🌊 Waterco 1800 SPDD Commercial Bobbin Wound Filter Tank – 4 Bar, Air Scour Nozzle Plate System
First 6-inch industrial-grade model in the SPDD range – 27% more flow than SPDD 1600 with upgraded heavy-duty pipework
📋 Product Overview
The Waterco 1800 SPDD Commercial Bobbin Wound Filter Tank marks the transition to 6-inch (160mm) industrial-grade connections in the SPDD air scour range. With an impressive 1800mm tank diameter and 2.54 m² filter area, this filter delivers a commanding 76 m³/hr flow rate – representing a 27% increase over the SPDD 1600 while introducing the enhanced flow capability of heavy-duty 6-inch pipework designed for major aquatic facilities.
The innovative Air Scour Nozzle Plate System introduces pressurised air directly into the substantial 4,330 kg media bed, reducing backwash water consumption by up to 25% while achieving superior media cleaning through vigorous air/water agitation. For Olympic-standard pools, major leisure complexes, and high-volume municipal facilities, the SPDD 1800 combines industrial-grade capacity with significant operational savings.
Built using Waterco’s precision digitally-controlled filament winding technology, this commercial filter tank features seamless bobbin-wound fibreglass construction engineered for decades of demanding service. The 1200mm deep media bed provides exceptional particle capture across the full 2.54 m² filter area, while manhole access ensures easy inspection and maintenance of the air scour system. Supplied as tank only with 4 bar pressure rating.
💫 Key Features
✅ 160mm / 6″ Flange Connections – First SPDD model with industrial-grade 6-inch pipework capacity
✅ Air Scour Nozzle Plate System – Pressurised air injection for superior backwash efficiency
✅ Up to 25% Less Backwash Water – Significant water and chemical savings for large-scale operations
✅ 1800mm Tank Diameter – Industrial-capacity filtration for pools up to 608,000 litres
✅ 2.54 m² Filter Area – Over 2.5 square metres of filtration surface for exceptional throughput
✅ 76 m³/hr Flow Rate – High-volume filtration for Olympic-standard and major municipal pools
✅ 1200mm Deep Media Bed – Superior in-depth particle capture and extended filter runs
✅ 4,330 kg Sand Capacity – Over 4.3 tonnes of media for exceptional dirt-holding
✅ Manhole Access – Easy inspection and maintenance access to nozzle plate system
✅ Advanced Bobbin Wound Construction – Seamless fibreglass vessel with exceptional durability
✅ 4 Bar Pressure Rating – Engineered for demanding commercial system pressures
✅ Corrosion & UV Resistant – Premium fibreglass withstands chemicals and outdoor exposure
🔩 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | SPDD 1800 |
| Filter Type | Commercial Sand/Media Filter with Air Scour (Tank Only) |
| Tank Diameter | 1800 mm |
| Filter Bed Depth | 1200 mm |
| Filter Area | 2.54 m² |
| Flow Rate | 76 m³/hr (at 30 m³/hr/m²) |
| Working Pressure | 4 Bar (58 psi) |
| Maximum Working Temperature | 50°C |
| Connection Size | 6″ / 160 mm (Flange) |
| Sand Media Capacity | 4,330 kg |
| Glass Media Capacity | 3,559 kg |
| Gravel Capacity | 650 kg (if using support layer) |
| Tank Height (Overall) | 2284 mm |
| Tank Width | 1842 mm |
| Empty Weight | 670 kg |
| Tank Material | Fibreglass Reinforced Polyester (Bobbin Wound) |
| Lateral System | Nozzle Plate with Air Scour |
| Access | Manhole for inspection and maintenance |
| Warranty | 10 years tank (5 years full + 5 years pro rata), 1 year components |
📐 Pool Sizing Guide
Sizing Principle:
The filter’s flow rate should achieve complete pool water turnover within the required timeframe. Commercial pools typically require 6-hour turnover rates for optimal water quality, with 8-hour turnover acceptable for lower-demand applications.
