🌊 Lacron Finaflow FF30416 30″ Sand Filter Tank – 20m³/h Flow Rate

High-capacity deep bed filtration for large pools and demanding commercial applications

💧 Product Overview

The Lacron Finaflow FF30416 is a high-capacity 30″ (760mm) sand filter tank from Lacron’s acclaimed Finaflow range, engineered for large residential pools and commercial installations demanding exceptional water clarity. With an impressive 20m³/h flow rate and deep media bed technology, this filter delivers the filtration performance required for pools up to 160,000 litres.

As the mid-range model in the Finaflow series, the FF30416 bridges the gap between the versatile 24″ model and the commercial-focused 42″ unit, offering substantial filtration capacity while maintaining practical installation requirements. The signature Finaflow deep bed design provides a minimum 1-metre media depth, ensuring water remains in contact with filter media significantly longer than standard high-rate filters – capturing finer particles, colloidal substances, and delivering noticeably clearer water.

Manufactured from extremely hard-wearing glass reinforced polyester (GRP), the FF30416 features Lacron’s smooth high-gloss internal and external finish that ensures free water flow and simplified cleaning. All internal components and pipework are upgraded to the highest commercial standard, delivering the reliability and longevity demanded by professional installations. With 2″ connections suited to larger circulation systems, this tank-only unit offers the flexibility to specify your preferred valve configuration. Backed by Lacron’s 35+ year proven track record in the pool and spa industry, the FF30416 represents the professional choice for high-capacity filtration.

✨ Key Features

✅ High-Capacity 20m³/h Flow Rate – Powerful performance suitable for pools up to 160,000 litres

✅ Deep Media Bed Technology – Minimum 1-metre filtration bed depth for superior particle capture and dirt retention

✅ 760mm (30″) Diameter Tank – Substantial filtration area for demanding applications

✅ Glass Reinforced Polyester Construction – Extremely hard-wearing GRP tank with smooth high-gloss finish

✅ 2″ (63mm) Connections – Larger bore pipework reduces flow restriction on high-volume systems

✅ Hydraulically Balanced Laterals – Optimised water distribution maximises filtration efficiency

✅ Clear Inspection Lid – Easy visual monitoring of media condition during operation

✅ Media Sight Glass – Observe filter bed and backwash progress without system shutdown

✅ Media Service Hatch – Rapid media removal for efficient maintenance and changes

✅ Inflow Diffuser – Evenly distributes water flow across the entire filter bed surface

✅ Pressure Tested to 4 Bar – Rigorous factory testing ensures reliable performance

✅ UV & Corrosion Resistant – Built to withstand harsh pool environments and outdoor installation

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Model	FF30416
Filter Type	Deep Bed Sand Filter (Tank Only)
Tank Diameter	30″ (760mm)
Flow Rate	20.0m³/h
Minimum Bed Depth	1 metre
Filtration Rating	20-40 microns (with sand media)
Test Pressure	4 bar
Maximum Working Pressure	2.5 bar
Connections	2″ (63mm)
Tank Material	Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP)
Internal Finish	Smooth high-gloss
Lateral System	Hydraulically balanced
Valve Included	No – Tank Only
Air Vent	Manual
Water Drain	Manual
Inspection Lid	Clear
Media Sight Glass	Yes
Service Hatch	Yes
Filter Base	Included for stable floor mounting
Manufacturer	Lacron (Waterco Group)

📐 Pool Sizing Guide

The Lacron Finaflow FF30416 delivers robust filtration for large residential pools, holiday properties, and light commercial applications. Pool filtration systems should turn over the entire pool volume within 6-8 hours for optimal water quality.

Sizing Calculation:

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

Pool Size Compatibility:

Pool Type	Volume Range	Suitability
🏠 Large In-Ground	80,000-120,000 L	✅ Excellent – optimal performance
🏠 Very Large In-Ground	120,000-160,000 L	✅ Very Good – 8-hour turnover
🏊 Large Above-Ground	60,000-100,000 L	✅ Excellent – premium filtration
🧖 Commercial Swim Spas	20,000-60,000 L	✅ Ideal – rapid turnover capability
🏨 Holiday Let Properties	Up to 120,000 L	✅ Excellent – reduced maintenance
🏢 Light Commercial	Up to 120,000 L	✅ Good – verify PWTAG compliance

This Filter:

📍 Flow Rate: 20.0m³/h
📍 Optimal Pool Size: Up to 120,000 litres (6-hour turnover)
📍 Maximum Pool Size: Up to 160,000 litres (8-hour turnover)

💡 Tip: The FF30416 offers 48% more flow capacity than the FF24416 (20.0 vs 13.5m³/h), making it ideal for pool owners who require greater filtration capacity or faster turnover times.

