💧 Calplas FA-30 840mm Side Mount Sand Filter – 125,000 Litre Pool Capacity

The flagship of the FA series: maximum filtration capacity for large residential and commercial pools.

📋 Product Overview

The Calplas FA-30 is the largest and most powerful filter in the acclaimed FA series, delivering industrial-grade filtration for large residential and commercial swimming pools up to 125,000 litres. With an impressive 840mm tank diameter and substantial 0.52 m² filter area, this flagship side-mount filter provides exceptional water clarity through its advanced AFM diffusor system, ensuring perfect water distribution across the entire filter bed for maximum efficiency.

Manufactured by Calplas, a world leader in pool filtration technology since 1970, the FA-30 features heavy-duty fibre-laminated polyester construction with internal steel reinforcement, engineered to withstand the demands of high-volume filtration for decades. The powerful 15.6 m³/h flow rate makes it the definitive choice for pool owners with substantial installations, holiday letting properties, or small commercial facilities requiring serious filtration capacity.

Complete with integrated pressure gauge, automatic air vent, and high-resistance methacrylate transparent lid, the FA-30 combines professional-grade performance with practical maintenance features. Backed by a 5-year tank warranty and designed for a lifespan exceeding 30 years, this filter represents the ultimate long-term investment in pool water quality.

💫 Key Features

• ✅ Heavy-Duty Polyester Tank – Reinforced fibre-laminated construction with internal steel reinforcement for exceptional longevity
• ✅ Largest FA Series Filter Area – 0.52 m² provides 160% more capacity than the FA-10 for superior particle capture
• ✅ 15.6 m³/h Flow Rate – Powerful capacity handles pools up to 125,000 litres with ease
• ✅ Special AFM Diffusor System – Ensures perfect water distribution, eliminating crater formation and channelling
• ✅ High-Resistance Methacrylate Lid – Transparent cover for visual inspection without disassembly
• ✅ 2.5 Bar Maximum Operating Pressure – Robust design tested to 3.75 bar for safe, reliable operation
• ✅ Integrated ¼” Pressure Gauge – Monitor filter condition at a glance
• ✅ Automatic Air Vent – Eliminates air lock issues automatically
• ✅ Multi-Media Compatible – Accepts sand, gravel, AFM glass media (all three grades), or ZeoSand
• ✅ 2″ Threaded Connections – Standard sizing for straightforward plumbing integration
• ✅ Temperature Resistant to 40°C – Suitable for heated pools and warm climates
• ✅ 5-Year Tank Warranty – Manufacturer-backed quality assurance

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Filter Type	Side Mount Sand Filter
Tank Diameter	840 mm
Tank Height	950 mm
Filter Area	0.52 m²
Flow Rate (Standard @ 30 m³/h/m²)	15.6 m³/h
Flow Rate (Backwash @ 50 m³/h/m²)	26 m³/h
Pool Capacity	Up to 125,000 litres (8-hour turnover)
Maximum Operating Pressure	2.5 bar
Test Pressure	3.75 bar
Inlet/Outlet Connections	2″ Female Thread
Filter Opening Diameter	190 mm
Distance from Ground	360 mm
Distance Between Connections	190 mm
Tank Material	Industrial-grade fibre-laminated polyester
Tank Colour	Blue (RAL 5015)
Weight (Empty)	55 kg
Temperature Rating	Up to 40°C
Pressure Gauge	¼” included
Air Vent	Automatic, included
Transparent Lid	Methacrylate, included
Valve Type	6-way valve (sold separately)
Warranty	5 Years (tank)

📏 Pool Sizing Guide

Sizing Principle: The filter flow rate should turn over your 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:

Pool Type	Volume Range	Suitability
🏠 Large in-ground	60,000-94,000 L	✅ Excellent – generous capacity headroom
🏠 Very large in-ground	94,000-125,000 L	✅ Ideal – optimal turnover performance
🏡 Holiday letting pool	50,000-100,000 L	✅ Perfect – robust, reliable for heavy use
🏢 Small commercial	Up to 94,000 L	✅ Excellent with 6-hour turnover
🏢 Medium commercial	94,000-125,000 L	✅ Suitable with 8-hour turnover
🏨 Hotel/leisure facility	125,000+ L	⚠️ Consider multiple units or commercial range

This Filter:

📍 Flow Rate: 15.6 m³/h (standard filtration)
📍 Optimal for pools: Up to 94,000 litres (6-hour turnover)
📍 Maximum pool size: 125,000 litres (8-hour turnover)

🔌 Installation Requirements

Plumbing Connections:

Requirement	Specification
Inlet Connection	2″ Female Thread
Outlet Connection	2″ Female Thread
Valve Position	Side mount
Connection Spacing	190 mm between inlet/outlet

Physical Installation:

Requirement	Details
Base	Heavy-duty concrete pad required (must support ~455 kg when filled)
Clearance Above	Minimum 550 mm for lid removal and media inspection
Clearance Around	Minimum 450 mm for valve operation and maintenance
Distance from Ground	360 mm (integrated legs)

Pump Compatibility:

⚠️ Filter must be matched with an appropriate pump.
Recommended pump flow rate: 12-16 m³/h for optimal filtration
Maximum pump flow rate: 26 m³/h (backwash capacity)
Pump must not exceed filter's maximum flow rate to avoid media damage.

