🌊 Lacron 16″ Sureflow LSR Side Mount Sand Filter – 37,000 Litre Pool Capacity
Effortless pool maintenance with professional-grade British filtration technology
💧 Product Overview
The Lacron 16″ Sureflow LSR Side Mount Sand Filter represents the pinnacle of British pool filtration engineering. Manufactured by Waterco, this compact yet powerful sand filter delivers exceptional water clarity for residential pools up to 37,000 litres.
Built from premium glass reinforced polyester (GRP), this filter combines rugged durability with sophisticated filtration technology. The side-mount configuration provides convenient access for maintenance while the included 6-position multiport valve gives you complete control over all filtration functions.
Whether you’re installing a new pool system or upgrading existing equipment, the Lacron LSR-16 offers the perfect balance of performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance. Tested to 4 bar and certified to the highest standards, this filter is designed for years of trouble-free operation in both fresh and salt-water conditions.
⭐ Key Features
✅ Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) Tank – Extremely hard-wearing construction with UV and corrosion resistance for extended lifespan
✅ 6-Position Multiport Valve Included – Complete control with Filter, Backwash, Rinse, Waste, Recirculate, and Closed positions
✅ 6.5 m³/h Flow Rate – Optimal flow capacity for pools up to 37,000 litres with efficient turnover
✅ Side Mount Configuration – Easy access for maintenance and operation with convenient valve positioning
✅ Hydraulically Balanced Laterals – Maximises water flow and filtration efficiency throughout the filter bed
✅ Integrated Pressure Gauge – Monitor filter performance and know exactly when backwashing is required
✅ Quick Connect Unions – Simplifies installation and future maintenance with 1.5″ (50mm) connections
✅ Winter Drain Plug – Protects your investment during cold UK winters with easy drainage
✅ Clear Inspection Lid – Visual monitoring of the filter bed and backwash process
✅ 5-Year Tank Warranty – 5 (1+4) year tank warranty plus 1 year on all other components demonstrates manufacturer confidence
🔧 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Filter Type | Sand Filter (Side Mount) |
| Pool Capacity | Up to 37,000 litres (37 m³) |
| Maximum Flow Rate | 6.5 m³/h |
| Filter Area | 0.130 m² |
| Tank Diameter | 400 mm (16″) |
| Bed Depth | 300 mm |
| Overall Height | 575 mm (725 mm with valve) |
| Sand Media Capacity | 50 kg |
| Glass Media Capacity | 40 kg |
| Maximum Operating Pressure | 2.5 bar |
| Test Pressure | 4 bar |
| Inlet/Outlet Size | 1.5″ / 50 mm BSP |
| Valve Type | 6-Position Multiport (included) |
| Tank Material | Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) |
| Pressure Gauge | Included |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 50°C |
| Certifications | Pressure tested and certified |
| Warranty | 5 (1+4) years tank, 1 year components |
📐 Pool Sizing Guide
Sizing Principle: The filter flow rate should turn over the entire pool volume within 6-8 hours for optimal water quality. This ensures debris and contaminants are captured before they can affect water clarity.
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 margin |
| 🏊 Medium above-ground | 20,000-37,000 L | ✅ Ideal – within optimal operating range |
| 🏊 Large above-ground | 37,000+ L | ⚠️ Consider larger 18″ or 20″ model |
| 🏠 Small in-ground | Up to 30,000 L | ✅ Well suited for compact pools |
| 🏠 Medium in-ground | 30,000-37,000 L | ✅ Good match at maximum capacity |
| 🏢 Commercial | Any size | ❌ Not recommended – see commercial range |
This Filter:
📍 Maximum Flow Rate: 6.5 m³/h
📍 Maximum Pool Capacity: 37,000 litres
📍 Ideal Pool Size: 25,000 - 37,000 litres (6-8 hour turnover)
Example Calculation: For a 30,000 litre pool:
- 30 m³ ÷ 6.5 m³/h = 4.6 hours turnover time
- This exceeds minimum standards and provides excellent filtration
🛠️ Installation Requirements
Plumbing Connections
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Inlet Connection | 1.5″ / 50 mm BSP |
| Outlet Connection | 1.5″ / 50 mm BSP |
| Valve Position | Side mount |
| Connection Type | Quick connect barrel unions |
Physical Installation
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Base | Solid, level concrete slab or equivalent required |
| Ground Stability | Ensure ground will not subside to prevent plumbing strain |
| Clearance Above | Minimum 300 mm for valve operation |
| Clearance Around | Minimum 400 mm for maintenance access |
| Positioning | Close to pool, away from flooding risk areas |
| Compliance Label | Position facing front for identification |
Pump Compatibility
⚠️ Important: Filter must be matched with an appropriately sized pump.
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Recommended Pump Flow Rate | 4.0 – 6.5 m³/h |
| Maximum Pump Flow Rate | Do not exceed 6.5 m³/h |
| Pump Position | If 500mm+ above water level, install foot valve/non-return valve |
| Below Water Level | Install isolation valves at inlet and outlet |
💡 Tip: Keep pipe runs as short as possible and minimise fittings to reduce flow restrictions.
