🌊 Waterco Exotuf 600 Top Mount Sand Filter with Multiport Valve – 81,000 Litre Capacity
Powerful filtration technology for sparkling clean water in your residential pool
📋 Product Overview
The Waterco Exotuf 600 is a robust 24-inch (600mm) top-mounted sand filter engineered for medium to large residential swimming pools up to 81,000 litres. This professional-grade filtration system includes the precision-moulded thermoplastic filter tank and a 6-position multiport valve, ready for your choice of filter media.
Manufactured by Waterco, an Australian company with over 40 years of expertise in water treatment, the Exotuf 600 delivers reliable performance at an accessible price point. The heavy-duty thermoplastic construction provides outstanding corrosion and UV resistance, making it perfectly suited for UK outdoor installations.
With a maximum flow rate of 14 m³/hr and 0.28 m² of filter area, this filter handles the demands of busy family pools with ease. The top-mount design offers convenient access for media changes and routine maintenance, whilst the integrated pressure gauge allows you to monitor performance at a glance.
Note: This package includes the filter tank and multiport valve only. Filter media (sand, glass, or zeolite) must be purchased separately.
🌟 Key Features
- ✅ 24-inch (600mm) Filter Tank – Precision injection-moulded thermoplastic for superior structural strength
- ✅ 40mm Multiport Valve Included – Professional 6-position valve with ergonomic handle and quick-connect barrel unions
- ✅ 2.5 Bar Pressure Rating – Robust construction suitable for high-powered pumps and in-floor cleaning systems
- ✅ 0.28 m² Filter Area – Generous filtration surface for pools up to 81,000 litres
- ✅ Top Mount Design – Convenient access for media filling and maintenance
- ✅ UV & Corrosion Resistant – Durable thermoplastic ideal for UK outdoor conditions
- ✅ Integrated Pressure Gauge – Monitor filter performance and backwash requirements
- ✅ Clear Sight Glass – Visual confirmation when backwash cycle is complete
- ✅ Media Flexibility – Compatible with sand, glass, or zeolite media
- ✅ 10-Year Tank Warranty – Manufacturer-backed quality assurance
📊 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | E600 / 2260246DP-KIT |
| Filter Type | Top Mount Sand Filter |
| Tank Inner Diameter | 600mm (24 inches) |
| Filter Area | 0.28 m² |
| Maximum Flow Rate | 226 lpm (13.56 m³/hr) |
| Maximum Pool Size | 81,000 litres (6-hour turnover) |
| Bed Depth | 250mm |
| Working Pressure | 2.5 bar (250 kPa) |
| Maximum Working Temperature | 50°C |
| Valve Size | 40mm |
| Valve Type | 6-Position Multiport |
| Tank Material | Injection-Moulded Thermoplastic |
| Media Volume | 89 litres |
| Minimum Backwash Flow | 189 lpm |
| Overall Height (with valve) | 942mm |
| Tank Width | 650mm |
| Certifications | CE Marked |
| Warranty – Tank | 10 Years (conditional) |
| Warranty – Multiport Valve | 2 Years |
| Warranty – Other Components | 1 Year |
📐 Pool Sizing Guide
The Waterco Exotuf 600 is designed for medium to large residential pools. For optimal water quality, the filter should turn over the entire pool volume within 6 to 8 hours.
Sizing Formula:
Required Flow Rate (m³/h) = Pool Volume (m³) ÷ Turnover Time (hours)
Pool Size Compatibility:
| Pool Type | Volume Range | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| 🏊 Medium above-ground | 20,000 – 40,000 L | ✅ Excellent – ample capacity |
| 🏊 Large above-ground | 40,000 – 60,000 L | ✅ Excellent – ideal match |
| 🏡 Small in-ground | Up to 50,000 L | ✅ Excellent – plenty of headroom |
| 🏡 Medium in-ground | 50,000 – 81,000 L | ✅ Good – at optimal capacity |
| 🏡 Large in-ground | 81,000+ L | ⚠️ Consider larger filter |
This Filter:
- 📍 Maximum Flow Rate: 14 m³/hr (226 lpm)
- 📍 Suitable for pools up to: 81,000 litres (based on 6-hour turnover)
- 📍 Optimal for pools: 40,000 – 70,000 litres
🔧 Installation Requirements
Plumbing Connections
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Inlet Connection | 40mm |
| Outlet Connection | 40mm |
| Valve Position | Top Mount |
| Barrel Unions | Quick-connect included |
Physical Installation
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Base | Solid, level surface required |
| Clearance Above | Minimum 400mm for valve operation and media access |
| Clearance Around | Minimum 300mm for maintenance and plumbing access |
| Location | Outdoor installation suitable – UV resistant |
Pump Compatibility
⚠️ Important: The filter must be matched with an appropriately sized pump for optimal performance.
