🔷 Pea Gravel 25kg 6/8mm – Premium Filter Support Media for Pool & Spa Filtration

🌊 The Essential Foundation Layer for Superior Sand Filter Performance

📋 Product Overview

Pea Gravel 6/8mm is a premium-grade filter support media specifically designed for swimming pool and spa sand filtration systems. This carefully graded natural aggregate forms the critical base layer in your filter tank, providing essential support for the sand bed above whilst ensuring optimal water flow through the lateral system.

Unlike ordinary decorative gravel, this pool-grade pea gravel has been specifically selected and graded for filtration applications. The 6-8mm particle size is ideal for covering filter laterals, preventing sand migration into the underdrain system, and promoting even water distribution during both filtration and backwash cycles.

Supplied in convenient 25kg bags, this pea gravel is essential for commercial swimming pools, spas, and larger domestic filters where superior filtration performance is required. It’s the professional’s choice for filter installations and media replacements, ensuring your filtration system operates at peak efficiency.

⭐ Key Features

✅ Optimally Graded 6-8mm Size – Specifically selected particle size prevents sand migration whilst allowing excellent water flow

✅ Premium Natural Aggregate – High-quality rounded gravel selected for filtration applications

✅ Supports Filter Laterals – Protects delicate lateral system from the weight of overlying sand media

✅ Prevents Channelling – Creates uniform water distribution to eliminate bypass flow patterns

✅ Eliminates Anaerobic Zones – Prevents bacteria formation beneath the lateral system

✅ Enhanced Backwash Efficiency – Promotes even water flow during backwash cycles for thorough cleaning

✅ Durable & Long-Lasting – Natural stone material provides years of reliable service

✅ Easy Installation – Simply pour over laterals before adding sand media

🔧 Technical Specifications

Property	Specification
Product Type	Filter Support Gravel
Particle Size	6-8mm
Material	Natural Rounded Gravel
Bag Weight	25kg
Specific Gravity	>2.0
Shape	Rounded to Sub-rounded
Colour	Natural (varies)
Application	Pool & Spa Filter Base Layer
Standard	Suitable for water filtration use

📊 Grade Selection Guide

🎯 Understanding Filter Media Grades

Grade	Size	Application
Pea Gravel 6/8mm	6-8mm	Base/support layer over laterals
Filter Sand 16/30	0.5-1.0mm	Main filtration bed
Coarse Sand 8/16	1.0-2.0mm	Intermediate layer (if required)

When to Use Pea Gravel:

• 🏢 Commercial swimming pools and spa filters
• 🏊‍♂️ Filters using more than 90kg of sand media
• 🔧 Any filter where manufacturer specifies gravel support layer
• ⚡ High-flow rate filtration systems requiring enhanced water distribution

📐 Quantity Guide

🧮 How Much Pea Gravel Do You Need?

Pea gravel should form a layer of no more than 25mm (1 inch) over the lateral system. The amount required depends on your filter diameter:

Filter Diameter	Approximate Pea Gravel Required	Bags Needed
18″ (450mm)	10-15kg	1 bag
21″ (530mm)	15-20kg	1 bag
24″ (610mm)	20-25kg	1 bag
30″ (760mm)	30-40kg	2 bags
36″ (900mm)	45-55kg	2-3 bags

⚠️ Important Notes:

• Always consult your filter manufacturer’s specifications for exact media requirements
• Commercial filters may require larger quantities based on tank dimensions
• When using pea gravel, reduce sand quantity accordingly to maintain correct total media depth

💎 Performance Benefits

Lateral Protection Pea gravel creates a protective barrier between the filter laterals and the weight of the sand bed above. This prevents damage to the delicate lateral fingers and ensures even water collection during filtration.

Channelling Prevention Without a proper support layer, water can create channels through the sand bed, bypassing the filtration process entirely. Pea gravel forces water to distribute evenly across the entire filter bed for maximum filtration efficiency.

Anaerobic Zone Elimination Stagnant water beneath laterals can harbour harmful anaerobic bacteria. The open structure of the pea gravel layer promotes water circulation, keeping this zone healthy and preventing unpleasant odours.

