💧 Hayward ProSeries HB Top Mount Sand Filter 16″ (401mm) with Glass Media | S166TXE-GM

Superior filtration performance for crystal clear pool water all season long

🌊 Product Overview

The Hayward ProSeries HB S166TXE-GM is a professional-grade top-mount sand filter that comes complete with premium glass filter media for exceptional water clarity. This 16-inch (401mm) filter combines Hayward’s proven high-rate filtration technology with the advanced performance of recycled glass media, delivering filtration down to 5-15 microns compared to the 40-50 microns achieved with traditional sand.

Engineered with a durable blown polyethylene tank that’s suitable for saltwater systems, this filter provides reliable performance for residential pools up to 48,000 litres. The top-mount Vari-Flo 6-position valve offers convenient access for installation and maintenance, whilst the compact design makes it ideal for pool equipment areas where space is at a premium.

Manufactured to NSF standards, this filter represents excellent value for pool owners seeking professional-quality filtration with reduced maintenance requirements and superior water clarity. The included glass media lasts up to 10 years, significantly outlasting traditional sand media.

⭐ Key Features

✅ Premium Glass Media Included – Pre-filled with high-performance glass filter media for immediate installation and superior 5-15 micron filtration

✅ Blown Polyethylene Tank – Durable, corrosion-proof construction manufactured to NSF standards with excellent resistance to treatment products

✅ Saltwater Compatible – Tank material specifically designed for use with saltwater chlorination systems

✅ Vari-Flo™ 6-Position Valve – Top-mounted multiport valve provides Filter, Backwash, Rinse, Waste, Recirculate and Closed positions

✅ Maximum Flow Rate 6 m³/h – Optimised flow rate suitable for residential pools up to 48,000 litres

✅ Space-Saving Top Mount Design – Easy access for installation and maintenance with minimal footprint

✅ Swivel-Mounted Laterals – Self-cleaning lateral assembly for balanced flow, efficient backwashing and easy serviceability

✅ Weather Resistant – All-weather outdoor installation capability with UV-stable materials

✅ 5-Year Tank Warranty – Comprehensive manufacturer warranty on the filter tank with 2-year equipment warranty

✅ Pressure Gauge Included – Integral pressure gauge for monitoring filter performance and backwash scheduling

✅ 1½” Connections – Standard inlet/outlet connections compatible with most residential pool plumbing

✅ 40°C Maximum Temperature – Suitable for heated pools and spa applications

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Model Number	S166TXE-GM
Filter Type	High-Rate Sand Filter with Glass Media
Pool Capacity	Up to 48,000 litres (8-hour turnover)
Flow Rate	6 m³/h maximum
Filtration Area	0.12 m²
Filtration Rating	5-15 microns (with glass media)
Tank Diameter	401 mm (16 inches)
Overall Height	858 mm
Media Capacity	50 kg (sand equivalent) / ~40 kg glass media
Operating Pressure	0.5 – 1.3 bar
Maximum Pressure	3.5 bar
Maximum Water Temperature	40°C
Inlet/Outlet Size	1½” (38mm)
Tank Material	Blown Polyethylene (NSF Standard)
Valve Type	Vari-Flo™ 6-Position Top Mount
Media Granulometry	0.4 – 0.8 mm
Weight (Empty)	12 kg
Saltwater Compatible	Yes
Warranty – Tank	5 years
Warranty – Equipment	2 years

📐 Pool Sizing Guide

The Hayward ProSeries HB S166TXE-GM delivers 6 m³/h flow rate, which determines its pool capacity rating based on water turnover times. Industry standards recommend turning over your entire pool volume every 6-8 hours for optimal filtration.

