💦 Waterco SMD 1400 Commercial Deep Bed Sand Filter – 1 Metre Bed, Tank Only (3″ / 90mm Connections)

Professional-grade deep bed filtration for commercial aquatic facilities and high-demand installations

📋 Product Overview

The Waterco SMD 1400 represents serious commercial filtration capability, engineered for facilities where water quality and reliability are non-negotiable. This deep bed filter tank features a substantial 1400mm diameter vessel with a full 1-metre media bed depth, delivering exceptional dirt-holding capacity and filtration efficiency that far exceeds standard high-rate residential filters.

With an impressive 1.54m² filter area and 2,515kg sand media capacity, the SMD 1400 handles demanding commercial environments including public swimming pools, leisure centres, hotels, schools, and water treatment applications. The extended bed depth enables enhanced in-depth filtration, capturing finer particles and colloidal substances while providing significantly longer filter runs between backwash cycles.

Built using Waterco’s precision bobbin winding technology, this fibreglass reinforced tank features the patented fishtail lateral configuration for optimised hydraulic performance. The 3″ (90mm) connections support high-flow commercial plumbing systems, and the side mount design provides excellent accessibility for maintenance and media servicing through the large manhole access.

Supplied as tank only with pressure gauge, this filter requires separate valve systems (multiport or independent valve battery) allowing facility managers to configure the optimal control solution for their specific installation requirements.

⭐ Key Features

✅ 1 Metre Deep Filter Bed – Enhanced in-depth filtration captures finer particles than standard high-rate filters with significantly increased dirt capacity

✅ Massive 1.54m² Filter Area – Large filtration surface delivers 46m³/h flow capacity for substantial commercial pools

✅ 2,515kg Sand Media Capacity – Extended filter runs between backwash cycles reduce water and energy consumption

✅ Bobbin Wound Fibreglass Construction – Seamless one-piece vessel created using digitally controlled filament winding for exceptional structural integrity

✅ Fishtail Lateral Configuration – Patented design eliminates dead zones, optimises water distribution, and reduces backwash requirements

✅ 3″ (90mm) Commercial Connections – High-flow port sizing supports demanding commercial plumbing configurations

✅ Large Manhole Access – Easy media inspection, servicing, and replacement through substantial access hatch

✅ Inflow Diffuser System – Evenly distributes incoming water across the entire filter bed surface

✅ UV & Corrosion Resistant – Non-metallic construction engineered for decades of reliable operation in harsh pool environments

✅ Pressure Gauge & Sight Glass Included – Continuous monitoring enables precise backwash timing and performance verification

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Filter Type	Deep Bed Sand Filter (Side Mount)
Tank Diameter	1400mm (55″)
Filter Area	1.54m²
Bed Depth	1000mm (1 metre)
Sand Media Capacity	2,515kg
Gravel Capacity	378kg (deduct from sand if used)
Glass Media Capacity	2,067kg
Flow Rate	46m³/h @ 30m³/h/m²
Working Pressure	2.5 bar (250 kPa) standard
Maximum Temperature	50°C
Connection Size	90mm / 3″
Connection Type	Imperial standard (metric available on request)
Mount Type	Side Mount
Overall Height (C)	1955mm
Tank Width (B)	1442mm
Dimension E	1204mm
Dimension F	1314mm
Dimension J	1202mm
Dimension L	218mm
Dimension P	548mm
Dimension S	1204mm
Dimension T	848mm
Dimension V	1615mm
Dimension Y	1586mm
Dimension Z	1800mm
Weight (Empty)	270kg
Tank Material	Fibreglass Reinforced Polyester
Included	Tank, pressure gauge, sight glass, inflow diffuser, manual drain
Not Included	Multiport valve / valve battery (sold separately)

⚠️ Higher Pressure Options: 4.0 bar, 6.0 bar, and 8.0 bar pressure-rated versions available on request for specialised applications.

📏 Pool Sizing Guide

Commercial Sizing Principle: Commercial pools typically require faster turnover rates than residential installations. Public pools generally require 4-6 hour turnover depending on bather load and regulatory requirements.

