🌊 Certikin Lacron ZZ3200 18″ Top Mount Sand Filter – Complete Kit with Media
Effortless pool maintenance with professional-grade filtration for sparkling clean water
💧 Product Overview
The Certikin Lacron ZZ3200 is a complete 18″ top mount sand filter system designed for smaller to medium-sized residential swimming pools. This comprehensive package includes the filter tank, 6-position multiport valve, pressure gauge, and 75kg of filter media, providing everything needed for immediate installation and operation.
Manufactured by Waterco under the trusted Lacron brand, this filter features a robust glass reinforced polyester (GRP) tank that delivers exceptional durability and corrosion resistance. With over 30 years of proven performance in the UK pool industry, Lacron filters have earned their reputation as the number one choice for pool professionals and homeowners alike.
The ZZ3200 provides reliable filtration for pools up to 50,000 litres, making it ideal for domestic in-ground and above-ground installations. The energy-efficient collection and distribution pipework ensures optimal water flow whilst minimising running costs, and the clear-view service lid allows for quick visual inspections without disturbing the system.
✨ Key Features
- ✅ Complete Ready-to-Install Package – Includes tank, multiport valve, pressure gauge, and 75kg filter media for immediate setup
- ✅ Glass Reinforced Polyester Construction – High-gloss, non-corrosive FRP tank delivers exceptional durability and UV resistance
- ✅ 6-Position Multiport Valve – Filter, backwash, rinse, waste, recirculate, and closed positions for complete operational control
- ✅ 8.5 m³/hr Flow Rate – Suitable for pools up to 50,000 litres with optimal turnover times
- ✅ Clear-View Service Lid – 9-inch easy-access lid enables quick visual inspections and straightforward maintenance
- ✅ Hydraulically Balanced Laterals – Maximises water flow and filtration efficiency across the entire filter bed
- ✅ Quick-Connect Barrel Unions – Speed-style connections for rapid installation and servicing
- ✅ Winter Drain Tap – Easy-access drainage simplifies winterisation and protects the filter during cold months
- ✅ Pressure Gauge Included – Monitor filter performance and know precisely when backwashing is required
- ✅ 5-Year Tank Warranty – 5 years (1+4 pro-rata) on tank plus 1 year on all components demonstrates manufacturer confidence
🔩 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Filter Type | Top Mount Sand Filter |
| Model | ZZ3200 (TMV-18) |
| Pool Capacity | Up to 50,000 litres |
| Flow Rate | 8.5 m³/hr |
| Filter Area | 0.166 m² |
| Filtration Rating | 20-40 microns (with sand) |
| Tank Diameter | 460 mm (18″) |
| Bed Depth | 350 mm |
| Overall Height | 885 mm |
| Media Capacity | 75 kg (sand) / 60 kg (glass) |
| Working Pressure | 2.5 bar (36 psi) |
| Test Pressure | 4 bar (60 psi) |
| Inlet/Outlet Size | 1½” (50 mm) |
| Tank Material | Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP/FRP) |
| Valve Type | 6-Position Top Mount Multiport |
| Service Lid | 9″ (229 mm) Clear View |
| Warranty | 5 years (1+4) tank / 1 year components |
📏 Pool Sizing Guide
The ZZ3200 filter is engineered to deliver optimal performance when matched correctly to your pool size. For effective filtration, the entire pool volume should circulate through the filter every 6-8 hours.
Sizing Formula:
Required Flow Rate (m³/h) = Pool Volume (m³) ÷ Turnover Time (hours)
Pool Size Compatibility:
| Pool Type | Volume Range | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| 🏊 Small above-ground | Up to 20,000 L | Excellent – ideal match |
| 🏊 Medium above-ground | 20,000-40,000 L | Very good – comfortable capacity |
| 🏊 Large above-ground | 40,000-50,000 L | Good – at maximum capacity |
| 🏠 Small in-ground | Up to 30,000 L | Excellent – optimal performance |
| 🏠 Medium in-ground | 30,000-50,000 L | Good – suitable for most conditions |
| 🏠 Large in-ground | 50,000+ L | Consider larger filter model |
This Filter:
📍 Flow Rate: 8.5 m³/hr
📍 Suitable for pools up to: 50,000 litres
📍 Optimal turnover time: 6-8 hours
💡 Tip: For pools with heavy bather loads or significant debris exposure, consider sizing up to the next filter model for improved performance and longer intervals between backwashes.
