🌊 FBT500 Brasil 500mm (20″) Top Mount Sand Filter – Up to 80,000 Litre Pool Capacity

Superior filtration performance for sparkling clean water, season after season

💧 Product Overview

The FBT500 Brasil Filter is a high-performance 500mm (20″) diameter sand filter engineered for larger residential and small commercial swimming pools. Built from durable blow-moulded High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) in an attractive anthracite grey finish, this filter delivers reliable filtration with a substantial 10m³/hr flow rate.

Designed for pools up to 80,000 litres, the FBT500 comes complete with a 6-way top-mount multiport valve, pressure gauge, and drain valve as standard. The robust HDPE construction offers excellent resistance to pool chemicals and UV radiation, ensuring years of dependable service even in outdoor installations.

This filter represents an outstanding balance of high-capacity performance and value, making it the ideal choice for pool owners who demand professional-grade filtration without excessive costs. Whether for a large family pool or a small commercial facility, the FBT500 delivers crystal-clear water with minimal maintenance.

✨ Key Features

• ✅ 500mm (20″) Filter Diameter – Large filtration capacity for pools up to 80,000 litres
• ✅ 10m³/hr Flow Rate – Powerful water circulation for efficient filtration
• ✅ Blow-Moulded HDPE Construction – Seamless, leak-proof design with UV and chemical resistance
• ✅ 6-Way Top-Mount Multiport Valve – Complete control over all filtration operations included
• ✅ Integrated Pressure Gauge – Easy monitoring of filter performance and backwash timing
• ✅ Drain Valve Included – Simplifies maintenance and winterisation procedures
• ✅ 1.5″ (38mm) Connections – Standard sizing for easy integration with existing plumbing
• ✅ 75kg Sand Capacity – Ample media volume for extended filtration cycles
• ✅ Maximum 2 bar Working Pressure – Robust construction for reliable operation
• ✅ Anthracite Grey Finish – Attractive appearance that complements pool equipment areas

🔩 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Model	FBT500
Filter Type	Sand Filter (Top Mount)
Filter Diameter	500mm (20″)
Flow Rate	10m³/hr
Pool Capacity	Up to 80,000 litres (8-hour turnover)
Filter Area	Approximately 0.20 m²
Filtration Rating	20-40 microns (with standard sand)
Sand Capacity	75 kg
Sand Granulometry	0.5 – 0.7 mm
Inlet/Outlet Size	1.5″ (38mm)
Maximum Working Pressure	2 kg/cm² (2 bar / 28.4 PSI)
Tank Material	HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
Tank Colour	Anthracite Grey
Valve Type	6-Way Top-Mount Multiport
Included Accessories	Multiport Valve, Pressure Gauge, Drain Valve

📏 Pool Sizing Guide

Sizing Principle: Your filter’s flow rate should turn over your entire pool volume in 6-8 hours for optimal water quality.

Formula:

Required Flow Rate (m³/h) = Pool Volume (m³) ÷ Turnover Time (hours)

Pool Size Compatibility:

Pool Type	Volume Range	Suitability
🏠 Medium above-ground	20,000 – 40,000 L	✅ Excellent – ample capacity
🏠 Large above-ground	40,000 – 60,000 L	✅ Ideal match
🏊 Small in-ground	Up to 50,000 L	✅ Excellent – generous filtration
🏊 Medium in-ground	50,000 – 80,000 L	✅ Optimal performance
🏢 Small commercial	60,000 – 80,000 L	✅ Suitable with 8-hour turnover

This Filter:

📍 Flow Rate: 10 m³/hr (10,000 litres per hour)

📍 Suitable for pools up to: 80,000 litres (8-hour turnover) or 60,000 litres (6-hour turnover for enhanced clarity)

🛠️ Installation Requirements

Plumbing:

Requirement	Specification
Inlet Connection	1.5″ (38mm)
Outlet Connection	1.5″ (38mm)
Valve Position	Top Mount

Physical Installation:

Requirement	Details
Base	Solid, level, horizontal surface required
Positioning	Install as close to pool as practical
Level	Preferably 0.5m below pool water surface
Drainage	Ensure waste water drainage is available nearby
Access	Allow adequate clearance for valve operation and maintenance

Pump Compatibility:

⚠️ The filter must be matched with an appropriate pump for optimal performance.

