🌊 Lacron Sureflow LSC-36 Commercial Side Mount Filter Tank Only – 160,000 Litre Pool Capacity
Professional-grade commercial filtration for pristine water clarity in demanding pool environments
💧 Product Overview
The Lacron Sureflow LSC-36 is a commercial-grade side mount sand filter tank specifically engineered for light to medium commercial swimming pool installations. Manufactured by Waterco under the renowned Lacron brand, this 36-inch (900mm) diameter filter tank delivers exceptional filtration performance with a flow rate of 20 m³/hr, making it suitable for pools up to 160,000 litres.
The main tank structure is constructed from extremely hard-wearing glass reinforced polyester (GRP), providing outstanding durability and longevity in demanding commercial environments. The smooth high-gloss internal and external finish ensures optimal water flow and easy cleaning, whilst the corrosion and UV resistant properties guarantee reliable performance season after season.
Inside the filter, all internal parts and pipework are upgraded to the highest commercial standard, ensuring long life and minimal servicing requirements. With Lacron’s proven track record spanning more than 35 years servicing the pool and spa industry, the LSC-36 represents the pinnacle of commercial filtration technology available in the UK market today.
This filter is supplied as a tank only unit with 3-inch (90mm) connections and connecting unions, allowing for flexible installation with your choice of commercial multiport valve.
⭐ Key Features
✅ Commercial-Grade GRP Construction – Main tank manufactured from extremely hard-wearing glass reinforced polyester for exceptional durability and longevity in demanding commercial environments
✅ High Flow Rate Capacity – 20 m³/hr flow rate at 30 m³/hr/m² filtration velocity, suitable for pools up to 160,000 litres with standard 8-hour turnover
✅ Large Filter Area – 0.66 m² filter area provides excellent dirt-holding capacity and extended filtration cycles between backwashing
✅ Smooth High-Gloss Finish – Internal and external surfaces feature smooth high-gloss finish ensuring free water flow and easy cleaning during maintenance
✅ Corrosion & UV Resistant – Tank material provides complete resistance to corrosion and UV degradation for reliable outdoor installation
✅ Upgraded Commercial Internals – All internal parts and pipework upgraded to highest commercial standard for long life and minimal servicing
✅ Hydraulically Balanced Laterals – Precision-engineered lateral system maximises water flow distribution across the entire filter bed
✅ Inflow Diffuser System – Evenly distributes incoming water flow across the filter bed for optimal filtration efficiency
✅ Large Stable Base – Oversized filter base provides extra stability for secure installation in plant rooms
✅ Pressure Tested Construction – Tested to 4 bar and designed to operate at maximum pressure of 2.5 bar for safe, reliable operation
✅ 3-Inch Commercial Connections – 90mm (3″) inlet and outlet connections for high-volume commercial plumbing systems
✅ 5-Year Tank Warranty – Waterco’s confidence backed by 5-year tank warranty plus 1-year warranty on other components
🔧 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Filter Type | Side Mount Sand Filter (Tank Only) |
| Model | LSC-36-3 |
| Product Code | 1552250036 |
| Pool Capacity | Up to 160,000 litres (8-hour turnover) |
| Flow Rate | 20 m³/hr @ 30 m³/hr/m² |
| Filter Area | 0.66 m² |
| Tank Diameter | 900 mm (36″) |
| Overall Height | 1385 mm |
| Bed Depth | 500 mm |
| Sand Capacity | 300 kg |
| Gravel Capacity | 75 kg (if using gravel base layer) |
| Glass Media Capacity | 225 kg |
| Inlet/Outlet Size | 90 mm (3″) |
| Test Pressure | 4 bar |
| Maximum Operating Pressure | 2.5 bar |
| Tank Material | Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) |
| Weight (Empty) | 43 kg |
| Shipping Dimensions | 970 × 970 × 990 mm |
| Warranty | 5 years (tank), 1 year (components) |
| Manufacturer | Waterco (Lacron) |
📐 Pool Sizing Guide
Sizing Principle: Filter flow rate should turn over the entire pool volume within 6-8 hours for optimal water quality.
Formula: Required Flow Rate (m³/hr) = Pool Volume (m³) ÷ Turnover Time (hours)
Pool Size Compatibility
| Pool Type | Volume Range | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Large Residential In-Ground | 60,000 – 100,000 L | ✅ Excellent – ideal primary filter |
| 🏢 Small Commercial | 80,000 – 120,000 L | ✅ Excellent – designed for this application |
| 🏢 Medium Commercial | 120,000 – 160,000 L | ✅ Good – operates at higher end of capacity |
| 🏨 Hotel/Leisure Centre | Up to 160,000 L | ✅ Good – consider dual filter bank for larger installations |
| 🏫 School Pool | 80,000 – 120,000 L | ✅ Excellent – robust commercial construction |
| 🏢 Large Commercial | 160,000+ L | ⚠️ Consider larger LSC-42 or multiple filter banks |
This Filter’s Capacity
📍 Flow Rate: 20 m³/hr
📍 6-Hour Turnover: Suitable for pools up to 120,000 litres
📍 8-Hour Turnover: Suitable for pools up to 160,000 litres
💡 Tip: For commercial installations with high bather loads, calculate for 6-hour turnover to maintain optimal water quality during peak usage periods.
