🌊 Certikin Vision FVS20T 20″ (500mm) Top Mount Sand Filter – Up to 60,000 Litre Capacity

Effortless pool maintenance with professional-grade fibreglass filtration technology

💧 Product Overview

The Certikin Vision FVS20T is a premium 20-inch top mount sand filter engineered for domestic swimming pools up to 60,000 litres. Manufactured using advanced bobbin-wound fibreglass technology, this filter delivers exceptional durability and reliable performance season after season.

What sets the Vision FVS20T apart is its innovative transparent valve mounting ring, allowing you to visually monitor filtration and backwashing operations in real-time. The patented 10-inch diameter lid provides quick and easy access for servicing and maintenance, while hydraulically balanced laterals ensure optimal water flow during both filtration and backwashing cycles.

Backed by Certikin’s impressive 10-year full tank warranty for residential installations, the FVS20T represents outstanding value for pool owners seeking professional-quality filtration. As part of the Fluidra family (one of the world’s leading pool equipment manufacturers), Certikin brings over 50 years of UK pool industry expertise to every Vision filter produced.

✨ Key Features

✅ Bobbin-Wound Fibreglass Construction – Advanced winding technology creates an exceptionally strong and durable tank resistant to UV damage and chemical exposure

✅ 10-Year Full Tank Warranty – Residential installations benefit from comprehensive manufacturer warranty coverage for complete peace of mind

✅ Patented 10″ Lid Design – Large diameter access lid makes servicing, media inspection and maintenance quick and hassle-free

✅ Clear Valve Mounting Ring – Transparent design provides visual confirmation of filtration and backwashing performance during operation

✅ 6-Way Multiport Valve Included – Complete with filter, backwash, rinse, waste, recirculate and closed positions for total system control

✅ Hydraulically Balanced Laterals – Engineered lateral system maximises water flow and filtration efficiency throughout the media bed

✅ Automatic Internal Air Bleed – Self-venting system automatically expels trapped air to maintain optimal filter performance

✅ Dual Connection Unions – Supplied with both 1.5″ and 50mm quick-connect unions for flexible installation options

✅ Pressure Gauge Included – Built-in gauge allows easy monitoring of filter condition and backwash timing

✅ 90kg Media Capacity – Generous sand capacity provides excellent filtration surface area and extended run times between backwashing

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Model	FVS20T
Filter Type	Top Mount Sand Filter
Tank Diameter	20″ / 500mm (510mm actual)
Pool Capacity	Up to 60,000 litres
Flow Rate	10 m³/h
Filter Area	0.20 m²
Filtration Rating	20-40 microns (with sand media)
Media Capacity	90 kg
Maximum Working Pressure	2.5 bar
Total Height (with valve)	982 mm
Tank Body Height	748 mm
Base Diameter	484 mm
Inlet/Outlet Size	1.5″ / 50mm
Valve Type	6-Way Top Mount Multiport
Tank Material	Bobbin-Wound Fibreglass
Warranty (Tank)	10 years (residential)
Warranty (Components)	1 year

📏 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
🏊 Small above-ground	Up to 20,000 L	✅ Excellent – generous capacity
🏊 Medium above-ground	20,000-40,000 L	✅ Excellent – ideal match
🏊 Large above-ground	40,000-60,000 L	✅ Good – at rated capacity
🏠 Small in-ground	Up to 40,000 L	✅ Excellent – well suited
🏠 Medium in-ground	40,000-60,000 L	✅ Good – achieves 6-hour turnover
🏠 Large in-ground	60,000+ L	⚠️ Consider larger FVS24T model

This Filter:

📍 Flow Rate: 10 m³/h (10,000 litres per hour)

📍 Suitable for pools up to: 60,000 litres

📍 Achieves 6-hour turnover on pools up to 60,000 litres

💡 Tip: For pools at the upper capacity limit, consider upgrading to the FVS24T (14 m³/h) for faster turnover and improved water clarity.

🔌 Installation Requirements

Plumbing:

Requirement	Specification
Inlet Connection	1.5″ / 50mm
Outlet Connection	1.5″ / 50mm
Valve Position	Top mount
Union Type	Quick-connect (included)

Physical Installation:

Requirement	Details
Base	Solid, level concrete or paving slab required
Clearance above	Minimum 500mm for valve operation and lid removal
Clearance around	Minimum 300mm for maintenance access
Location	Sheltered position away from direct sunlight preferred

Pump Compatibility:

⚠️ Important: Filter must be matched with an appropriately sized pump.