🛠️ Installation Requirements

Important: This is a tank only product. A multiport valve must be purchased separately.

Plumbing Connections:

Requirement	Specification
Connection Size	2″ (63mm)
Valve Type Required	2″ side-mount multiport (purchased separately)
Recommended Valve	Lacron 2″ 6-way multiport valve
Pipework	2″ (63mm) recommended throughout

Physical Installation:

Requirement	Details
Base	Heavy-duty concrete pad – tank is substantial when filled
Clearance Above	Minimum 700mm for lid removal and maintenance
Clearance Around	Minimum 600mm for service hatch access
Location	Protect from direct sunlight where possible
Orientation	Ensure service hatch and sight glass are accessible

Pump Compatibility:

⚠️ Important: The filter must be correctly matched with an appropriately sized pump.

Parameter	Recommendation
Recommended Pump Flow	14.0 – 20.0m³/h
Maximum Pump Flow	Do not exceed 20.0m³/h
System Pressure	Must not exceed 2.5 bar during operation
Pump Power	Typically 1.0hp – 1.5hp depending on system

💡 Note: With 2″ connections, the FF30416 is designed for larger circulation systems. Ensure all pipework is appropriately sized to maximise hydraulic efficiency and avoid flow restriction.

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🔄 Maintenance Guide

Routine Maintenance Schedule:

Task	Frequency	Method
Check pressure gauge	Weekly	Note baseline reading when clean (gauge on valve)
Visual bed inspection	Weekly	Check through sight glass during operation
Backwash filter	When pressure rises 0.5-0.7 bar	Run until sight glass shows clear water
Rinse after backwash	After every backwash	60-90 seconds to settle media
Inspect valve seals	Seasonally	Replace if worn or leaking
Check media level	Annually	Top up if low via service hatch
Full media replacement	Every 5-7 years (sand)	Access via service hatch

Pressure Gauge Guide:

📊 Clean filter baseline: 0.8-1.2 bar (typical)
📊 Backwash recommended: 0.5-0.7 bar above baseline
📊 Maximum operating: 2.5 bar

Deep Bed Advantage: The 1-metre minimum bed depth provides significantly greater dirt-holding capacity than standard filters, meaning longer intervals between backwashes and reduced water wastage. The 30″ tank’s larger capacity extends this benefit further.

Winterisation (Essential for UK Climate):

1. Switch off pump and allow system to depressurise
2. Drain filter tank completely via manual drain
3. Open air vent to assist complete drainage
4. Remove and store drain plug safely
5. Leave valve (if fitted) in intermediate position
6. Cover filter or relocate to frost-free storage if possible

⚠️ Critical: The 30″ tank with deep media bed retains substantial water volume. Allow adequate time for complete drainage before freezing conditions to prevent tank damage.

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🪨 Filter Media Information

The Lacron Finaflow FF30416’s deep bed design is optimised for use with specific filter media to achieve maximum performance and filtration efficiency.

Recommended Media Types:

Media Type	Size	Filtration Rating	Benefits
Lacronite (Zeolite)	As supplied	3-5 microns	Superior clarity, reduced chemicals, longer life
Filter Sand	0.5-1.4mm (16/30 grade)	20-40 microns	Economical, proven performance
Glass Media	0.5-1.0mm	5-15 microns	Finer filtration, eco-friendly

Media Capacity: Refer to manufacturer documentation or contact Parts4Tubs for specific media quantities for the FF30416. The 30″ tank requires significantly more media than the 24″ model.

💡 Lacronite Advantages: Lacron specifically recommends their Lacronite zeolite media which offers:

• Superior water clarity
• Remarkable dirt retention properties
• Reduced backwashing frequency
• Lower chemical costs
• Improved bather comfort
• Extended media lifespan

Signs Media Needs Replacing:

• Persistently cloudy water despite correct chemical balance
• Shortened filter cycles requiring frequent backwashing
• Visible media particles in pool returns
• Media channelling visible through sight glass
• Increased chemical consumption without improved clarity

Media Change Access: The FF30416 features a dedicated service hatch for rapid media removal, significantly reducing maintenance time compared to filters requiring complete disassembly.

