🌊 Calplas DCH/P 415 Commercial Pool Filter – High-Performance AFM/Sand Filtration

Professional-grade filtration engineered for crystal clear water in commercial and residential pools

💧 Product Overview

The Calplas DCH/P 415 is an industrial-quality commercial pool filter crafted from laminated glass-reinforced polyester (GRP) by Calplas, a Spanish manufacturer with over 50 years of expertise in filtration vessels since 1970. This high-bed filter features an impressive 1200mm filter bed height, delivering superior filtration performance compared to standard residential filters.

Designed for pools up to approximately 31,000 litres, the DCH/P 415 is engineered for both sand and AFM® (Activated Filter Media) compatibility. The steel-reinforced construction, including a robust nozzle plate and internal reinforcement, ensures long-term durability and reliable operation in demanding environments. With a compact 415mm diameter tank, this filter provides professional-grade filtration whilst maintaining a manageable footprint.

Each filter is handmade to order in Spain, featuring integrated GRP threaded connections, a lateral service manhole, and included sight glass for easy backwash monitoring. The Calplas DCH/P 415 is backed by a comprehensive 5-year tank warranty.

⭐ Key Features

• ✅ Industrial GRP Construction – Hand-laminated glass-reinforced polyester tank for exceptional durability and corrosion resistance
• ✅ 1200mm High Filter Bed – Extended bed height delivers superior filtration and longer filter cycles between backwashes
• ✅ Steel-Reinforced Nozzle Plate – Heavy-duty construction ensures complete reliability and even water distribution
• ✅ Internal Steel Reinforcement – Additional structural integrity for demanding commercial applications
• ✅ AFM® and Sand Compatible – Versatile media options with special diffuser designed for both filter media types
• ✅ Integrated Threaded Connections – 2″ female (GAS) threads moulded directly into the filter body
• ✅ Lateral Access Manhole – 305mm service manhole with metal cover for easy media inspection and replacement
• ✅ Sight Glass Included – 2½” sight glass for monitoring backwash clarity
• ✅ Transparent Top Lid – Includes 3/4″ female vent connection for air release
• ✅ 5-Year Tank Warranty – Comprehensive manufacturer warranty on the filter vessel
• ✅ EN 13121-3 Compliant – Manufactured and tested to European pressure vessel standards

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Filter Type	High-Bed Sand/AFM® Filter
Tank Diameter	415 mm
Overall Height	1801 mm
Filter Bed Height	1200 mm
Filter Area	0.13 m²
Sand Capacity (Total)	200 kg
AFM® Capacity (Total)	168 kg
Flow Rate (Standard @ 30 m³/h/m²)	3.9 m³/h
Flow Rate (Backwash @ 50 m³/h/m²)	6.5 m³/h
Inlet/Outlet Connection	2″ Female (GAS thread)
Filter Opening (Top)	ø 190 mm
Service Manhole	ø 305 mm
Sight Glass	2½”
Distance: Ground to Bottom Connection	260 mm
Distance Between Connections	1261 mm
Tank Material	GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester)
Maximum Operating Pressure	2.5 bar
Test Pressure	3.75 bar
Maximum Temperature	40°C
Weight (Empty)	61 kg
Colour	Blue RAL 5015 (White available on request)
Warranty	5 Years Tank Warranty

📐 Pool Sizing Guide

Sizing Principle: The filter flow rate should turn over the entire pool volume within 6-8 hours for optimal water clarity and hygiene.

Formula:

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

Pool Size Compatibility for DCH/P 415:

Pool Type	Volume Range	Suitability
🏠 Small residential	Up to 20,000 L	✅ Excellent – optimal turnover
🏠 Medium residential	20,000-31,000 L	✅ Good – standard 8-hour turnover
🏊 Above-ground pools	Up to 25,000 L	✅ Ideal sizing
🏢 Small commercial	Up to 23,000 L	✅ Meets 6-hour turnover requirement

This Filter:

📍 Standard Flow Rate: 3.9 m³/h (at 30 m³/h/m²)
📍 Backwash Flow Rate: 6.5 m³/h (at 50 m³/h/m²)
📍 Optimal Pool Size: Up to 23,400 litres (6-hour turnover)
📍 Maximum Pool Size: Up to 31,200 litres (8-hour turnover)

💡 Tip: For commercial applications requiring more frequent turnover, consider sizing down or selecting a larger filter model from the DCH/P range.