• Recommended pump flow rate: 8-10 m³/h
• Minimum pump flow rate: 6 m³/h
• Maximum pump flow rate: Do not exceed 10 m³/h

💡 Tip: Certikin Aquaspeed pumps (0.5HP to 0.75HP) are ideally matched to this filter for domestic pool applications.

🔄 Maintenance Guide

Routine Maintenance:

Task	Frequency	Method
Check pressure gauge	Weekly	Normal operating range: 0.8-1.2 bar
Backwash filter	When pressure rises 0.5 bar above clean baseline	Run until sight glass shows clear water (2-3 minutes)
Rinse after backwash	After each backwash	30-60 seconds to settle media
Inspect seals and O-rings	Seasonally	Replace if worn, cracked or compressed
Check media level	Annually	Top up if more than 50mm below normal level
Full media replacement	Every 5-7 years (sand)	Replace entire media bed

Pressure Gauge Guide:

📊 Clean filter baseline: 0.8-1.0 bar

📊 Backwash required: When pressure exceeds baseline by 0.5 bar

📊 Maximum safe operating: 2.5 bar

⚠️ If pressure remains high after backwashing, inspect for clogged laterals or consider media replacement.

Winterisation (UK Climate):

• Drain filter tank completely via drain plug
• Set multiport valve to “Winterise” position or between settings
• Remove and store drain plug safely
• Cover filter or relocate to frost-free location if possible
• Never leave water in filter during freezing conditions – ice expansion can crack the tank

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🪨 Filter Media Information

Compatible Media:

Media Type	Filtration Rating	Lifespan	Benefits
Silica Sand (16-grade)	20-40 microns	5-7 years	Economical, reliable, easy to source
Glass Media (AFM/ZeoGlass)	5-15 microns	10+ years	Finer filtration, reduced backwashing, longer life
ZeoSand (Zeolite)	3-5 microns	5 years	Superior water clarity, ammonia reduction

Media Capacity: 90 kg

Recommended Grade: 16/30 silica sand (0.4-0.8mm grain size)

Signs Media Needs Replacing:

• Poor water clarity despite correct chemical balance
• Increasingly frequent backwashing required
• Short filter cycles (less than 3-4 days)
• Sand particles visible in pool returns
• Media feels smooth or rounded when inspected

💡 Upgrade Tip: Switching from sand to glass media can improve filtration from 20-40 microns down to 5-15 microns, resulting in noticeably clearer water.

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🔬 Filtration Performance

Metric	Value
Filtration Rating (Sand)	20-40 microns
Filtration Rating (Glass)	5-15 microns
Filter Area	0.20 m²
Flow Rate	10 m³/h

Micron Rating Guide:

Rating	What It Removes
40+ microns	Leaves, large debris, visible particles
20-40 microns	Sand, dirt, hair, most visible particles
10-20 microns	Fine particles, some algae spores, pollen
5-10 microns	Very fine particles, most algae, improved clarity

Performance Notes:

The FVS20T with standard sand media effectively removes particles down to approximately 20 microns, capturing the majority of debris, dirt and organic matter that causes cloudy water. For pools requiring superior water clarity or those prone to algae issues, upgrading to glass media significantly improves filtration performance.

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⚙️ Valve Positions & Functions

Position	Function	When to Use
Filter	Normal filtration mode	Daily operation – water passes through media and returns clean to pool
Backwash	Reverse flow cleans media	When pressure gauge rises 0.5 bar above baseline
Rinse	Settles media after backwash	Always use for 30-60 seconds after backwashing
Waste	Bypass filter, drain to waste	Vacuuming heavy debris, lowering water level, initial filling
Recirculate	Bypass filter, return to pool	Circulating chemicals rapidly, when filter is being serviced
Closed	Stop all water flow	Pump maintenance, winterisation, system shutdown

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

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🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Pool Size	Suitability
🏠 Residential above-ground	Up to 60,000 L	✅ Excellent – designed for this application
🏠 Residential in-ground	Up to 60,000 L	✅ Excellent – ideal domestic filter
🏡 Holiday home / second property	Up to 50,000 L	✅ Good – reliable with minimal maintenance
🏊 Swim spa	Up to 15,000 L	✅ Excellent – provides rapid turnover

Not Recommended For:

• Commercial or public pools (consider larger commercial-rated filters)
• Pools exceeding 60,000 litres (upgrade to FVS24T or larger)
• Pools using Baquacil sanitiser (incompatible with Vision filters)

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle?