- Recommended pump flow rate: 10 – 14 m³/hr
- Minimum backwash flow: 189 lpm (11.3 m³/hr)
- Maximum flow rate: Do not exceed 14 m³/hr to prevent media bypass
💡 Tip: The pump should provide sufficient flow for effective backwashing whilst not exceeding the filter’s maximum rated flow during normal filtration.
🔄 Maintenance Guide
Routine Maintenance Schedule
| Task | Frequency | Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Check pressure gauge | Weekly | Note baseline reading when filter is clean |
| Backwash | Every 1-2 weeks or when pressure rises 0.5-1 bar above baseline | Run until sight glass clears (typically 2-3 minutes) |
| Rinse after backwash | After each backwash | Run for 30-60 seconds to settle media |
| Inspect seals and O-rings | Seasonally | Replace if worn, cracked or compressed |
| Check media level | Annually | Top up if level has dropped significantly |
| Full media replacement | Sand: 5-7 years / Glass: 10+ years | Replace completely when filtration quality declines |
Pressure Gauge Guide
- 📊 Clean filter baseline: Note this reading after a fresh backwash
- 📊 Backwash required: 0.5-1 bar above baseline
- 📊 Maximum safe operating pressure: 2.5 bar
Winterisation (UK Climate)
For outdoor installations in the UK, proper winterisation is essential:
- Drain the filter tank completely via the drain plug
- Remove and safely store the drain plug indoors
- Set multiport valve to “Winterise” position (between settings) to prevent seal damage
- Cover the filter or relocate to a frost-free location if possible
- Never leave water in the filter tank during freezing conditions
🪨 Filter Media Information
This filter is supplied without media – allowing you to choose the filtration solution that best suits your needs and budget.
Compatible Media Types
| Media Type | Filtration Rating | Lifespan | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silica Sand | 20-40 microns | 5-7 years | Economical, widely available, proven performance |
| Glass Media | 5-15 microns | 10+ years | Finer filtration, longer lasting, eco-friendly |
| Zeolite | 3-5 microns | 5 years | Superior clarity, removes ammonia |
| Glass Pearl | 5-10 microns | 10+ years | Premium filtration performance |
Media Capacity for E600
| Media Type | Quantity Required |
|---|---|
| Glass Pearl | 144 kg |
| Crushed Glass (0.5-1mm) | 118 kg |
| Silica Sand (16/30) | 130 kg |
| Zeolite (1-2.2mm) | 107 kg |
💡 Tip: Glass media offers superior filtration (5-15 microns vs 20-40 microns for sand) and lasts significantly longer, making it an excellent long-term investment despite the higher initial cost.
Signs Media Needs Replacing
- Poor water clarity despite correct chemical balance
- Shortened filter cycles between backwashes
- Cloudy water returning to pool after filtration
- Visible channelling or clumping in media bed
- Filter not holding pressure properly
🔬 Filtration Performance
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Filter Area | 0.28 m² |
| Filtration Rating (with sand) | 20-40 microns |
| Filtration Rating (with glass) | 5-15 microns |
| Design Flow Velocity | 48 m³/hr/m² |
| Bed Depth | 250mm |
Micron Rating Guide – What Gets Filtered
| Micron Size | Particles Captured |
|---|---|
| 40+ microns | Visible debris, leaves, large insects |
| 20-40 microns | Sand, dirt, visible particles, pollen |
| 10-20 microns | Fine particles, dust, some algae spores |
| 5-10 microns | Very fine particles, most algae, bacteria |
⚙️ Valve Positions & Functions
The 40mm multiport valve provides six operational positions:
| Position | Function | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Filter | Normal filtration mode | Daily operation – water flows through media to pool |
| Backwash | Reverse flow to clean media | When pressure rises 0.5-1 bar above clean baseline |
| Rinse | Settle media after backwash | Always run for 30-60 seconds after backwashing |
| Waste | Bypass filter, drain to waste | Vacuuming heavy debris, lowering water level |
| Recirculate | Bypass filter, return to pool | Distributing chemicals, heating without filtering |
| Closed | Stop all flow through valve | Pump maintenance, equipment servicing |
⚠️ Important: Always switch off the pump before changing valve positions to prevent damage to internal components.
