💦 Calplas DPS-1440 AFM Vertical Multilayer Filter – Commercial Pool Filtration Up to 372,000 Litres

Powerful filtration capacity for public pools, leisure centres and commercial aquatic facilities

📋 Product Overview

The Calplas DPS-1440 is a high-capacity industrial vertical multilayer filter engineered for medium to large commercial pools and public aquatic facilities demanding superior water quality. Built from hand-laminated glass-fibre reinforced polyester (GRP), this robust 1,440mm diameter filter delivers outstanding flow rates of 46.5 m³/h through its deep 1,200mm filter bed optimised for AFM (Activated Filter Media).

Manufactured to EN 13121-3 European standards by Calplas, a world-leading filter producer since 1970, the DPS-1440 features practical commercial amenities including a 420mm steel service manhole for convenient media inspection, 4-inch sight glass for backwash monitoring, and larger DN125 connections for high-volume plumbing systems. The 96-nozzle cap bottom ensures even water distribution across the generous 1.55 m² filter area.

With a backwash capacity of 77.5 m³/h and proven GRP construction backed by a 5-year tank warranty, the DPS-1440 represents the professional choice for facility managers requiring reliable, high-performance filtration for pools up to 372,000 litres.

🌟 Key Features

✅ High-Capacity 1.55 m² Filter Area – Generous filtration surface handles demanding commercial pool volumes with ease

✅ 46.5 m³/h Flow Rate – Powerful capacity suitable for pools up to 372,000 litres with standard 8-hour turnover

✅ 1,200mm Deep Filter Bed – Extended media depth provides superior contact time for exceptional particle capture

✅ 96 Precision Nozzles – Cap bottom nozzle system ensures uniform water distribution and prevents media migration

✅ Industrial GRP Construction – Hand-laminated glass-fibre reinforced polyester with UV-resistant gelcoat finish

✅ DN125 Collar Socket Connections – Larger flanged connections accommodate high-volume commercial plumbing

✅ 420mm Steel Service Manhole – Convenient access for media inspection, maintenance and replacement

✅ 4-inch Sight Glass – Integrated viewing port for real-time backwash clarity monitoring

✅ 2.5 Bar Working Pressure – Factory tested to 3.75 bar for confident commercial operation

✅ Steel-Reinforced Side Walls – Internal reinforcement at high-stress points ensures structural longevity

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

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

⚙️ Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Filter Type	Vertical Multilayer AFM Filter
Tank Diameter	1,440 mm
Overall Height	2,380 mm
Filter Area	1.55 m²
Flow Rate (30 m³/h/m²)	46.5 m³/h
Backwash Capacity (50 m³/h/m²)	77.5 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	DN125 collar socket
Service Manhole	Ø 420 mm (steel)
Sight Glass	4 inch
Number of Nozzles	96
Distance from Ground	670 mm
Distance Between Connections	1,265 mm
Free Space Under Filter	100 mm
Weight (Empty)	464 kg
Media Capacity (Sand)	Approximately 2,900 kg
Media Capacity (AFM)	Approximately 2,600 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-1440 is designed for medium to large commercial pool applications requiring substantial filtration capacity.

Sizing Principle: The filter flow rate should achieve complete pool water turnover within 6-8 hours for optimal water quality. Public and commercial 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
🏢 Medium commercial pool	Up to 186,000 L	4 hours	✅ Excellent – generous capacity
🏢 Large commercial pool	186,000 – 279,000 L	6 hours	✅ Optimal performance
🏢 Very large commercial pool	279,000 – 372,000 L	8 hours	✅ Suitable
🏨 Hotel/resort pools	Up to 280,000 L	6 hours	✅ Ideal application
🏫 School/college pools	Up to 300,000 L	6-8 hours	✅ Reliable choice
🏋️ Leisure centre pools	Up to 372,000 L	8 hours	✅ Commercial-grade

This Filter:

📍 Flow Rate: 46.5 m³/h at 30 m³/h/m² filtration velocity

📍 Backwash Flow Rate: 77.5 m³/h at 50 m³/h/m²

📍 Recommended Pool Size: Up to 372,000 litres (8-hour turnover) or 279,000 litres (6-hour optimal turnover)

