🌊 Waterco Hydrostar 5.50hp 3 Phase Pump Mk3

🏆 High-Performance Commercial Circulation for Demanding Aquatic Facilities & Large Pool Installations

📋 Product Overview

The Waterco Hydrostar 5.50hp 3 Phase Pump Mk3 delivers exceptional commercial-grade performance for facilities requiring robust, high-flow water circulation. Positioned perfectly between the 4.00hp and 7.00hp models in Waterco’s acclaimed Hydrostar range, this 5.50hp powerhouse provides the ideal balance of flow capacity and energy efficiency for medium-to-large commercial swimming pools.

Completely redesigned from earlier Hydrostar generations, the Mk3 series features Waterco’s innovative internal volute technology — a hydraulic engineering breakthrough that creates naturally balanced water flow whilst dramatically reducing operational noise and turbulence. The result is a pump that delivers substantially higher flow rates and head pressure than previous models, all while running quieter and more efficiently.

Built to withstand the rigorous demands of continuous commercial operation, the Hydrostar 5.50hp features a single-piece glass-filled thermoplastic construction that’s both UV stabilised and corrosion resistant. The premium 316 stainless steel mechanical seal handles everything from heavily chlorinated water to saltwater and alternative sanitisers without degradation. Whether you’re operating a busy leisure centre, hotel resort, health club, or commercial aquatic facility, the Hydrostar 5.50hp delivers the dependable, high-volume performance your operation requires.

⭐ Key Features

✅ Powerful 5.50hp Three-Phase Motor — Delivers 4.24kW of efficient pumping power with 2900 RPM operation, providing exceptional water turnover for medium-to-large commercial installations

✅ Outstanding Flow Rate Capacity — Achieves approximately 58 m³/hr at 10 metres head, ensuring rapid and complete pool water circulation for demanding commercial applications

✅ Revolutionary Internal Volute Design — Completely redesigned Mk3 hydraulic system delivers naturally balanced water flow, dramatically reduced turbulence, and substantially quieter operation than previous generations

✅ Heavy-Duty 6L Hair & Lint Pot — Extra-large strainer basket with clear polycarbonate lid enables instant visual inspection, minimising maintenance downtime and ensuring uninterrupted filtration

✅ Innovative Quarter-Turn Lid Assembly — Easy-grip ergonomic handles allow tool-free rapid access for strainer basket maintenance, significantly reducing service time

✅ Premium 316 Stainless Steel Mechanical Seal — High-grade carbon/graphite seal with stainless steel spring assembly provides outstanding protection against chlorinated water, saltwater, ozone, bromine, iodine, and Baquacil

✅ IP55 Weather-Protected Motor — Heavy-duty fan-cooled motor with 431-grade stainless steel shaft and thermal overload protection for reliable outdoor or plant room installation

✅ 90mm (3″) Half Union Connections — Quick-connect barrel unions for seamless UPVC pipe integration, simplifying both installation and future maintenance requirements

✅ UV Stabilised & Corrosion Resistant Construction — Glass-filled Noryl impeller/diffuser and single-piece thermoplastic pump body withstand harsh pool chemical environments and prolonged UV exposure

✅ Self-Priming Capability — Eliminates manual priming requirements, ensuring reliable start-up every time and providing protection against dry-running damage

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model	Hydrostar 550 Mk3
Product Code	240455033
Motor Power	5.50 HP (4.24 kW)
Phase	Three Phase
Voltage	380–420V
Frequency	50Hz
Current Draw	7.3 Amps
Motor Speed	2900 RPM
Flow Rate @ 10m Head	~58 m³/hr
Maximum Flow Rate	~70 m³/hr
Strainer Capacity	6 Litres
Connections	90mm (3″) Half Unions
Motor Protection	IP55 Rated
Shaft Material	431 Grade Stainless Steel
Mechanical Seal	316 Stainless Steel with Carbon/Graphite
Pump Body Material	UV Stabilised Glass-Filled Thermoplastic
Impeller/Diffuser	Glass-Filled Noryl
Total Length	834mm
Overall Dimensions (L × W × H)	940mm × 500mm × 330mm
Weight	47.5 kg
Maximum Water Temperature	40°C
Warranty	1 Year (Commercial Installations)

💰 Usage Costs & Running Expenses

Understanding your operational costs is essential for commercial pool management and budget planning. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the Hydrostar 5.50hp running costs based on current UK energy prices.

📊 Annual Running Cost Calculation

Key Parameters:

• Motor Power: 4.24 kW
• UK Commercial Electricity Rate: £0.27 per kWh (November 2025 average)

🏢 Scenario 1: Municipal Pool / Leisure Centre (24-Hour Continuous Operation)

Public swimming pools, leisure centres, and municipal facilities typically require 24-hour continuous pump operation to meet health and safety turnover regulations.