🎯 Ideal Applications
| Application | Pool Volume | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| 🏡 Residential above-ground | Up to 60,000 L | ✅ Excellent |
| 🏡 Residential in-ground | Up to 81,000 L | ✅ Excellent |
| 🏠 Large garden pools | 50,000 – 80,000 L | ✅ Ideal |
| 🏊 Pools with in-floor cleaning | Up to 81,000 L | ✅ Designed for high-pressure systems |
| 🏊 Pools with variable speed pumps | Up to 81,000 L | ✅ Compatible |
Best Suited For:
- Medium to large family pools requiring reliable filtration
- Pool owners who want flexibility in choosing their preferred media type
- Installations with high-powered pumps or in-floor cleaning systems
- Budget-conscious buyers who already have media or prefer to source separately
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size pool will this filter handle? A: The Exotuf 600 is suitable for pools up to 81,000 litres when operated with a 6-hour turnover cycle. For optimal results, we recommend pools between 40,000 and 70,000 litres.
Q: Does this filter come with media? A: No, this package includes the filter tank and multiport valve only. Filter media must be purchased separately, giving you the flexibility to choose sand, glass, or zeolite based on your preferences and budget.
Q: How much media do I need? A: The E600 requires approximately 130 kg of silica sand, 118 kg of crushed glass, or 107 kg of zeolite. See the media capacity table for all options.
Q: How often do I need to backwash? A: Typically every 1-2 weeks, or when the pressure gauge reads 0.5-1 bar above your clean baseline reading. Backwash until the sight glass runs clear, usually 2-3 minutes.
Q: What pump do I need? A: Match with a pump delivering 10-14 m³/hr. The pump must provide at least 189 lpm (11.3 m³/hr) for effective backwashing. Do not exceed the filter’s maximum flow rate.
Q: What is the working pressure rating? A: The E600 is rated at 2.5 bar (250 kPa), making it suitable for pools with in-floor cleaning systems and high-powered pumps.
Q: What warranty is included? A: 10 years on the filter tank, 2 years on the multiport valve, and 1 year on other components. Contact Parts4Tubs for full warranty terms and conditions.
Q: Is this suitable for outdoor installation in the UK? A: Yes, the UV and corrosion-resistant thermoplastic construction is ideal for UK outdoor conditions. Ensure proper winterisation during freezing weather.
Q: What’s the difference between this and the version with glass media? A: This package (2260246DP-KIT) includes just the filter and valve, whilst the “-M” version (2260246DP-KIT-M) includes pre-measured glass media. Choose this version if you already have media or prefer a different media type.
📥 Downloads & Resources
📄 Exotuf Product Brochure – Complete specifications and dimensions
⭐ Why Choose the Waterco Exotuf 600
- ✅ Media Flexibility – Choose sand, glass, or zeolite to suit your needs and budget
- ✅ Robust Construction – 2.5 bar pressure rating handles high-powered pumps and in-floor cleaning systems
- ✅ Excellent Value – Professional-grade filtration at a competitive price point
- ✅ Low Maintenance – Top-mount design with easy access for servicing
- ✅ Weather Resistant – UV and corrosion-resistant construction perfect for UK outdoor installations
- ✅ Complete Valve System – 6-position multiport valve with pressure gauge and sight glass included
- ✅ Trusted Manufacturer – Waterco’s 40+ years of expertise in water treatment
- ✅ 10-Year Tank Warranty – Peace of mind with manufacturer-backed quality assurance
🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs
- ✅ UK-Based Company – Local support from Northamptonshire
- ✅ Fast UK Delivery – Quick dispatch on in-stock items
- ✅ Expert Advice – Pool and hot tub specialists available to help
- ✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value on quality equipment
- ✅ Full Warranty Support – We handle warranty claims efficiently
- ✅ Easy Returns – 30-day returns policy for peace of mind
- ✅ Filter Media Available – Sand, glass, and zeolite media in stock
- ✅ Trusted Retailer – Built on the success of buildahottub.com
✨ Summary
The Waterco Exotuf 600 delivers professional-grade filtration performance for residential pools up to 81,000 litres. With its robust 2.5 bar pressure rating, precision-moulded thermoplastic construction, and included 40mm multiport valve, this filter provides reliable water treatment with minimal maintenance requirements.
Supplied without media, this package offers excellent value and flexibility – choose economical silica sand for proven performance, or upgrade to glass media for superior 5-15 micron filtration and extended lifespan. Backed by Waterco’s 10-year tank warranty, the Exotuf 600 represents outstanding long-term value for pool owners seeking dependable filtration.
Order today from Parts4Tubs and enjoy crystal-clear pool water season after season.