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💎 Filtration Performance

Metric	Value
Filtration Rating (Sand)	20-40 microns
Filtration Rating (Lacronite)	3-5 microns
Design Flow Rate	20.0m³/h
Minimum Bed Depth	1 metre
Deep Bed Advantage	Enhanced particle capture and dirt retention

Micron Rating Guide:

Rating	What It Removes
40+ microns	Visible debris, leaves, large particles
20-40 microns	Sand, dirt, visible suspended particles
10-20 microns	Fine particles, some algae spores
5-10 microns	Very fine particles, most algae
3-5 microns	Near-invisible particles, colloidal matter

Deep Bed Filtration Advantage:

The Finaflow’s minimum 1-metre media bed depth is the key to its superior performance:

• Extended Contact Time – Water remains in contact with media longer, capturing finer particles
• Enhanced Dirt Retention – Greater media volume holds more dirt before backwashing
• Colloidal Particle Capture – Removes fine suspended matter that passes through shallow beds
• Improved Water Clarity – Noticeably clearer water, especially in warmer pools
• Reduced Chemical Demand – Cleaner water requires fewer treatment chemicals

FF30416 Performance Position:

Model	Size	Flow Rate	Capacity Increase
FF24416	24″	13.5m³/h	Baseline
FF30416	30″	20.0m³/h	+48%
FF42416	42″	43.0m³/h	+219%

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⚙️ Valve Information

Important: The FF30416 is supplied as a tank only unit. A multiport valve must be purchased separately.

Compatible Valve Options:

Valve Model	Description
ZZ3260NS	30″ Finaflow complete with valve & gauge
CLMPV2	2″ Lacron side mount multiport valve

Standard 6-Way Valve Functions:

Position	Function	When to Use
Filter	Normal filtration mode	Daily operation
Backwash	Reverses flow to clean media	When pressure rises above baseline
Rinse	Settles media after backwash	60-90 seconds after backwash
Waste	Bypasses filter, drains to waste	Vacuuming heavy debris
Recirculate	Bypasses filter, returns to pool	Distributing chemicals
Closed	Stops all water flow	Maintenance, winterisation

💡 Tip: If you require a complete filter system with valve and gauge pre-fitted, consider the ZZ3260NS package which includes the 30″ Finaflow tank with 2″ multiport valve and pressure gauge ready for installation.

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🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Pool Size	Suitability
🏠 Large Residential In-Ground	80,000-120,000 L	✅ Excellent – ideal match
🏠 Very Large Residential	120,000-160,000 L	✅ Very Good – 8-hour turnover
🏊 Premium Above-Ground	60,000-100,000 L	✅ Excellent
🧖 Large Commercial Swim Spas	30,000-60,000 L	✅ Ideal – rapid turnover
🏨 Holiday Rental Properties	Up to 120,000 L	✅ Excellent – low maintenance
🏢 Light Commercial	Up to 120,000 L	✅ Good – verify regulations
♨️ Warmer Water Pools	Various	✅ Specifically designed
🏊 High Bather Load Pools	Various	✅ Specifically designed

Particularly Recommended For:

• Large residential pools requiring high-capacity filtration
• Pools and spas operating with warmer water temperatures
• Installations with higher bather loads requiring enhanced filtration
• Upgrades from undersized or underperforming filtration systems
• Pool owners seeking superior water clarity with reduced chemical costs
• Professional installations requiring commercial-grade reliability
• Bespoke systems requiring separate valve specification

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle? A: The FF30416 is suitable for pools up to 160,000 litres with an 8-hour turnover, or optimally up to 120,000 litres with a 6-hour turnover. The powerful 20.0m³/h flow rate provides excellent performance for large residential and light commercial pools.

Q: Does this filter come with a valve? A: No, the FF30416 is supplied as a tank only unit. You will need to purchase a compatible 2″ multiport valve separately. This allows flexibility to specify your preferred valve configuration. Alternatively, consider the ZZ3260NS which includes valve and gauge.

Q: What connection size does this filter use? A: The FF30416 uses 2″ (63mm) connections, which is standard for 30″ and larger Lacron filters. This larger bore size reduces flow restriction and improves hydraulic efficiency on high-volume systems.