A: The FVS20T is suitable for domestic pools up to 60,000 litres. With its 10 m³/h flow rate, it achieves a complete 6-hour turnover on a 60,000 litre pool, which is the industry-recommended standard for optimal water quality.

Q: How often do I need to backwash?

A: Backwash when the pressure gauge reads approximately 0.5 bar above your clean baseline pressure. This typically occurs every 1-2 weeks during swimming season, though frequency varies based on pool usage, debris levels and weather conditions.

Q: What filter media should I use?

A: The FVS20T is compatible with 90kg of 16/30 grade silica sand, glass media (such as AFM or ZeoGlass), or zeolite. Sand offers the most economical option, while glass media provides finer filtration and longer service life.

Q: How long does filter media last?

A: Standard silica sand typically lasts 5-7 years before requiring replacement. Glass media can last 10+ years due to its harder, more angular structure that resists rounding and channelling.

Q: What pump do I need?

A: Match the FVS20T with a pump delivering 8-10 m³/h flow rate. Certikin Aquaspeed pumps in the 0.5HP to 0.75HP range are ideally suited. Never exceed the filter’s maximum flow rate of 10 m³/h, as this reduces filtration effectiveness.

Q: What warranty is included?

A: Certikin provides a 10-year full tank warranty for residential installations, plus 1-year warranty on all other components including the multiport valve. Contact Parts4Tubs for full warranty terms and conditions.

Q: Can I use glass media instead of sand?

A: Yes, glass media is fully compatible and offers improved filtration (5-15 microns vs 20-40 microns with sand). Use the same 90kg capacity but expect better water clarity and reduced backwashing frequency.

Q: Why can’t I use Baquacil with this filter?

A: Vision filters are not compatible with Baquacil (PHMB-based) sanitiser systems. The filter materials may react adversely with PHMB chemistry. Use chlorine, bromine or salt chlorination systems instead.

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📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 Product Brochure & Technical Datasheet – Complete specifications for all Vision filter models

📄 Installation & Owner’s Manual – Full installation guide and operating instructions

💡 Tip: Download and keep the owner’s manual for reference during installation, maintenance and winterisation procedures.

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🏆 Why Choose the Certikin Vision FVS20T

✅ Superior Construction – Bobbin-wound fibreglass technology delivers exceptional strength and longevity, outperforming standard rotomoulded tanks

✅ Industry-Leading Warranty – 10-year full tank warranty demonstrates Certikin’s confidence in build quality

✅ Innovative Design – Clear mounting ring and patented 10″ lid make operation and maintenance easier than conventional filters

✅ Optimal Performance – Hydraulically balanced laterals ensure efficient filtration and thorough backwashing across the entire media bed

✅ Trusted Brand Heritage – Certikin has supplied the UK pool industry for over 50 years, now backed by global leader Fluidra

✅ Complete Package – Supplied with 6-way multiport valve, pressure gauge, air bleed and dual-size unions ready for installation

🤝 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs

✅ UK-based company with knowledgeable local support

✅ Fast UK delivery on all pool equipment

✅ Expert advice from experienced pool and spa specialists

✅ Competitive pricing on all Certikin products

✅ Full manufacturer warranty support

✅ Easy returns within 30 days

✅ Compatible filter media and spare parts available

✅ Secure online ordering with multiple payment options

✨ Summary

The Certikin Vision FVS20T delivers professional-grade filtration for domestic pools up to 60,000 litres. Built using advanced bobbin-wound fibreglass technology and backed by an impressive 10-year tank warranty, this 20-inch top mount sand filter offers exceptional value and reliability. Key features include the innovative clear valve mounting ring for visual monitoring, patented 10-inch access lid for easy maintenance, and complete 6-way multiport valve with dual-size unions. Whether you’re installing a new pool or upgrading existing filtration, the FVS20T provides the performance and durability you need for crystal clear water season after season.