💦 Waterco 1200 SMDD Commercial Bobbin Wound Filter Tank – 4 Bar, 1.2 Metre Deep Bed
Powerful deep bed filtration engineered for high-capacity commercial aquatic facilities
📋 Product Overview
The Waterco 1200 SMDD Commercial Bobbin Wound Filter Tank is a heavy-duty filtration solution designed for large-scale commercial swimming pools and aquatic facilities. With its generous 1200mm tank diameter and 1.13 m² filter area, this filter delivers an impressive 34 m³/hr flow rate, making it ideal for public pools, leisure centres, hotels, and water parks requiring substantial filtration capacity.
Manufactured using Waterco’s precision digitally-controlled filament winding technology, the SMDD 1200 features a seamless bobbin-wound fibreglass construction that provides exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability. The 1200mm deep media bed significantly enhances particle capture and dirt-holding capacity compared to standard high-rate filters, ensuring consistently crystal-clear water even under demanding commercial operating conditions.
Supplied as a tank-only unit with 4 bar pressure rating and 90mm flange connections, this filter offers specifiers the flexibility to configure complete systems with their preferred valve arrangements and pipework configurations.
✨ Key Features
✅ 1200mm Tank Diameter – Larger filter area delivers 34 m³/hr flow rate for high-volume commercial applications
✅ 1.13 m² Filter Area – Substantial filtration surface handles pools up to 272,000 litres
✅ 1200mm Deep Media Bed – Enhanced in-depth filtration traps finer particles and increases dirt capacity
✅ Advanced Bobbin Wound Construction – Seamless fibreglass vessel with superior structural integrity
✅ 4 Bar Pressure Rating – Engineered for demanding commercial system pressures
✅ Fishtail Lateral System – Waterco’s patented design maximises hydraulic efficiency and eliminates dead spots
✅ 90mm / 3″ Flange Connections – Professional-grade fittings optimise flow rates
✅ Double Yoke Lid with Lifting Eye – Safe handling during installation and maintenance
✅ Service Hatch & 8-Bolt Flanges – Standard equipment for easy media access and secure connections
✅ Large Clear Sight Glass – Visual backwash monitoring without guesswork
✅ Corrosion & UV Resistant – Premium fibreglass withstands chemicals and outdoor exposure
✅ Manual Drain Valve – Simplifies winterisation and service procedures
⚙️ Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | SMDD 1200 |
| Filter Type | Commercial Sand/Media Filter (Tank Only) |
| Tank Diameter | 1200 mm |
| Filter Bed Depth | 1200 mm |
| Filter Area | 1.13 m² |
| Flow Rate | 34 m³/hr (at 30 m³/hr/m²) |
| Working Pressure | 4 Bar (58 psi) |
| Maximum Working Temperature | 50°C |
| Connection Size | 3″ / 90 mm (Flange) |
| Sand Media Capacity | 2045 kg |
| Glass Media Capacity | 1681 kg |
| Gravel Capacity | 307 kg (if using support layer) |
| Tank Height (Overall) | 2243 mm |
| Tank Width | 1229 mm |
| Empty Weight | Approximately 239 kg |
| Tank Material | Fibreglass Reinforced Polyester (Bobbin Wound) |
| Lateral System | Fishtail Configuration |
| Warranty | 10 years tank (5 years full + 5 years pro rata), 1 year components |
📏 Pool Sizing Guide
Sizing Principle:
The filter’s flow rate should achieve complete pool water turnover within the required timeframe. Commercial pools typically require faster turnover rates than residential installations to maintain water quality under higher bather loads.
Formula:
Required Flow Rate (m³/h) = Pool Volume (m³) ÷ Turnover Time (hours)
Pool Capacity Compatibility:
| Application | Turnover Time | Maximum Pool Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 🏢 Commercial (High Load) | 4 hours | 136,000 litres |
| 🏢 Commercial (Standard) | 6 hours | 204,000 litres |
| 🏨 Hotel/Resort Pool | 6-8 hours | 204,000-272,000 litres |
| 🏊 Large Public Pool | 4-6 hours | 136,000-204,000 litres |
| 🌊 Water Park Feature | 4 hours | 136,000 litres |
This Filter:
📍 Flow Rate: 34 m³/hr at design velocity
📍 Optimal Pool Size: Up to 204,000 litres (6-hour turnover)
📍 Maximum Pool Size: Up to 272,000 litres (8-hour turnover)
💡 Tip: The SMDD 1200 offers approximately 30% greater capacity than the SMDD 1050, making it ideal for larger facilities or pools with higher bather loads. Multiple filters can be operated in parallel for very large installations.