Formula:

Required Flow Rate (m³/h) = Pool Volume (m³) ÷ Turnover Time (hours)

Pool Size Compatibility

Facility Type	Volume Range	Turnover	Suitability
🏢 Hotel pools	100,000-200,000 L	6 hours	✅ Excellent
🏫 School pools	150,000-250,000 L	4-6 hours	✅ Excellent
🏨 Leisure centre pools	200,000-275,000 L	4-6 hours	✅ Very Good
🏢 Public swimming pools	Up to 275,000 L	4-6 hours	✅ Good
🏠 Large estate pools	150,000-250,000 L	6-8 hours	✅ Excellent
🧖 Commercial spas/wellness	Up to 150,000 L	4 hours	✅ Excellent

This Filter:

📍 Flow Rate: 46m³/h (767 L/min) @ 30m³/h/m²
📍 4-Hour Turnover: Up to 184,000 litres
📍 6-Hour Turnover: Up to 276,000 litres
📍 8-Hour Turnover: Up to 368,000 litres

💡 Tip: For pools exceeding 275,000 litres or requiring higher flow rates, consider the SMD 1600 (60m³/h) or multiple filter configurations. For the highest-demand commercial applications, Waterco offers the SMD 1800 and SMD 2000 with 4″ connections.

🛠️ Installation Requirements

Important: Tank Only Product

⚠️ This filter is supplied as tank only. A separate valve system is required:

Valve Option	Connection	Application
3″ Multiport Valve	90mm	Standard commercial installations
Independent Valve Battery	90mm	Large commercial, automated systems
Besgo Automatic Valves	90mm	Fully automated filtration control

See Waterco face pipework kits and multiport valves for compatible valve systems.

Physical Installation

Requirement	Details
Base	Reinforced concrete pad (minimum 200mm thick, engineer-specified for load)
Clearance Above	Minimum 800mm for manhole access and media servicing
Clearance Around	Minimum 600mm for valve operation and maintenance
Plant Room	Indoor installation recommended for commercial equipment
Access	Forklift/lifting equipment access required for installation
Weight Consideration	270kg empty, approximately 2,785kg when filled with sand

Plumbing Connections

Requirement	Specification
Inlet Connection	90mm / 3″
Outlet Connection	90mm / 3″
Connection Type	Imperial standard (metric available on request)
Valve Position	Side Mount

Pump Compatibility

Parameter	Specification
Recommended Pump Flow	35 – 46 m³/h
Maximum Flow Rate	46m³/h @ 30m³/h/m² design rate
Commercial Pump Type	Cast iron or bronze construction recommended

💡 Professional Installation Required: Commercial filter installations should be designed and installed by qualified pool plant engineers in accordance with PWTAG (Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group) guidelines and local building regulations.

🔄 Maintenance Guide

Routine Maintenance Schedule

Task	Frequency	Procedure
Check pressure gauge	Daily (commercial operation)	Record baseline and monitor increases
Backwash filter	When pressure rises 50 kPa (0.5 bar) above baseline	Run until sight glass clears (typically 5-10 minutes)
Rinse after backwash	After every backwash	Run for 60-90 seconds to settle media
Inspect media bed	Monthly	Check through manhole for channelling or debris
Check laterals	Annually	Inspect for damage during media service
Media assessment	Annually	Test media condition, replace if degraded
Full media replacement	Every 5-7 years (sand) / 10+ years (glass)	Complete change when performance declines

Pressure Gauge Guide

Reading	Status	Action
0.8 – 1.2 bar	✅ Clean filter (typical baseline)	Normal operation
1.2 – 1.5 bar	⚠️ Monitor	Schedule backwash
1.5 – 1.7 bar	🔴 Backwash needed	Backwash immediately
Above 1.7 bar	⛔ Investigate	Check for blockages, inspect media

Commercial Winterisation (UK Climate)

For seasonal facilities that close during winter:

1. Drain Completely – Open all drain ports and remove plugs
2. Inspect Media – Check condition before shutdown
3. Protect Equipment – Ensure plant room is frost-protected
4. Service Valves – Lubricate and inspect all valve components
5. Document Condition – Record pressure readings and media state for spring comparison

⚠️ Warning: Frost damage is not covered under warranty. Commercial facilities should maintain plant room temperatures above freezing or fully drain systems.