Parameter	Calculation
Daily Running Hours	24 hours
Days Per Year	365 days
Annual Running Hours	8,760 hours
Power Consumption	4.24 kW × 8,760 hrs = 37,142 kWh
✅ Annual Running Cost	37,142 kWh × £0.27 = £10,028.34

🏨 Scenario 2: Hotel / Resort Pool (16-Hour Extended Operation)

Hotel main pools and resort facilities typically operate during extended guest hours with planned overnight shutdown periods for energy savings.

Parameter	Calculation
Daily Running Hours	16 hours
Days Per Year	365 days
Annual Running Hours	5,840 hours
Power Consumption	4.24 kW × 5,840 hrs = 24,762 kWh
✅ Annual Running Cost	24,762 kWh × £0.27 = £6,685.74

☀️ Scenario 3: Seasonal Commercial Pool (8-Month Operation)

Outdoor commercial pools, holiday parks, lido facilities, and seasonal attractions operating from April through November.

Parameter	Calculation
Daily Running Hours	12 hours
Operating Season	243 days (8 months)
Annual Running Hours	2,916 hours
Power Consumption	4.24 kW × 2,916 hrs = 12,364 kWh
✅ Annual Running Cost	12,364 kWh × £0.27 = £3,338.28

🎓 Scenario 4: School / University Pool (Term-Time Operation)

Educational institution pools operating during academic terms with reduced summer and holiday schedules.

Parameter	Calculation
Daily Running Hours	10 hours
Operating Days	200 days (term time)
Annual Running Hours	2,000 hours
Power Consumption	4.24 kW × 2,000 hrs = 8,480 kWh
✅ Annual Running Cost	8,480 kWh × £0.27 = £2,289.60

⚡ Energy Efficiency Advantage: Three-Phase vs Single-Phase

The Hydrostar 5.50hp utilises three-phase motor technology, delivering significant efficiency advantages over equivalent single-phase commercial pumps:

Comparison	Single-Phase Equivalent	Hydrostar 5.50hp 3-Phase
Typical Efficiency Loss	12-18% higher consumption	✅ Baseline
Estimated Power Draw	~4.87 kW	✅ 4.24 kW
Annual Cost (24hr operation)	£11,513.41	✅ £10,028.34
Annual Savings	❌ —	💷 £1,485.07

⚡ Three-phase motors deliver 10-15% greater efficiency, translating to substantial long-term savings for commercial operations running high-duty-cycle equipment.

🎯 Real World Examples & Applications

🏊‍♂️ Municipal Swimming Pools & Leisure Centres

The Hydrostar 5.50hp is ideally suited for public swimming pools with volumes between 200,000 and 450,000 litres. With an impressive flow rate of approximately 58 m³/hr at 10m head, it achieves:

• 200,000L Pool: Complete turnover in 3.4 hours (7+ turnovers per 24 hours)
• 300,000L Pool: Complete turnover in 5.2 hours (4.6 turnovers per 24 hours)
• 450,000L Pool: Complete turnover in 7.8 hours (3+ turnovers per 24 hours)

This comfortably exceeds UK and European health regulations requiring minimum 3-4 water turnovers daily for public pools.

🏨 Hotels, Resorts & Health Clubs

Perfect for hotel main pools, resort facilities, spa complexes, and premium health club installations where reliable, quiet operation is essential for guest experience. The Mk3’s redesigned internal volute significantly reduces operational noise — a crucial consideration for guest-facing environments and relaxation areas.

🌊 Water Parks & Attraction Pools

The robust construction and high flow capability make the Hydrostar 5.50hp an excellent choice for lazy river systems, wave pool feed applications, water feature circulation, and attraction pool installations where continuous heavy-duty operation is the norm.

🏋️ Sports Centres & Competition Pools

Ideal for competition-standard pools and sports centre main pools where consistent water quality and reliable turnover rates are essential for training and competitive events.

🔄 Upgrade & Replacement Applications

The Hydrostar 5.50hp serves as an ideal replacement for aging commercial pumps. The 90mm union connections provide compatibility with standard commercial pipework, while the improved hydraulic efficiency delivers immediate energy savings from installation day one.

🏥 Hydrotherapy & Rehabilitation Pools

Where consistent water temperature and quality are critical for therapeutic applications, the Hydrostar 5.50hp provides the reliable, high-volume circulation essential for medical and rehabilitation pool operations.

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💡 Cost Savings Examples

📍 Scenario: Upgrading from an Older 5.5HP Single-Phase Pump

Many commercial facilities continue operating legacy single-phase pumps with outdated motor technology and inferior hydraulic design.

