💧 Waterco Lacronite 050 Pool Pump – 0.5hp/0.61kW Single Phase
🌊 Professional-Grade Efficiency for Domestic Pools with Direct STARITE 5P2R Replacement Capability
📋 Product Overview
The Waterco Lacronite 050 represents Australian engineering excellence, delivering professional-grade performance specifically designed for large domestic swimming pools. This 0.5 horsepower pump combines advanced hydraulic engineering with exceptional build quality to provide reliable, energy-efficient water circulation for discerning pool owners.
What sets the Lacronite 050 apart is its optimised impeller and diffuser design that maximises hydraulic output while minimising turbulence. This translates directly into shorter run times, reduced energy consumption, and noticeably lower operating costs compared to conventional pumps. The single-phase 230V configuration makes it ideal for residential installations where simplicity and reliability are paramount.
For pool owners currently running ageing STARITE 5P2R pumps, the Lacronite 050 offers a seamless upgrade path with no plumbing modifications required. This direct replacement capability means you can enjoy modern pump technology without the expense and disruption of pipework alterations.
Backed by Waterco’s comprehensive 3-year warranty on the pump body and engineered for compatibility with all major sanitising systems, this pump delivers peace of mind alongside exceptional performance.
⭐ Key Features
✅ Advanced Hydraulic Design – Optimised impeller and diffuser engineering maximises water flow while minimising energy-wasting turbulence, delivering more circulation per kilowatt consumed
✅ Direct STARITE 5P2R Replacement – Fits existing pipework configurations perfectly, eliminating costly plumbing modifications and reducing installation time dramatically
✅ Premium 316 Stainless Steel Mechanical Seal – Hospital-grade corrosion resistance ensures reliable operation with chlorine, salt water, bromine, ozone, iodine, and Baquacil sanitisation systems
✅ Motor Protection Bracket System – Unique 60.5mm separation between wet end and motor provides critical protection against seal leaks, significantly extending motor life
✅ Single-Piece Construction – State-of-the-art glass-filled thermoplastic pump body eliminates weak points and potential leak paths for enhanced durability
✅ Generous 2.1 Litre Strainer Basket – Large-capacity debris capture reduces maintenance frequency and protects the impeller from damage
✅ Clear Basket Lid – Easy visual inspection allows you to identify cleaning requirements at a glance without disassembly
✅ 50mm Quick Connect Unions – Universal 1.5″ barrel unions accommodate both UPVC pipe and internal threaded connections for installation flexibility
✅ Fan-Cooled Motor with Thermal Protection – Stainless steel motor shaft and built-in thermal overload protection ensure reliable operation in demanding conditions
✅ IPX4 Weather Rating – Splash-resistant design suitable for outdoor installations in all UK weather conditions
🔧 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Lacronite 050 |
| Nominal Power | 0.5 hp |
| Motor Input | 0.61 kW |
| Voltage | 220-240V |
| Phase | Single Phase |
| Frequency | 50 Hz |
| Motor Speed | 2860 RPM |
| Current Draw | 3.2 Amps |
| Flow Rate @ 8m Head | 10 m³/hr |
| Flow Rate @ 10m Head | 11 m³/hr |
| Total Length | 609 mm |
| Total Width | 226.6 mm |
| Total Height | 381.4 mm |
| Strainer Basket Capacity | 2.1 litres |
| Inlet/Outlet Size | 50mm / 1.5″ BSPT |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Mechanical Seal Material | 316 Stainless Steel |
| Pump Body Material | Glass-Filled Thermoplastic |
| Direct Replacement For | STARITE 5P2R |
💰 Usage Costs & Running Expenses
Understanding the true cost of pool pump operation helps you make informed decisions. The Lacronite 050’s efficient 0.61kW motor delivers substantial savings compared to older or oversized alternatives.
📊 Annual Running Cost Calculation
Base Parameters:
- Motor Input Power: 0.61 kW
- UK Electricity Rate: £0.2635 per kWh (Ofgem Price Cap, Q4 2025)
🏊 Scenario 1: Seasonal Pool Use (April–September)
Typical residential outdoor pool operation during swimming season:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Daily Run Time | 8 hours |
| Season Length | 180 days (6 months) |
| Annual Operating Hours | 1,440 hours |
| Energy Consumption | 0.61 kW × 1,440 hrs = 878.4 kWh |
| ✅ Annual Cost | 878.4 × £0.2635 = £231.46 |
💵 Monthly Cost During Season: Approximately £38.58
♨️ Scenario 2: Year-Round Heated Pool
Indoor or heated outdoor pools requiring continuous filtration:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Daily Run Time | 10 hours |
| Annual Operating Days | 365 days |
| Annual Operating Hours | 3,650 hours |
| Energy Consumption | 0.61 kW × 3,650 hrs = 2,226.5 kWh |
| ✅ Annual Cost | 2,226.5 × £0.2635 = £586.68 |
💵 Monthly Cost: Approximately £48.89
🏢 Scenario 3: Extended Filtration (12 Hours Daily)
Pools with higher bather loads or enhanced water quality requirements:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Daily Run Time | 12 hours |
| Annual Operating Days | 365 days |
| Annual Operating Hours | 4,380 hours |
| Energy Consumption | 0.61 kW × 4,380 hrs = 2,671.8 kWh |
| ✅ Annual Cost | 2,671.8 × £0.2635 = £704.02 |
💵 Monthly Cost: Approximately £58.67
🎯 Real World Examples & Applications
🏊♂️ Large Domestic Swimming Pools
The Lacronite 050 excels in pools up to 60,000 litres, providing complete turnover every 6 hours at standard head pressures. Its quiet operation (approximately 70-72 dB at typical flow rates) makes it suitable for pools near entertainment areas or neighbouring properties.
