🔷 AFM® NG Activated Filter Media – Grades 1, 2 & 3 – (Equivalent of 550KG of Sand)

💎 Revolutionary Self-Sterilising Filter Media That Filters Down to 1 Micron – Outlasting Sand by a Lifetime

Please note, Grades are shipped individually. Product comes in bags of 21KG Media.

Bundle Package Contains

11 x AFM Grade 1 21KG Bags
6 x AFM Grade 2 21KG Bags
5 x AFM Grade 3 21KG Bags

📋 Product Overview

AFM® NG (Next Generation) Activated Filter Media is a highly engineered filtration product manufactured by Dryden Aqua from 100% recycled green and brown glass bottles. Unlike ordinary crushed glass or traditional sand, AFM undergoes a unique patented 3-step activation process that transforms its surface properties at a molecular level.

This activation creates a mesoporous, hydrophobic surface with a massive surface area of 50,000 m² per 1,000 kg – that’s up to 17 times greater than sand. The result is a self-sterilising filter media that resists biofouling, prevents bacterial growth, and delivers consistent filtration performance down to 1 micron without the need for flocculants.

AFM is a direct drop-in replacement for sand in all pressure and gravity filters, requiring no modifications to your existing equipment. Independently verified by IFTS (Institut de la Filtration et des Techniques Séparatives) in France, AFM has been proven to more than double the filtration performance of sand whilst lasting for the lifetime of your filter system.

⭐ Key Features

✅ 1 Micron Filtration – AFM NG Grade 1 removes 95% of all particles down to 1 micron at standard flow rates, compared to just 20 microns for sand

✅ Self-Sterilising Surface – The activated surface generates free radicals that prevent bacteria from colonising, eliminating biofilm formation and bacterial discharge

✅ Bio-Resistant Technology – Resists biofouling, biocoagulation, and transient wormhole channelling of unfiltered water through the filter bed

✅ Hydrophobic Surface – AFM NG’s non-polar surface adsorbs organics, oils, hydrocarbons, and microplastics from your water

✅ 50% Less Organic Matter – Filters approximately 50% more organic substances than sand or other glass media

✅ 97% Backwash Efficiency – IFTS-verified backwash performance ensures complete removal of trapped contaminants

✅ 10+ Year Guaranteed Lifespan – AFM is expected to last the lifetime of your filtration system with no degradation in performance

✅ Reduced Chemical Demand – Lower chlorine consumption due to superior organic matter removal and no bacterial conversion of urea to ammonia

✅ No Chlorine Smell – Eliminates trichloramine formation that causes the unpleasant chlorine odour in pool environments

Certifications

Certification	Scope
NSF/ANSI/CAN 50	Swimming pools
NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 & 372	Drinking water systems
UK DWI Reg 31	UK drinking water approval
EN17978	Water for human consumption (EU)
HACCP	Food and beverage production
ISO-9001	Quality management
ISO-14001	Environmental management
ISO-45001	Health and safety

📊 Grade Selection Guide

🎯 AFM is available in multiple grades designed to work together for optimal filtration performance. Grade selection depends on your filter diameter and application requirements.

Grade	Grain Size	Mesh Size	Function
Grade 0	0.25 – 0.5 mm	60 – 35	Extra fine filtration (98% removal to 1μm)
Grade 1	0.4 – 0.8 mm	40 – 22	Main filtration grade (95% removal to 1μm)
DIN Grade	0.7 – 1.2 mm	10 – 5	High TSS load applications
Grade 2	0.7 – 2.0 mm	25 – 16	Support and filtration layer
Grade 3	2.0 – 4.0 mm	28 – 10	Support layer (covers laterals)

Recommended Grade Combinations

For Residential Pool Filters (diameter less than 800mm):

• 50% AFM Grade 1 (top layer)
• 50% AFM Grade 2 (bottom layer)

For Commercial/Semi-Public Pool Filters (diameter greater than 800mm):

• 50% AFM Grade 1 (top layer)
• 25% AFM Grade 2 (middle layer)
• 25% AFM Grade 3 (bottom layer – covering laterals)

📐 Quantity Guide

🧮 AFM has a lower bulk density than sand, meaning you need approximately 15% less by weight when replacing sand with AFM.

Quick Conversion Formula

For every 25 kg of sand capacity, use 21 kg of AFM

This equates to using 85% of the sand weight specified for your filter.

Sand Filter Capacity	AFM Required
25 kg	21 kg
50 kg	42 kg
75 kg	63 kg
100 kg	85 kg
125 kg	106 kg
150 kg	127 kg

⚠️ Note: Always check your filter’s rating plate or manual for the recommended sand capacity before calculating AFM requirements. The sand load is typically indicated on a sticker on the filter housing.