🔄 Maintenance Guide
Routine Maintenance Schedule
| Task | Frequency | Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Check pressure gauge | Weekly | Normal operating range varies by installation |
| Backwash filter | When pressure rises 0.5 bar above baseline | Continue until sight glass shows clear water |
| Rinse after backwash | After every backwash | Run for 10-20 seconds until water clears |
| Clean pump strainer | Weekly | Remove debris to maintain flow |
| Clean skimmer baskets | Weekly | Prevents debris reaching filter |
| Inspect seals and o-rings | Seasonally | Replace if worn or damaged |
| Check media level | Annually | Top up if significantly low |
| Full media replacement | Every 5-7 years (sand) | Replace completely when exhausted |
Pressure Gauge Guide
📊 Clean filter baseline: Record reading at initial startup
📊 Backwash required: When pressure rises 0.5 bar (50 kPa / 7.2 psi) above baseline
📊 Maximum operating pressure: 2.5 bar
⚠️ Important: If connected to mains water, pressure readings may fluctuate. Monitor actual flow rate as a more reliable indicator.
Backwashing Procedure
- Stop the pump – Never operate multiport valve while pump is running
- Release pressure – Loosen pressure release valve until gauge reads zero
- Set to BACKWASH – Depress handle and rotate 180° to backwash position
- Start pump – Run until sight glass shows clear water (typically 2-3 minutes)
- Stop pump – Turn off and set valve to RINSE position
- Rinse cycle – Run pump for 10-20 seconds to settle media bed
- Return to FILTER – Stop pump, set to filter position, resume normal operation
Winterisation (UK Climate)
⚠️ Critical for temperatures below 0°C:
- Switch off pump and close inlet valve
- Open air release valve and move multiport handle to winterise position (between Filter and Waste)
- Remove all drain plugs from filter
- Drain water completely from all pipework
- Store drain plugs safely for spring reinstallation
- Cover or relocate filter to frost-free location if possible
Never leave water in the filter during freezing conditions – ice expansion can crack the tank and void warranty.
🪨 Filter Media Information
Compatible Media Types
| Media Type | Filtration Rating | Lifespan | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silica Sand (16/30 grade) | 20-40 microns | 5-7 years | Economical, proven performance |
| Lacronite/Glass Media | 5-15 microns | 10+ years | Superior clarity, longer lasting |
| ZeoSand/Zeolite | 3-5 microns | 5 years | Finest filtration, ammonia removal |
Media Capacity for This Filter:
- Sand: 50 kg (16/30 grade, 0.5mm to 1.4mm)
- Glass/Lacronite: 40 kg
💡 Tip: The recommended media is 16-30 grade silica sand (0.5mm to 1.4mm) for excellent results. Glass media offers finer filtration and longer life but at higher initial cost.
Media Installation Notes
- Fill tank half full with water before adding media to cushion the laterals
- Cover air bleed tube with tape to prevent blockage during filling
- Correct media height is approximately 30-50mm above the tank centre
- Never fill the filter completely with media – leave expansion space
- Perform initial backwash for 2-3 minutes to remove dust and fine particles
Signs Media Needs Replacing
- Poor water clarity despite correct chemical balance
- Shortened filter cycles between backwashes
- Cloudy water returns to pool through jets
- Media visible in pool water
- Channelling or caking of filter bed
🔬 Filtration Performance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Filtration Area | 0.130 m² |
| Bed Depth | 300 mm |
| Filtration Rating | 20-40 microns (with sand) |
Micron Rating Guide
| Rating | What It Catches |
|---|---|
| 40+ microns | Visible debris, leaves, large particles |
| 20-40 microns | Sand, dirt, visible particles – standard sand filtration |
| 10-20 microns | Fine particles, some algae spores |
| 5-10 microns | Very fine particles, most algae – glass media |
| 3-5 microns | Microscopic particles – zeolite media |
Depth Filtration Principle: The Lacron LSR filter operates on depth filtration – dirt particles penetrate the filter bed and become embedded between media grains. The hydraulically balanced lateral system ensures even water distribution and maximum filtration efficiency.
⚙️ Valve Positions & Functions
The included 6-position multiport valve provides complete control over all filtration operations:
| Position | Function | Use |
|---|---|---|
| FILTER | Normal filtration | Water passes through media, returns clean to pool |
| BACKWASH | Reverse flow cleaning | Flushes trapped debris to waste drain |
| RINSE | Settle media bed | Resettles media after backwash, clears residual debris |
| WASTE | Bypass to drain | Lowers water level or vacuums heavy debris direct to waste |
| RECIRCULATE | Bypass filter | Circulates water without filtration – useful for chemical distribution |
| CLOSED | Stop all flow | Allows pump servicing without draining filter |
⚠️ Critical: Always stop the pump before changing valve positions. Depress the handle before rotating to prevent damage to the spider gasket seal.