🔄 STARITE 5P2R Replacement Projects
Pool owners with ageing STARITE 5P2R pumps benefit from a straightforward upgrade path. The identical footprint and connection configuration means your existing pipework, electrical supply, and mounting remain unchanged—simply disconnect the old pump and connect the Lacronite 050.
☀️ Solar Heating Circuit Pumps
The efficient hydraulic design makes the Lacronite 050 ideal as a dedicated solar panel circulation pump. At 10 m³/hr flow rate, it provides optimal heat transfer through roof-mounted solar collector arrays whilst maintaining low energy consumption.
🌊 Water Feature & Fountain Supply
Pools with integrated water features, deck jets, or spillover designs benefit from the Lacronite’s consistent pressure delivery. The 0.5hp output handles moderate head requirements whilst keeping operating costs manageable.
🛁 Swim Jet & Spa Integration
For pools equipped with swim jet systems or integrated spa sections, the Lacronite 050 serves as a reliable secondary circulation pump, handling dedicated feature circuits without oversizing your main filtration system.
🏠 In-Floor Cleaning Systems
The pump’s optimised flow characteristics make it well-suited for powering in-floor cleaning systems, providing consistent water distribution to pop-up heads whilst the main pump handles filtration duties.
💡 Cost Savings Examples
📍 Scenario: Upgrading from an Older 0.75kW Pump
Many ageing pool pumps draw significantly more power than modern equivalents. Here’s the savings potential when upgrading:
| Comparison | Old 0.75kW Pump | Lacronite 050 (0.61kW) |
|---|---|---|
| Power Draw | 0.75 kW | 0.61 kW |
| Annual Hours | 1,440 | 1,440 |
| Energy Used | 1,080 kWh | 878.4 kWh |
| ❌ Annual Cost | £284.58 | — |
| ✅ Annual Cost | — | £231.46 |
| 💰 Annual Saving | — | £53.12 |
📈 5-Year Saving: £265.60
📍 Scenario: Replacing an Oversized 1.0hp Pump
Pool professionals frequently find oversized pumps installed where smaller units would suffice. Downsizing delivers remarkable savings:
| Comparison | Oversized 1.0hp (0.96kW) | Lacronite 050 (0.61kW) |
|---|---|---|
| Power Draw | 0.96 kW | 0.61 kW |
| Annual Hours | 1,440 | 1,440 |
| Energy Used | 1,382.4 kWh | 878.4 kWh |
| ❌ Annual Cost | £364.26 | — |
| ✅ Annual Cost | — | £231.46 |
| 💰 Annual Saving | — | £132.80 |
📈 5-Year Saving: £664.00 ⏱️ Payback Period: Pump cost recovered through energy savings within 2-3 years
📍 Scenario: Year-Round Pool – Efficiency Comparison
For heated pools running continuously, efficiency differences compound dramatically:
| Comparison | Standard 0.75kW Pump | Lacronite 050 (0.61kW) |
|---|---|---|
| Power Draw | 0.75 kW | 0.61 kW |
| Annual Hours | 3,650 | 3,650 |
| Energy Used | 2,737.5 kWh | 2,226.5 kWh |
| ❌ Annual Cost | £721.33 | — |
| ✅ Annual Cost | — | £586.68 |
| 💰 Annual Saving | — | £134.65 |
📈 10-Year Saving: £1,346.50
📥 Downloads & Resources
📄 Lacronite Product Datasheet – Complete technical specifications, dimensions, performance curves, and noise data for all Lacronite models
🛒 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs?
✅ Genuine Waterco Products – Authorised UK stockist ensuring you receive authentic equipment with full manufacturer warranty support
✅ Expert Technical Support – Our pool equipment specialists can advise on pump selection, compatibility, and installation requirements
✅ Fast UK Delivery – Stock items dispatched promptly for rapid delivery across the UK mainland
✅ Competitive Pricing – Trade and retail pricing that represents genuine value without compromising on quality
✅ Comprehensive Aftercare – Access to spare parts, accessories, and ongoing technical assistance throughout your pump’s lifetime
✅ Hassle-Free Returns – Straightforward returns policy if the product doesn’t meet your requirements
✨ Summary
The Waterco Lacronite 050 delivers Australian-engineered quality in a compact, efficient package perfectly suited to UK domestic pools. With its direct STARITE 5P2R replacement capability, advanced corrosion-resistant construction, and energy-efficient 0.61kW motor, this pump offers an outstanding balance of performance, reliability, and economy. Backed by Waterco’s comprehensive warranty and designed for years of trouble-free operation, the Lacronite 050 represents a smart investment for any pool owner seeking professional-grade results without commercial-scale running costs.









