Pool Pump Buying Guide
Pool Pump Buying Guide
Single speed vs variable speed · Astral, Madimack & Zodiac · All 15 models matched to pool size
Your pump is the heart of your pool — choose wisely and save every day.
A pool pump circulates water through your filter, chlorinator and heater continuously. The wrong pump means poor water quality, wasted electricity, and expensive repairs. The right pump keeps your water crystal clear at the lowest possible running cost. This guide explains how pumps work, which size suits your pool, and every model we stock at Drive In Pool & Spa Warehouse.
What does a pool pump do?
A pool pump draws water from your pool through the skimmer and main drain, pushes it through the filter to remove debris and contaminants, then returns it through the chlorinator and heater (if fitted) back into the pool. Without adequate circulation your water becomes stagnant, cloudy and chemically unbalanced.
As a rule of thumb, your pump should turn over your pool's total water volume at least once every 8 hours. Divide your pool volume in litres by 8 to get your minimum required flow rate per hour. Pump sizing is critical — too small and turnover is inadequate; too large and you're wasting electricity and potentially damaging your filter.
Types of Pool Pumps
Single Speed
Runs at one fixed speed — full power, all the time. Simple, reliable and the most affordable upfront option. Astral CTX Series, Astral E Series and Zodiac Flo Pro are all single speed. Best suited to pools that only need to run the pump for shorter daily cycles or where budget is the primary concern.
Variable Speed (Inverter)
Adjusts motor speed to match demand — runs slowly for filtration, faster for vacuuming or heating. The Madimack InverFlow Plus is a full inverter-driven variable speed pump with WiFi control and smart performance modes. Uses up to 80% less electricity than single speed when running at low speed — the daily savings are significant.
Single Speed vs Variable Speed — Is the Upgrade Worth It?
A Madimack InverFlow Plus costs more upfront than a single speed pump, but running a variable speed pump at low speed uses a fraction of the electricity. For most pools running 6–8 hours per day, the payback period is 12–24 months — after that it's pure saving.
Single Speed — Astral / Zodiac
- Runs at 100% power only
- Higher daily electricity cost
- Louder when running
- Lower upfront price ($660–$975)
- Simple to install and service
- Best for short daily run cycles
- No app or timer control
Variable Speed — Madimack InverFlow Plus
- Adjustable speed — run slow for filtration
- Up to 80% less electricity at low speed
- Near-silent at filtration speed
- Higher upfront ($1,000–$1,600) — pays back fast
- WiFi app control & smart modes
- Best for pools running 6+ hrs daily
- Longer motor lifespan
Which Pump for Your Pool Size?
Match your pool volume to the right horsepower. Always check your pipe diameter — undersized plumbing limits flow regardless of pump size.
Recommended Models
- Astral E 230C (1.0hp)Astral · $660
- Astral CTX 280C (1.0hp)Astral · $750
- Madimack InverFlow Plus 1HPMadimack · $1,000
Compact in-ground, plunge and above ground pools.
Recommended Models
- Astral CTX 280C (1.0hp)Astral · $750
- Astral CTX 360C (1.25hp)Astral · $825
- Zodiac Flo Pro 1.5HPZodiac · $975
- Madimack InverFlow Plus 1.5HPMadimack · $1,100
Most common size for standard suburban in-ground pools.
Recommended Models
- Astral CTX 400C (1.5hp)Astral · $850
- Zodiac Flo Pro 1.5HPZodiac · $975
- Madimack InverFlow Plus 1.5HPMadimack · $1,100
- Madimack InverFlow Plus 2HPMadimack · $1,350
Variable speed strongly recommended — daily savings are significant.
Recommended Models
- Madimack InverFlow Plus 2HPMadimack · $1,350
- Madimack InverFlow Plus 3HPMadimack · $1,600
Variable speed is the only practical choice at this pool size.
Brands We Stock
One of Australia's most trusted pool equipment brands with a 50+ year history. The CTX Series is Astral's premium single-speed workhorse — robust, reliable and widely supported with parts available everywhere. The E Series is a more compact, budget-friendly option perfect for smaller pools. All Astral pumps are self-priming and feature a large strainer basket for easy cleaning.
E Series
| Model | HP | Pool Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| E 230C | 1.0 HP | Up to 40,000L | $660 |
CTX Series
| Model | HP | Pool Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTX 280C | 1.0 HP | Up to 50,000L | $750 |
| CTX 360C | 1.25 HP | Up to 60,000L | $825 |
| CTX 400C | 1.5 HP | Up to 80,000L | $850 |
Madimack's InverFlow Plus is Australia's leading residential inverter pool pump. Fully variable speed with WiFi connectivity, smart performance modes and ultra-quiet operation. Running a 1.5HP InverFlow Plus at low filtration speed uses less power than a 0.75HP single speed pump — the electricity savings are real and measurable. The WiFi app lets you set schedules, monitor performance and adjust speed from your phone.
InverFlow Plus Range
| Model | HP | Pool Size | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| InverFlow Plus 1HP | 1.0 HP | Up to 40,000L | Variable + WiFi | $1,000 |
| InverFlow Plus 1.5HP | 1.5 HP | Up to 65,000L | Variable + WiFi | $1,100 |
| InverFlow Plus 2HP | 2.0 HP | Up to 80,000L | Variable + WiFi | $1,350 |
| InverFlow Plus 3HP | 3.0 HP | 80,000L+ | Variable + WiFi | $1,600 |
Zodiac is a globally recognised pool equipment brand trusted by Australian pool owners for decades. The Flo Pro series is a dependable single-speed pump with a strong nationwide service network — parts and service support are available across Australia. A reliable choice for direct replacement or new installations where simplicity and serviceability are the priority.
Flo Pro Range
| Model | HP | Pool Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flo Pro 1.0HP | 1.0 HP | Up to 45,000L | — |
| Flo Pro 1.5HP | 1.5 HP | Up to 70,000L | $975 |
| Flo Pro 2.0HP | 2.0 HP | Up to 85,000L | — |
| Flo Pro 2.5HP | 2.5 HP | Up to 100,000L | — |
Key Things to Consider
Divide your pool volume (litres) by 8 to get your minimum required flow rate per hour. Your pump must be able to achieve this at its rated head pressure.
40mm plumbing limits flow to around 5–6m³/hr. 50mm plumbing handles 8–10m³/hr+. Oversizing your pump won't help if your pipes can't carry the flow.
Running a variable speed pump at 40–50% speed uses only 10–15% of the electricity of full speed. For most pools the payback period is well under 2 years.
Schedule your pump to run during off-peak electricity hours (typically 10pm–7am in NSW) to significantly cut running costs — especially with a timer or the Madimack WiFi app.
A pump that's too powerful creates excessive pressure through your filter, shortens equipment lifespan and wastes electricity every single day it runs. Bigger is not always better.
Pool pumps must be installed by a licensed electrician. Our team can recommend qualified local installers in the Sydney area and NSW.
Ready to choose your pump?
Browse our full range of pool pumps from Astral, Madimack and Zodiac — all in stock with fast Australia-wide delivery. Not sure which model is right for you? Our team is here to help.
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