key Features
✅ Variable Speed Technology — Operates between 600-3000 RPM (±50 RPM increments), allowing precise speed control to match your pool’s exact filtration needs whilst minimising energy consumption
✅ 3 Programmable Speed Settings Plus Quick Clean Mode — Create custom schedules with three independent speed/duration programmes, plus instant boost function for after heavy pool use or debris accumulation
✅ Intelligent LCD Display — Real-time monitoring shows current power consumption (Watts), motor speed (RPM), and remaining run-time, giving you complete visibility of pump performance
✅ Built-in Dry Run Protection — Advanced sensors automatically detect when water flow is insufficient, shutting down the pump to prevent costly seal and motor damage
✅ Over-Current Protection — Integrated safety system monitors electrical load and protects against blockages or debris build-up that could damage the motor
✅ Plug-and-Play Installation — Supplied complete with 2-metre cable, Schuko plug, and 3-pin UK adaptor for immediate connection without requiring an electrician for basic setups
✅ Self-Aligning Unions — Factory-fitted 50mm unions ensure leak-free connections and simplify installation and future maintenance
✅ External Control Compatibility — Three digital inputs and RS-485 communication allow integration with automation systems, timers, and smart pool controllers
✅ Automatic Priming Function — Programmable priming cycle (up to 15 minutes at adjustable speeds) ensures reliable start-up every time, even after servicing
✅ Compact Footprint Design — Space-efficient housing fits easily into existing plant rooms and equipment pads, ideal for upgrades and retrofits
🔧 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Pentair |
| Model | Swimmey VSE |
| Motor Power | 1 HP (0.75 kW) |
| Motor Type | Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled (TEFC) Induction |
| Speed Range | 600 – 3000 RPM (±50 RPM increments) |
| Power Supply | Single Phase 230V AC, 50/60Hz |
| Programmable Speeds | 3 custom speeds + Quick Clean mode |
| Display | LCD with Watts, RPM, and Time |
| Control Inputs | 3 digital inputs / RS-485 |
| Priming Duration | 1-15 minutes (adjustable) |
| Cable Length | 2 metres (supplied with UK adaptor) |
| Pipe Connections | 50mm self-aligning unions |
| Languages Supported | EN, IT, FR, NL, DE, ES, PT |
| Protection Features | Dry run detection, over-current protection |
| Installation Clearance | Min. 7.6cm sides/rear, 15.2cm top |
| Max Height Above Water | 3.1 metres |
| Min. Distance from Pool | 1.5 metres |
| Warranty | 2 years motor & components, 1 year mechanical seals |
| Compliance | CE, LVD 2014/35/EU, EMC 2014/30/EU |
💰 Usage Costs & Running Expenses
Understanding the true cost of running your pool pump is essential for making an informed purchase decision. The Pentair Swimmey VSE’s variable speed technology delivers substantial savings compared to traditional single-speed pumps.
📊 Annual Running Cost Calculation
Energy Rate Used: £0.2635 per kWh (UK Price Cap, Q4 2025)
The key to variable speed savings lies in the physics of pump operation. Running a pump at half speed uses only one-eighth of the energy — this is known as the Affinity Law. The Swimmey VSE exploits this principle by running at lower speeds for longer periods, achieving the same water turnover with dramatically less energy.