Formula:
Required Flow Rate (m³/h) = Pool Volume (m³) ÷ Turnover Time (hours)
Pool Capacity Compatibility:
| Application | Turnover Time | Maximum Pool Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 🏊 Olympic Training Pool | 6 hours | 456,000 litres |
| 🏢 Major Municipal Pool | 6 hours | 456,000 litres |
| 🏨 Large Resort Complex | 6 hours | 456,000 litres |
| 🏋️ Major Leisure Centre | 6 hours | 456,000 litres |
| 🌊 High-Volume Facility | 6-8 hours | 456,000-608,000 litres |
This Filter:
📍 Flow Rate: 76 m³/hr at design velocity
📍 Optimal Pool Size: Up to 456,000 litres (6-hour turnover)
📍 Maximum Pool Size: Up to 608,000 litres (8-hour turnover)
💡 Infrastructure Note: The SPDD 1800 is the first model requiring 6-inch (160mm) pipework. Upgrading from 4-inch systems requires comprehensive infrastructure upgrades including valves, pipework, and potentially pumps.
🔧 Installation Requirements
Plumbing Specifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Inlet Connection | 160 mm / 6″ Flange |
| Outlet Connection | 160 mm / 6″ Flange |
| Connection Type | Flange |
| Filter Configuration | Side Mount |
| Air Scour Connection | Required for nozzle plate operation |
Physical Installation
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Base | Heavy-duty reinforced concrete pad required – substantial load |
| Clearance Above | Minimum 900 mm for manhole access and media maintenance |
| Clearance Around | Minimum 1000 mm for valve operation and air scour connections |
| Access | Manhole provides direct access to nozzle plate system |
| Lifting Equipment | Required – 670 kg empty weight |
| Floor Loading | Verify capacity (filled weight approximately 5,000 kg) |
Pump & Air Scour Compatibility
⚠️ Important: This filter requires both pump and air blower connections for full functionality.
Pump Requirements:
- Recommended flow rate: 65 – 76 m³/hr
- Maximum flow rate: Do not exceed 76 m³/hr
- Connection: 160mm / 6″ to match filter flanges
Air Scour Requirements:
- Industrial-capacity air blower for pressurised air injection
- Heavy-duty pipework to nozzle plate connection
- Significantly higher capacity blower required due to 2.54 m² bed area
💡 Note: This is a tank-only product. Multiport valves, face pipework kits, air blowers, and pumps are sold separately. Contact Parts4Tubs for 6-inch compatible valve and pipework options.
🛠️ Maintenance Guide
Air Scour Backwash Procedure
The SPDD’s nozzle plate system enables a highly efficient two-stage backwash:
Stage 1 – Air Scour:
- Set multiport valve to backwash position
- Activate air blower (pump off)
- Allow air to agitate media bed for 5-6 minutes (larger bed requires extended cycle)
- Air breaks up compacted media and dislodges trapped debris
Stage 2 – Water Backwash:
- Switch off air blower
- Activate pump for water backwash
- Continue until sight glass runs clear
- Total backwash time significantly reduced vs conventional filters
Routine Maintenance Schedule
| Task | Frequency | Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Check pressure gauge | Weekly | Record baseline and monitor for increases |
| Visual inspection | Weekly | Check for leaks, unusual sounds, pressure anomalies |
| Air scour backwash | When pressure rises 0.5-0.7 bar above baseline | Follow two-stage procedure above |
| Rinse after backwash | After each backwash | 30-60 seconds to settle media |
| Inspect manhole seal | Quarterly | Check for wear, replace if necessary |
| Check nozzle plate | Annually | Inspect via manhole for damage or blockages |
| Full media replacement | Every 5-7 years (sand) or 10+ years (glass) | Replace completely |
Pressure Gauge Guide
📊 Clean Filter Baseline: Establish after fresh media installation
📊 Backwash Trigger: 0.5-0.7 bar above baseline
📊 Maximum Operating Pressure: 4 bar
Water Savings Calculation
With up to 25% reduction in backwash water:
| Conventional Backwash | SPDD Air Scour Backwash | Annual Savings* |
|---|---|---|
| 6,000 L per cycle | 4,500 L per cycle | 78,000 L/year |
| 7,000 L per cycle | 5,250 L per cycle | 91,000 L/year |
| 8,000 L per cycle | 6,000 L per cycle | 104,000 L/year |
*Based on weekly backwash frequency
🪨 Filter Media Information
Compatible Media Types
| Media Type | Filtration Rating | Capacity Required | Lifespan | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silica Sand | 20-40 microns | 4,330 kg | 5-7 years | Economical, proven performance |
| Glass Media | 5-15 microns | 3,559 kg | 10+ years | Finer filtration, longer life |
| ZeoSand/Zeolite | 3-5 microns | As specified | 5 years | Superior clarity, ammonia removal |
| AFM (Activated Filter Media) | 1-5 microns | As specified | 10+ years | Bio-resistant, self-sterilising |
Standard Media Configuration:
- Sand Capacity: 4,330 kg (over 4.3 tonnes of 16/30 grade silica sand)
- Glass Media Capacity: 3,559 kg
- Support Gravel: 650 kg (deduct from sand capacity if used)
💡 Industrial Recommendation: With 4,330 kg media capacity, glass media offers exceptional long-term value for high-volume facilities – finer filtration (5-15 microns vs 20-40 for sand) with 10+ year lifespan significantly reduces total cost of ownership.
