🌊 Calplas DPS-1260 AFM Vertical Multilayer Filter – Commercial Pool Filtration Up to 290,000 Litres

Superior filtration performance for public pools and commercial aquatic facilities

💧 Product Overview

The Calplas DPS-1260 is an industrial-grade vertical multilayer filter engineered for demanding commercial pool and public aquatic facility applications. Constructed from hand-laminated glass-fibre reinforced polyester (GRP), this robust filter delivers exceptional water clarity through its deep 1,200mm filter bed optimised for AFM (Activated Filter Media).

Designed and manufactured to EN 13121-3 European standards, the DPS-1260 combines professional-grade construction with practical features including a 420mm service manhole for easy inspection, integrated sight glass for media monitoring, and steel-reinforced side walls for long-term structural integrity. The high-bed design allows for superior contact time between water and filter media, resulting in outstanding filtration performance down to 4 microns with standard AFM or 1 micron with AFM ng.

Backed by Calplas’s five-decade reputation as a world-leading filter manufacturer, this filter represents the optimal choice for facility managers seeking reliable, low-maintenance filtration for medium to large commercial pools requiring flow rates up to 36.3 m³/h.

✨ Key Features

✅ Industrial GRP Construction – Hand-laminated glass-fibre reinforced polyester tank with UV-resistant gelcoat finish ensures corrosion resistance and exceptional durability

✅ 1,200mm Deep Filter Bed – Extended media depth provides superior contact time for enhanced particle capture and water polishing

✅ Cap Bottom Nozzle System – 84 precision nozzles ensure even water distribution and prevent media migration during backwash cycles

✅ 36.3 m³/h Flow Rate – Handles pools up to 290,000 litres with standard 8-hour turnover times

✅ 1.21 m² Filter Area – Generous filtration surface area delivers consistent performance under demanding commercial conditions

✅ 420mm Service Manhole – Steel-constructed access point allows convenient media inspection, maintenance and replacement

✅ 4-inch Sight Glass – Integrated viewing port enables real-time monitoring of backwash clarity and media condition

✅ DN100 Collar Socket Connections – Standard flanged connections for straightforward integration with commercial plumbing systems

✅ 2.5 Bar Working Pressure – Factory tested to 3.75 bar for confident operation in demanding applications

✅ Steel-Reinforced Side Walls – Internal steel reinforcement at high-stress points ensures long-term structural integrity

✅ EN 13121-3 Certified – Manufactured to European standards for above-ground GRP vessels

✅ 5-Year Tank Warranty – Manufacturer-backed warranty demonstrates confidence in build quality

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Filter Type	Vertical Multilayer AFM Filter
Tank Diameter	1,260 mm
Overall Height	2,305 mm
Filter Area	1.21 m²
Flow Rate (30 m³/h/m²)	36.3 m³/h
Backwash Capacity (50 m³/h/m²)	60.5 m³/h
Filter Bed Height	1,200 mm
Working Pressure	2.5 bar (maximum)
Test Pressure	3.75 bar
Maximum Temperature	40°C
Inlet/Outlet Connection	DN100 collar socket
Service Manhole	Ø 420 mm (steel)
Sight Glass	4 inch
Number of Nozzles	84
Distance from Ground	620 mm
Distance Between Connections	1,285 mm
Free Space Under Filter	100 mm
Weight (Empty)	360 kg
Tank Material	GRP (Glass-Fibre Reinforced Polyester)
Tank Colour	Blue RAL 5015
Certification	EN 13121-3
Warranty	5 years (tank)

📐 Pool Sizing Guide

The Calplas DPS-1260 is designed for commercial and public pool applications requiring professional-grade filtration capacity.

Sizing Principle: The filter flow rate should achieve complete pool water turnover within 6-8 hours for optimal water quality. Public pools typically require faster turnover times than private installations.

Formula:

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

Pool Size Compatibility:

Pool Application	Volume Range	Turnover	Suitability
🏢 Small commercial pool	Up to 145,000 L	4 hours	✅ Excellent – generous capacity
🏢 Medium commercial pool	145,000 – 218,000 L	6 hours	✅ Optimal performance
🏢 Large commercial pool	218,000 – 290,000 L	8 hours	✅ Suitable
🏨 Hotel/leisure pools	Up to 200,000 L	6 hours	✅ Ideal application
🏠 Large residential	80,000 – 120,000 L	4 hours	✅ Premium filtration

This Filter:

📍 Flow Rate: 36.3 m³/h at 30 m³/h/m² filtration velocity

📍 Backwash Flow Rate: 60.5 m³/h at 50 m³/h/m²

📍 Recommended Pool Size: Up to 290,000 litres (8-hour turnover) or 218,000 litres (6-hour optimal turnover)

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🛠️ Installation Requirements

Plumbing Connections:

Requirement	Specification
Inlet Connection	DN100 collar socket
Outlet Connection	DN100 collar socket
Connection Distance	1,285 mm between ports
Valve Position	Top-mounted (supplied separately)
Venting	1″ F connection provided

Physical Installation:

Requirement	Details
Base	Solid, level concrete pad required
Height Clearance	Minimum 500 mm above filter for valve operation and media loading
Service Access	600 mm around filter for maintenance
Ground Clearance	620 mm from base to lowest point
Free Space Below	100 mm minimum required
Lifting	Integrated lifting eye for crane/hoist placement

Pump Compatibility:

⚠️ The filter must be correctly matched with an appropriate pump system. The pump flow rate should not exceed the filter’s maximum capacity.