🛠️ Installation Requirements

Plumbing Connections:

Requirement	Specification
Inlet Connection	2″ Female (GAS thread)
Outlet Connection	2″ Female (GAS thread)
Vent Connection	3/4″ Female (on transparent lid)
Connection Position	Lateral (side-mounted)

Physical Installation:

Requirement	Details
Base	Solid, level concrete pad required
Clearance Above	Minimum 500 mm for lid removal and maintenance
Clearance Around	Minimum 400 mm for service access
Manhole Access	305 mm lateral manhole – ensure clear access

Pump Compatibility:

⚠️ Important: Filter must be matched with an appropriate pump for optimal performance.

Parameter	Requirement
Recommended Pump Flow Rate	3.0 – 3.9 m³/h
Backwash Pump Requirement	Up to 6.5 m³/h
Maximum System Pressure	Do not exceed 2.5 bar operating pressure

💡 Note: Backwash valve and front tube system sold separately. Available in automatic or manual selection options.

🔄 Maintenance Guide

Routine Maintenance Schedule:

Task	Frequency	Procedure
Check pressure gauge	Weekly	Record baseline and monitor increases
Backwash filter	When pressure rises 0.5-0.7 bar above baseline	Run until sight glass shows clear water
Rinse after backwash	After every backwash	30-60 seconds to settle media
Inspect seals and gaskets	Seasonally	Replace if showing wear or damage
Check media level	Annually	Top up if settlement has occurred
Full media replacement	Sand: 5-7 years / AFM®: 10+ years	Replace completely when filtration degrades

Pressure Gauge Guide:

Reading	Status
📊 Baseline (clean filter)	Typically 0.5-0.8 bar
📊 Backwash needed	0.5-0.7 bar above baseline
📊 Maximum safe operating	2.5 bar

⚠️ Warning: Never exceed 2.5 bar operating pressure. If pressure continues to rise after backwashing, inspect for blockages or media issues.

Winterisation (UK Climate):

For UK installations, proper winterisation is essential to prevent frost damage:

• Drain filter tank completely via the drain plug
• Remove and safely store the drain plug
• Leave multiport valve in “Winterise” position if equipped
• Cover filter or relocate to frost-free storage
• Never leave water standing in the filter during freezing conditions

🪨 Filter Media Information

The Calplas DCH/P 415 is designed for both traditional sand and advanced AFM® (Activated Filter Media) with a special internal diffuser optimised for both media types.

Compatible Media Types:

Media Type	Filtration Rating	Lifespan	Key Benefits
Filter Sand	20-40 microns	5-7 years	Economical, proven performance
Glass Media (AFM®)	5-15 microns	10+ years	Finer filtration, longer life, reduced chlorine demand
ZeoSand	3-5 microns	5 years	Superior clarity, ammonia absorption

Media Capacity for DCH/P 415:

Media Type	Bags Required	Total Weight
AFM® (21 kg bags)	G3: 0 / G2: 2 / G1: 6	168 kg
Sand (25 kg bags)	Coarse: 0 / Medium: 2 / Fine: 6	200 kg

💡 Layering Guide: When filling, add coarsest grade first (bottom), then medium, then finest grade (top). This creates optimal filtration depth and backwash efficiency.

Signs Media Needs Replacing:

• Poor water clarity despite correct chemical balance
• Shortened filter cycles between backwashes
• Cloudy water returning to pool during filtration
• Media visible in pool (indicates broken laterals)
• Filter sand clumping or channelling

🔬 Filtration Performance

Metric	Value
Filter Area	0.13 m²
Filter Bed Height	1200 mm
Standard Flow Rate	3.9 m³/h
Filtration Rating	Depends on media selected

Micron Rating by Media Type:

Media Selection	Filtration Rating	What It Catches
Standard Sand	20-40 microns	Visible debris, sand, dirt, larger particles
AFM® Grade 1	10-15 microns	Fine particles, some algae spores
AFM® (full bed)	5-10 microns	Very fine particles, most algae, improved clarity
ZeoSand	3-5 microns	Ultra-fine particles, bacteria, superior clarity

High-Bed Advantage:

The 1200mm filter bed height provides significantly better filtration compared to standard 450-600mm residential filters. Benefits include:

• Extended contact time between water and media
• Improved particle capture efficiency
• Longer periods between backwashes
• Better handling of peak bather loads

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⚙️ Valve Positions & Functions

The DCH/P 415 requires a separate multiport valve (not included). Standard 6-position multiport valve functions:

Position	Function
Filter	Normal filtration – water passes through media to pool
Backwash	Reverse flow to clean media – discharge to waste
Rinse	Settle media after backwash – discharge to waste
Waste	Bypass filter – drain pool directly to waste
Recirculate	Bypass filter – return water to pool without filtering
Closed	Stop all water flow through valve

⚠️ Note: Backwash valve/front tube system is sold separately. Available in automatic or manual configurations.

