🌊 Waterco 1800 SMDD Commercial Bobbin Wound Filter Tank – 4 Bar, 1.2 Metre Deep Bed

Industrial-scale filtration with upgraded 6-inch connections delivering 76 m³/hr for major aquatic installations

💧 Product Overview

The Waterco 1800 SMDD Commercial Bobbin Wound Filter Tank is an industrial-scale filtration powerhouse engineered for the largest commercial aquatic installations. With a massive 1800mm tank diameter and 2.55 m² filter area, this filter delivers an exceptional 76 m³/hr flow rate, making it the premier choice for Olympic competition venues, major water parks, large municipal leisure centres, and high-capacity commercial water treatment facilities.

A key advancement over smaller SMDD models, the 1800 features significantly upgraded 160mm (6-inch) flange connections – a substantial increase from the 110mm (4-inch) connections on the 1400 and 1600 models. This enhanced plumbing specification dramatically reduces pressure losses and enables efficient operation with high-capacity pump systems.

The generous 1200mm deep media bed ensures finer dirt particles and colloidal substances are captured far more effectively than standard high-rate filters, delivering consistently crystal-clear water even under the most demanding commercial operating conditions. Manufactured using Waterco’s precision digitally-controlled filament winding technology, this filter tank provides decades of reliable, virtually maintenance-free service.

⭐ Key Features

✅ 1800mm Tank Diameter – Massive filter area delivers 76 m³/hr flow rate for industrial-scale facilities

✅ 2.55 m² Filter Area – Exceptional filtration surface handles pools up to 608,000 litres

✅ Upgraded 160mm / 6″ Connections – Industrial-grade fittings minimise pressure losses for high-flow systems

✅ 1200mm Deep Media Bed – Superior in-depth filtration captures finer particles and extends filter runs

✅ Advanced Bobbin Wound Construction – Seamless fibreglass vessel with outstanding structural integrity

✅ 4 Bar Pressure Rating – Engineered for demanding commercial and industrial 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 1800
Filter Type	Commercial Sand/Media Filter (Tank Only)
Tank Diameter	1800 mm
Filter Bed Depth	1200 mm
Filter Area	2.55 m²
Flow Rate	76 m³/hr (at 30 m³/hr/m²)
Working Pressure	4 Bar (58 psi)
Maximum Working Temperature	50°C
Connection Size	6″ / 160 mm (Flange)
Sand Media Capacity	4975 kg
Glass Media Capacity	4089 kg
Gravel Capacity	747 kg (if using support layer)
Tank Height (Overall)	2260 mm
Tank Width	1839 mm
Empty Weight	Approximately 560 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. Industrial-scale pools and water parks require faster turnover rates to maintain water quality under very 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	304,000 litres
🏢 Commercial (Standard)	6 hours	456,000 litres
🏨 Large Resort Complex	6-8 hours	456,000-608,000 litres
🏆 Olympic/International Venue	4-6 hours	304,000-456,000 litres
🌊 Major Water Park	4 hours	304,000 litres
🏫 Large Municipal Centre	4-6 hours	304,000-456,000 litres

This Filter:

📍 Flow Rate: 76 m³/hr at design velocity
📍 Optimal Pool Size: Up to 456,000 litres (6-hour turnover)
📍 Maximum Pool Size: Up to 608,000 litres (8-hour turnover)

💡 Tip: The SMDD 1800 delivers 192% greater capacity than the SMDD 1050 and 27% more than the SMDD 1600. For Olympic-sized pools (2,500,000 litres), multiple SMDD 1800 units operating in parallel provide the most efficient solution.

🔌 Installation Requirements

Plumbing Specifications

Requirement	Specification
Inlet Connection	160 mm / 6″ Flange
Outlet Connection	160 mm / 6″ Flange
Connection Type	8-Bolt Flange
Filter Configuration	Side Mount

Physical Installation

Requirement	Details
Base	Heavy-duty reinforced concrete pad required (filled weight 6000+ kg)
Clearance Above	Minimum 800 mm for lid removal and media access
Clearance Around	Minimum 1000 mm for valve operation and maintenance
Access	Service hatch for media inspection and replacement
Lifting Equipment	Required – 560 kg empty weight
Floor Loading	Verify structural capacity before installation

Pump Compatibility

⚠️ Important: Filter must be matched with appropriate industrial pumps rated for 6″ pipework.

• Recommended Pump Flow Rate: 65 – 76 m³/hr
• Maximum Flow Rate: Do not exceed 76 m³/hr to prevent media migration
• Minimum Flow Rate: Ensure adequate velocity for proper filtration
• Connection: 160mm / 6″ to match filter flanges

💡 Note: This is a tank-only product. Multiport valves, face pipework kits, and pumps are sold separately. The 6″ connection size requires appropriately rated industrial valve systems. Contact Parts4Tubs for compatible valve and pipework options.