• Recommended Pump Flow Rate: 30 – 36 m³/h for normal filtration
• Maximum Flow Rate: Do not exceed 36.3 m³/h during filtration mode
• Backwash Pump Requirement: Capable of delivering up to 60.5 m³/h for effective media cleaning

💡 Professional Installation Note: Due to the filter weight (360 kg empty) and commercial application, professional installation by qualified pool engineers is strongly recommended.

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🔄 Maintenance Guide

Routine Maintenance Schedule:

Task	Frequency	Procedure
Check pressure gauge	Daily/Weekly	Record baseline and monitor increases
Inspect sight glass	Weekly	Check for clarity and media condition
Backwash cycle	When pressure rises 0.5-0.7 bar	Run until sight glass shows clear water
Rinse after backwash	After each backwash	Run 60-90 seconds to settle media
Inspect manhole seals	Monthly	Check for wear or leakage
Check nozzle condition	Annually	Inspect via manhole for damage
Full media inspection	Annually	Assess media condition and level
Media replacement	Every 10-15 years (AFM)	Complete media change when performance declines

Pressure Gauge Guide:

📊 Clean filter baseline: Establish reading after fresh media installation or thorough backwash

📊 Backwash trigger: When pressure rises 0.5-0.7 bar above baseline

📊 Maximum operating pressure: 2.5 bar

⚠️ Warning: Never operate above 2.5 bar working pressure. If pressure cannot be reduced by backwashing, investigate for blockages or media channelling.

Winterisation (UK Climate):

For seasonal outdoor commercial pools, proper winterisation is essential:

1. Drain filter tank completely via the drain outlet
2. Remove and store the drain plug safely
3. Ensure all water is expelled from pipework and connections
4. Cover filter or relocate to frost-free storage if possible
5. Inspect seals and gaskets before recommissioning

⚠️ Critical: Never leave water in the filter during freezing conditions – ice expansion can cause irreparable tank damage and void warranty.

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🪨 Filter Media Information

The Calplas DPS-1260 is specifically designed for AFM (Activated Filter Media) but is compatible with various filter media types.

Compatible Media:

Media Type	Filtration Rating	Lifespan	Key Benefits
AFM Standard	4-5 microns	10-15 years	Bio-resistant, self-sterilising, superior clarity
AFM ng	1 micron	10-15 years	Finest filtration, removes oils and microplastics
Filter Sand	20-40 microns	5-7 years	Economical initial cost
Glass Media	10-15 microns	8-10 years	Better than sand, recyclable

AFM Media Loading:

The 1,200mm filter bed height is optimised for multilayer AFM installation. Consult manufacturer filling plans for correct grade distribution:

• Grade 3 (2.0-4.0mm): Support layer covering nozzles
• Grade 2 (0.7-2.0mm): Intermediate support and filtration
• Grade 1 (0.4-1.0mm): Primary filtration layer (top)

💡 Tip: AFM requires approximately 15% less media by weight compared to sand. Contact Parts4Tubs for specific filling quantities.

Signs Media Needs Attention:

• Persistent cloudiness despite correct water chemistry
• Shortened filter cycles between backwashes
• Pressure rises quickly after backwash
• Visible channelling or uneven media bed
• Media particles returning to pool

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🔬 Filtration Performance

Metric	Value
Filter Area	1.21 m²
Filter Bed Depth	1,200 mm
Number of Nozzles	84
Filtration Velocity	30 m³/h/m² (normal operation)
Backwash Velocity	50 m³/h/m²

Filtration Rating by Media Type:

Media	Particle Size Removal	Efficiency
AFM ng	Down to 1 micron	95% removal
AFM Standard	Down to 4 microns	95% removal
Quality Sand	Down to 20-40 microns	70-80% removal

What Different Micron Ratings Capture:

Rating	Particles Removed
40+ microns	Visible debris, leaves, large particles
20-40 microns	Sand, dirt, visible suspended particles
4-10 microns	Fine particles, most algae, pollen
1-4 microns	Very fine particles, bacteria, cryptosporidium

The deep 1,200mm filter bed combined with AFM media delivers commercial-grade water clarity that exceeds typical sand filtration by a significant margin.