⚙️ Installation Requirements
Plumbing Specifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Inlet Connection | 90 mm (3″) |
| Outlet Connection | 90 mm (3″) |
| Valve Position | Side mount |
| Valve Type | Requires separate 3″ commercial multiport valve |
| Connection Type | Supplied with connecting unions |
Physical Installation
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Base | Solid, level concrete pad or reinforced platform required |
| Clearance Above | Minimum 500 mm for lid access and media loading |
| Clearance Around | Minimum 600 mm on valve side for operation and maintenance |
| Floor Loading | Consider filled weight (300+ kg with media and water) |
Pump Compatibility
⚠️ Filter must be matched with appropriate commercial pump.
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Recommended Pump Flow Rate | 15 – 20 m³/hr |
| Maximum Pump Flow Rate | Do not exceed 20 m³/hr |
| Pump Connection Size | 3″ (90 mm) pipework recommended |
💡 Important: The pump flow rate must not exceed the filter’s rated capacity. Oversized pumps can damage the filter media bed and reduce filtration efficiency.
🔄 Maintenance Guide
Routine Maintenance Schedule
| Task | When | How |
|---|---|---|
| Check Pressure Gauge | Weekly | Record baseline clean pressure |
| Backwash Filter | When pressure rises 0.5-0.7 bar above baseline | Until sight glass clears (typically 3+ minutes) |
| Rinse After Backwash | After each backwash | 30-60 seconds to settle media |
| Inspect O-Rings & Seals | Seasonally | Replace if worn or cracked |
| Check Media Level | Annually | Top up if level has dropped |
| Full Media Change | Every 3-5 years (commercial use) | Replace sand/media completely |
Pressure Gauge Guide
📊 Clean Filter Baseline: Typically 0.8 – 1.2 bar (varies by installation)
📊 Backwash Required: 0.5 – 0.7 bar above baseline
📊 Maximum Safe Operating Pressure: 2.5 bar
⚠️ Warning: Never operate the filter above 2.5 bar. If pressure exceeds this level, shut down the system and investigate the cause.
Winterisation (UK Climate)
For outdoor installations or unheated plant rooms:
- Drain filter tank completely via the water drain
- Remove and store drain plug safely
- Backwash thoroughly before draining to remove contaminants
- Leave multiport valve in neutral position
- Cover or store in frost-free location if possible
- Never leave water in filter during freezing conditions – ice expansion can crack the tank
🪨 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 |
| Glass Media | 5-15 microns | 10+ years | Finer filtration, reduced backwash frequency |
| Lacronite (Zeolite) | 3-5 microns | 5-7 years | Superior clarity, ammonia removal |
Media Capacity
| Media Type | Quantity Required |
|---|---|
| Sand Only | 300 kg |
| Sand + Gravel Base | 225 kg sand + 75 kg gravel |
| Glass Media | 225 kg |
💡 Note: For commercial applications, a 50-200mm gravel base layer (6mm diameter pea gravel) is recommended to assist with water distribution during the backwash cycle. When using gravel, deduct the gravel weight from the sand quantity.
Signs Media Needs Replacing
- Poor water clarity despite correct chemical balance
- Short filter cycles between backwashes
- Cloudy water returning to pool after filtration
- Increased backwash frequency required
- Normal running pressure increased by 10% or more
- Media has solidified or formed “mud balls”
🔬 Filtration Performance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Filter Area | 0.66 m² |
| Filtration Velocity | 30 m³/hr/m² (design rate) |
| Flow Rate | 20 m³/hr |
| Bed Depth | 500 mm |
Micron Rating Guide
| Rating | What It Catches |
|---|---|
| 40+ microns | Visible debris, leaves, large particles |
| 20-40 microns | Sand, dirt, visible particles (standard sand) |
| 10-20 microns | Fine particles, some algae spores |
| 5-10 microns | Very fine particles, most algae (glass media) |
| 3-5 microns | Ultra-fine particles, bacteria, algae (zeolite) |
💡 Upgrade Tip: Replacing sand with glass media or Lacronite can improve filtration from 20-40 microns down to 3-15 microns without any equipment changes.
🛠️ Valve Positions & Functions
The LSC-36 requires a separate 3-inch (90mm) commercial multiport valve (not included). Standard 6-way multiport valve positions include:
| Position | Function |
|---|---|
| Filter | Normal filtration – water passes through media bed and returns to pool |
| Backwash | Reverse flow to clean media – dirty water directed to waste |
| Rinse | Settle media after backwash – water to waste briefly |
| Waste | Bypass filter completely – water direct to drain |
| Recirculate | Bypass filter – water returns to pool unfiltered |
| Closed | Stop all water flow through valve |
⚠️ Important: Never operate the multiport valve handle while the pump is running. Always turn off the pump before changing valve positions.