Valve Requirements:

ℹ️ 6-way multiport valve sold separately
Besgo backwash valve fits as standard
Coupling set required (stated separately)
Optional automatic or manual valve selection available

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🔄 Maintenance Guide

Routine Maintenance:

Task	Frequency	Procedure
Check pressure gauge	Weekly	Note baseline reading; normal operating range 0.5-1.5 bar
Backwash	When pressure rises 0.3-0.5 bar above baseline	Run until sight glass clears (typically 3-5 minutes)
Rinse after backwash	After each backwash	Run for 45-60 seconds to settle media
Inspect transparent lid	Monthly	Check for cracks, ensure seal integrity
Check seals and O-rings	Seasonally	Replace if worn, cracked, or leaking
Inspect media level	Annually	Top up if settled below recommended level
Full media replacement	Every 5-7 years (sand) / 10+ years (glass)	Replace all media completely

Pressure Gauge Guide:

📊 Clean filter baseline: 0.5-1.0 bar
📊 Backwash recommended: 0.3-0.5 bar above baseline
📊 Maximum safe pressure: 2.5 bar
⚠️ If pressure exceeds 2.5 bar, stop pump immediately and investigate

Winterisation (UK Climate):

• Drain filter tank completely via drain plug
• Remove and store drain plug safely
• Set valve to “Winterise” position if available, or remove valve
• Cover filter or relocate to frost-free storage (note: filled weight makes relocation impractical)
• Never leave water in filter during freezing conditions – ice expansion can crack the tank

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🪨 Filter Media Information

Compatible Media Types:

Media Type	Quantity Required	Filtration Rating	Lifespan	Benefits
Sand + Gravel	325 kg sand + 75 kg gravel	20-40 microns	5-7 years	Economical, widely available
AFM Glass Media	294 kg (147 kg Grade 1 + 84 kg Grade 2 + 63 kg Grade 3)	5-15 microns	10+ years	Finer filtration, bio-resistant
ZeoSand	See manufacturer guidelines	3-5 microns	5 years	Superior clarity, ammonia removal

Media Capacity:

• Sand/Gravel: 13 bags (25 kg) sand + 3 bags (25 kg) gravel = 400 kg total
• AFM Glass: 7 bags (21 kg) AFM Grade 1 + 4 bags (21 kg) AFM Grade 2 + 3 bags (21 kg) AFM Grade 3 = 294 kg total

Note on AFM Media: The FA-30 is the only model in the FA series that utilises all three grades of AFM filter glass, providing the most comprehensive filtration bed structure for optimal performance.

Signs Media Needs Replacing:

• Poor water clarity despite correct chemical balance
• Short filter cycles between backwashes
• Cloudy water returning to pool after filtration
• Visible channelling or cratering in media bed
• Media escaping into pool

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🔬 Filtration Performance

Metric	Value
Filter Area	0.52 m²
Standard Flow Rate	15.6 m³/h @ 30 m³/h/m²
Backwash Flow Rate	26 m³/h @ 50 m³/h/m²

Filtration Rating by Media:

Media Type	Micron Rating	What It Captures
Sand	20-40 microns	Visible debris, leaves, larger particles
AFM Glass	5-15 microns	Fine particles, most algae, improved clarity
ZeoSand	3-5 microns	Very fine particles, bacteria, exceptional clarity

Micron Rating Guide:

Rating	Particle Size Captured
40+ microns	Visible debris, leaves, hair
20-40 microns	Sand, dirt, visible particles
10-20 microns	Fine particles, some algae spores
5-10 microns	Very fine particles, most algae
Below 5 microns	Microscopic particles, superior water polish

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⚙️ Valve Positions & Functions

The Calplas FA-30 requires a 6-way multiport valve (sold separately). Standard valve positions include:

Position	Function	When to Use
Filter	Normal filtration mode	Daily operation – water passes through media and returns clean to pool
Backwash	Reverse flow to clean media	When pressure gauge reads 0.3-0.5 bar above baseline
Rinse	Settle media after backwash	Run for 45-60 seconds after every backwash
Waste	Bypass filter, drain to waste	Vacuuming heavy debris, lowering water level, removing algae
Recirculate	Bypass filter, return to pool	Distributing chemicals quickly, testing pump without filtration
Closed	Stop all water flow	Maintenance, pump basket cleaning, valve servicing

⚠️ Important: Always turn off pump before changing valve position to prevent damage.