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🧹 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 90-120 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 substantial media capacity (4975 kg sand), backwash operations will consume significant water volume. Ensure:

• Adequate backwash drainage capacity for high-volume discharge
• Sufficient water supply for extended rinse cycle
• Compliance with local discharge regulations
• Backwash water treatment if required by local authority
• Balance tank capacity if applicable
• Consider backwash water recovery systems for sustainability

Winterisation (UK Climate)

For outdoor installations or extended shutdown periods:

1. Isolate pump and close all valves
2. Set multiport valve to “Waste” position
3. Open manual drain and allow tank to empty completely
4. Remove drain plug and store safely
5. Open all connections to prevent trapped water
6. Cover or protect from direct weather exposure
7. Never leave water in filter during freezing conditions

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🪨 Filter Media Information

Compatible Media Types

Media Type	Filtration Rating	Capacity Required	Lifespan	Key Benefits
Silica Sand	20-40 microns	4975 kg	5-7 years	Economical, widely available, proven performance
Glass Media	5-15 microns	4089 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: 4975 kg (16/30 grade silica sand)
• Glass Media Capacity: 4089 kg
• Support Gravel: 747 kg (deduct from sand capacity if used)

💡 Recommendation: For industrial-scale facilities with very high bather loads, glass media or AFM delivers superior water clarity, significantly reduces chemical consumption, and extends service intervals, providing excellent return on 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

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🔬 Filtration Performance

Metric	Value
Filter Area	2.55 m²
Design Flow Rate	76 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

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⚙️ Valve Positions & Functions

Note: Multiport valve sold separately – 6″ rated industrial 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

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🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Suitability	Notes
🏆 Olympic & International Venues	✅ Excellent	Industrial-scale capacity for world-class facilities
🌊 Major Water Parks	✅ Excellent	High flow capacity handles multiple large attractions
🏢 Large Municipal Leisure Centres	✅ Excellent	Built for institutional-grade reliability
🏫 University Aquatic Centres	✅ Excellent	Handles high student and community usage
🏨 Large Resort Complexes	✅ Excellent	Reliable performance for multi-pool hospitality
🏭 Industrial Water Treatment	✅ Excellent	Suitable for high-volume process water applications
🐠 Large Public Aquariums	✅ Very Good	Deep bed supports biological filtration requirements

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle?

A: The SMDD 1800 is suitable for commercial pools up to 456,000 litres with a 6-hour turnover, or up to 608,000 litres with an 8-hour turnover. For Olympic-sized pools (2,500,000 litres), multiple filters operating in parallel are required.

Q: Why does this model have 6-inch connections?

A: The larger 160mm connections are essential to support the 76 m³/hr flow rate without excessive pressure losses. This is a significant upgrade from the 110mm (4″) connections on the SMDD 1400 and 1600 models, enabling more efficient pump operation and reduced energy costs.

Q: How does this compare to the smaller SMDD models?

A: The SMDD 1800 offers 192% more filter area than the SMDD 1050 and 27% more than the SMDD 1600. The upgrade to 6-inch connections represents a significant step up in system capacity.

Q: How much media does this filter require?

A: The filter requires 4975 kg of sand or 4089 kg of glass media – nearly 5 tonnes of sand. This substantial capacity enables longer filter runs and exceptional dirt-holding 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 high-traffic facilities, this may be every 1-2 weeks depending on bather load.

Q: Is this a complete filter system?

A: No, this is a tank-only product. You will need to purchase a 6-inch rated multiport valve, face pipework kit, and compatible industrial 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.

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 an industrial pump delivering approximately 65-76 m³/hr at your system head pressure with 6-inch connections. Multiple pumps may be required for redundancy in critical applications.

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 SMDD Technical Datasheet – Full specifications and dimensions for all SMDD models

🏆 Why Choose the Waterco 1800 SMDD

✅ Industrial-Scale Performance – 76 m³/hr flow rate handles pools up to 608,000 litres

✅ Upgraded 6-Inch Connections – Minimises pressure losses for efficient high-flow operation

✅ Massive Filter Area – 2.55 m² provides exceptional particle capture and dirt capacity

✅ Superior Construction Quality – Digitally-controlled bobbin winding creates seamless vessels

✅ Deep Bed Filtration – 1200mm media depth for enhanced water clarity

✅ Long-Term Reliability – Fibreglass construction is corrosion-proof and virtually maintenance-free

✅ Proven Technology – Waterco’s patented fishtail lateral system maximises hydraulic efficiency

✅ 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 – 6″ multiport valves, pipework kits, and media available

✅ Easy Returns – 30-day returns on eligible products

✨ Summary

The Waterco 1800 SMDD Commercial Bobbin Wound Filter Tank delivers industrial-scale deep bed filtration for Olympic venues, major water parks, municipal leisure centres, and large-scale commercial installations up to 456,000 litres (6-hour turnover). With an impressive 2.55 m² filter area, 76 m³/hr flow rate, and upgraded 160mm (6″) connections, this filter provides exceptional throughput for the most demanding applications. Nearly 5 tonnes of media capacity ensures extended filter runs and outstanding dirt-holding capacity. Advanced fibreglass construction and Waterco’s patented fishtail lateral system ensure decades of reliable performance. Supplied as tank only with 4 bar pressure rating. Backed by Waterco’s comprehensive 10-year tank warranty