Sizing Formula:

Pool Capacity = Flow Rate × Turnover Time
Optimal: 6 m³/h × 6 hours = 36,000 litres
Maximum: 6 m³/h × 8 hours = 48,000 litres

Pool Size Compatibility:

Pool Type	Volume Range	Suitability
🏊 Small above-ground	Up to 20,000 L	✅ Excellent – Ideal choice
🏊 Medium above-ground	20,000 – 40,000 L	✅ Very Good – Well suited
🏊 Large above-ground	40,000 – 48,000 L	✅ Good – Within capacity
🏠 Small in-ground	Up to 36,000 L	✅ Excellent – Optimal turnover
🏠 Medium in-ground	36,000 – 48,000 L	✅ Good – Acceptable turnover
🏠 Large in-ground	48,000+ L	⚠️ Consider larger model

This Filter:

📍 Flow Rate: 6 m³/h
📍 Optimal Pool Size: Up to 36,000 litres (6-hour turnover)
📍 Maximum Pool Size: Up to 48,000 litres (8-hour turnover)

💡 Sizing Tip: For the clearest water quality, select a filter that can turn over your pool volume in 6 hours or less. If your pool is close to the maximum capacity, consider the larger S210TXE-GM (10 m³/h) for improved performance.

🛠️ Installation Requirements

Plumbing Connections:

Requirement	Specification
Inlet Connection	1½” (38mm)
Outlet Connection	1½” (38mm)
Valve Position	Top Mount
Connection Type	Threaded

Physical Installation:

Requirement	Details
Base	Solid, level concrete or paving slab
Clearance Above	Minimum 650 mm for valve operation and media access
Clearance Around	300 mm minimum for maintenance access
Location	Can be installed outdoors – weather resistant

Pump Compatibility:

⚠️ Important: The filter must be matched with an appropriately sized pump for optimal performance.

Parameter	Recommendation
Recommended Pump Flow	4 – 6 m³/h
Maximum Pump Flow	Do not exceed 6 m³/h
Pump Head	Must overcome filter resistance at operating pressure

💡 Installation Note: The pump flow rate should not exceed the filter’s maximum flow rate of 6 m³/h. Oversized pumps can cause channelling in the media bed and reduce filtration efficiency.

🔄 Maintenance Guide

Routine Maintenance Schedule:

Task	Frequency	Details
Check pressure gauge	Weekly	Note baseline reading when clean
Backwash filter	When pressure rises 0.5 bar above clean baseline	Run until sight glass clears (typically 2-3 minutes)
Rinse after backwash	After each backwash	30-60 seconds to settle media
Inspect valve seals	Seasonally	Replace O-rings if worn or leaking
Check media level	Annually	Top up if below minimum mark
Full media replacement	Every 10+ years (glass)	Replace completely when filtration quality degrades

Pressure Gauge Guide:

Reading	Status	Action
0.5 bar	Clean filter baseline	Normal operation
0.8 bar	Media loading with debris	Monitor – approaching backwash
1.0 bar	Backwash required	Perform backwash cycle
1.3 bar	Maximum operating	Immediate backwash required
Above 1.3 bar	⚠️ Over-pressure	Stop pump – check for blockage

Winterisation (UK Climate):

For UK pools during winter months, proper winterisation protects your investment:

1. Drain the filter tank – Remove drain plug at base of tank and allow complete drainage
2. Set valve to Winter position – Prevents internal seal damage
3. Remove drain plug – Store separately to ensure tank drains fully
4. Drain valve assembly – Remove water from multiport valve
5. Cover or relocate – If possible, cover filter or store in frost-free location
6. Never leave water inside – Standing water will freeze and crack the tank

⚠️ Warning: Freeze damage is not covered under warranty. Always ensure complete drainage before winter.

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💎 Filter Media Information

This filter comes pre-loaded with premium glass filter media, offering significant advantages over traditional silica sand.

