💦 Calplas DCH-460 Commercial Sand/AFM Pool Filter – Professional Filtration for Pools up to 38,000 Litres

Superior European craftsmanship delivering crystal-clear water for commercial facilities and large residential pools.

📋 Product Overview

The Calplas DCH-460 is a premium commercial-grade pool filter engineered for superior water quality in demanding aquatic environments. As the second model in Calplas’s acclaimed DCH high-bed series, the 460mm diameter tank delivers increased filtration capacity whilst maintaining the compact footprint that makes installation straightforward in equipment rooms and plant areas.

Manufactured in Spain by Calplas since 1970, this filter features hand-laminated glass-fibre reinforced polyester (GRP) construction with internal steel reinforcement for exceptional structural integrity. The 1200mm filter bed height is purpose-designed for AFM (Activated Filter Media) or traditional sand, with a specialised diffuser system that ensures even water distribution across the entire media bed, preventing cratering and channelling.

The DCH-460 sits perfectly between the entry-level DCH-415 and the larger DCH-520, offering an ideal balance of filtration capacity and physical size. It’s particularly well-suited for medium-sized hotel pools, holiday rental properties, swim schools, and premium residential installations where professional-grade filtration is essential.

✨ Key Features

• ✅ Hand-Laminated GRP Construction – Industrial-quality glass-fibre reinforced polyester with internal steel reinforcement for decades of reliable service
• ✅ 1200mm High Filter Bed – Deep media bed maximises particle capture and water polishing for exceptional clarity
• ✅ 0.16 m² Filter Surface Area – 23% more filtration capacity than the DCH-415 for handling larger pools
• ✅ Optimised for AFM & Sand – Special diffuser system designed specifically for both AFM activated glass media and traditional filter sand
• ✅ 2.5 Bar Working Pressure – Commercial-grade pressure rating with 3.75 bar test pressure for demanding applications
• ✅ Lateral Access Manhole – ø305mm service manhole with metal cover for easy media inspection and maintenance
• ✅ Sight Glass Included – Built-in sight glass for monitoring backwash water clarity as standard
• ✅ 40°C Temperature Rating – Suitable for heated pools, warm climates, and spa overflow applications
• ✅ 2″ Female BSP Connections – GAS threaded inlet/outlet integrated directly into the GRP body
• ✅ Transparent Top Lid – Includes 3/4″ female vent connection for air release during priming
• ✅ 10-Year Tank Warranty – Manufacturer-backed warranty reflects confidence in build quality
• ✅ EN 13121-3 Certified – Manufactured to European pressure vessel standards

⚙️ Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Model	DCH-460
Reference Code (Parts4Tubs)	1519260246
Reference Code (Manufacturer)	212346
Filter Type	High-Bed Sand/AFM Vertical Filter
Tank Diameter (ØD)	460 mm
Total Height (H)	1812 mm
Filter Bed Height	1200 mm
Filter Area	0.16 m²
Flow Rate (Filtration @ 30 m³/h/m²)	4.8 m³/hr
Flow Rate (Backwash @ 50 m³/h/m²)	8.0 m³/hr
Design Pressure	2.5 bar (kg/cm²)
Test Pressure	3.75 bar (kg/cm²)
Maximum Temperature	40°C
Inlet/Outlet Connections (I/O)	2″ Female BSP (GAS thread)
Top Opening (O)	ø190 mm
Service Manhole (M)	ø305 mm
Distance from Ground (A)	260 mm
Connection Spacing (B)	1272 mm
Tank Material	GRP (Glass-Fibre Reinforced Polyester)
Internal Reinforcement	Steel reinforced walls
Colour	Blue RAL 5015 (White available on request)
Weight (Empty)	56 kg
Top Lid	Transparent with 3/4″ female vent
Sight Glass	Included as standard
Drain Plug	Included
Certification	EN 13121-3
Warranty	5 Years (Tank)

⚠️ Note: Pressure gauge, vent valve, and backwash valve/pipework sold separately.