🏢 Ideal Applications
| Application | Pool Size | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| 🏢 Health Club / Leisure Centre | 80,000 – 140,000 L | ✅ Ideal – commercial-grade construction |
| 🏨 Hotel Pool | 60,000 – 120,000 L | ✅ Excellent – reliable performance |
| 🏫 School Swimming Pool | 80,000 – 120,000 L | ✅ Excellent – low maintenance design |
| 🏥 Hydrotherapy Pool | 40,000 – 80,000 L | ✅ Good – enhanced filtration with glass media |
| 🏠 Large Residential In-Ground | 80,000 – 120,000 L | ✅ Excellent – commercial quality for demanding installations |
| 🐕 Animal Training Pool | 40,000 – 80,000 L | ✅ Good – robust construction for challenging applications |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size pool will this filter handle?
A: The LSC-36 is suitable for pools up to 160,000 litres with an 8-hour turnover, or 120,000 litres with a 6-hour turnover. For commercial pools with high bather loads, calculate for 6-hour turnover.
Q: Does this filter come with a multiport valve?
A: No, the LSC-36 is supplied as a tank only unit with connecting unions. You will need to purchase a separate 3-inch (90mm) commercial side mount multiport valve.
Q: How often do I need to backwash?
A: Backwash when the pressure gauge reads 0.5-0.7 bar above the clean baseline pressure. For commercial pools, this is typically daily to weekly depending on bather load and pool type.
Q: What filter media should I use?
A: The filter is compatible with silica sand (300 kg), glass media (225 kg), or Lacronite zeolite. For commercial applications, glass media offers finer filtration and longer lifespan.
Q: How long does filter media last?
A: In commercial applications: Sand typically lasts 3-5 years, glass media 8-10+ years, and Lacronite 5-7 years. Residential installations see longer media life due to lower usage.
Q: What pump do I need?
A: Match with a commercial pump delivering 15-20 m³/hr. The pump flow rate must not exceed the filter’s 20 m³/hr capacity.
Q: What warranty is included?
A: Waterco provides a 5-year warranty on the filter tank and 1-year warranty on other components. Contact Parts4Tubs for full warranty terms and conditions.
Q: Can I use this filter for a residential pool?
A: Yes, the LSC-36 is excellent for large residential in-ground pools. The commercial-grade construction provides enhanced durability and longevity compared to domestic filters.
Q: What are the 3-inch connections for?
A: The 90mm (3″) inlet and outlet connections accommodate the higher flow rates required for commercial applications and reduce pressure losses in the system.
Q: Is this filter suitable for heated pools or spas?
A: Yes, the GRP construction is suitable for heated pool installations. For high-temperature spas with heavy bather loads, consider the Lacron MBF medium bed filter range.
📥 Downloads & Resources
📄 Lacron Sureflow LSC Datasheet – Technical specifications and dimensions
🏆 Why Choose the Lacron Sureflow LSC-36
✅ Proven Commercial Performance – Over 35 years of Lacron heritage in UK pool filtration
✅ Superior Build Quality – Commercial-grade GRP construction with upgraded internal components
✅ High Flow Capacity – 20 m³/hr flow rate handles pools up to 160,000 litres
✅ Low Maintenance Design – Smooth finish and hydraulically balanced laterals reduce servicing requirements
✅ Flexible Media Options – Compatible with sand, glass media, or zeolite for optimal filtration
✅ Extended Warranty – 5-year tank warranty demonstrates manufacturer confidence
✅ UK Industry Standard – Waterco Lacron is the most popular commercial filter brand in Britain
✅ Durable Construction – Corrosion and UV resistant for reliable long-term performance
🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs
✅ UK-Based Company – Local support from our Northamptonshire headquarters
✅ Expert Advice – Pool and spa specialists available to help with sizing and selection
✅ Fast UK Delivery – Prompt dispatch and delivery across the United Kingdom
✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value on commercial pool equipment
✅ Full Warranty Support – We handle warranty claims directly with manufacturers
✅ Easy Returns – 30-day returns policy for peace of mind
✅ Complete Range – Compatible multiport valves, filter media, and spare parts available
✅ Technical Support – Help with installation questions and maintenance advice
✨ Summary
The Lacron Sureflow LSC-36 Commercial Side Mount Filter Tank delivers professional-grade filtration for light to medium commercial swimming pool installations. With its 20 m³/hr flow rate, 0.66 m² filter area, and durable GRP construction, this 36-inch filter is ideal for pools up to 160,000 litres including health clubs, hotels, schools, and large residential pools. Backed by Waterco’s 5-year tank warranty and Lacron’s 35+ year reputation, the LSC-36 represents the UK industry standard for commercial pool filtration. Order today from Parts4Tubs for fast UK delivery and expert support.