Q: How does this compare to the 24″ model? A: The FF30416 delivers 48% more flow capacity than the FF24416 (20.0 vs 13.5m³/h), suitable for pools approximately 50% larger. It also uses 2″ connections versus 1.5″ on the 24″ model.

Q: How often do I need to backwash? A: Backwash when the pressure gauge reads 0.5-0.7 bar above your clean baseline. The deep bed design provides greater dirt-holding capacity, typically allowing longer intervals between backwashes compared to standard filters.

Q: What filter media should I use? A: Lacron recommends either Lacronite (zeolite) for superior 3-5 micron filtration, or 16/30 grade sand (0.5-1.4mm) for standard 20-40 micron filtration. Glass media is also compatible for enhanced performance.

Q: What is the advantage of the deep bed design? A: The minimum 1-metre media depth provides extended water contact time, capturing finer particles and colloidal substances that pass through shallow-bed filters. This results in noticeably clearer water, longer backwash intervals, and reduced chemical demand.

Q: Is this suitable for commercial use? A: Yes, the Finaflow range is specifically designed for commercial and domestic pools, particularly those with warmer water and higher bather loads. For commercial installations, verify compliance with PWTAG guidelines.

Q: What pump do I need? A: Pair with a pump delivering between 14.0-20.0m³/h through 2″ pipework. Never exceed the filter’s maximum flow rate of 20.0m³/h, and ensure system pressure stays within the 2.5 bar maximum.

Q: What warranty is included? A: Lacron products are backed by manufacturer warranty. Contact Parts4Tubs for full warranty terms and conditions applicable to your purchase.

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📄 Downloads & Resources

📄 Lacron Filter Service Information – Available from Waterco Europe

📄 Technical Documentation – Contact Parts4Tubs for installation manuals and datasheets

📄 Media Specifications – Lacronite and sand media guidance available

📄 Spare Parts Information – Full range of Lacron replacement parts available

💡 For detailed installation instructions, media quantities, valve selection guidance, and technical support, please contact our team.

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🏆 Why Choose the Lacron Finaflow FF30416

✅ High-Capacity Performance – 20.0m³/h flow rate handles pools up to 160,000 litres

✅ Superior Deep Bed Filtration – 1-metre minimum bed depth captures finer particles than standard filters

✅ Commercial-Grade Construction – GRP tank with smooth high-gloss finish built to last

✅ 2″ Connections – Optimised for high-flow systems with reduced restriction

✅ Proven Performance – Lacron’s 35+ year track record of reliability in the pool industry

✅ Enhanced Water Clarity – Deep bed technology removes colloidal particles for noticeably clearer water

✅ Reduced Maintenance – Greater dirt capacity means longer intervals between backwashes

✅ Easy Servicing – Service hatch and sight glass simplify maintenance and media changes

✅ Ideal for Demanding Applications – Specifically designed for warmer water and high bather loads

✅ Lower Running Costs – Reduced chemical demand and backwash frequency save money

🛒 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs

✅ UK-Based Company – Local support and expertise you can rely on

✅ Fast UK Delivery – Quick despatch to get your pool project moving

✅ Expert Advice – Our team understands pool filtration and can help with valve selection, media quantities, and installation queries

✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value on genuine Lacron equipment

✅ Full Warranty Support – We stand behind every product we sell

✅ Easy Returns – Hassle-free 30-day returns policy

✅ Complete Range – Matching 2″ valves, filter media, spare parts, and accessories available

✅ Trusted Supplier – Built on the success of buildahottub.com with years of industry experience

🏊 Summary

The Lacron Finaflow FF30416 is a high-capacity 30″ (760mm) deep bed sand filter tank delivering professional-grade filtration for pools up to 160,000 litres. With a powerful 20.0m³/h flow rate – 48% more than the 24″ model – and minimum 1-metre media bed depth, this filter captures finer particles and colloidal substances for exceptional water clarity in demanding applications. The commercial-grade GRP construction, 2″ connections, service hatch, and sight glass are designed for large residential pools, holiday properties, and light commercial installations where reliable, high-capacity filtration is essential. Supplied as a tank only unit, the FF30416 offers installation flexibility backed by Lacron’s proven 35+ year industry reputation. The ideal choice for pool owners stepping up to serious filtration performance.