🏊 Scenario 1: Typical Residential Pool (40,000 litres)
Traditional Single-Speed Pump (0.75 kW at full speed):
- ❌ Running 8 hours/day at full speed
- ❌ Daily consumption: 0.75 kW × 8 hours = 6 kWh
- ❌ Seasonal operation: 180 days (April-September)
- ❌ Annual consumption: 6 kWh × 180 = 1,080 kWh
- ❌ Annual cost: 1,080 × £0.2635 = £284.58
Pentair Swimmey VSE (Variable Speed Operation):
- ✅ Speed 1: 2 hours at 3000 RPM (0.75 kW) = 1.5 kWh
- ✅ Speed 2: 10 hours at 1400 RPM (~0.08 kW) = 0.8 kWh
- ✅ Speed 3: 2 hours at 2200 RPM (~0.35 kW) = 0.7 kWh
- ✅ Daily consumption: 3.0 kWh
- ✅ Seasonal operation: 180 days
- ✅ Annual consumption: 3.0 kWh × 180 = 540 kWh
- ✅ Annual cost: 540 × £0.2635 = £142.29
💷 Annual Saving: £142.29 (50% reduction) 📈 5-Year Saving: £711.45
♨ Scenario 2: Year-Round Heated Indoor Pool
Traditional Single-Speed Pump:
- ❌ Running 10 hours/day, 365 days
- ❌ Daily consumption: 0.75 kW × 10 = 7.5 kWh
- ❌ Annual consumption: 7.5 × 365 = 2,737.5 kWh
- ❌ Annual cost: 2,737.5 × £0.2635 = £721.33
Pentair Swimmey VSE:
- ✅ Optimised variable speed schedule
- ✅ Average consumption: ~3.5 kWh/day
- ✅ Annual consumption: 3.5 × 365 = 1,277.5 kWh
- ✅ Annual cost: 1,277.5 × £0.2635 = £336.62
💷 Annual Saving: £384.71 (53% reduction) 📈 5-Year Saving: £1,923.55 ⏱ Payback Period: Approximately 18-24 months
🏢 Scenario 3: Small Commercial Pool/Holiday Let
Traditional Single-Speed Pump:
- ❌ Running 12 hours/day, 250 days (seasonal commercial)
- ❌ Daily consumption: 0.75 kW × 12 = 9 kWh
- ❌ Annual consumption: 9 × 250 = 2,250 kWh
- ❌ Annual cost: 2,250 × £0.2635 = £593.06
Pentair Swimmey VSE:
- ✅ Extended low-speed filtration with boost periods
- ✅ Average consumption: ~4 kWh/day
- ✅ Annual consumption: 4 × 250 = 1,000 kWh
- ✅ Annual cost: 1,000 × £0.2635 = £263.50
💷 Annual Saving: £329.56 (56% reduction) 📈 5-Year Saving: £1,647.80
🎯 Real World Examples & Applications
🏊♂ Residential Swimming Pools
The Swimmey VSE is perfectly sized for domestic pools up to 50,000 litres. Its quiet operation (significantly reduced noise at lower speeds) makes it ideal for pools near living spaces, patios, or neighbouring properties. The programmable timer ensures filtration runs during off-peak hours if you’re on an Economy 7 tariff, further reducing costs.
Typical Installation: Garden pools, swim spas, above-ground pools requiring efficient filtration without excessive noise or energy consumption.
🛁 Spa & Hot Tub Circulation
Approved for spa and hot tub use (as marked on the pump), the Swimmey VSE provides gentle, continuous circulation at lower speeds for water quality maintenance, with boost capability for hydrotherapy jets. The dry-run protection is particularly valuable in spa applications where water levels can fluctuate.
Typical Installation: Domestic hot tubs, wellness spas, hydrotherapy pools requiring variable flow rates.
🏢 Small Commercial Applications
Holiday lets, boutique hotels, and small leisure facilities benefit from the Swimmey VSE’s combination of reliability, efficiency, and smart features. The RS-485 connectivity allows integration with building management systems, whilst the error logging function helps maintenance teams track pump health and schedule servicing.
Typical Installation: Holiday cottage pools, B&B facilities, small gym pools, physiotherapy pools.
🌊 Water Features & Ponds
For water features requiring variable flow rates, the Swimmey VSE offers precise control without the need for external flow restrictors or bypass valves. Adjust the speed to achieve the perfect waterfall flow or fountain height whilst using only the energy actually needed.
Typical Installation: Garden water features, koi ponds with filtration systems, ornamental fountains.
🔄 Upgrade & Replacement Projects
The compact footprint and self-aligning unions make the Swimmey VSE an excellent choice for replacing older single-speed pumps. In most cases, existing pipework can be retained, and the plug-and-play electrical connection simplifies installation. Pool owners typically see immediate energy savings from day one.
Typical Installation: Replacing ageing Sta-Rite, Hayward, or older Pentair single-speed pumps; upgrading basic filtration systems to variable speed technology.
