🏊 Waterco 1400 SMDD Commercial Bobbin Wound Filter Tank – 4 Bar, 1.2 Metre Deep Bed
High-capacity commercial filtration with upgraded 4-inch connections for major aquatic facilities
🌊 Product Overview
The Waterco 1400 SMDD Commercial Bobbin Wound Filter Tank is a high-performance filtration solution engineered for major commercial aquatic facilities. Featuring an impressive 1400mm tank diameter and 1.54 m² filter area, this filter delivers a substantial 46 m³/hr flow rate, making it the ideal choice for large public pools, water parks, competition venues, and municipal aquatic centres.
A key advancement over smaller SMDD models, the 1400 features upgraded 110mm (4-inch) flange connections that maximise flow capacity and reduce system pressure losses. This enhanced plumbing specification supports the filter’s higher throughput while maintaining optimal filtration velocity across the generous 1200mm deep media bed.
Manufactured using Waterco’s precision digitally-controlled filament winding technology, the SMDD 1400 delivers the seamless bobbin-wound fibreglass construction that commercial operators trust for decades of reliable, maintenance-free service. The tank-only configuration with 4 bar pressure rating allows specifiers complete flexibility in valve and pipework selection.
💫 Key Features
✅ 1400mm Tank Diameter – Large filter area delivers 46 m³/hr flow rate for high-volume facilities
✅ 1.54 m² Filter Area – Substantial filtration surface handles pools up to 368,000 litres
✅ Upgraded 110mm / 4″ Connections – Enhanced flow capacity reduces system pressure losses
✅ 1200mm Deep Media Bed – Superior in-depth filtration traps finer particles and extends filter runs
✅ Advanced Bobbin Wound Construction – Seamless fibreglass vessel with exceptional structural integrity
✅ 4 Bar Pressure Rating – Engineered for demanding commercial system pressures
✅ Fishtail Lateral System – Waterco’s patented design eliminates dead spots and maximises efficiency
✅ Double Yoke Lid with Lifting Eye – Safe handling during installation and maintenance
✅ Service Hatch & 8-Bolt Flanges – Standard equipment for easy access and secure connections
✅ Large Clear Sight Glass – Visual backwash monitoring for optimal media cleaning
✅ Corrosion & UV Resistant – Premium fibreglass withstands chemicals and outdoor exposure
✅ Manual Drain Valve – Simplifies winterisation and service procedures
📊 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | SMDD 1400 |
| Filter Type | Commercial Sand/Media Filter (Tank Only) |
| Tank Diameter | 1400 mm |
| Filter Bed Depth | 1200 mm |
| Filter Area | 1.54 m² |
| Flow Rate | 46 m³/hr (at 30 m³/hr/m²) |
| Working Pressure | 4 Bar (58 psi) |
| Maximum Working Temperature | 50°C |
| Connection Size | 4″ / 110 mm (Flange) |
| Sand Media Capacity | 2840 kg |
| Glass Media Capacity | 2334 kg |
| Gravel Capacity | 426 kg (if using support layer) |
| Tank Height (Overall) | 2313 mm |
| Tank Width | 1442 mm |
| Empty Weight | Approximately 324 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. Large commercial pools and water parks typically require faster turnover rates to maintain water quality under high 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 | 184,000 litres |
| 🏢 Commercial (Standard) | 6 hours | 276,000 litres |
| 🏨 Hotel/Resort Pool | 6-8 hours | 276,000-368,000 litres |
| 🏊 Large Public Pool | 4-6 hours | 184,000-276,000 litres |
| 🌊 Water Park Feature | 4 hours | 184,000 litres |
| 🏆 Competition Pool | 4-6 hours | 184,000-276,000 litres |
This Filter:
📍 Flow Rate: 46 m³/hr at design velocity
📍 Optimal Pool Size: Up to 276,000 litres (6-hour turnover)
📍 Maximum Pool Size: Up to 368,000 litres (8-hour turnover)
💡 Tip: The SMDD 1400 offers 77% greater capacity than the SMDD 1050 and 35% more than the SMDD 1200, making it ideal for large municipal pools, competition venues, and water parks. Multiple filters can be operated in parallel for very large installations.
🛠️ Installation Requirements
Plumbing Specifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Inlet Connection | 110 mm / 4″ Flange |
| Outlet Connection | 110 mm / 4″ Flange |
| Connection Type | 8-Bolt Flange |
| Filter Configuration | Side Mount |
Physical Installation
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Base | Reinforced concrete pad required to support filled weight (3500+ kg) |
| Clearance Above | Minimum 600 mm for lid removal and media access |
| Clearance Around | Minimum 800 mm for valve operation and maintenance |
| Access | Service hatch for media inspection and replacement |
| Lifting Equipment | Required for installation due to 324 kg empty weight |
Pump Compatibility
⚠️ Important: Filter must be matched with appropriate commercial pumps rated for 4″ pipework.
- Recommended Pump Flow Rate: 38 – 46 m³/hr
- Maximum Flow Rate: Do not exceed 46 m³/hr to prevent media migration
- Minimum Flow Rate: Ensure adequate velocity for proper filtration
- Connection: 110mm / 4″ to match filter flanges
💡 Note: This is a tank-only product. Multiport valves, face pipework kits, and pumps are sold separately. The 4″ connection size requires appropriately rated valve systems. 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.
