💧 Waterco 1600 SMDD Commercial Bobbin Wound Filter Tank – 4 Bar, 1.2 Metre Deep Bed

Elite commercial filtration delivering 60 m³/hr for Olympic-sized pools and major aquatic facilities

🏊 Product Overview

The Waterco 1600 SMDD Commercial Bobbin Wound Filter Tank is an elite-tier filtration solution engineered for the most demanding commercial aquatic applications. With an impressive 1600mm tank diameter and 2.01 m² filter area, this powerhouse filter delivers an exceptional 60 m³/hr flow rate, making it the definitive choice for Olympic-sized pools, major water parks, municipal aquatic centres, and large-scale commercial installations.

Featuring 110mm (4-inch) flange connections and a generous 1200mm deep media bed, the SMDD 1600 provides the substantial flow capacity and enhanced particle capture that high-volume facilities demand. The deep bed design ensures finer dirt particles and colloidal substances are trapped far more effectively than standard high-rate filters, delivering consistently crystal-clear water even under intense commercial operating conditions.

Manufactured using Waterco’s precision digitally-controlled filament winding technology, this filter tank features seamless bobbin-wound fibreglass construction that commercial operators worldwide trust for decades of reliable, virtually maintenance-free service. The tank-only configuration with 4 bar pressure rating provides complete flexibility for system specification.

🌟 Key Features

✅ 1600mm Tank Diameter – Massive filter area delivers 60 m³/hr flow rate for elite facilities

✅ 2.01 m² Filter Area – Exceptional filtration surface handles pools up to 480,000 litres

✅ 110mm / 4″ Flange Connections – Professional-grade fittings for high-flow commercial systems

✅ 1200mm Deep Media Bed – Superior in-depth filtration captures finer particles and extends filter runs

✅ Advanced Bobbin Wound Construction – Seamless fibreglass vessel with outstanding structural integrity

✅ 4 Bar Pressure Rating – Engineered for demanding commercial system pressures

✅ Fishtail Lateral System – Waterco’s patented design eliminates dead spots and maximises efficiency

✅ Double Yoke Lid with Lifting Eye – Safe handling during installation and maintenance

✅ Service Hatch & 8-Bolt Flanges – Standard equipment for easy access and secure connections

✅ Large Clear Sight Glass – Visual backwash monitoring for optimal media cleaning

✅ Corrosion & UV Resistant – Premium fibreglass withstands chemicals and outdoor exposure

✅ Manual Drain Valve – Simplifies winterisation and service procedures

🔩 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Model	SMDD 1600
Filter Type	Commercial Sand/Media Filter (Tank Only)
Tank Diameter	1600 mm
Filter Bed Depth	1200 mm
Filter Area	2.01 m²
Flow Rate	60 m³/hr (at 30 m³/hr/m²)
Working Pressure	4 Bar (58 psi)
Maximum Working Temperature	50°C
Connection Size	4″ / 110 mm (Flange)
Sand Media Capacity	3685 kg
Glass Media Capacity	3029 kg
Gravel Capacity	553 kg (if using support layer)
Tank Height (Overall)	2285 mm
Tank Width	1644 mm
Empty Weight	Approximately 377 kg
Tank Material	Fibreglass Reinforced Polyester (Bobbin Wound)
Lateral System	Fishtail Configuration
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. Elite commercial pools and water parks typically require faster turnover rates to maintain water quality under very high bather loads.

Formula:

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

Pool Capacity Compatibility:

Application	Turnover Time	Maximum Pool Volume
🏢 Commercial (High Load)	4 hours	240,000 litres
🏢 Commercial (Standard)	6 hours	360,000 litres
🏨 Large Hotel/Resort Pool	6-8 hours	360,000-480,000 litres
🏊 Olympic/Competition Pool	4-6 hours	240,000-360,000 litres
🌊 Major Water Park	4 hours	240,000 litres
🏫 Municipal Leisure Centre	4-6 hours	240,000-360,000 litres

This Filter:

📍 Flow Rate: 60 m³/hr at design velocity
📍 Optimal Pool Size: Up to 360,000 litres (6-hour turnover)
📍 Maximum Pool Size: Up to 480,000 litres (8-hour turnover)

💡 Tip: The SMDD 1600 delivers 131% greater capacity than the SMDD 1050 and 30% more than the SMDD 1400, making it ideal for Olympic-sized pools (2,500,000 litres would require multiple units in parallel), major competition venues, and large-scale water parks.