🔬 Filtration Performance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Filter Area | 2.54 m² |
| Design Flow Rate | 76 m³/hr |
| Design Velocity | 30 m³/hr/m² |
| Bed Depth | 1200 mm (deep bed design) |
| Backwash Efficiency | Up to 25% water reduction |
Air Scour Technology Advantage
The SPDD’s nozzle plate system delivers superior backwash performance:
- Uniform Air Distribution: Pressurised air introduced evenly across entire 2.54 m² filter bed
- Vigorous Agitation: Air bubbles break up compacted media and dislodge trapped particles
- Optimal Bed Expansion: Consistent media fluidisation throughout backwash cycle
- Faster Cleaning: Reduced backwash duration saves time and labour
- Water Conservation: Up to 25% less backwash water consumption
- Better Media Cleaning: More thorough debris removal extends media life
Capacity Comparison: SPDD 1800 vs SPDD 1600
| Specification | SPDD 1600 | SPDD 1800 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filter Area | 2.01 m² | 2.54 m² | +26% |
| Flow Rate | 60 m³/hr | 76 m³/hr | +27% |
| Sand Capacity | 3,455 kg | 4,330 kg | +25% |
| Glass Capacity | 2,840 kg | 3,559 kg | +25% |
| Pool Capacity (6hr) | 360,000 L | 456,000 L | +27% |
| Connection Size | 110mm/4″ | 160mm/6″ | Upgraded |
⚙️ Valve Positions & Functions
Note: Multiport valve sold separately – 6″ rated valve required
| Position | Function |
|---|---|
| Filter | Normal filtration mode – water flows through media bed |
| Backwash | Reverse flow with air scour – superior media cleaning |
| Rinse | Settles media after backwash – brief forward flow to waste |
| Waste | Bypass filter – pump directly to drain |
| Recirculate | Bypass filter – return to pool without filtration |
| Closed | Stop all flow – isolate filter from system |
🎯 Ideal Applications
| Application | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🏊 Olympic Training Pools | ✅ Excellent | Industrial capacity for elite facilities |
| 🏢 Major Municipal Pools | ✅ Excellent | High-volume capacity with water savings |
| 🏨 Large Resort Complexes | ✅ Excellent | Handles extreme bather loads efficiently |
| 🏋️ Major Leisure Centres | ✅ Excellent | First 6″ model for demanding facilities |
| 🏫 University Aquatic Centres | ✅ Excellent | Competition-standard filtration |
| 🌍 Water-Conscious Large Facilities | ✅ Ideal | Up to 25% backwash water savings |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size pool will this filter handle?
A: The SPDD 1800 is suitable for pools up to 456,000 litres with a 6-hour turnover, or up to 608,000 litres with an 8-hour turnover.
Q: Why does this model have 6-inch connections?