Factor	Old Single-Phase Pump	Hydrostar 5.50hp 3-Phase
Estimated Power Draw	4.87 kW	✅ 4.24 kW
Annual Hours (24hr operation)	8,760 hrs	8,760 hrs
Annual Consumption	42,661 kWh	✅ 37,142 kWh
Annual Cost @ £0.27/kWh	❌ £11,518.47	✅ £10,028.34
Annual Saving	—	💰 £1,490.13

📈 5-Year Projected Savings: £7,450.65

⏱️ Payback Period: Energy savings alone can offset the pump investment within approximately 12 months for continuously operating facilities.

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📍 Scenario: Right-Sizing from an Oversized 7.5HP Pump

Many commercial installations operate significantly oversized pumps, wasting considerable energy without meaningful performance benefit.

Factor	Oversized 7.5HP Pump	Right-Sized Hydrostar 5.50hp
Typical Power Draw	5.5 kW	✅ 4.24 kW
Annual Hours (16hr hotel operation)	5,840 hrs	5,840 hrs
Annual Consumption	32,120 kWh	✅ 24,762 kWh
Annual Cost @ £0.27/kWh	❌ £8,672.40	✅ £6,685.74
Annual Saving	—	💷 £1,986.66

📈 10-Year Projected Savings: £19,866.60

Right-sizing your pump selection delivers both capital savings on the initial purchase and substantial ongoing operational cost reductions.

📍 Scenario: Comparison vs Competitor Commercial Pump

Comparing the Hydrostar 5.50hp against a typical competitor pump with similar power specifications but standard hydraulic design.

Factor	Competitor 5.5HP Pump	Waterco Hydrostar 5.50hp
Rated Power	4.5 kW	✅ 4.24 kW
Flow Rate @ 10m	~52 m³/hr	✅ ~58 m³/hr
Efficiency Rating	Standard	✅ Enhanced Volute Design
Annual Cost (24hr @ £0.27)	❌ £10,643.40	✅ £10,028.34
Annual Saving	—	💵 £615.06
Flow Performance Advantage	—	✅ +11.5% Flow Rate

The Hydrostar delivers approximately 11.5% greater flow whilst consuming 6% less energy — a compelling efficiency advantage that compounds year after year.

🏆 Why Choose the Waterco Hydrostar 5.50hp?

✅ Proven Commercial Reliability — Waterco’s established reputation for building robust, long-lasting commercial pool equipment is backed by decades of industry experience worldwide

✅ Substantially Quieter Operation — The completely redesigned Mk3 internal volute delivers significantly quieter running than previous Hydrostar models and many competing commercial pumps

✅ Superior Corrosion Resistance — 316 stainless steel mechanical seal confidently handles chlorinated water, saltwater, ozone, bromine, iodine, and alternative sanitisers without degradation

✅ Reduced Maintenance Downtime — Quarter-turn lid with easy-grip ergonomic handles and clear inspection window enables faster strainer basket cleaning with minimal plant room time

✅ Three-Phase Efficiency — Inherently more efficient motor technology delivers measurable, ongoing energy savings compared to single-phase alternatives

✅ Optimised Flow Performance — Approximately 58 m³/hr at 10m head provides excellent turnover rates for commercial pool volumes while maintaining highly efficient operation

✅ Comprehensive Warranty — 1-year warranty for commercial installations provides peace of mind for your facility investment

🛍️ Why Buy From Parts4Tubs?

✅ Competitive Pricing — Trade-level prices on genuine Waterco commercial equipment without compromising on quality or service

✅ UK Stock Availability — Products held in UK stock for rapid despatch, minimising downtime for your commercial operation

✅ Expert Technical Support — Knowledgeable team available to assist with product selection, specifications, and application advice

✅ Trusted Supplier — Established reputation serving commercial pool operators, contractors, and facilities managers across the United Kingdom

✅ Fast, Secure Delivery — Reliable nationwide delivery with full tracking and secure packaging for heavy commercial equipment

✅ Trade Account Options — Flexible account facilities available for commercial customers with regular purchasing requirements

✨ Summary

The Waterco Hydrostar 5.50hp 3 Phase Pump Mk3 represents the optimal choice for commercial pool operators requiring powerful, efficient, and reliable water circulation for medium-to-large installations. Positioned strategically between the 4.00hp and 7.00hp models, this pump delivers the perfect balance of high-flow performance and energy-conscious operation.

With its revolutionary internal volute design, premium construction materials, and efficient three-phase motor technology, the Hydrostar 5.50hp combines exceptional flow capacity with measurable energy savings — protecting both your facility’s water quality and your operational budget for years of dependable service.

Invest in commercial-grade reliability. Invest in the Waterco Hydrostar 5.50hp Mk3.