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🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Pool Size	Suitability
🏠 Residential in-ground pools	Up to 31,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏠 Residential above-ground pools	Up to 25,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏢 Small commercial pools	Up to 23,000 L	✅ Good (6-hour turnover)
🏨 Holiday let / rental properties	Up to 30,000 L	✅ Excellent durability
🏫 School / institution pools	Up to 20,000 L	✅ Commercial-grade reliability

Best Suited For:

• Pool owners seeking commercial-grade quality
• Installations requiring extended warranty coverage
• AFM® filtration system upgrades
• Replacement of aging residential filters
• Applications where filter longevity is priority

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle? A: The DCH/P 415 is suitable for pools up to 31,200 litres with an 8-hour turnover, or up to 23,400 litres for the optimal 6-hour commercial turnover rate.

Q: How often do I need to backwash? A: Backwash when the pressure gauge reads 0.5-0.7 bar above your clean baseline reading, typically every 1-2 weeks depending on pool usage and debris load.

Q: What filter media should I use? A: The filter is compatible with both sand (200 kg capacity) and AFM® glass media (168 kg capacity). AFM® provides finer filtration and longer lifespan, while sand is more economical.

Q: How long does filter media last? A: Sand typically lasts 5-7 years; AFM® glass media can last 10+ years with proper maintenance.

Q: What pump do I need? A: Match with a pump delivering 3.0-3.9 m³/h for standard filtration. Ensure your pump can deliver up to 6.5 m³/h for effective backwashing. Never exceed the filter’s 2.5 bar maximum operating pressure.

Q: Is the multiport valve included? A: No, the backwash valve and front tube system are sold separately. Both automatic and manual options are available.

Q: What warranty is included? A: The filter comes with a 5-year tank warranty from Calplas.

Q: How long is delivery? A: As these filters are handmade to order in Spain, please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Q: Is a pressure gauge included? A: No, the pressure gauge and vent are not included and should be purchased separately.

Q: Can I get this filter in white? A: Yes, the DCH/P 415 is also available in white on request. Contact Parts4Tubs for details.

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 Calplas DCH/P Technical Datasheet – Complete specifications and dimensions

🏆 Why Choose the Calplas DCH/P 415

• ✅ 50+ Years Manufacturing Expertise – Calplas has been producing filtration vessels since 1970
• ✅ Handmade Quality – Each filter individually crafted in Spain to exacting standards
• ✅ Commercial-Grade Construction – Steel-reinforced GRP built to EN 13121-3 standards
• ✅ Superior Bed Height – 1200mm filter bed outperforms standard residential filters
• ✅ Versatile Media Compatibility – Optimised for both sand and AFM® glass media
• ✅ 5-Year Tank Warranty – Comprehensive coverage for peace of mind
• ✅ Excellent Value – Professional-grade quality at competitive pricing

🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

• ✅ UK-based company with dedicated local support
• ✅ Fast UK delivery on in-stock items
• ✅ Expert advice from pool and spa specialists
• ✅ Competitive pricing on commercial filtration equipment
• ✅ Full warranty support handled in the UK
• ✅ Easy returns within 30 days
• ✅ Compatible accessories – filter media, valves, and spare parts available
• ✅ Technical guidance for sizing and installation queries

✨ Summary

The Calplas DCH/P 415 delivers commercial-grade filtration performance for pools up to 31,000 litres. Featuring a 1200mm high filter bed, steel-reinforced GRP construction, and compatibility with both sand and AFM® media, this Spanish-made filter offers exceptional durability backed by a 5-year tank warranty. With 3.9 m³/h flow rate, integrated 2″ connections, and included sight glass, the DCH/P 415 is the professional choice for pool owners demanding superior water quality and long-term reliability.