Improved Water Flow The larger particle size of pea gravel creates more open space for water movement compared to fine sand. This improves flow rates during both filtration and backwash cycles, reducing system pressure and energy consumption.

Enhanced Backwash Performance During backwash, water flows upward through the media bed. The pea gravel layer ensures even distribution of backwash water, lifting and cleaning the sand bed more effectively.

🎯 Real World Applications

🏢 Commercial Swimming Pools Essential for public pools, leisure centres, and hotel facilities where high bather loads demand superior filtration performance. The gravel support layer ensures consistent water quality even under heavy use.

🏊‍♂️ Large Residential Pools For domestic pools with filters containing more than 90kg of sand media, pea gravel provides the necessary support and flow characteristics for optimal filtration.

🛁 Commercial Spas & Hot Tubs High-temperature spa environments benefit from the improved water circulation that a properly installed gravel layer provides, helping maintain crystal-clear water.

🏭 Industrial Filtration Systems Water treatment and industrial applications requiring reliable particulate removal benefit from the enhanced flow distribution pea gravel provides.

🌿 Pond Filtration Large koi ponds and water features using sand filtration can benefit from pea gravel support layers, especially in gravity-fed systems.

🔄 Installation Notes

🛠️ Installing Pea Gravel in Your Filter

Step 1: Preparation

• Turn off pump and isolate filter from system
• Drain filter tank completely
• Remove old media (use wet/dry vacuum for easier removal)
• Inspect laterals for damage – replace any cracked or broken components

Step 2: Pre-Fill with Water

• Fill filter tank approximately ¼ full with water
• This cushions the laterals during media installation
• Protects plastic components from impact damage

Step 3: Add Pea Gravel

• Slowly pour pea gravel into the filter
• Distribute evenly over the lateral system
• Aim for maximum 25mm (1 inch) depth over laterals
• Ensure all laterals are completely covered

Step 4: Add Sand Media

• Carefully add filter sand on top of gravel layer
• Fill to manufacturer’s specified level
• Do not overfill – leave space for bed expansion during backwash

Step 5: Initial Backwash

• Reassemble filter and restore water supply
• Run extended backwash (3-5 minutes) to clean new media
• Follow with 45-second rinse cycle
• Set to ‘Filter’ and check for normal operation

⚠️ Professional Installation Recommended: For commercial installations or if you’re unsure about the process, we recommend engaging a qualified pool technician.

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 Pea Gravel Safety Data Sheet – Complete safety and handling information (PDF)

Safety Handling Notes:

• Wear appropriate PPE when handling aggregate materials
• Avoid breathing dust – work in well-ventilated areas
• Use heavy-duty gloves to prevent mechanical irritation
• Keep material dry during storage
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

🏆 Why Choose This Product

✅ Specifically Graded for Pool Filtration – Not ordinary decorative gravel, but media selected for water treatment applications

✅ Optimal 6-8mm Particle Size – Large enough to allow water flow, small enough to support sand bed

✅ Natural, Inert Material – Won’t affect water chemistry or break down over time

✅ Essential for Large Filters – Recommended for all filters using more than 90kg of media

✅ Professional Quality – Same specification used by commercial pool installers

✅ Convenient 25kg Bags – Easy to handle and calculate quantities

🛒 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs?

✅ UK-Based Pool Specialists – Real expertise from people who understand pool and spa equipment

✅ Quality Assured Products – We only stock products that meet professional standards

✅ Fast UK Delivery – Get your filter media quickly to minimise downtime

✅ Expert Technical Support – Questions about installation? Our team is here to help

✅ Competitive Pricing – Trade-quality products at fair prices for all customers

✨ Summary

Pea Gravel 6/8mm is the essential foundation for any professional sand filter installation. By providing proper support for your filter laterals, preventing channelling, and promoting even water distribution, this premium gravel ensures your filtration system delivers crystal-clear water consistently. Whether you’re setting up a new commercial pool filter or refurbishing an existing system, investing in quality support media is the first step to achieving optimal filtration performance. Trust the same product specified by professional pool installers across the UK.