🔧 Installation Requirements

Plumbing Specifications

Requirement	Specification
Inlet Connection	110 mm / 4″ Flange
Outlet Connection	110 mm / 4″ Flange
Connection Type	8-Bolt Flange
Filter Configuration	Side Mount

Physical Installation

Requirement	Details
Base	Heavy-duty reinforced concrete pad required (filled weight 4500+ kg)
Clearance Above	Minimum 700 mm for lid removal and media access
Clearance Around	Minimum 900 mm for valve operation and maintenance
Access	Service hatch for media inspection and replacement
Lifting Equipment	Required – 377 kg empty weight
Floor Loading	Verify structural capacity before installation

Pump Compatibility

⚠️ Important: Filter must be matched with appropriate commercial pumps rated for 4″ pipework.

• Recommended Pump Flow Rate: 50 – 60 m³/hr
• Maximum Flow Rate: Do not exceed 60 m³/hr to prevent media migration
• Minimum Flow Rate: Ensure adequate velocity for proper filtration
• Connection: 110mm / 4″ to match filter flanges

💡 Note: This is a tank-only product. Multiport valves, face pipework kits, and pumps are sold separately. The 4″ connection size requires appropriately rated valve systems. Contact Parts4Tubs for compatible valve and pipework options.

⚙️ Maintenance Guide

Routine Maintenance Schedule

Task	Frequency	Procedure
Check pressure gauge	Daily	Record baseline and monitor for increases
Visual inspection	Weekly	Check for leaks, unusual sounds, pressure anomalies
Backwash	When pressure rises 0.5-0.7 bar above clean baseline	Until sight glass runs clear
Rinse after backwash	After each backwash	Run for 60-90 seconds to settle media
Inspect sight glass	Monthly	Clean if visibility reduced
Check O-rings and seals	Quarterly	Replace if worn or damaged
Inspect media level	Annually	Top up if below recommended level
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

⚠️ Warning: Never operate above rated pressure. If pressure remains high after backwashing, inspect for blockages or media issues.

Backwash Considerations

Due to the substantial media capacity (3685 kg sand), backwash operations will consume significant water volume. Ensure:

• Adequate backwash drainage capacity for high-volume discharge
• Sufficient water supply for extended rinse cycle
• Compliance with local discharge regulations
• Backwash water treatment if required by local authority
• Balance tank capacity if applicable

Winterisation (UK Climate)

For outdoor installations or extended shutdown periods:

1. Isolate pump and close all valves
2. Set multiport valve to “Waste” position
3. Open manual drain and allow tank to empty completely
4. Remove drain plug and store safely
5. Open all connections to prevent trapped water
6. Cover or protect from direct weather exposure
7. Never leave water in filter during freezing conditions

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🔬 Filter Media Information

Compatible Media Types

Media Type	Filtration Rating	Capacity Required	Lifespan	Key Benefits
Silica Sand	20-40 microns	3685 kg	5-7 years	Economical, widely available, proven performance
Glass Media	5-15 microns	3029 kg	10+ years	Finer filtration, reduced backwash frequency, longer life
ZeoSand/Zeolite	3-5 microns	As specified	5 years	Superior clarity, ammonia removal properties
AFM (Activated Filter Media)	1-5 microns	As specified	10+ years	Bio-resistant, self-sterilising, exceptional clarity

Standard Media Configuration:

• Sand Capacity: 3685 kg (16/30 grade silica sand)
• Glass Media Capacity: 3029 kg
• Support Gravel: 553 kg (deduct from sand capacity if used)

💡 Recommendation: For elite commercial facilities with high bather loads, glass media or AFM delivers superior water clarity, significantly reduces chemical consumption, and extends service intervals, providing excellent return on investment despite higher initial media costs.

Signs Media Needs Replacing

• Persistent poor water clarity despite correct chemical balance
• Shortened filter cycles between backwashes
• Media visible in pool return water
• Channelling or uneven flow distribution
• Excessive pressure drop or abnormally low resistance

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✨ Filtration Performance

Metric	Value
Filter Area	2.01 m²
Design Flow Rate	60 m³/hr
Design Velocity	30 m³/hr/m²
Bed Depth	1200 mm (deep bed design)

Filtration Rating by Media Type

Media	Filtration Rating	What It Captures
Sand (standard)	20-40 microns	Visible debris, leaves, hair, large particles
Glass media	5-15 microns	Fine particles, most algae, improved clarity
AFM/Zeolite	1-5 microns	Very fine particles, colloidal matter, exceptional clarity

Deep Bed Advantage

The 1200mm media bed depth provides significant advantages over standard high-rate filters:

• Enhanced Particle Capture: Finer dirt particles and colloidal substances are trapped more effectively throughout the deeper media bed
• Increased Dirt Capacity: Substantially longer filter runs between backwashes, reducing water and chemical consumption
• Multi-Media Capability: Deep bed supports layered media configurations for staged filtration
• Water Treatment Applications: Suitable for granular activated carbon and speciality media for advanced water conditioning