🔌 Installation Requirements
Plumbing Specifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Inlet Connection | 90 mm / 3″ Flange |
| Outlet Connection | 90 mm / 3″ Flange |
| Connection Type | 8-Bolt Flange |
| Filter Configuration | Side Mount |
Physical Installation
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Base | Solid, level concrete pad required to support filled weight (2500+ kg) |
| Clearance Above | Minimum 500 mm for lid removal and media access |
| Clearance Around | Minimum 600 mm for valve operation and maintenance |
| Access | Service hatch for media inspection and replacement |
Pump Compatibility
⚠️ Important: Filter must be matched with appropriate commercial pumps.
- Recommended Pump Flow Rate: 28 – 34 m³/hr
- Maximum Flow Rate: Do not exceed 34 m³/hr to prevent media migration
- Minimum Flow Rate: Ensure adequate velocity for proper filtration
💡 Note: This is a tank-only product. Multiport valves, face pipework kits, and pumps are sold separately. Contact Parts4Tubs for compatible valve and pipework options.
🔄 Maintenance Guide
Routine Maintenance Schedule
| Task | Frequency | Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Check pressure gauge | Daily | Record baseline and monitor for increases |
| Visual inspection | Weekly | Check for leaks, unusual sounds, pressure anomalies |
| Backwash | When pressure rises 0.5-0.7 bar above clean baseline | Until sight glass runs clear |
| Rinse after backwash | After each backwash | Run for 30-60 seconds to settle media |
| Inspect sight glass | Monthly | Clean if visibility reduced |
| Check O-rings and seals | Quarterly | Replace if worn or damaged |
| Inspect media level | Annually | Top up if below recommended level |
| Full media replacement | Every 5-7 years (sand) or 10+ years (glass) | Replace completely |
Pressure Gauge Guide
📊 Clean Filter Baseline: Establish after fresh media installation
📊 Backwash Trigger: 0.5-0.7 bar above baseline
📊 Maximum Operating Pressure: 4 bar
⚠️ Warning: Never operate above rated pressure. If pressure remains high after backwashing, inspect for blockages or media issues.
Winterisation (UK Climate)
For outdoor installations or extended shutdown periods:
- Isolate pump and close all valves
- Set multiport valve to “Waste” position
- Open manual drain and allow tank to empty completely
- Remove drain plug and store safely
- Open all connections to prevent trapped water
- Cover or relocate to frost-free environment if possible
- Never leave water in filter during freezing conditions
💧 Filter Media Information
Compatible Media Types
| Media Type | Filtration Rating | Capacity Required | Lifespan | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silica Sand | 20-40 microns | 2045 kg | 5-7 years | Economical, widely available, proven performance |
| Glass Media | 5-15 microns | 1681 kg | 10+ years | Finer filtration, reduced backwash frequency, longer life |
| ZeoSand/Zeolite | 3-5 microns | As specified | 5 years | Superior clarity, ammonia removal properties |
| AFM (Activated Filter Media) | 1-5 microns | As specified | 10+ years | Bio-resistant, self-sterilising, exceptional clarity |
Standard Media Configuration:
- Sand Capacity: 2045 kg (16/30 grade silica sand)
- Glass Media Capacity: 1681 kg
- Support Gravel: 307 kg (deduct from sand capacity if used)
💡 Recommendation: For commercial applications, glass media or AFM provides superior filtration performance and extended service life, reducing long-term operating costs despite higher initial investment.
Signs Media Needs Replacing
- Persistent poor water clarity despite correct chemical balance
- Shortened filter cycles between backwashes
- Media visible in pool return water
- Channelling or uneven flow distribution
- Excessive pressure drop or abnormally low resistance
💎 Filtration Performance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Filter Area | 1.13 m² |
| Design Flow Rate | 34 m³/hr |
| Design Velocity | 30 m³/hr/m² |
| Bed Depth | 1200 mm (deep bed design) |
Filtration Rating by Media Type
| Media | Filtration Rating | What It Captures |
|---|---|---|
| Sand (standard) | 20-40 microns | Visible debris, leaves, hair, large particles |
| Glass media | 5-15 microns | Fine particles, most algae, improved clarity |
| AFM/Zeolite | 1-5 microns | Very fine particles, colloidal matter, exceptional clarity |
Deep Bed Advantage
The 1200mm media bed depth provides significant advantages over standard high-rate filters:
- Enhanced Particle Capture: Finer dirt particles and colloidal substances are trapped more effectively
- Increased Dirt Capacity: Longer filter runs between backwashes
- Multi-Media Capability: Deep bed supports layered media configurations for staged filtration
- Water Treatment Applications: Suitable for granular activated carbon and speciality media
🛠️ Valve Positions & Functions
Note: Multiport valve sold separately
| Position | Function |
|---|---|
| Filter | Normal filtration mode – water flows through media bed |
| Backwash | Reverse flow to clean media – directs debris to waste |
| Rinse | Settles media after backwash – brief forward flow to waste |
| Waste | Bypass filter – pump directly to drain (lowering water level) |
| Recirculate | Bypass filter – return to pool without filtration |
| Closed | Stop all flow – isolate filter from system |
🎯 Ideal Applications
| Application | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🏢 Large Public Swimming Pools | ✅ Excellent | Designed for high bather loads and continuous operation |
| 🏨 Hotel & Resort Pools | ✅ Excellent | Reliable performance for hospitality environments |
| 🌊 Water Parks & Aquatic Centres | ✅ Excellent | Handles high flow rates and demanding conditions |
| 🏫 School & Leisure Centre Pools | ✅ Excellent | Built for institutional-grade reliability |
| 🏆 Competition & Training Pools | ✅ Excellent | Superior water clarity for competitive environments |
| 🏭 Industrial Water Treatment | ✅ Excellent | Suitable for process water and cooling applications |
| 🐠 Aquaculture & Large Aquariums | ✅ Very Good | Deep bed ideal for biological filtration requirements |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size pool will this filter handle?