🛠️ Installation Requirements
Plumbing Connections:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Inlet Connection | 1½” (50 mm) |
| Outlet Connection | 1½” (50 mm) |
| Valve Position | Top mount |
| Connection Type | Quick-connect barrel unions |
Physical Installation:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Base | Solid, level concrete slab or firm ground |
| Clearance above | Sufficient space for multiport valve operation |
| Clearance around | Adequate access for maintenance and servicing |
| Location | Away from flooding risk, guttering, and garden hollows |
Pump Compatibility:
⚠️ Important: The filter must be matched with an appropriate pump for optimal performance.
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Recommended pump flow rate | 6-8.5 m³/hr |
| Maximum pump flow rate | 8.5 m³/hr |
The pump should never exceed the filter’s maximum flow rate of 8.5 m³/hr. Oversized pumps can force debris through the filter bed, reducing filtration effectiveness and potentially damaging the laterals.
🔄 Maintenance Guide
Routine Maintenance Schedule:
| Task | Frequency | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Check pressure gauge | Weekly | Note baseline reading when clean |
| Backwash filter | When pressure rises 0.5 bar (7 psi) above baseline | Until sight glass runs clear |
| Rinse after backwash | After every backwash | 10-15 seconds until clear |
| Inspect seals and O-rings | Seasonally | Replace if worn or damaged |
| Check media level | Annually | Top up if required |
| Full media replacement | Every 5-7 years (sand) | Complete change recommended |
Pressure Gauge Guide:
📊 Clean filter baseline: Note and record on initial startup
📊 Backwash required: 0.5 bar (7 psi / 50 kPa) above baseline
📊 Maximum operating pressure: 2.5 bar (36 psi)
Backwashing Procedure:
- Switch off the pump
- Turn multiport valve to BACKWASH position
- Switch on pump and run until sight glass is clear (2-3 minutes typically)
- Switch off pump
- Turn valve to RINSE position
- Run pump for 10-15 seconds until clear
- Return valve to FILTER position and resume normal operation
Winterisation (UK Climate):
- Drain filter tank completely via the winter drain tap
- Move multiport valve to winterise position (between Filter and Waste)
- Remove any drain plugs
- Drain all pipework thoroughly
- Store in frost-free location or cover to protect from freezing
- Never leave water in the filter during freezing conditions
🪨 Filter Media Information
Compatible Media Types:
| Media Type | Filtration Rating | Lifespan | Capacity Required | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silica Sand (16/30) | 20-40 microns | 5-7 years | 75 kg | Economical, widely available, easy to maintain |
| Glass Media | 5-15 microns | 10+ years | 60 kg | Finer filtration, longer life, eco-friendly |
| Lacronite/Zeolite | 3-5 microns | 5 years | 60 kg | Superior clarity, excellent dirt retention |
Media Capacity: 75 kg sand or 60 kg glass/Lacronite
💡 Tip: Glass media provides significantly finer filtration than standard sand and can last twice as long, making it an excellent investment despite the higher initial cost.
Signs Media Needs Replacing:
- Poor water clarity despite correct chemical balance
- Short filter cycles between backwashes
- Cloudy water returning to pool after filtering
- Channelling or clumping of filter media
- Media loss during backwashing
🔬 Filtration Performance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Flow Rate | 8.5 m³/hr |
| Filter Area | 0.166 m² |
| Bed Depth | 350 mm |
Micron Rating Guide:
| Rating | What It Captures | Media Type |
|---|---|---|
| 40+ microns | Visible debris, leaves, large particles | – |
| 20-40 microns | Sand, dirt, visible suspended particles | Silica Sand |
| 10-20 microns | Fine particles, some algae spores | High-rate sand |
| 5-15 microns | Very fine particles, most algae | Glass Media |
| 3-5 microns | Ultra-fine particles, bacteria, all algae | Lacronite/Zeolite |
The Lacron ZZ3200 operates on the principle of depth filtration. As water passes through the filter bed, dirt and debris become trapped in the tiny spaces between media particles. The hydraulically balanced laterals ensure even water distribution across the entire filter bed, maximising filtration efficiency and preventing channelling.
⚙️ Valve Positions & Functions
| Position | Function |
|---|---|
| Filter | Normal filtration – water flows through media and returns to pool |
| Backwash | Reverses flow to clean media, directing debris to waste |
| Rinse | Settles media after backwash, clears remaining debris to waste |
| Waste | Bypasses filter, drains water directly to waste (for lowering water level) |
| Recirculate | Bypasses filter, returns water directly to pool (for chemical distribution) |
| Closed | Stops all flow through filter (for pump servicing only – never with pump running) |
⚠️ Important: Always switch off the pump before changing valve positions. Operating the valve with the pump running can damage the valve seal and spider gasket.