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🛠️ Valve Positions & Functions

Note: Multiport valve sold separately – 4″ rated valve required

Position	Function
Filter	Normal filtration mode – water flows through media bed
Backwash	Reverse flow to clean media – directs debris to waste
Rinse	Settles media after backwash – brief forward flow to waste
Waste	Bypass filter – pump directly to drain (lowering water level)
Recirculate	Bypass filter – return to pool without filtration
Closed	Stop all flow – isolate filter from system

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🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Suitability	Notes
🏆 Olympic & Competition Pools	✅ Excellent	Elite-tier capacity for international standard venues
🌊 Major Water Parks	✅ Excellent	High flow capacity handles multiple attractions
🏢 Large Municipal Leisure Centres	✅ Excellent	Built for institutional-grade reliability
🏫 University & College Pools	✅ Excellent	Handles high student usage patterns
🏨 Large Resort Complexes	✅ Excellent	Reliable performance for hospitality environments
🏭 Industrial Water Treatment	✅ Excellent	Suitable for high-volume process water
🐠 Large Public Aquariums	✅ Very Good	Deep bed supports biological filtration

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💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle?

A: The SMDD 1600 is suitable for commercial pools up to 360,000 litres with a 6-hour turnover, or up to 480,000 litres with an 8-hour turnover. For Olympic-sized pools (2,500,000 litres), multiple filters operating in parallel are required.

Q: How does this compare to the smaller SMDD models?

A: The SMDD 1600 offers 131% more filter area than the SMDD 1050 and 30% more than the SMDD 1400. It uses the same 110mm (4″) connections as the SMDD 1400, enabling seamless system design with multiple filters.

Q: How much media does this filter require?

A: The filter requires 3685 kg of sand or 3029 kg of glass media. This substantial capacity enables longer filter runs and enhanced dirt-holding capacity compared to smaller filters.

Q: How often do I need to backwash?

A: Backwash when the pressure gauge reads 0.5-0.7 bar above the clean filter baseline. In high-traffic commercial applications, this may be every 1-2 weeks depending on bather load and pool usage patterns.

Q: What filter media should I use?

A: For elite commercial facilities, glass media or AFM provides superior clarity and longer service life. Standard sand (3685 kg) works well for budget-conscious installations.

Q: Is this a complete filter system?

A: No, this is a tank-only product. You will need to purchase a 4-inch rated multiport valve, face pipework kit, and compatible commercial pump separately. Contact Parts4Tubs for complete system specifications.

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 all other components.

Q: Can this filter be used for saltwater pools?

A: Yes, the fibreglass construction is fully resistant to saltwater and chlorinated environments.

Q: What pump do I need?

A: Match with a commercial pump delivering approximately 50-60 m³/hr at your system head pressure with 4-inch connections. Multiple pumps may be required for redundancy in critical applications.

📄 Downloads & Resources

📄 SMDD Technical Datasheet – Full specifications and dimensions for all SMDD models

👍 Why Choose the Waterco 1600 SMDD

✅ Elite-Tier Performance – 60 m³/hr flow rate handles pools up to 480,000 litres

✅ Massive Filter Area – 2.01 m² provides exceptional particle capture and dirt capacity

✅ Professional 4-Inch Connections – Reduced pressure losses for efficient pump operation

✅ Superior Construction Quality – Digitally-controlled bobbin winding creates seamless vessels

✅ Deep Bed Filtration – 1200mm media depth for enhanced water clarity

✅ Long-Term Reliability – Fibreglass construction is corrosion-proof and virtually maintenance-free

✅ Proven Technology – Waterco’s patented fishtail lateral system maximises hydraulic efficiency

✅ Comprehensive Warranty – 10-year tank warranty provides long-term peace of mind

🇬🇧 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

✅ Compatible Parts Available – 4″ multiport valves, pipework kits, and media in stock

✅ Easy Returns – 30-day returns on eligible products

💧 Summary

The Waterco 1600 SMDD Commercial Bobbin Wound Filter Tank delivers elite-tier deep bed filtration for Olympic-sized pools, major water parks, municipal leisure centres, and large-scale commercial installations up to 360,000 litres (6-hour turnover). With an impressive 2.01 m² filter area, 60 m³/hr flow rate, and 110mm (4″) connections, this filter provides exceptional throughput for the most demanding applications. Advanced fibreglass construction and Waterco’s patented fishtail lateral system ensure decades of reliable performance. Supplied as tank only with 4 bar pressure rating. Backed by Waterco’s comprehensive 10-year tank warranty.