💡 Cost Savings Examples
📍 Scenario: Upgrading from an Old Single-Speed Pump
A typical 10-year-old single-speed pool pump operates at reduced efficiency (often 60-70% of original performance) whilst consuming the same energy. Upgrading to the Pentair Swimmey VSE delivers:
- ❌ Old pump: 0.75 kW × 8 hrs × 180 days = 1,080 kWh/year = £284.58/year
- ✅ Swimmey VSE: Optimised operation = 540 kWh/year = £142.29/year
- 💰 Annual saving: £142.29
- 📈 10-year saving: £1,422.90 (plus avoided repair costs on failing equipment)
📍 Scenario: Comparing Variable Speed vs Budget Single-Speed
When choosing between a budget single-speed pump and the Swimmey VSE, consider total cost of ownership:
Budget Single-Speed Option:
- Purchase price: ~£250
- ❌ Annual running cost: £284.58
- ❌ 5-year electricity: £1,422.90
- ❌ 5-year total cost: ~£1,672.90
Pentair Swimmey VSE:
- Purchase price: Premium
- ✅ Annual running cost: £142.29
- ✅ 5-year electricity: £711.45
- ✅ 5-year electricity saving: £711.45
- ✅ Additional benefits: Quieter operation, longer equipment life, smart features
💵 The Swimmey VSE pays for its premium through energy savings, typically within 2-3 seasons.
📍 Scenario: Running at Night on Economy 7 Tariff
For households with Economy 7 electricity tariffs (approximately £0.12/kWh off-peak):
- ✅ Programme filtration to run 23:00-07:00
- ✅ Daily cost at off-peak: 3 kWh × £0.12 = £0.36
- ✅ Seasonal cost (180 days): £64.80
- 💷 Additional saving vs standard rate: £77.49/season
📥 Downloads & Resources
📄 Pentair Swimmey VSE Installation & User Guide — Complete installation instructions, programming guide, electrical wiring diagrams, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting (PDF)
🏆 Why Choose the Pentair Swimmey VSE 1HP?
✅ Proven Energy Savings — Variable speed technology delivers up to 70% reduction in electricity costs compared to traditional single-speed pumps, with typical annual savings of £140-£385 depending on usage
✅ Pentair Quality & Reliability — Backed by one of the world’s leading pool equipment manufacturers with over 40 years of hydraulic engineering expertise and a comprehensive 2-year warranty
✅ Smart Protection Features — Built-in dry run detection and over-current protection prevent costly damage, extending pump life and reducing maintenance costs
✅ Whisper-Quiet Operation — At lower speeds, the TEFC motor operates significantly quieter than single-speed alternatives, perfect for residential settings
✅ Future-Ready Connectivity — RS-485 and digital inputs allow integration with smart home systems, automation controllers, and building management systems
✅ Simple Installation & Programming — Plug-and-play setup with intuitive 7-language interface means you’re up and running quickly, with easy schedule customisation
🛒 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs?
✅ Authorised Pentair Stockist — Genuine products with full manufacturer warranty support
✅ Expert Technical Advice — Our team understands pool equipment and can help you choose the right pump for your application
✅ Fast UK Delivery — In-stock items dispatched promptly for quick delivery to your door
✅ Competitive Pricing — Quality products at fair prices, with no hidden costs
✅ After-Sales Support — We’re here to help with installation queries, spare parts, and ongoing support
✨ Summary
The Pentair Swimmey VSE 1HP Variable Speed Pump combines cutting-edge efficiency with renowned Pentair reliability, delivering substantial energy savings of up to 70% compared to traditional pumps. With intelligent features including programmable schedules, real-time monitoring, and comprehensive safety protection, this pump represents the smart choice for pool owners seeking to reduce running costs without compromising on performance. Backed by a 2-year warranty and designed for easy installation, the Swimmey VSE is your pathway to quieter, more efficient, and more economical pool operation.
Energy calculations based on UK electricity price cap rate of £0.2635/kWh (Q4 2025). Actual savings will vary depending on pool size, usage patterns, and local energy tariffs. Pump power consumption at reduced speeds estimated using affinity laws; actual consumption may vary.







