💦 Waterco Exotuf E500 Top Mount Sand Filter with Glass Media – 56,500 Litre Capacity

Effortless pool maintenance with professional-grade filtration for smaller pools

🏊 Product Overview

The Waterco Exotuf E500 is a compact yet powerful 20-inch (500mm) top-mounted sand filter designed for small to medium residential swimming pools up to 56,500 litres. This complete filtration package includes the precision-moulded thermoplastic filter tank, professional multiport valve, and premium glass filtration media for superior water clarity straight out of the box.

Manufactured by Waterco, an Australian company with over 40 years of expertise in water treatment, the Exotuf E500 delivers excellent performance in a space-efficient design. The thermoplastic construction provides outstanding corrosion and UV resistance, making it ideally suited for UK outdoor installations where space is at a premium.

With a maximum flow rate of 157 lpm (9.4 m³/hr) and 0.20 m² of filter area, this filter is perfectly sized for above-ground pools, smaller in-ground installations, and compact garden pools. The included glass media package provides enhanced particle capture compared to traditional sand, filtering down to 5-15 microns for crystal-clear swimming water.

✨ Key Features

• ✅ 20-inch (500mm) Filter Tank – Compact precision injection-moulded thermoplastic for superior strength
• ✅ Premium Glass Media Included – Pre-measured installation-ready package for enhanced 5-15 micron filtration
• ✅ 40mm Multiport Valve – Professional 6-position valve with ergonomic handle and quick-connect unions
• ✅ 2.5 Bar Pressure Rating – Robust construction suitable for high-powered pumps
• ✅ 0.20 m² Filter Area – Efficient filtration for pools up to 56,500 litres
• ✅ Space-Saving Design – Compact footprint ideal for smaller installations
• ✅ UV & Corrosion Resistant – Durable thermoplastic construction for UK outdoor conditions
• ✅ Integrated Pressure Gauge – Monitor filter performance and backwash requirements at a glance
• ✅ Clear Sight Glass – Visual confirmation of backwash cycle completion
• ✅ 10-Year Tank Warranty – Backed by manufacturer confidence in build quality

🔩 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Model Number	E500 / 2260206(DP)-KIT-M
Filter Type	Top Mount Sand Filter
Tank Inner Diameter	500mm (20 inches)
Filter Area	0.20 m²
Maximum Flow Rate	157 lpm (9.4 m³/hr)
Maximum Pool Size	56,500 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	62 litres
Glass Media Capacity	83 kg (Crushed Glass 0.5-1mm) or 100 kg (Glass Pearl)
Minimum Backwash Flow	131 lpm
Overall Height (with valve)	905mm
Tank Width	550mm
Certifications	CE Marked
Warranty – Tank	10 Years (conditional)
Warranty – Multiport Valve	2 Years
Warranty – Other Components	1 Year

📏 Pool Sizing Guide

The Waterco Exotuf E500 is designed for small to medium 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
🏊 Small above-ground	Up to 20,000 L	✅ Excellent – ample headroom
🏊 Medium above-ground	20,000 – 40,000 L	✅ Excellent – ideal match
🏊 Large above-ground	40,000 – 56,500 L	✅ Good – at capacity
🏠 Small in-ground	Up to 40,000 L	✅ Excellent – well matched
🏠 Medium in-ground	40,000 – 56,500 L	✅ Good – at optimal capacity
🏠 Large in-ground	56,500+ L	⚠️ Consider E600 model

This Filter:

• 📍 Maximum Flow Rate: 9.4 m³/hr (157 lpm)
• 📍 Suitable for pools up to: 56,500 litres (based on 6-hour turnover)
• 📍 Optimal for pools: 25,000 – 45,000 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 350mm for valve operation and media access
Clearance Around	Minimum 250mm 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: 6 – 9.4 m³/hr
• Minimum backwash flow: 131 lpm (7.9 m³/hr)
• Maximum flow rate: Do not exceed 9.4 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.

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🛠️ 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	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:

1. Drain the filter tank completely via the drain plug
2. Remove and safely store the drain plug indoors
3. Set multiport valve to “Winterise” position (between settings) to prevent seal damage
4. Cover the filter or relocate to a frost-free location if possible
5. Never leave water in the filter tank during freezing conditions

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💎 Filter Media Information

This package includes premium glass filtration media, pre-measured and ready for installation.

