💦 Waterco 1600 SPDD Commercial Bobbin Wound Filter Tank – 4 Bar, Air Scour Nozzle Plate System
Largest 4-inch model in the SPDD range – maximum capacity before upgrading to 6-inch pipework
🌊 Product Overview
The Waterco 1600 SPDD Commercial Bobbin Wound Filter Tank represents the maximum capacity achievable with 4-inch (110mm) connections in the SPDD air scour range. With a commanding 1600mm tank diameter and 2.01 m² filter area, this filter delivers an impressive 60 m³/hr flow rate – making it ideal for major commercial pools, leisure centres, and municipal facilities that want maximum filtration capacity without upgrading to 6-inch pipework infrastructure.
The innovative Air Scour Nozzle Plate System introduces pressurised air directly into the substantial 3,455 kg media bed, reducing backwash water consumption by up to 25% while achieving superior media cleaning through vigorous air/water agitation. For high-volume commercial operations managing significant bather loads, the SPDD 1600 delivers exceptional water clarity alongside meaningful operational cost reductions.
Built using Waterco’s precision digitally-controlled filament winding technology, this commercial filter tank features seamless bobbin-wound fibreglass construction engineered for decades of reliable service. The 1200mm deep media bed provides exceptional particle capture across the full 2.01 m² filter area, while manhole access ensures easy inspection and maintenance of the air scour system. Supplied as tank only with 4 bar pressure rating.
🌟 Key Features
✅ Largest 4″ SPDD Model – Maximum capacity before 6-inch pipework upgrade required
✅ 110mm / 4″ Flange Connections – High-flow pipework for demanding commercial systems
✅ Air Scour Nozzle Plate System – Pressurised air injection for superior backwash efficiency
✅ Up to 25% Less Backwash Water – Significant water and chemical savings for large operations
✅ 1600mm Tank Diameter – High-capacity filtration for pools up to 480,000 litres
✅ 2.01 m² Filter Area – Over 2 square metres of filtration surface for exceptional throughput
✅ 60 m³/hr Flow Rate – High-volume filtration for busy municipal and leisure pools
✅ 1200mm Deep Media Bed – Superior in-depth particle capture and extended filter runs
✅ 3,455 kg Sand Capacity – Over 3.4 tonnes of media for exceptional dirt-holding
✅ Manhole Access – Easy inspection and maintenance access to nozzle plate system
✅ Advanced Bobbin Wound Construction – Seamless fibreglass vessel with exceptional durability
✅ 4 Bar Pressure Rating – Engineered for demanding commercial system pressures
📊 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | SPDD 1600 |
| Filter Type | Commercial Sand/Media Filter with Air Scour (Tank Only) |
| Tank Diameter | 1600 mm |
| Filter Bed Depth | 1200 mm |
| Filter Area | 2.01 m² |
| Flow Rate | 60 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 | 3,455 kg |
| Glass Media Capacity | 2,840 kg |
| Gravel Capacity | 518 kg (if using support layer) |
| Tank Height (Overall) | 2210 mm |
| Tank Width | 1660 mm |
| Empty Weight | 508 kg |
| Tank Material | Fibreglass Reinforced Polyester (Bobbin Wound) |
| Lateral System | Nozzle Plate with Air Scour |
| Access | Manhole for inspection and maintenance |
| 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 6-hour turnover rates for optimal water quality, with 8-hour turnover acceptable for lower-demand applications.
Formula:
Required Flow Rate (m³/h) = Pool Volume (m³) ÷ Turnover Time (hours)
Pool Capacity Compatibility:
| Application | Turnover Time | Maximum Pool Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 🏢 Major Municipal Pool | 6 hours | 360,000 litres |
| 🏨 Large Hotel/Resort Complex | 6 hours | 360,000 litres |
| 🏊 Competition Pool | 6 hours | 360,000 litres |
| 🏋️ Major Leisure Centre | 6 hours | 360,000 litres |
| 🌊 High-Volume Facility | 6-8 hours | 360,000-480,000 litres |
This Filter:
📍 Flow Rate: 60 m³/hr at design velocity
📍 Optimal Pool Size: Up to 360,000 litres (6-hour turnover)
📍 Maximum Pool Size: Up to 480,000 litres (8-hour turnover)
💡 Capacity Note: The SPDD 1600 is the largest model with 4-inch connections. For pools requiring greater capacity, the SPDD 1800 offers 76 m³/hr but requires upgrading to 6-inch (160mm) pipework throughout.