💎 Performance Benefits

Superior Filtration Performance (IFTS Verified)

Independent testing by IFTS in France confirms AFM’s exceptional performance:

Filter Media	Particle Removal at 5 Microns	Particle Removal at 1 Micron
AFM NG Grade 1	99.6%	94.6%
AFM Grade 0	99%+	98%
High Quality Sand	72.97%	Not applicable
Other Glass Media	60-85%	Not applicable

Key Performance Advantages

• Crystal Clear Water – Filtration down to 1 micron delivers water clarity beyond what traditional sand can achieve
• Reduced Chemical Usage – Lower chlorine oxidation demand due to superior organic matter removal
• No Bacterial Breeding – Unlike sand, AFM does not incubate or discharge bacteria such as Legionella or Pseudomonas
• Stable Filtration – No biofilm formation means no channelling, clumping, or breakthrough of unfiltered water
• 50% Less Backwash Water – Improved backwash efficiency reduces water consumption
• Up to 50% Less THMs – Reduced trihalomethane formation for healthier bathing environments

🎯 Real World Applications

🏊‍♂️ Residential Swimming Pools

Perfect for homeowners seeking crystal-clear water with reduced chemical maintenance. AFM’s self-sterilising properties mean cleaner water with less effort, and no need to replace media for the life of your filter.

🏢 Commercial & Public Pools

Ideal for hotels, leisure centres, and municipal swimming facilities where consistent water quality and regulatory compliance are essential. Certified for drinking water standards under NSF61 and UK DWI Reg 31.

🛁 Hot Tubs & Spas

The hydrophobic surface excels at removing oils, lotions, and organic matter that accumulate in hot tub water. Improved filtration reduces foaming and extends water life between changes.

🌿 Ponds & Water Features

AFM’s ability to remove fine particles and organic matter makes it suitable for ornamental ponds and water features where clarity and low maintenance are priorities.

🏭 Industrial & Commercial Filtration

Used worldwide in aquaculture, aquariums, zoos, drinking water treatment, and wastewater applications. HACCP certified for food and beverage production.

🔄 Installation Notes

🛠️ AFM is designed as a direct drop-in replacement for sand in all standard pressure and gravity sand filters. No modifications to your existing equipment are required.

Installation Steps

1. Calculate quantity required – Use 85% of the sand weight specified for your filter (see Quantity Guide above)
2. Determine grade mix – For filters under 800mm diameter, use 50% Grade 1 and 50% Grade 2. For larger filters, use 50% Grade 1, 25% Grade 2, and 25% Grade 3
3. Check laterals – Before filling, inspect filter laterals for damage. Replace any damaged components
4. Protect laterals – Half-fill the filter with water before adding media to protect the lateral assembly
5. Add AFM in layers – Add Grade 3 first (if using), then Grade 2, then Grade 1 on top
6. Soak and backwash – Allow AFM to soak to get fully wetted, then perform an initial backwash to remove any fine particles from transit
7. Run filtration cycle – Run pool equipment on filtration for 24 hours before normal operation

⚠️ Important: Do not mix AFM with sand or other filter media. For best results, completely replace all existing media.

⚠️ Professional Installation Recommended: If you are unsure about the installation process, we recommend consulting a pool professional.

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 IFTS Performance Test Report – Independent laboratory test results comparing AFM to sand and other glass media (PDF) Download IFTS Report

📄 AFM Product Brochure – Comprehensive overview of benefits, applications, and technology (PDF) Download Product Brochure

📄 AFM Installation Manual – Detailed installation instructions and technical guidance (PDF) Download Installation Manual

🏆 Why Choose AFM NG?

✅ Proven Performance – Independently verified by IFTS to filter more than twice as effectively as sand, removing 95% of particles down to 1 micron

✅ Lifetime Media – Guaranteed for a minimum of 10 years, AFM typically lasts the entire life of your filter system – no more regular sand changes

✅ Healthier Swimming – Reduces chloramines, THMs, and bacterial load for a more comfortable and safer bathing environment

✅ Cost Effective – While initial investment is higher than sand, the elimination of replacement costs and reduced chemical consumption delivers long-term savings

✅ Environmentally Responsible – Manufactured from 100% recycled glass bottles using renewable energy, with a production process that is water self-sufficient

✅ Trusted Worldwide – Over 80,000 installations across Europe and used in drinking water, aquaculture, and commercial applications globally

🛒 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs?

At Parts4Tubs, we’re passionate about helping you get the most from your pool, hot tub, or spa. When you buy from us, you’re not just purchasing from an anonymous website – you’re dealing with real people who understand your equipment.

✅ Expert Advice – We’re here to help you choose the right products and answer your technical questions

✅ Fast UK Delivery – Quick dispatch to get your pool up and running without delay

✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value on genuine, quality products

✅ Trusted Supplier – Built on the success of buildahottub.com with years of experience in the industry

✅ Secure Shopping – Safe and secure online ordering with multiple payment options

✨ Summary

AFM NG Activated Filter Media represents the pinnacle of pool filtration technology. With its self-sterilising, bio-resistant surface, AFM eliminates bacterial growth, reduces chemical demand, and provides crystal-clear water for the lifetime of your filter.

Make the switch from sand to AFM and experience the difference that truly advanced filtration technology can make to your water quality, maintenance routine, and swimming enjoyment.