📏 Pool Sizing Guide

Sizing Principle: The filter’s flow rate should achieve complete pool water turnover within 6-8 hours for optimal filtration and water quality.

Formula:

Pool Volume (litres) = Flow Rate (m³/hr) × Turnover Time (hours) × 1000

This Filter’s Capacity:

Turnover Time	Maximum Pool Volume
6 hours (Optimal)	28,800 litres
8 hours (Maximum)	38,400 litres

Pool Size Compatibility:

Pool Type	Volume Range	Suitability
🏊 Medium above-ground	20,000-35,000 L	✅ Excellent – ideal capacity range
🏊 Large above-ground	35,000-38,000 L	✅ Good – at upper capacity
🏠 Small in-ground	Up to 30,000 L	✅ Excellent – plenty of headroom
🏠 Medium in-ground	30,000-38,000 L	✅ Very Good – well matched
🏨 Small hotel pool	25,000-35,000 L	✅ Excellent – commercial reliability
🏢 Holiday let/rental	Up to 38,000 L	✅ Very Good – robust and low maintenance

📍 Recommended Pool Size: Up to 38,000 litres with 8-hour turnover, or up to 28,800 litres for optimal 6-hour turnover.

💡 Pro Tip: For commercial applications or pools with high bather loads, sizing for 6-hour turnover ensures superior water quality and faster recovery after heavy use.

---

🔌 Installation Requirements

Plumbing Connections:

Requirement	Specification
Inlet Connection	2″ Female BSP (GAS thread)
Outlet Connection	2″ Female BSP (GAS thread)
Vent Connection	3/4″ Female (on transparent lid)
Drain	3/4″ plug included
Valve Type	Customer supplied (manual or automatic multiport)

Physical Installation:

Requirement	Details
Base	Solid, level concrete pad or compacted hardcore
Minimum Clearance Above	500 mm for lid removal and media loading
Minimum Clearance Around	400 mm for valve operation and maintenance
Ground Clearance	260 mm (integrated legs)
Access to Manhole	Ensure clear access to ø305 mm lateral service manhole

Pump Compatibility:

Parameter	Requirement
Minimum Flow Rate	3.0 m³/hr
Optimal Flow Rate	4.0 – 4.8 m³/hr
Maximum Flow Rate	4.8 m³/hr (filtration) / 8.0 m³/hr (backwash)

⚠️ Important: The pump must be capable of delivering adequate backwash flow (up to 8.0 m³/hr) for effective media cleaning. Undersized pumps may result in insufficient backwashing and reduced filter performance.

---

🛠️ Maintenance Guide

Routine Maintenance Schedule:

Task	Frequency	Procedure
Check pressure gauge	Weekly	Record baseline and monitor for increases
Backwash filter	When pressure rises 0.3-0.5 bar above baseline	Backwash until sight glass runs clear (typically 2-3 minutes)
Rinse after backwash	After every backwash	Run rinse cycle for 30-60 seconds to settle media
Inspect manhole seals	Annually	Check for wear, replace if deteriorated
Check media level	Annually	Top up if settling has occurred
Full media replacement	Every 5-7 years (sand) / 10+ years (AFM)	Replace entire media bed

Pressure Gauge Guidelines:

Reading	Status
0.5 – 0.8 bar	Clean filter baseline (typical)
Baseline + 0.3 bar	Consider backwashing soon
Baseline + 0.5 bar	Backwash required
Above 2.0 bar	Investigate – possible blockage or pump issue

Winterisation (UK Climate):

1. ❄️ Turn off pump and close inlet/outlet valves
2. ❄️ Set multiport valve to “Winterise” or between positions
3. ❄️ Remove drain plug and drain all water from tank completely
4. ❄️ Store drain plug safely – leave drain open over winter
5. ❄️ If possible, cover filter or move to frost-free location
6. ❄️ Never leave standing water in the filter during freezing conditions

⚠️ Warning: Water left in the filter tank can freeze and crack the GRP shell, voiding warranty.

