🏊 Calplas DPS-1640 AFM Vertical Multilayer Filter – Commercial Pool Filtration Up to 490,000 Litres

High-capacity filtration engineered for large public pools and leisure centre applications

🌊 Product Overview

The Calplas DPS-1640 is a high-performance industrial vertical multilayer filter engineered for large commercial pools, leisure centres and public aquatic facilities demanding exceptional water quality and substantial flow capacity. Built from hand-laminated glass-fibre reinforced polyester (GRP), this robust 1,640mm diameter filter delivers impressive flow rates of 61.2 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-1640 features an expansive 2.04 m² filter area and 132 precision nozzles for superior water distribution. Practical commercial amenities include a 420mm steel service manhole for convenient media inspection, upgraded 5-inch sight glass for enhanced backwash monitoring, and DN125 connections for high-volume plumbing integration.

With a powerful backwash capacity of 102 m³/h and proven GRP construction backed by a 5-year tank warranty, the DPS-1640 represents the professional choice for facility managers requiring reliable, high-capacity filtration for pools up to 490,000 litres.

✨ Key Features

✅ Expansive 2.04 m² Filter Area – Large filtration surface delivers outstanding capacity for demanding commercial applications

✅ 61.2 m³/h Flow Rate – High-capacity throughput suitable for pools up to 490,000 litres with standard 8-hour turnover

✅ 102 m³/h Backwash Capacity – Powerful reverse flow ensures thorough media cleaning for consistent performance

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

✅ 132 Precision Nozzles – Increased nozzle count ensures uniform water distribution across the large filter area

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

✅ 5-inch Sight Glass – Upgraded larger viewing port for enhanced backwash clarity monitoring

✅ DN125 Collar Socket Connections – Commercial-grade flanged connections for high-volume plumbing systems

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

✅ 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

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

📊 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Filter Type	Vertical Multilayer AFM Filter
Tank Diameter	1,640 mm
Overall Height	2,500 mm
Filter Area	2.04 m²
Flow Rate (30 m³/h/m²)	61.2 m³/h
Backwash Capacity (50 m³/h/m²)	102 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	5 inch
Number of Nozzles	132
Distance from Ground	760 mm
Distance Between Connections	1,240 mm
Free Space Under Filter	100 mm
Weight (Empty)	568 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-1640 is designed for 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
🏢 Large commercial pool	Up to 245,000 L	4 hours	✅ Excellent – generous capacity
🏢 Very large commercial pool	245,000 – 367,000 L	6 hours	✅ Optimal performance
🏢 Major facility pool	367,000 – 490,000 L	8 hours	✅ Suitable
🏨 Large hotel/resort pools	Up to 400,000 L	6-8 hours	✅ Ideal application
🏫 University pools	Up to 450,000 L	6-8 hours	✅ Reliable choice
🏋️ Major leisure centres	Up to 490,000 L	8 hours	✅ Commercial-grade

This Filter:

📍 Flow Rate: 61.2 m³/h at 30 m³/h/m² filtration velocity

📍 Backwash Flow Rate: 102 m³/h at 50 m³/h/m²

📍 Recommended Pool Size: Up to 490,000 litres (8-hour turnover) or 367,000 litres (6-hour optimal turnover)

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🔧 Installation Requirements

Plumbing Connections:

Requirement	Specification
Inlet Connection	DN125 collar socket
Outlet Connection	DN125 collar socket
Connection Distance	1,240 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	700 mm around filter for maintenance
Ground Clearance	760 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: 55 – 61 m³/h for normal filtration
• Maximum Flow Rate: Do not exceed 61.2 m³/h during filtration mode
• Backwash Pump Requirement: Capable of delivering up to 102 m³/h for effective media cleaning

💡 Professional Installation Note: Due to the substantial filter weight (568 kg empty, significantly heavier when filled with media) and commercial application, professional installation by qualified pool engineers with appropriate lifting equipment 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-1640 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 10-15% less media by weight compared to sand. Contact Parts4Tubs for specific filling quantities and plans for the DPS-1640.

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	2.04 m²
Filter Bed Depth	1,200 mm
Number of Nozzles	132
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 and 132 precision nozzles delivers commercial-grade water clarity significantly exceeding typical sand filtration performance.

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🔩 Valve Positions & Functions

The Calplas DPS-1640 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 substantial flow rates. Automatic or manual valve systems available – consult Parts4Tubs for compatible options.

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📍 Ideal Applications

Application	Pool Size	Suitability
🏢 Large public swimming pools	Up to 490,000 L	✅ Primary design application
🏨 Major hotel/resort pools	Up to 450,000 L	✅ Excellent for hospitality
🏫 University/college pools	Up to 450,000 L	✅ Reliable institutional use
🏋️ Large leisure centre pools	Up to 490,000 L	✅ Commercial-grade performance
🏊 Competition training pools	Up to 450,000 L	✅ High-capacity filtration
🏥 Hydrotherapy facilities	Up to 300,000 L	✅ Superior water quality

Not Recommended For:

• Small to medium residential pools under 150,000 litres (over-specified)
• Olympic-size competition pools over 500,000 litres (consider DPS-1840 or DPS-2040)
• Temporary or portable pool installations

ℹ️ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle?

A: The DPS-1640 is suitable for large commercial pools up to 490,000 litres with an 8-hour turnover, or up to 367,000 litres with the optimal 6-hour turnover. The 61.2 m³/h flow rate at 30 m³/h/m² provides substantial commercial filtration capacity.

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

A: The DPS-1640 offers 32% more filter area than the DPS-1440 (2.04 m² vs 1.55 m²) and 32% higher flow rate (61.2 m³/h vs 46.5 m³/h). It also features an upgraded 5-inch sight glass compared to 4-inch on smaller models, plus 132 nozzles versus 96 on the DPS-1440.

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 with high bather loads, this typically occurs every few days depending on usage 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 and 2.04 m² filter area. AFM delivers filtration down to 4 microns (or 1 micron with AFM ng) and lasts 10-15 years. Sand 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 55-61 m³/h for filtration mode. Backwash requires up to 102 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 and capable of handling 102 m³/h backwash flow.

Q: What warranty is included?

A: The Calplas DPS-1640 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-1640

✅ High-Capacity Performance – 2.04 m² filter area and 61.2 m³/h flow rate handles pools up to 490,000 litres

✅ Powerful Backwash – 102 m³/h backwash capacity ensures thorough media cleaning

✅ 132 Precision Nozzles – Superior water distribution across the large filter area

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

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

✅ Proven Manufacturer – Calplas has been producing world-class filtration equipment since 1970

✅ Enhanced Monitoring – Upgraded 5-inch sight glass for improved backwash visibility

✅ 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-1640 AFM Vertical Multilayer Filter delivers high-capacity industrial filtration for large commercial pools requiring flow rates up to 61.2 m³/h. Featuring an expansive 2.04 m² filter area, 132 precision nozzles, robust GRP construction, and 1,200mm deep filter bed optimised for AFM media, this filter represents the professional choice for major aquatic facilities. With powerful 102 m³/h backwash capacity, upgraded 5-inch sight glass, DN125 connections for high-volume plumbing, and Calplas’s five decades of manufacturing excellence backed by a 5-year tank warranty, the DPS-1640 provides exceptional value for commercial pools up to 490,000 litres. Contact Parts4Tubs today for expert sizing advice and competitive pricing.