🛠️ Installation Requirements
Plumbing Specifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Inlet Connection | 110 mm / 4″ Flange |
| Outlet Connection | 110 mm / 4″ Flange |
| Connection Type | Flange |
| Filter Configuration | Side Mount |
| Air Scour Connection | Required for nozzle plate operation |
Physical Installation
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Base | Reinforced concrete pad required – substantial load |
| Clearance Above | Minimum 800 mm for manhole access and media maintenance |
| Clearance Around | Minimum 900 mm for valve operation and air scour connections |
| Access | Manhole provides direct access to nozzle plate system |
| Lifting Equipment | Required – 508 kg empty weight |
| Floor Loading | Verify capacity (filled weight approximately 4,000 kg) |
Pump & Air Scour Compatibility
⚠️ Important: This filter requires both pump and air blower connections for full functionality.
Pump Requirements:
- Recommended flow rate: 50 – 60 m³/hr
- Maximum flow rate: Do not exceed 60 m³/hr
- Connection: 110mm / 4″ to match filter flanges
Air Scour Requirements:
- Compatible air blower for pressurised air injection
- Appropriate pipework to nozzle plate connection
- Higher capacity blower required due to 2.01 m² bed area
💡 Note: This is a tank-only product. Multiport valves, face pipework kits, air blowers, and pumps are sold separately. Contact Parts4Tubs for 4-inch compatible valve and pipework options.
🔄 Maintenance Guide
Air Scour Backwash Procedure
The SPDD’s nozzle plate system enables a highly efficient two-stage backwash:
Stage 1 – Air Scour:
- Set multiport valve to backwash position
- Activate air blower (pump off)
- Allow air to agitate media bed for 4-5 minutes (larger bed requires longer)
- Air breaks up compacted media and dislodges trapped debris
Stage 2 – Water Backwash:
- Switch off air blower
- Activate pump for water backwash
- Continue until sight glass runs clear
- Total backwash time significantly reduced vs conventional filters
Routine Maintenance Schedule
| Task | Frequency | Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Check pressure gauge | Weekly | Record baseline and monitor for increases |
| Visual inspection | Weekly | Check for leaks, unusual sounds, pressure anomalies |
| Air scour backwash | When pressure rises 0.5-0.7 bar above baseline | Follow two-stage procedure above |
| Rinse after backwash | After each backwash | 30-60 seconds to settle media |
| Inspect manhole seal | Quarterly | Check for wear, replace if necessary |
| Check nozzle plate | Annually | Inspect via manhole for damage or blockages |
| 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
Water Savings Calculation
With up to 25% reduction in backwash water:
| Conventional Backwash | SPDD Air Scour Backwash | Annual Savings* |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 L per cycle | 3,750 L per cycle | 65,000 L/year |
| 6,000 L per cycle | 4,500 L per cycle | 78,000 L/year |
| 7,000 L per cycle | 5,250 L per cycle | 91,000 L/year |
*Based on weekly backwash frequency
💎 Filter Media Information
Compatible Media Types
| Media Type | Filtration Rating | Capacity Required | Lifespan | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silica Sand | 20-40 microns | 3,455 kg | 5-7 years | Economical, proven performance |
| Glass Media | 5-15 microns | 2,840 kg | 10+ years | Finer filtration, longer life |
| ZeoSand/Zeolite | 3-5 microns | As specified | 5 years | Superior clarity, ammonia removal |
| AFM (Activated Filter Media) | 1-5 microns | As specified | 10+ years | Bio-resistant, self-sterilising |
Standard Media Configuration:
- Sand Capacity: 3,455 kg (over 3.4 tonnes of 16/30 grade silica sand)
- Glass Media Capacity: 2,840 kg
- Support Gravel: 518 kg (deduct from sand capacity if used)
💡 Commercial Recommendation: With 3,455 kg media capacity, glass media offers exceptional long-term value – finer filtration (5-15 microns vs 20-40 for sand) with 10+ year lifespan reduces total cost of ownership significantly.
✨ Filtration Performance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Filter Area | 2.01 m² |
| Design Flow Rate | 60 m³/hr |
| Design Velocity | 30 m³/hr/m² |
| Bed Depth | 1200 mm (deep bed design) |
| Backwash Efficiency | Up to 25% water reduction |
Air Scour Technology Advantage
The SPDD’s nozzle plate system delivers superior backwash performance:
- Uniform Air Distribution: Pressurised air introduced evenly across entire 2.01 m² filter bed
- Vigorous Agitation: Air bubbles break up compacted media and dislodge trapped particles
- Optimal Bed Expansion: Consistent media fluidisation throughout backwash cycle
- Faster Cleaning: Reduced backwash duration saves time and labour
- Water Conservation: Up to 25% less backwash water consumption
- Better Media Cleaning: More thorough debris removal extends media life
Capacity Comparison: SPDD 1600 vs SPDD 1400
| Specification | SPDD 1400 | SPDD 1600 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filter Area | 1.54 m² | 2.01 m² | +31% |
| Flow Rate | 46 m³/hr | 60 m³/hr | +30% |
| Sand Capacity | 2,640 kg | 3,455 kg | +31% |
| Glass Capacity | 2,170 kg | 2,840 kg | +31% |
| Pool Capacity (6hr) | 276,000 L | 360,000 L | +30% |
| Connection Size | 110mm/4″ | 110mm/4″ | Same |
⚙️ 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 with air scour – superior media cleaning |
| Rinse | Settles media after backwash – brief forward flow to waste |
| Waste | Bypass filter – pump directly to drain |
| Recirculate | Bypass filter – return to pool without filtration |
| Closed | Stop all flow – isolate filter from system |
🎯 Ideal Applications
| Application | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🏢 Major Municipal Pools | ✅ Excellent | Maximum 4″ capacity for public facilities |
| 🏨 Large Hotel & Resort Complexes | ✅ Excellent | High capacity with water-saving air scour |
| 🏊 Competition & Training Pools | ✅ Excellent | Superior water clarity for athletic facilities |
| 🏋️ Major Leisure Centres | ✅ Excellent | Handles very high bather loads efficiently |
| 🏫 Large School & College Pools | ✅ Excellent | Water savings meet environmental targets |
| 🌍 Water-Conscious Installations | ✅ Ideal | Up to 25% backwash water savings |
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size pool will this filter handle?