---

💧 Filter Media Information

The Calplas DCH-460 is optimised for high-bed filtration and designed to work with either traditional filter sand or AFM (Activated Filter Media).

Compatible Media Types:

Media Type	Filtration Rating	Lifespan	Key Benefits
Filter Sand (0.4-0.8mm)	20-40 microns	5-7 years	Economical, widely available, proven performance
AFM Grade 1 (0.5-1.0mm)	5-10 microns	10+ years	Superior filtration, self-sterilising, prevents biofilm
AFM Grade 2 (1.0-2.0mm)	Support layer	10+ years	Used beneath Grade 1 for optimal performance
Glass Media	15-20 microns	8-10 years	Better than sand, economical alternative to AFM

Media Capacity (from Manufacturer Datasheet):

Media Configuration	Quantity
AFM Grade 3	0 bags (21 kg each)
AFM Grade 2	3 bags (21 kg each) = 63 kg
AFM Grade 1	8 bags (21 kg each) = 168 kg
Total AFM Weight	231 kg (11 bags)
Sand Alternative	Grades 2-3mm / 0.7-1.2mm / 0.4-0.8mm (25 kg bags)

💡 Recommendation: For optimal performance with this high-bed commercial filter, AFM is strongly recommended. The 1200mm bed height combined with AFM’s superior filtration properties delivers exceptional water clarity down to 1 micron.

Signs Media Needs Replacing:

• 🔍 Cloudy water despite correct chemical balance
• 🔍 Short filter cycles between backwashes
• 🔍 Media visible in pool returns
• 🔍 Excessive backwash water consumption
• 🔍 Inability to reach baseline pressure after backwash

---

💎 Filtration Performance

Metric	With Sand	With AFM
Filtration Rating	20-40 microns	1-5 microns
Filter Area	0.16 m²	0.16 m²
Flow Rate (Filtration)	4.8 m³/hr	4.8 m³/hr
Particle Removal Efficiency	70-80%	95%+

What Different Micron Ratings Capture:

Rating	Particles Removed
40+ microns	Visible debris, leaves, large particles
20-40 microns	Sand, dirt, most visible particles
10-20 microns	Fine particles, pollen, some algae
5-10 microns	Very fine particles, most algae, bacteria clumps
1-5 microns	Ultra-fine particles, single-celled algae, most bacteria

The DCH-460’s 1200mm high bed provides extended water contact time, maximising particle capture regardless of media type. When charged with AFM, this filter delivers commercial-grade filtration performance typically found in public swimming facilities.

---

⚙️ Valve Positions & Functions

The DCH-460 requires a customer-supplied multiport valve or manual valve assembly. When fitted with a standard 6-way multiport valve, the following functions are available:

Position	Function	When to Use
Filter	Normal filtration mode	Standard daily operation
Backwash	Reverses flow to clean media	When pressure rises 0.3-0.5 bar above baseline
Rinse	Settles media, flushes to waste	After every backwash cycle
Waste	Bypasses filter, direct to drain	Vacuuming heavy debris, lowering water level
Recirculate	Bypasses filter, returns to pool	When adding chemicals, heating without filtering
Closed	Stops all water flow	Pump servicing, winterisation

⚠️ Never operate the pump with the valve in the “Closed” position – this will damage the pump.

---

🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Pool Size	Suitability
🏠 Large residential in-ground	Up to 38,000 L	✅ Excellent – premium residential filtration
🏡 Holiday let / rental pool	Up to 35,000 L	✅ Excellent – robust, commercial reliability
🏨 Small hotel/B&B pool	Up to 30,000 L	✅ Excellent – handles guest usage patterns
🏊 Swimming school	Up to 28,000 L	✅ Excellent – manages high bather loads
🏠 Heated indoor pool	Up to 35,000 L	✅ Excellent – rated to 40°C
💧 Spa overflow pool	Up to 30,000 L	✅ Very Good – handles warm water applications
🏢 Small leisure centre	Up to 25,000 L	✅ Good – with 6-hour turnover

---

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle? A: The DCH-460 is suitable for pools up to 38,400 litres with an 8-hour turnover, or 28,800 litres for optimal 6-hour turnover. The 4.8 m³/hr flow rate handles medium to large residential and small commercial pools effectively.