• Recommended pump flow rate: 8 – 10 m³/hr
• Maximum pump flow rate: Do not exceed 10 m³/hr to prevent channelling
• Connection type: Use plastic fittings and PTFE tape only – never iron pipe or hemp

💡 Tip: Select a pump with a flow rate slightly below the filter’s maximum to ensure efficient filtration and extend filter cycle times between backwashes.

🔄 Maintenance Guide

Routine Maintenance:

Task	When	How
Check pressure gauge	Weekly	Normal operating range: 0.8 – 1.3 bar
Backwash filter	When pressure rises to 1.3 bar (18.5 PSI)	Run for 2 minutes until sight glass clears
Rinse after backwash	After each backwash	Run for 1 minute to settle media
Inspect seals and gaskets	Seasonally	Replace if worn or damaged
Check sand level	Annually	Top up if low
Clean sand with filter cleaner	Annually	Use appropriate filter media cleaner
Full sand replacement	Every 3 years	Replace completely with fresh silica sand

Pressure Gauge Guide:

📊 Clean filter baseline: 0.8 bar (11.4 PSI)

📊 Backwash needed: 1.3 bar (18.5 PSI) – 0.5 bar above baseline

📊 Maximum safe pressure: 2.0 bar (28.4 PSI)

Winterisation (UK Climate):

• Perform a backwash and rinse cycle
• Drain the filter tank completely via the drain valve
• Remove the filter lid to allow ventilation during storage
• Store in a frost-free location or protect from freezing temperatures
• Never leave water in the filter during freezing conditions – ice expansion can crack the tank

🪨 Filter Media Information

Compatible Media:

Media Type	Filtration Rating	Lifespan	Benefits
Silica Sand	20-40 microns	3-5 years	Economical, proven performance
Glass Media	5-15 microns	10+ years	Finer filtration, longer life, lighter weight
ZeoSand	3-5 microns	5 years	Superior water clarity, ammonia reduction

Media Capacity: 75 kg

Recommended Sand Specification: Silica sand with 0.5-0.7mm granulometry (16/32 grade)

Signs Media Needs Replacing:

• Poor water clarity despite correct chemical balance
• Short filter cycles between backwashes
• Cloudy water returning to pool after filtration
• Sand visible in pool (indicates damaged laterals)
• Filter pressure remains high after backwashing

🔬 Filtration Performance

Metric	Value
Filtration Rating	20-40 microns (standard sand)
Filter Area	Approximately 0.20 m²
Enhanced Performance	5-15 microns (with glass media)

Micron Rating Guide:

Rating	What It Captures
40+ microns	Visible debris, leaves, large particles
20-40 microns	Sand, dirt, visible suspended particles
10-20 microns	Fine particles, some algae spores
5-10 microns	Very fine particles, most algae, superior clarity

💡 Tip: Upgrade to glass filter media for significantly improved water clarity and extended media life.

⚙️ Valve Positions & Functions

Position	Function
Filter	Normal filtration – water passes through sand and returns to pool
Backwash	Reverse flow to clean media – dirty water goes to waste
Rinse	Settles media after backwash – runs to waste for 1 minute
Waste	Bypasses filter, sends water directly to drain – useful for lowering water level
Recirculate	Bypasses filter media, returns water to pool – for chemical distribution
Closed	Stops all water flow – use when servicing pump strainer basket

⚠️ Important: Always switch off the pump before changing the selector valve position to prevent damage.

🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Pool Size	Suitability
🏠 Large residential above-ground	Up to 60,000 L	Excellent – generous capacity
🏠 Medium residential in-ground	50,000 – 80,000 L	Ideal match
🏠 High-usage family pools	Up to 70,000 L	Excellent – handles increased bather load
🏊 Pools with water features	Up to 60,000 L	Suitable – allows for feature circulation
🏢 Small commercial/holiday let	Up to 80,000 L	Suitable with appropriate turnover

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle?

A: The FBT500 is suitable for pools up to 80,000 litres with an 8-hour turnover rate, or up to 60,000 litres for enhanced 6-hour turnover. The 10m³/hr flow rate provides ample filtration capacity for larger residential and small commercial pools.

Q: How often do I need to backwash?

A: Backwash when the pressure gauge reads 1.3 bar (18.5 PSI) – approximately 0.5 bar above your clean baseline pressure of 0.8 bar. This is typically every 1-2 weeks during swimming season, depending on pool usage and debris load.

Q: What filter media should I use?

A: The FBT500 is compatible with silica sand (0.5-0.7mm grade), glass media, or ZeoSand. Sand capacity is 75kg. Glass media offers finer filtration and longer life but requires approximately 60kg due to its lighter weight.

Q: How long does filter media last?

A: Silica sand: 3-5 years with proper maintenance. Glass media: 10+ years. Annual cleaning with filter media cleaner extends media life significantly.

Q: What pump do I need?

A: Match with a pump delivering 8-10 m³/hr. Do not exceed the filter’s 10m³/hr maximum flow rate. Ensure your pump has 1.5″ connections for direct compatibility.

Q: Is this filter suitable for saltwater pools?

A: Yes, the HDPE construction offers excellent resistance to both chlorine and saltwater pool chemicals.

Q: What warranty is included?

A: Contact Parts4Tubs for full warranty terms and conditions applicable to this product.

Q: Can I use glass media instead of sand?

A: Absolutely. Glass media provides finer filtration (5-15 microns vs 20-40 microns), requires less frequent backwashing, and lasts significantly longer. Use approximately 60kg of glass media in place of 75kg sand.

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 Installation Manual (EN/ES/FR) – Complete installation, operation and maintenance guide

🏆 Why Choose the FBT500 Brasil Filter

• ✅ Generous 80,000L capacity – Handles larger pools with ease
• ✅ Robust HDPE construction – Seamless, blow-moulded design eliminates leak points
• ✅ Complete filtration package – 6-way valve, pressure gauge, and drain valve included
• ✅ Chemical and UV resistant – Built for outdoor installations in all conditions
• ✅ Easy operation – Intuitive multiport valve simplifies all filtration tasks
• ✅ Low maintenance – Simple backwash procedure keeps filter performing optimally
• ✅ Excellent value – Professional-grade performance at an affordable price point
• ✅ Versatile media compatibility – Works with sand, glass, or ZeoSand media

🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

• ✅ UK-based company with local support and expertise
• ✅ Fast UK delivery – prompt dispatch on in-stock items
• ✅ Expert advice from pool and hot tub specialists
• ✅ Competitive pricing – great value on quality equipment
• ✅ Full warranty support – we stand behind what we sell
• ✅ Easy returns within 30 days if not completely satisfied
• ✅ Compatible accessories – filter media, spare parts, and chemicals available
• ✅ Trusted supplier – built on the success of buildahottub.com

💦 Summary

The FBT500 Brasil 500mm Top Mount Sand Filter delivers professional-grade filtration for pools up to 80,000 litres. Featuring robust blow-moulded HDPE construction, a complete 6-way multiport valve system, and 75kg sand capacity, this filter offers exceptional value for larger residential and small commercial pools. The 10m³/hr flow rate ensures thorough water circulation, while the integrated pressure gauge makes maintenance timing straightforward. Upgrade your pool filtration today and enjoy crystal-clear water all season long.