🏆 Ideal Applications
| Application | Pool Size | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Residential above-ground pools | Up to 37,000 L | ✅ Excellent |
| 🏡 Small residential in-ground pools | Up to 37,000 L | ✅ Very good |
| 🏊 Garden pools and swim spas | Up to 30,000 L | ✅ Ideal |
| 💧 Water features | Various | ✅ Well suited |
| 🧖 Domestic spa systems | Standard sizes | ✅ Good |
| 🏢 Commercial pools | Any | ❌ See commercial LSC range |
Best For:
- First-time pool owners seeking reliable, low-maintenance filtration
- Compact pool installations where space is limited
- Replacement upgrades for older 16″ filters
- Budget-conscious installations without compromising quality
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size pool will this filter handle? A: The Lacron 16″ LSR is suitable for pools up to 37,000 litres (37 m³). With a maximum flow rate of 6.5 m³/h, it can achieve a complete water turnover in approximately 5-6 hours for a 37,000 litre pool, which exceeds industry standards.
Q: How often do I need to backwash? A: Backwash when the pressure gauge reads 0.5 bar (50 kPa) above your recorded clean baseline. This is typically every 1-2 weeks during swimming season, but varies based on pool usage and debris levels.
Q: What filter media should I use? A: The filter is compatible with 16/30 grade silica sand (50 kg capacity), glass media like Lacronite (40 kg capacity), or zeolite. Sand is most economical; glass media provides finer filtration and longer life.
Q: How long does filter media last? A: Silica sand typically lasts 5-7 years with proper maintenance. Glass media can last 10+ years. Zeolite averages around 5 years but offers the finest filtration.
Q: What pump do I need? A: Match with a pump delivering 4.0-6.5 m³/h. Never exceed the filter’s maximum flow rate of 6.5 m³/h as this forces debris through the filter bed and reduces efficiency.
Q: Can I use this filter with salt water? A: Yes, the GRP (glass reinforced polyester) construction is fully resistant to salt water corrosion, making it suitable for both fresh and salt-chlorinated pools.
Q: What warranty is included? A: Waterco provides a 5 (1+4) year tank warranty – 1 year full coverage plus 4 years pro-rata – and 1 year warranty on all other components including the multiport valve.
Q: How do I prepare the filter for winter? A: Drain completely, remove all plugs, and ensure no water remains in the tank or pipework. Never allow water to freeze inside the filter as this can crack the tank and voids the warranty.
Q: Is the multiport valve included? A: Yes, this kit includes the complete multiport valve, pressure gauge, and all necessary connections ready for installation.
Q: What are the plumbing connection sizes? A: Standard 1.5″ (50mm) BSP threaded connections with quick-connect barrel unions for easy installation.
📥 Downloads & Resources
📄 Lacron Filter Product Brochure – Complete specifications for all Lacron filter models
📄 Lacron Filter User Manual – Full installation, operation, and maintenance instructions
📄 Lacron Filter Technical Details – Detailed technical specifications and spare parts information
👍 Why Choose the Lacron 16″ Sureflow LSR
✅ Proven British Engineering – Manufactured by Waterco, the Lacron brand has been a trusted name in UK pool filtration for decades
✅ Premium GRP Construction – Glass reinforced polyester tank is UV stable, corrosion resistant, and built to last
✅ Complete Ready-to-Install Kit – Includes multiport valve, pressure gauge, and unions – no additional components needed
✅ Ideal for Compact Pools – Perfect capacity for pools up to 37,000 litres without oversizing
✅ Low Maintenance Design – Hydraulically balanced laterals and efficient backwash system minimise upkeep
✅ Comprehensive 5-Year Warranty – Waterco’s confidence in their product backed by industry-leading warranty coverage
✅ Salt Water Compatible – Suitable for both traditional and salt-chlorinated pools
✅ Energy Efficient – Optimised flow characteristics reduce pump workload and running costs
🤝 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs
✅ UK-Based Company – Local support from pool and spa specialists based in Northamptonshire
✅ Fast UK Delivery – Quick dispatch to get your pool filtration up and running
✅ Expert Technical Advice – Knowledgeable team to help with sizing, installation, and troubleshooting
✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value without compromising on quality or service
✅ Full Manufacturer Warranty – All warranty claims supported and processed efficiently
✅ Easy Returns – 30-day returns policy for peace of mind
✅ Compatible Spares Available – Filter media, replacement parts, and accessories all in stock
✅ Trusted Supplier – Built on the success of buildahottub.com with years of industry experience
✨ Summary
The Lacron 16″ Sureflow LSR Side Mount Sand Filter delivers professional-grade filtration for residential pools up to 37,000 litres. Featuring robust GRP construction, an included 6-position multiport valve, and Waterco’s proven Sureflow technology, this complete kit provides everything needed for crystal clear pool water. Backed by a comprehensive 5-year tank warranty and designed for easy maintenance, the LSR-16 represents outstanding value for pool owners seeking reliable, long-lasting filtration performance.
Order today from Parts4Tubs and enjoy sparkling clean pool water all season long.