Glass Media vs Sand Comparison:

Media Type	Filtration	Lifespan	Backwash Frequency	Benefits
Glass (Included)	5-15 microns	10+ years	Reduced by up to 50%	Superior clarity, eco-friendly, negatively charged for better particle capture
Standard Sand	40-50 microns	5-7 years	Weekly typically	Economical initial cost
ZeoSand	3-5 microns	5 years	Reduced	Ammonia removal, very fine filtration

Included Glass Media Specifications:

Property	Value
Media Type	Recycled Glass Filtration Media
Particle Size	0.4 – 0.8 mm (Grade 1)
Capacity	Approximately 40 kg
Filtration Rating	5-15 microns
Expected Lifespan	10+ years

Glass Media Advantages:

• ✅ Superior Filtration – Captures particles down to 5-15 microns vs 40-50 microns for sand
• ✅ Negative Surface Charge – Electrostatically attracts fine particles and organic matter
• ✅ Non-Porous Surface – Resists bacterial growth and biofilm formation
• ✅ Extended Lifespan – Lasts 10+ years compared to 5-7 years for sand
• ✅ Reduced Backwashing – Up to 50% fewer backwash cycles required
• ✅ Eco-Friendly – Made from 100% recycled glass
• ✅ Lower Chemical Demand – Cleaner water requires less chlorine and balancing chemicals

Signs Media Needs Attention:

• Poor water clarity despite correct chemical balance
• Increasingly short filter cycles between backwashes
• Cloudy water returning to pool after filtration
• Pressure gauge not returning to baseline after backwash
• Visible media in pool (indicates lateral damage)

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🔬 Filtration Performance

Metric	Value
Filtration Rating (Glass Media)	5-15 microns
Filtration Rating (Sand)	40-50 microns
Filter Area	0.12 m²
Flow Rate	6 m³/h

Micron Rating Guide – What Does This Filter Remove?

Particle Size	Examples	With Sand (40-50µ)	With Glass (5-15µ)
100+ microns	Human hair, large debris	✅ Captured	✅ Captured
50-100 microns	Fine sand, pollen	✅ Captured	✅ Captured
20-50 microns	Silt, algae spores	Partially captured	✅ Captured
10-20 microns	Fine silt, bacteria clusters	❌ Passes through	✅ Captured
5-10 microns	Single-cell algae, fine particles	❌ Passes through	✅ Captured

Performance Enhancement: The included glass media significantly improves this filter’s ability to remove fine particles that would pass through standard sand. This results in visibly clearer water, reduced chemical demand, and fewer algae problems.

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⚙️ Valve Positions & Functions

The Vari-Flo™ 6-position top-mount valve provides all essential filter operations:

Position	Function	When to Use
Filter	Normal filtration mode	Daily operation – water flows through media and returns to pool
Backwash	Reverse flow to clean media	When pressure rises 0.5 bar above baseline
Rinse	Settle media after backwash	30-60 seconds after each backwash
Waste	Bypass filter direct to drain	Vacuuming heavy debris, lowering water level
Recirculate	Bypass filter back to pool	Distributing chemicals without filtering
Closed	Stop all flow	When servicing pump or filter

⚠️ Important: Always stop the pump before changing valve positions. Changing positions while the pump is running can damage the valve seals and void warranty.

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🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Pool Size	Suitability	Notes
🏠 Residential above-ground pool	Up to 48,000 L	✅ Excellent	Compact design ideal for limited space
🏠 Residential in-ground pool	Up to 36,000 L	✅ Excellent	Optimal 6-hour turnover
🏠 Small in-ground pool	Up to 48,000 L	✅ Very Good	Adequate 8-hour turnover
🏊 Swim spa	Up to 20,000 L	✅ Excellent	Handles high bather loads
💧 Water features	Variable	✅ Excellent	Low maintenance requirements
🏢 Commercial pools	–	❌ Not suitable	Consider larger ProSeries models

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle?

A: The S166TXE-GM is suitable for pools up to 48,000 litres with an 8-hour turnover, or up to 36,000 litres for optimal 6-hour turnover. The 6 m³/h flow rate makes it ideal for small to medium residential pools and above-ground pools.

Q: How often do I need to backwash?

A: Backwash when the pressure gauge reads 0.5 bar above your clean baseline pressure, typically every 1-3 weeks depending on pool usage and debris levels. Glass media generally requires less frequent backwashing than sand – up to 50% less often.

Q: What filter media should I use?