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⚙️ Valve Positions & Functions

The Calplas DPS-1260 requires a separate multiport or butterfly valve system (not included). Common valve positions and their functions:

Position	Function
Filter	Normal filtration mode – water passes through media to pool
Backwash	Reversed flow cleans media – water to waste
Rinse	Settles media after backwash – short cycle to waste
Waste	Bypasses filter, sends water directly to drain
Recirculate	Bypasses filter media, returns to pool (chemical distribution)
Closed	Stops all water flow through filter

⚠️ Note: Valve system must be sized for DN100 connections and capable of handling the filter’s flow rates. Automatic or manual valve systems available – consult Parts4Tubs for compatible options.

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🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Pool Size	Suitability
🏢 Public swimming pools	Up to 290,000 L	✅ Primary design application
🏨 Hotel and resort pools	Up to 250,000 L	✅ Excellent for hospitality
🏫 School and college pools	Up to 250,000 L	✅ Reliable institutional use
🏋️ Leisure centre pools	Up to 290,000 L	✅ Commercial-grade performance
🧖 Spa and wellness facilities	Up to 150,000 L	✅ Superior water quality
🏠 Premium residential	80,000 – 150,000 L	✅ Luxury home installations

Not Recommended For:

• Small residential pools under 50,000 litres (over-specified)
• Very large competition pools over 300,000 litres (consider larger DPS models)
• Temporary or portable pool installations

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle?

A: The DPS-1260 is suitable for commercial pools up to 290,000 litres with an 8-hour turnover, or up to 218,000 litres with the optimal 6-hour turnover. The 36.3 m³/h flow rate at 30 m³/h/m² provides professional-grade filtration capacity.

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. In commercial pools, this typically occurs every few days to weekly depending on bather load and environmental factors.

Q: What filter media should I use?

A: The filter is optimised for AFM (Activated Filter Media) with its 1,200mm bed height. AFM delivers filtration down to 4 microns (or 1 micron with AFM ng) and lasts 10-15 years. Traditional sand can also be used but provides coarser filtration (20-40 microns).

Q: How long does AFM filter media last?

A: AFM media typically maintains performance for 10-15 years – significantly longer than the 5-7 year lifespan of sand. AFM is self-sterilising and bio-resistant, preventing bacterial growth that degrades other media.

Q: What pump do I need?

A: Match with a commercial pump capable of delivering 30-36 m³/h for filtration mode. Backwash requires up to 60.5 m³/h for effective media cleaning. Never exceed the filter’s maximum flow rates.

Q: Is the valve included?

A: No, the valve system is supplied separately. The filter is fitted with a steel-coated lid and requires a compatible multiport or butterfly valve system sized for DN100 connections.

Q: What warranty is included?

A: The Calplas DPS-1260 includes a 5-year manufacturer warranty on the GRP tank. Contact Parts4Tubs for full warranty terms and conditions.

Q: Can this filter be used for hot water applications?

A: The filter is rated for water temperatures up to 40°C. For higher temperature applications, Calplas offers upgraded specifications on request.

Q: What certifications does this filter have?

A: The filter is manufactured to EN 13121-3 European standards for GRP vessels. Ozone resistance is available on request for pools using ozone treatment systems.

🏆 Why Choose the Calplas DPS-1260

✅ Commercial-Grade Construction – Hand-laminated GRP with steel reinforcement delivers decades of reliable service in demanding public pool environments

✅ Superior Filtration Depth – 1,200mm filter bed height provides extended contact time for exceptional water clarity

✅ Proven Manufacturer – Calplas has been producing world-class filtration equipment since 1970, trusted by aquatic facilities globally

✅ AFM Optimised Design – Purpose-built for activated filter media delivering filtration performance down to 1-4 microns

✅ Practical Maintenance Features – 420mm service manhole and 4″ sight glass simplify inspection and media changes

✅ European Quality Standards – EN 13121-3 certified construction with 5-year tank warranty

✅ Versatile Capacity – 36.3 m³/h flow rate handles pools from 80,000 to 290,000 litres

🤝 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs

✅ UK-Based Company – Local support from pool equipment specialists who understand UK requirements

✅ Expert Technical Advice – Our team can help with sizing, pump matching, and system design

✅ Competitive Commercial Pricing – Trade and quantity discounts available for installers and facility managers

✅ Fast UK Delivery – Efficient logistics for time-sensitive projects

✅ Full Warranty Support – We handle warranty claims directly with manufacturers

✅ Complete System Solutions – Pumps, valves, AFM media and spare parts all available

✅ After-Sales Service – Ongoing technical support throughout the product lifecycle

💫 Summary

The Calplas DPS-1260 AFM Vertical Multilayer Filter delivers industrial-strength filtration for commercial pools and public aquatic facilities requiring flow rates up to 36.3 m³/h. With its robust GRP construction, 1,200mm deep filter bed optimised for AFM media, and practical maintenance features including 420mm service manhole and integrated sight glass, this filter represents the professional choice for facility managers demanding reliable, long-term performance. Backed by Calplas’s five decades of manufacturing excellence and a 5-year tank warranty, the DPS-1260 provides exceptional value for pools up to 290,000 litres. Contact Parts4Tubs today for expert sizing advice and competitive pricing.