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🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Pool Size	Suitability
🏠 Very large residential	80,000-125,000 L	✅ Excellent – flagship performance
🏡 Holiday letting property	60,000-100,000 L	✅ Ideal – handles heavy bather loads
🏢 Small commercial pool	Up to 94,000 L	✅ Perfect with 6-hour turnover
🏢 Medium commercial facility	94,000-125,000 L	✅ Suitable with 8-hour turnover
🏨 Boutique hotel pool	Up to 100,000 L	✅ Professional-grade reliability
🧖 Large hydrotherapy installation	Up to 30,000 L	✅ Generous capacity margin

Best Suited For:

• Owners of large residential pools demanding maximum filtration capacity
• Holiday rental properties with high bather loads requiring robust equipment
• Small commercial facilities needing reliable, professional-grade filtration
• Installations where long-term durability and minimal maintenance are priorities
• Users wanting the flexibility of three-grade AFM glass media for finest filtration

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle? A: The Calplas FA-30 is suitable for pools up to 125,000 litres with an 8-hour turnover, or up to 94,000 litres for optimal 6-hour turnover. The 15.6 m³/h flow rate provides excellent filtration for the largest residential pools and small commercial installations.

Q: How does the FA-30 compare to other models in the range? A: The FA-30 is the flagship model with 160% more filter area than the FA-10 (0.52 m² vs 0.20 m²), 68% more than the FA-15, and 33% more than the FA-20. It handles pools up to 125,000 litres, making it ideal for very large residential or small commercial applications.

Q: Why does the FA-30 use three grades of AFM media? A: The FA-30’s larger tank volume allows for a comprehensive three-layer AFM bed structure using Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 glass media. This provides the most thorough filtration with different particle sizes capturing debris at various depths.

Q: How often do I need to backwash? A: Backwash when the pressure gauge reads 0.3-0.5 bar above your clean baseline reading. This is typically every 1-2 weeks during swimming season, depending on pool usage and debris levels. Larger pools may require more frequent backwashing during peak use.

Q: What filter media should I use? A: The FA-30 is compatible with standard pool sand (325 kg + 75 kg gravel), AFM activated filter glass (294 kg in three grades), or ZeoSand. Glass media provides finer filtration (5-15 microns vs 20-40 microns for sand) and lasts longer.

Q: How long does filter media last? A: Sand typically lasts 5-7 years with proper maintenance. AFM glass media can last 10+ years due to its bio-resistant properties and resistance to biofilm formation.

Q: What pump do I need? A: Match with a pump delivering 12-16 m³/h for optimal filtration. The maximum pump flow should not exceed 26 m³/h (the filter’s backwash capacity). For commercial applications, consider variable speed pumps for energy efficiency.

Q: Is the multiport valve included? A: No, the 6-way multiport valve is sold separately. The filter is compatible with standard Besgo backwash valves. Both automatic and manual valve options are available – automatic valves are recommended for commercial installations.

Q: What warranty is included? A: The Calplas FA-30 comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty on the tank. Contact Parts4Tubs for full warranty terms and conditions.

Q: Can I use this filter for a commercial pool? A: Yes, the FA-30 is suitable for small to medium commercial pools up to 125,000 litres. For larger commercial installations, consider the Calplas AFM or DCH commercial range.

Q: How heavy is the filter when filled with media? A: The empty weight is 55 kg. When filled with sand and gravel (400 kg), the total weight is approximately 455 kg. Ensure your installation base is engineered to support this substantial weight.

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 Calplas FA Series Technical Datasheet – Complete specifications for all FA models

⭐ Why Choose the Calplas FA-30

• ✅ Maximum Capacity – 0.52 m² filter area handles pools up to 125,000 litres
• ✅ Flagship Performance – The most powerful filter in the acclaimed FA series
• ✅ Industrial-Grade Construction – Heavy-duty fibre-laminated polyester with steel reinforcement for 30+ year lifespan
• ✅ Superior Filtration Technology – Special AFM diffusor prevents channelling for consistent water clarity
• ✅ Three-Grade AFM Compatibility – Only FA model supporting complete AFM media bed structure
• ✅ Proven Manufacturer – Calplas has been producing world-class filters since 1970
• ✅ Commercial-Grade Reliability – Suitable for high-demand residential and commercial applications
• ✅ 5-Year Tank Warranty – Peace of mind with manufacturer-backed quality guarantee

🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

• ✅ UK-based company with local customer support
• ✅ Fast UK delivery on all orders
• ✅ Expert advice from pool and spa specialists
• ✅ Competitive pricing on all Calplas products
• ✅ Full warranty support and after-sales service
• ✅ Easy returns within 30 days
• ✅ Compatible filter media, valves, and spare parts available
• ✅ Technical support for sizing and installation queries

✨ Summary

The Calplas FA-30 840mm Side Mount Sand Filter is the flagship of the FA series, delivering maximum industrial-grade filtration capacity for large residential and commercial pools up to 125,000 litres. Featuring heavy-duty fibre-laminated polyester construction, a substantial 0.52 m² filter area, and powerful 15.6 m³/h flow rate, this filter ensures crystal clear water for the most demanding applications. The only FA model compatible with all three grades of AFM glass media, and backed by a 5-year tank warranty, the FA-30 represents the ultimate investment in professional-grade pool filtration.