A: This filter comes pre-loaded with premium glass filter media. If you need to top up or replace media in future, use glass media (Grade 1, 0.4-0.8mm) or standard pool-grade silica sand (#20 grade, 0.45-0.55mm). The media capacity is 50 kg sand equivalent or approximately 40 kg glass.

Q: How long does the glass media last?

A: Glass filter media typically lasts 10+ years with proper maintenance, significantly longer than sand which needs replacing every 5-7 years. Many users report never needing to replace glass media – simply topping up occasionally is sufficient.

Q: What pump do I need?

A: Match with a pump delivering 4-6 m³/h flow rate. Do not exceed the filter’s maximum flow rate of 6 m³/h. Popular compatible pumps include the Hayward PowerFlo LX or similar 0.5-0.75 HP residential pool pumps.

Q: Is this filter suitable for saltwater pools?

A: Yes. The blown polyethylene tank is specifically designed for saltwater compatibility and offers excellent resistance to salt and pool treatment chemicals.

Q: What warranty is included?

A: Hayward provides a 5-year warranty on the filter tank and 2-year warranty on equipment (valve, pressure gauge, etc.). Freeze damage and damage from improper installation are not covered.

Q: Can I install this filter myself?

A: Yes, the top-mount design allows for straightforward DIY installation. However, plumbing connections should comply with local regulations. If you’re unsure, consult a qualified pool installer.

Q: How do I winterise this filter?

A: Drain the tank completely via the drain plug, set valve to Winter position, and ensure no water remains in the system. Store the drain plug separately and cover the filter if possible. Never leave water in the filter during freezing conditions.

Q: What’s the difference between this and the S166TXE without glass media?

A: The S166TXE-GM comes complete with premium glass filter media pre-installed, whilst the standard S166TXE is supplied empty and requires separate media purchase. The glass media version offers superior 5-15 micron filtration compared to 40-50 microns with sand.

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 Hayward ProSeries HB Technical Brochure – Complete technical specifications and dimensions

🏆 Why Choose the Hayward ProSeries HB S166TXE-GM

• ✅ Premium Glass Media Included – Ready to install with superior 5-15 micron filtration straight from the box
• ✅ Proven Hayward Quality – Industry-leading manufacturer with decades of pool equipment expertise
• ✅ NSF Certified Construction – Tank manufactured to recognised quality and safety standards
• ✅ Comprehensive Warranty – 5-year tank warranty plus 2-year equipment warranty for peace of mind
• ✅ Saltwater Compatible – Suitable for modern saltwater chlorination systems
• ✅ Low Maintenance Design – Glass media requires less backwashing and lasts 10+ years
• ✅ Space-Efficient – Compact top-mount design ideal for tight equipment areas
• ✅ Weather Resistant – Designed for permanent outdoor UK installation
• ✅ Excellent Value – Complete package with glass media represents outstanding value

🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

• ✅ UK-Based Company – Local support from Northamptonshire with genuine UK customer service
• ✅ Fast UK Delivery – Quick despatch to get your pool equipment when you need it
• ✅ Expert Advice – Knowledgeable team with real pool and hot tub experience
• ✅ Competitive Pricing – Great prices on quality branded equipment
• ✅ Full Warranty Support – We handle warranty claims on your behalf
• ✅ Easy Returns – 30-day returns policy for peace of mind
• ✅ Compatible Parts Available – Full range of replacement parts, media and accessories
• ✅ Trusted Retailer – Built on the success of buildahottub.com

✨ Summary

The Hayward ProSeries HB S166TXE-GM combines proven high-rate sand filter technology with premium glass filter media for exceptional water clarity. With a 6 m³/h flow rate suitable for pools up to 48,000 litres, durable saltwater-compatible construction, and a comprehensive 5-year tank warranty, this filter delivers professional-grade performance for residential pools. The included glass media provides filtration down to 5-15 microns – significantly finer than standard sand – whilst lasting 10+ years with minimal maintenance. Ideal for above-ground pools and small to medium in-ground pools where space efficiency and superior water quality are priorities.