Compatible Media Types

Media Type	Filtration Rating	Lifespan	Key Benefits
Glass (included)	5-15 microns	10+ years	Finer filtration, longer lasting, eco-friendly
Silica Sand	20-40 microns	5-7 years	Economical, widely available
Zeolite	3-5 microns	5 years	Superior clarity, removes ammonia
Glass Pearl	5-10 microns	10+ years	Premium filtration performance

Media Capacity for E500

Media Type	Quantity Required
Glass Pearl	100 kg
Crushed Glass (0.5-1mm)	83 kg
Silica Sand (16/30)	90 kg
Zeolite (1-2.2mm)	75 kg

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

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✨ Filtration Performance

Performance Metric	Value
Filter Area	0.20 m²
Filtration Rating (with glass)	5-15 microns
Filtration Rating (with sand)	20-40 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

💡 With the included glass media, this filter operates at the finer end of the spectrum, capturing particles that would pass through standard sand filtration.

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🔧 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.

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🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Pool Volume	Suitability
🏠 Small above-ground	Up to 30,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏠 Medium above-ground	30,000 – 56,500 L	✅ Excellent
🏡 Compact in-ground	Up to 45,000 L	✅ Ideal
🏡 Garden plunge pools	Up to 30,000 L	✅ Perfect match
🏊 Space-limited installations	Up to 56,500 L	✅ Designed for compact spaces

Best Suited For:

• Small to medium family pools requiring reliable, low-maintenance filtration
• Above-ground pool installations where space is limited
• Pool owners seeking crystal-clear water quality with glass media benefits
• Compact garden pools and plunge pools
• Customers wanting a complete ready-to-install package

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle? A: The Exotuf E500 is suitable for pools up to 56,500 litres when operated with a 6-hour turnover cycle. For optimal results, we recommend pools between 25,000 and 45,000 litres.

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 filter media is included? A: This package includes premium glass filtration media (83kg crushed glass or 100kg Glass Pearl as specified), providing superior filtration down to 5-15 microns.

Q: How long does glass media last? A: Glass media typically lasts 10+ years with proper maintenance, compared to 5-7 years for traditional sand. This makes it an excellent long-term investment.

Q: What’s the difference between the E500 and E600? A: The E500 (20-inch) handles pools up to 56,500 litres with 9.4 m³/hr flow rate. The E600 (24-inch) handles larger pools up to 81,000 litres with 14 m³/hr flow rate. Choose based on your pool size.

Q: What pump do I need? A: Match with a pump delivering 6-9.4 m³/hr. The pump must provide at least 131 lpm (7.9 m³/hr) for effective backwashing. Do not exceed the filter’s maximum flow rate.

Q: What is the working pressure rating? A: The E500 is rated at 2.5 bar (250 kPa), making it suitable for standard pool pump installations.

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.

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 Exotuf Product Brochure – Complete specifications and dimensions

🏆 Why Choose the Waterco Exotuf E500 with Glass Media

• ✅ Superior Filtration – Glass media captures particles down to 5-15 microns for crystal-clear water
• ✅ Compact Design – Space-efficient 20-inch tank ideal for smaller installations
• ✅ Long-Lasting Value – Glass media lasts 10+ years, reducing long-term maintenance costs
• ✅ Low Maintenance – Efficient backwashing and extended media life mean less work for you
• ✅ Weather Resistant – UV and corrosion-resistant construction perfect for UK outdoor installations
• ✅ Complete Package – Filter, multiport valve, and glass media included – ready to install
• ✅ 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
• ✅ Compatible Accessories – Filter media, spare parts, and maintenance products available
• ✅ Trusted Retailer – Built on the success of buildahottub.com

💧 Summary

The Waterco Exotuf E500 with Glass Media delivers professional-grade filtration performance for smaller residential pools up to 56,500 litres. With its compact 20-inch design, robust 2.5 bar pressure rating, and included premium glass media, this filter provides exceptional water clarity whilst fitting neatly into space-limited installations.

The complete package includes everything needed for installation: the filter tank, 40mm multiport valve with pressure gauge and sight glass, plus pre-measured glass media for superior 5-15 micron filtration. Backed by Waterco’s 10-year tank warranty, this filter represents outstanding value for pool owners seeking reliability and crystal-clear water in a compact package.

Order today from Parts4Tubs and enjoy pristine pool water season after season.