A: The SPDD 1600 is suitable for pools up to 360,000 litres with a 6-hour turnover, or up to 480,000 litres with an 8-hour turnover.
Q: Is this the largest 4-inch model available?
A: Yes, the SPDD 1600 is the largest model in the SPDD range with 4-inch (110mm) connections. For larger pools, the SPDD 1800 (76 m³/hr) requires upgrading to 6-inch (160mm) pipework.
Q: How does this compare to the SPDD 1400?
A: The SPDD 1600 offers 30% more flow rate (60 m³/hr vs 46 m³/hr), 31% more filter area (2.01 m² vs 1.54 m²), and 31% more media capacity (3,455 kg vs 2,640 kg). Both use the same 4-inch connections, making the SPDD 1600 an upgrade path without replumbing.
Q: Can I upgrade from this filter in future?
A: The next size up (SPDD 1800) requires 6-inch (160mm) pipework throughout. If future expansion is likely, consider whether installing 6-inch infrastructure now might be more cost-effective long-term.
Q: How much media does this filter require?
A: The filter requires 3,455 kg of sand (over 3.4 tonnes) or 2,840 kg of glass media – substantial capacity for excellent dirt-holding in high-demand commercial applications.
Q: Do I need additional equipment for the air scour system?
A: Yes, you’ll need a compatible air blower and appropriate pipework to connect to the nozzle plate system. The 2.01 m² filter area requires a higher-capacity blower than smaller models.
Q: What’s the total weight when filled?
A: Empty weight is 508 kg. With 3,455 kg of sand media, total filled weight is approximately 4,000 kg (4 tonnes). Ensure your plant room floor can support this substantial load.
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 components.
📄 Downloads & Resources
📄 SPDD Technical Datasheet – Full specifications and dimensions for all SPDD models
✅ Why Choose the Waterco 1600 SPDD
✅ Maximum 4″ Capacity – Largest SPDD model without upgrading to 6-inch pipework
✅ Over 2 m² Filter Area – 2.01 m² provides exceptional filtration throughput
✅ 60 m³/hr Flow Rate – Handles pools up to 360,000 litres (6-hour turnover)
✅ Air Scour Technology – Up to 25% less backwash water than conventional filters
✅ Over 3.4 Tonnes Media – 3,455 kg sand capacity for exceptional dirt-holding
✅ Reduced Operating Costs – Water and chemical savings accumulate significantly
✅ Deep Bed Filtration – 1200mm media depth for exceptional water clarity
✅ Commercial-Grade Construction – Bobbin wound fibreglass for decades of service
🇬🇧 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
✅ Complete System Components – 4″ valves, pipework, air blowers, and media available
✅ Easy Returns – 30-day returns on eligible products
🌊 Summary
The Waterco 1600 SPDD Commercial Bobbin Wound Filter Tank is the largest 4-inch connection model in the SPDD air scour range, delivering 60 m³/hr flow rate and 2.01 m² filter area for commercial pools up to 360,000 litres (6-hour turnover). As the maximum capacity achievable with 110mm (4-inch) pipework, this filter represents the ideal choice for major municipal pools, large leisure centres, hotel complexes, and competition facilities that want top-tier filtration without upgrading to 6-inch infrastructure. The innovative nozzle plate air scour system reduces backwash water by up to 25%, delivering significant operational savings. The substantial 3,455 kg sand capacity (over 3.4 tonnes) and 1200mm deep bed ensure exceptional dirt-holding and water clarity. Manhole access provides easy inspection of the air scour system. Advanced bobbin-wound fibreglass construction delivers decades of reliable commercial service. Supplied as tank only with 4 bar pressure rating. Backed by Waterco’s comprehensive 10-year tank warranty.