🎯 Ideal Applications
| Application | Pool Size | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Residential above-ground | Up to 50,000 L | Excellent |
| 🏠 Residential in-ground | Up to 50,000 L | Excellent |
| 🏡 Holiday home/rental property | Up to 45,000 L | Very good |
| 🏊 Swim spa combination | Up to 40,000 L | Very good |
Best Suited For:
- Domestic in-ground swimming pools up to 50m³
- Above-ground pools requiring permanent filtration
- Pool owners seeking reliable, low-maintenance operation
- Installations where space is at a premium
- Retrofit replacements for existing 18″ filters
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size pool will this filter handle?
A: The ZZ3200 is suitable for pools up to 50,000 litres (50 m³) with a flow rate of 8.5 m³/hr, providing a complete turnover in approximately 6 hours.
Q: How often do I need to backwash?
A: Backwash when the pressure gauge reads 0.5 bar (7 psi) above your clean baseline reading. This is typically every 1-2 weeks during swimming season, though frequency depends on pool usage and debris load.
Q: What filter media should I use?
A: The filter is compatible with 16/30 grade silica sand (75 kg), glass media (60 kg), or Lacronite/Zeolite (60 kg). Sand is the most economical option, whilst glass media offers finer filtration and longer lifespan.
Q: How long does filter media last?
A: Silica sand typically lasts 5-7 years, glass media can last 10+ years, and Lacronite/Zeolite approximately 5 years. Replace when you notice declining water clarity or shorter backwash cycles.
Q: What pump do I need?
A: Match with a pump delivering between 6-8.5 m³/hr. The pump flow rate should never exceed the filter’s maximum of 8.5 m³/hr to ensure effective filtration and prevent damage.
Q: Is the filter media included?
A: Yes, the ZZ3200 package includes 75 kg of filter media, providing everything needed for immediate installation and operation.
Q: What warranty is included?
A: Waterco provides a 5-year warranty (1 year full + 4 years pro-rata) on the tank and 1-year warranty on all other components.
Q: Can I use this filter with a salt chlorinator?
A: Yes, the GRP construction is fully compatible with salt chlorinated pools and resistant to chemical corrosion.
Q: What connections do I need?
A: The filter uses 1½” (50 mm) quick-connect barrel unions for easy installation. Standard 50 mm PVC pipework is compatible.
Q: How do I winterise the filter?
A: Drain completely via the winter drain tap, move the multiport valve to the winterise position, remove drain plugs, and ensure all water is expelled from the system to prevent frost damage.
📥 Downloads & Resources
📄 Installation Manual – Complete installation and operation guide
📄 Product Brochure – Full specifications and technical data
🏆 Why Choose the Certikin Lacron ZZ3200
- ✅ Complete Package – Tank, valve, gauge, and media included for immediate installation
- ✅ Proven Reliability – Over 30 years of trusted performance in the UK pool industry
- ✅ Durable Construction – High-gloss GRP tank resists corrosion and UV degradation
- ✅ Easy Maintenance – Clear-view lid and quick-connect unions simplify servicing
- ✅ Perfect for Medium Pools – Optimised for domestic pools up to 50,000 litres
- ✅ Excellent Warranty – 5-year tank warranty plus 1 year on components
- ✅ Energy Efficient – Hydraulically balanced design minimises pump strain and running costs
- ✅ Professional Quality – The number one choice for UK pool installers
🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs
- ✅ UK-Based Company – Local support from pool and spa specialists
- ✅ Fast UK Delivery – Prompt dispatch to get your pool running quickly
- ✅ Expert Advice – Knowledgeable team for sizing and technical questions
- ✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value on genuine Certikin/Waterco products
- ✅ Full Warranty Support – Direct assistance with any warranty matters
- ✅ Easy Returns – 30-day return policy on unused items
- ✅ Genuine Parts Available – Replacement components, spare parts, and filter media in stock
✨ Summary
The Certikin Lacron ZZ3200 delivers professional-grade filtration for domestic swimming pools in one complete, ready-to-install package. With its durable glass reinforced polyester construction, 8.5 m³/hr flow rate, and proven Lacron reliability, this 18″ top mount sand filter provides crystal-clear water for pools up to 50,000 litres. The inclusion of media, multiport valve, and pressure gauge means you have everything needed to achieve sparkling pool water from day one. Backed by a comprehensive 5-year tank warranty, the ZZ3200 represents outstanding value for homeowners seeking dependable, low-maintenance pool filtration.