A: The SPDD 1800 is the first model in the SPDD range to upgrade from 4-inch to 6-inch (160mm) connections. The larger pipework is essential to handle the 76 m³/hr flow rate efficiently, reducing pipe friction losses and enabling optimal pump performance for industrial-scale installations.
Q: How does this compare to the SPDD 1600?
A: The SPDD 1800 offers 27% more flow rate (76 m³/hr vs 60 m³/hr), 26% more filter area (2.54 m² vs 2.01 m²), and 25% more media capacity (4,330 kg vs 3,455 kg). The upgrade to 6-inch connections provides the enhanced flow capacity needed for major commercial and municipal pools.
Q: Can I use my existing 4-inch pipework?
A: No, the SPDD 1800 requires 6-inch (160mm) pipework throughout. Upgrading from a 4-inch system requires comprehensive infrastructure changes including valves, pipework, and potentially pumps. Contact Parts4Tubs for guidance on system upgrades.
Q: How much media does this filter require?
A: The filter requires 4,330 kg of sand (over 4.3 tonnes) or 3,559 kg of glass media – substantial capacity for excellent dirt-holding in high-demand industrial applications.
Q: Do I need additional equipment for the air scour system?
A: Yes, you’ll need an industrial-capacity air blower and appropriate pipework to connect to the nozzle plate system. The 2.54 m² filter area requires a significantly higher-capacity blower than 4-inch models.
Q: What’s the total weight when filled?
A: Empty weight is 670 kg. With 4,330 kg of sand media, total filled weight is approximately 5,000 kg (5 tonnes). Ensure your plant room floor can support this substantial industrial load.
Q: What warranty is included?
A: Waterco provides a 10-year tank warranty (5 years full cover plus 5 years pro rata) and 1-year warranty on components.
📥 Downloads & Resources
📄 SPDD Technical Datasheet – Full specifications and dimensions for all SPDD models
🏆 Why Choose the Waterco 1800 SPDD
✅ First 6″ Industrial Model – Entry point to industrial-grade SPDD filtration
✅ 27% More Flow than SPDD 1600 – Significant capacity increase for larger facilities
✅ Over 2.5 m² Filter Area – 2.54 m² provides exceptional filtration throughput
✅ Air Scour Technology – Up to 25% less backwash water than conventional filters
✅ Over 4.3 Tonnes Media – 4,330 kg sand capacity for exceptional dirt-holding
✅ Reduced Operating Costs – Water and chemical savings accumulate significantly
✅ Deep Bed Filtration – 1200mm media depth for exceptional water clarity
✅ Commercial-Grade Construction – Bobbin wound fibreglass for decades of service
🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs
✅ UK-Based Company – Local support and expertise from pool industry specialists
✅ Fast UK Delivery – Efficient dispatch on commercial equipment orders
✅ Expert Technical Advice – Get sizing recommendations and system design guidance
✅ Competitive Pricing – Commercial-grade equipment at excellent value
✅ Full Warranty Support – We handle warranty claims directly with manufacturers
✅ Complete System Components – 6″ valves, pipework, air blowers, and media available
✅ Easy Returns – 30-day returns on eligible products
⭐ Summary
The Waterco 1800 SPDD Commercial Bobbin Wound Filter Tank is the first 6-inch connection model in the SPDD air scour range, delivering 76 m³/hr flow rate and 2.54 m² filter area for commercial pools up to 456,000 litres (6-hour turnover). As the entry point to industrial-grade SPDD filtration with 160mm (6-inch) pipework, this filter represents the ideal choice for Olympic training pools, major municipal facilities, large leisure centres, and resort complexes requiring substantial filtration capacity. The innovative nozzle plate air scour system reduces backwash water by up to 25%, delivering significant operational savings at industrial scale. The substantial 4,330 kg sand capacity (over 4.3 tonnes) and 1200mm deep bed ensure exceptional dirt-holding and water clarity. Manhole access provides easy inspection of the air scour system. Advanced bobbin-wound fibreglass construction delivers decades of reliable industrial service. Supplied as tank only with 4 bar pressure rating. Backed by Waterco’s comprehensive 10-year tank warranty.
Order today from Parts4Tubs for fast UK delivery and expert pool support.













