A family business, born from a simple idea
Magic Pump began in Cape Town, South Africa, with father-and-daughter team Ken Jackson and Kaye Munnik—and a frustrating job that needed a better solution.
In 2014, Ken, a retired fitter and turner, was working in pool maintenance to supplement his pension. Changing pool filter sand was particularly demanding: slow, awkward work that left him with a sore back and scraped hands. He was convinced there had to be an easier way.
His daughter Kaye brought a background in marketing and was looking for meaningful work that could fit around family life. Together, they began turning Ken’s idea into a business.
Working from Kaye’s garage, they experimented with designs and materials until they developed a practical hand pump that made removing pool filter sand much easier. They carefully considered durability, weight and ease of use as they refined the product.
What began as a solution to one difficult job soon found other uses. Customers discovered that Magic Pump could also help unblock drains, move water and tackle other messy tasks.
From those family beginnings, the aim has remained simple: making difficult, messy jobs easier.
Bringing Magic Pump to the UK
I'm Michelle Sharpe, a South African–British dual national living in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, and the person behind Magic Pump UK.
After many years working in dental technology, I decided it was time for a change and began exploring different business opportunities. With strong ties to South Africa, I was particularly interested in finding a business there that I could become involved in.
That's when I discovered Magic Pump, an ingenious invention developed by Ken Jackson, alongside his daughter and business partner, Kaye Munnik.
I was immediately impressed by the simplicity of the design and could see its potential. Rather than buying the business outright, I proposed joining Ken and Kaye as a partner so that we could build on what they'd already achieved and explore new markets together.
But the original Magic Pump also sparked another opportunity.
My shower drain was forever getting blocked, and I really didn't want to keep using chemical drain cleaners. When I first saw Magic Pump SAND+, I remember thinking, "I need one of those for my shower!"
The original pump was quite large, and we recognised the potential for a smaller version specifically designed for clearing blocked household drains.
Working together, we developed Magic Pump DRAIN, which we're now launching in both South Africa and the UK.
Today, I'm working alongside Ken and Kaye to grow Magic Pump internationally, introducing our products to homeowners, retailers and distributors.
We're also delighted to have partnered with 1st Direct Pools as our UK distributor for Magic Pump SAND+.
It's certainly not the career path I originally imagined, but I'm proud to be part of a business built around a simple idea: making difficult, messy jobs easier.
Michelle Sharpe
Magic Pump UK Ltd, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire
Built for real jobs
Magic Pump is designed to be practical, reliable, and easy to use.
- No electricity required
- Sealed design to keep liquid contained
- Strong and durable materials
- Made to handle tough, messy work
It is not a complicated product. It is a simple tool that works.
Now available in the UK
Magic Pump is designed and manufactured in South Africa and is now available in the UK through MagicPump.co.uk.
We are bringing this product to the UK to help homeowners and tradespeople deal with the same everyday challenges
blocked drains, messy water jobs, and time-consuming maintenance
Two tools. Different jobs.
Both use the same simple principle - pump up, no leaks, pump out
SAND+
Designed for pool sand filter changes and moving larger volumes of water/debris
DRAIN
Designed for unblocking sinks, showers, and plumbing jobs. Compact design