Backwash Considerations
Due to the large media capacity (2840 kg sand), backwash operations will consume significant water volume. Ensure:
- Adequate backwash drainage capacity
- Sufficient water supply for rinse cycle
- Compliance with local discharge regulations
- Backwash water treatment if required
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 | 2840 kg | 5-7 years | Economical, widely available, proven performance |
| Glass Media | 5-15 microns | 2334 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: 2840 kg (16/30 grade silica sand)
- Glass Media Capacity: 2334 kg
- Support Gravel: 426 kg (deduct from sand capacity if used)
💡 Recommendation: For high-traffic commercial facilities, glass media or AFM delivers superior water clarity, reduces chemical consumption, and extends service intervals despite higher initial media costs.
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 | 1.54 m² |
| Design Flow Rate | 46 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 throughout the deeper media bed
- Increased Dirt Capacity: Substantially longer filter runs between backwashes, reducing water and chemical consumption
- Multi-Media Capability: Deep bed supports layered media configurations for staged filtration
- Water Treatment Applications: Suitable for granular activated carbon and speciality media for advanced water conditioning
⚙️ Valve Positions & Functions
Note: Multiport valve sold separately – 4″ rated valve required
| 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 |
| 🏆 Competition & Olympic Pools | ✅ Excellent | Superior water clarity for competitive environments |
| 🌊 Water Parks & Aquatic Centres | ✅ Excellent | High flow capacity handles demanding attractions |
| 🏫 Municipal Leisure Centres | ✅ Excellent | Built for institutional-grade reliability |
| 🏨 Large Hotel & Resort Pools | ✅ Excellent | Reliable performance for hospitality environments |
| 🏭 Industrial Water Treatment | ✅ Excellent | Suitable for process water and cooling applications |
| 🐠 Large Aquaculture & Public Aquariums | ✅ Very Good | Deep bed ideal for biological filtration |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size pool will this filter handle?
A: The SMDD 1400 is suitable for commercial pools up to 276,000 litres with a 6-hour turnover, or up to 368,000 litres with an 8-hour turnover. For high bather loads, size for faster turnover times.
Q: How does this compare to the smaller SMDD models?
A: The SMDD 1400 offers 77% more filter area than the SMDD 1050 and 35% more than the SMDD 1200. Crucially, it features upgraded 110mm (4″) connections versus the 90mm (3″) connections on smaller models, enabling higher flow rates with lower pressure losses.
Q: Why does this model have 4-inch connections?
A: The larger 110mm connections are essential to support the 46 m³/hr flow rate without excessive pressure losses or velocity issues. This ensures optimal filtration performance and efficient pump operation.
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 high-traffic commercial applications, this may be every 1-2 weeks depending on bather load.
Q: What filter media should I use?
A: The filter is compatible with sand (2840 kg), glass media (2334 kg), or speciality media like AFM or zeolite. For commercial applications with high bather loads, glass media provides superior clarity and longer service life.
Q: Is this a complete filter system?
A: No, this is a tank-only product. You will need to purchase a 4-inch rated multiport valve, face pipework kit, and compatible commercial pump separately. Contact Parts4Tubs for 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.
Q: Can this filter be used for saltwater pools?
A: Yes, the fibreglass construction is fully resistant to saltwater and chlorinated environments.
Q: What pump do I need?
A: Match with a commercial pump delivering approximately 38-46 m³/hr at your system head pressure with 4-inch connections. Do not exceed the filter’s maximum flow rate.
📥 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 1400 SMDD
✅ High-Capacity Performance – 46 m³/hr flow rate handles pools up to 368,000 litres
✅ Upgraded 4-Inch Connections – Enhanced flow capacity for reduced pressure losses
✅ Superior Construction Quality – Digitally-controlled bobbin winding creates seamless vessels
✅ Deep Bed Filtration – 1200mm media depth captures finer particles and extends filter runs
✅ Long-Term Reliability – Fibreglass construction is corrosion-proof and virtually maintenance-free
✅ Proven Technology – Waterco’s patented fishtail lateral system maximises hydraulic efficiency
✅ Flexible Configuration – Tank-only supply allows complete system customisation
✅ Comprehensive Warranty – 10-year tank warranty provides long-term peace of mind
🛒 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 – 4″ multiport valves, pipework kits, and media in stock
✅ Easy Returns – 30-day returns on eligible products
⭐ Summary
The Waterco 1400 SMDD Commercial Bobbin Wound Filter Tank delivers high-capacity deep bed filtration for major aquatic facilities, water parks, competition pools, and large commercial installations up to 276,000 litres (6-hour turnover). With 1.54 m² filter area, 46 m³/hr flow rate, and upgraded 110mm (4″) connections, this filter provides exceptional throughput for demanding applications. Advanced fibreglass construction and Waterco’s patented fishtail lateral system ensure reliable performance. Supplied as tank only with 4 bar pressure rating. Backed by Waterco’s comprehensive 10-year tank warranty.
Order today from Parts4Tubs for fast UK delivery and expert commercial pool support.