🔌 Installation Requirements

Plumbing Connections:

Requirement	Specification
Inlet Connection	DN125 collar socket
Outlet Connection	DN125 collar socket
Connection Distance	1,265 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	670 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: 40 – 46 m³/h for normal filtration
• Maximum Flow Rate: Do not exceed 46.5 m³/h during filtration mode
• Backwash Pump Requirement: Capable of delivering up to 77.5 m³/h for effective media cleaning

💡 Professional Installation Note: Due to the filter weight (464 kg empty, significantly heavier when filled with media) and commercial application, professional installation by qualified pool engineers is essential.

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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-1440 is specifically designed for AFM (Activated Filter Media) but is compatible with various filter media types.

Media Capacity:

Media Type	Approximate Capacity
Sand	2,900 kg
AFM	2,600 kg

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 10-15% less media by weight compared to sand. Contact Parts4Tubs for specific filling quantities and plans.

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	1.55 m²
Filter Bed Depth	1,200 mm
Number of Nozzles	96
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 significantly exceeding typical sand filtration performance.

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⚙️ Valve Positions & Functions

The Calplas DPS-1440 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 DN125 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 372,000 L	✅ Primary design application
🏨 Hotel and resort pools	Up to 300,000 L	✅ Excellent for hospitality
🏫 School and college pools	Up to 300,000 L	✅ Reliable institutional use
🏋️ Leisure centre pools	Up to 372,000 L	✅ Commercial-grade performance
🧖 Large spa facilities	Up to 200,000 L	✅ Superior water quality
🏊 Competition training pools	Up to 350,000 L	✅ High-capacity filtration

Not Recommended For:

• Small residential pools under 80,000 litres (over-specified)
• Very large Olympic-size pools over 400,000 litres (consider larger DPS models)
• Temporary or portable pool installations

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💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle?

A: The DPS-1440 is suitable for commercial pools up to 372,000 litres with an 8-hour turnover, or up to 279,000 litres with the optimal 6-hour turnover. The 46.5 m³/h flow rate at 30 m³/h/m² provides substantial commercial filtration capacity.

Q: How does this compare to the DPS-1260?

A: The DPS-1440 offers 28% more filter area (1.55 m² vs 1.21 m²) and 28% higher flow rate (46.5 m³/h vs 36.3 m³/h). It also features larger DN125 connections compared to DN100 on the 1260 model, making it suitable for larger pools and higher-volume plumbing systems.

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 capacity for approximately 2,600 kg. AFM delivers filtration down to 4 microns (or 1 micron with AFM ng) and lasts 10-15 years. Sand (2,900 kg capacity) can also be used but provides coarser filtration.

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 40-46 m³/h for filtration mode. Backwash requires up to 77.5 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 requires a compatible multiport or butterfly valve system sized for DN125 connections.

Q: What warranty is included?

A: The Calplas DPS-1440 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 or ozone resistance, Calplas offers upgraded specifications on request.

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 Product Datasheet (PDF) – Complete specifications and dimensional drawings

⭐ Why Choose the Calplas DPS-1440

✅ High-Capacity Performance – 1.55 m² filter area and 46.5 m³/h flow rate handles pools up to 372,000 litres

✅ Commercial-Grade Construction – Hand-laminated GRP with steel reinforcement delivers decades of reliable service

✅ 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

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

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

✅ Larger Connections – DN125 ports accommodate high-volume commercial plumbing systems

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

🤝 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-1440 AFM Vertical Multilayer Filter delivers high-capacity industrial filtration for medium to large commercial pools requiring flow rates up to 46.5 m³/h. Featuring a generous 1.55 m² filter area, 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. With DN125 connections for high-volume plumbing, 96 precision nozzles, and Calplas’s five decades of manufacturing excellence backed by a 5-year tank warranty, the DPS-1440 provides exceptional value for commercial pools up to 372,000 litres. Contact Parts4Tubs today for expert sizing advice and competitive pricing.