A: The SMDD 1200 is suitable for commercial pools up to 204,000 litres with a 6-hour turnover, or up to 272,000 litres with an 8-hour turnover. For high bather loads, size for faster turnover times.
Q: How does this compare to the SMDD 1050?
A: The SMDD 1200 offers approximately 30% more filter area (1.13 m² vs 0.87 m²) and 31% higher flow rate (34 m³/hr vs 26 m³/hr), making it suitable for larger pools or facilities requiring greater filtration capacity.
Q: How often do I need to backwash?
A: Backwash when the pressure gauge reads 0.5-0.7 bar above the clean filter baseline. In commercial applications, this is typically every 1-2 weeks depending on bather load and pool usage.
Q: What filter media should I use?
A: The filter is compatible with sand (2045 kg), glass media (1681 kg), or speciality media like AFM or zeolite. Glass media provides finer filtration and longer service life, making it ideal for commercial installations.
Q: How long does filter media last?
A: Sand media typically lasts 5-7 years, while glass media can last 10+ years with proper maintenance. Commercial applications with higher throughput may require more frequent replacement.
Q: Is this a complete filter system?
A: No, this is a tank-only product. You will need to purchase a multiport valve, face pipework kit, and compatible pump separately. Contact Parts4Tubs for advice on complete system specifications.
Q: What warranty is included?
A: Waterco provides a 10-year tank warranty (5 years full cover plus 5 years pro rata) and 1-year warranty on all other components. Contact Parts4Tubs for full warranty terms and conditions.
Q: Can this filter be used for saltwater pools?
A: Yes, the fibreglass construction is fully resistant to saltwater and chlorinated environments, making it suitable for both freshwater and saltwater applications.
Q: What pump do I need?
A: Match with a commercial pump delivering approximately 28-34 m³/hr at your system head pressure. Do not exceed the filter’s maximum flow rate to prevent media migration.
📥 Downloads & Resources
📄 SMDD Technical Datasheet – Full specifications and dimensions for all SMDD models
📄 Micron Commercial Filter Brochure – Product overview and features
📄 Commercial Filter Manual – Installation and operation guide
🏆 Why Choose the Waterco 1200 SMDD
✅ High-Capacity Performance – 34 m³/hr flow rate handles pools up to 272,000 litres
✅ Superior Construction Quality – Digitally-controlled bobbin winding creates seamless, structurally superior vessels
✅ Deep Bed Filtration – 1200mm media depth captures finer particles and increases dirt-holding capacity
✅ Long-Term Reliability – Fibreglass construction is corrosion-proof, UV-stable, and virtually maintenance-free
✅ Proven Technology – Waterco’s patented fishtail lateral system maximises hydraulic efficiency
✅ Flexible Configuration – Tank-only supply allows specifiers to select preferred valves and pipework
✅ Comprehensive Warranty – 10-year tank warranty provides long-term peace of mind
✅ Global Track Record – Waterco filters are trusted in aquatic facilities worldwide
🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs
✅ UK-Based Company – Local support and expertise from pool industry specialists
✅ Fast UK Delivery – Efficient dispatch on commercial equipment orders
✅ Expert Technical Advice – Get sizing recommendations and system design guidance
✅ Competitive Pricing – Commercial-grade equipment at excellent value
✅ Full Warranty Support – We handle warranty claims directly with manufacturers
✅ Compatible Parts Available – Multiport valves, pipework kits, and media in stock
✅ Easy Returns – 30-day returns on eligible products
🌟 Summary
The Waterco 1200 SMDD Commercial Bobbin Wound Filter Tank delivers high-capacity deep bed filtration for large public pools, aquatic centres, hotels, and commercial installations up to 204,000 litres (6-hour turnover). With 1.13 m² filter area, 34 m³/hr flow rate, and advanced fibreglass construction, this filter provides exceptional particle capture and long-term reliability. Supplied as tank only with 4 bar pressure rating and 90mm flange connections. Backed by Waterco’s comprehensive 10-year tank warranty.
Order today from Parts4Tubs for fast UK delivery and expert commercial pool support.