Q: How does this compare to the DCH-415? A: The DCH-460 offers 23% more filter surface area (0.16 m² vs 0.13 m²) and 23% higher flow rate (4.8 m³/hr vs 3.9 m³/hr), making it suitable for pools approximately 7,000 litres larger than the DCH-415.

Q: How often do I need to backwash? A: Backwash when the pressure gauge reads 0.3-0.5 bar above your clean baseline reading, typically every 1-2 weeks depending on pool usage and debris loading. Backwash until the sight glass runs clear.

Q: What filter media should I use? A: The DCH-460 is optimised for AFM (Activated Filter Media) or traditional filter sand. AFM is recommended for superior filtration down to 1 micron and a 10+ year lifespan. Media capacity is 231 kg of AFM (11 bags).

Q: How long does filter media last? A: Sand typically requires replacement every 5-7 years. AFM lasts 10+ years with proper maintenance, making it more cost-effective long-term despite higher initial cost.

Q: What pump do I need? A: Match with a pump delivering 4.0-4.8 m³/hr for filtration. Ensure the pump can also achieve 8.0 m³/hr for effective backwashing. Do not exceed the filter’s maximum flow rates.

Q: Does this filter come with a multiport valve? A: No, the backwash valve/front tube system is sold separately. You can choose between automatic or manual valve options to suit your installation requirements.

Q: Is this filter suitable for saltwater pools? A: Yes, the GRP construction is resistant to saltwater corrosion. However, ensure all associated valves and pipework are also salt-compatible.

Q: What warranty is included? A: Calplas provides a 10-year tank warranty covering manufacturing defects in the GRP vessel. Contact Parts4Tubs for full warranty terms and conditions.

Q: Why is there a 4-6 week delivery time? A: Each Calplas DCH filter is hand-laminated to order in Spain, ensuring exceptional quality control. This made-to-order approach means your filter is crafted specifically for you.

🌟 Why Choose the Calplas DCH-460

• ✅ European Craftsmanship – Hand-laminated in Spain by skilled technicians with over 50 years of manufacturing expertise
• ✅ Increased Capacity – 23% more filter area than the DCH-415 for handling larger pools up to 38,000 litres
• ✅ Commercial-Grade Construction – 2.5 bar working pressure and steel-reinforced internals built for demanding applications
• ✅ Superior Filtration Depth – 1200mm high bed delivers extended contact time for exceptional water clarity
• ✅ AFM Optimised Design – Purpose-built diffuser system maximises AFM performance for sub-5 micron filtration
• ✅ Industry-Leading Warranty – 10-year tank warranty demonstrates confidence in build quality
• ✅ Versatile Applications – Suitable for heated pools, saltwater systems, and light commercial use
• ✅ Low Maintenance – Robust construction and quality materials reduce servicing requirements

🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

• ✅ UK-based company with knowledgeable local support
• ✅ Fast UK delivery on in-stock items
• ✅ Expert advice from pool and spa specialists
• ✅ Competitive pricing on Calplas commercial filters
• ✅ Full warranty support – we handle claims directly
• ✅ Easy returns within 30 days
• ✅ Compatible products available – AFM media, valves, pumps, and spare parts
• ✅ Made-to-order service – we coordinate directly with Calplas for your filter

💧 Summary

The Calplas DCH-460 delivers professional-grade filtration in a versatile 460mm diameter package, ideal for large residential pools and small commercial applications up to 38,000 litres. With its hand-laminated GRP construction, 1200mm high bed optimised for AFM, and 2.5 bar commercial pressure rating, this filter represents exceptional European engineering. The impressive 10-year tank warranty, steel-reinforced internals, and 0.16 m² filter area make it a compelling upgrade from the DCH-415 for pools requiring additional capacity. Order today and experience the difference that over 50 years of Calplas craftsmanship delivers.