🪨 Filter Media Information

Compatible Media Types

Media Type	Filtration Rating	Lifespan	Capacity Required	Benefits
Silica Sand (16/30 grade)	20-40 microns	5-7 years	2,515kg	Economical, proven performance
Gravel Support Layer	N/A	10+ years	378kg	Required beneath sand in deep beds
Glass Media	5-15 microns	10+ years	2,067kg	Finer filtration, lower backwash
AFM (Activated Filter Media)	1-5 microns	10+ years	See manufacturer	Superior clarity, bio-resistant
Granular Activated Carbon	Varies	1-3 years	See application	Chemical/odour removal

Media Capacity

• Sand Media: 2,515kg (with gravel support: 2,137kg sand + 378kg gravel)
• Glass Media: 2,067kg

Deep Bed Media Configuration

The 1-metre bed depth allows for sophisticated media configurations:

Standard Sand Installation:

• 378kg gravel support layer (bottom)
• 2,137kg filtration sand (top)

Glass Media Installation:

• Gravel layer typically not required
• 2,067kg glass media throughout

Mixed Bed Installation:

• Multiple media grades for enhanced performance
• Granular activated carbon layers for specific treatment

💡 Commercial Advantage: The deep 1-metre bed captures particles progressively through the media depth, achieving finer filtration than shallow high-rate filters while extending run times between backwash cycles.

💎 Filtration Performance

Metric	Value
Filtration Rating (Sand)	20-40 microns
Filtration Rating (Glass)	5-15 microns
Filter Area	1.54m²
Bed Depth	1000mm
Design Filtration Rate	30 m³/h/m²

Deep Bed Filtration Advantage

The SMD 1400’s 1-metre bed depth provides significant advantages over standard 300-400mm high-rate filters:

Benefit	Explanation
Enhanced Particle Capture	Particles penetrate deeper into media, captured progressively through bed depth
Increased Dirt Capacity	More media volume = more dirt storage before backwash required
Finer Effective Filtration	Deep beds achieve better clarity than shallow beds at same media grade
Extended Filter Runs	Less frequent backwashing reduces water and energy costs
Treatment Media Compatible	Sufficient depth for GAC, zeolite, or mixed bed configurations

Micron Rating Guide

Rating	Particle Size	What It Catches
40+ microns	Visible to eye	Leaves, large debris, insects
20-40 microns	Fine particles	Sand, dirt, hair, skin cells
10-20 microns	Very fine	Algae, pollen, fine silt
5-10 microns	Microscopic	Most algae spores, fine contaminants
1-5 microns	Ultra-fine	Bacteria, cryptosporidium (with AFM)

⚙️ Valve Configuration Options

As a tank-only product, the SMD 1400 requires a separate valve system. Options include:

Multiport Valve (6-Position)

Position	Function	When to Use
FILTER	Normal filtration mode	Daily operation
BACKWASH	Reverses water flow through media	When pressure rises 0.5 bar above baseline
RINSE	Settles media after backwash	Always use for 60-90 seconds after backwash
WASTE	Bypasses filter, drains to waste	Vacuuming heavy debris, lowering water level
RECIRCULATE	Bypasses filter, returns to pool	Chemical distribution, troubleshooting
CLOSED	Stops all water flow	Pump maintenance, winterisation

Independent Valve Battery

For larger commercial installations, independent valve systems offer:

• Individual control of each flow path
• Automated operation with Besgo or similar actuators
• Reduced pressure losses compared to multiport valves
• Easier maintenance of individual components
• Integration with BMS (Building Management Systems)

⚠️ Important: Always stop the pump before changing valve positions on multiport valves. Independent valve systems with interlocking controls prevent flow-through errors.

🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Pool Size	Suitability
🏨 Hotel swimming pools	100,000-250,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏫 School/university pools	150,000-275,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏢 Leisure centre pools	200,000-275,000 L	✅ Very Good
🏢 Public swimming pools	Up to 275,000 L	✅ Good
🏠 Large private estate pools	150,000-250,000 L	✅ Excellent
🧖 Commercial spa facilities	Up to 150,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏢 Water treatment applications	Varies	✅ Very Good
🏨 Holiday park pools	100,000-200,000 L	✅ Excellent

Ideal For:

• Public and semi-public swimming pools requiring PWTAG-compliant filtration
• Commercial facilities with high bather loads
• Installations where extended filter runs reduce operational costs
• Applications requiring enhanced water clarity beyond high-rate filter capability
• Sites where mixed bed or treatment media configurations are beneficial
• Facilities requiring robust, long-life commercial equipment

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle?

A: The SMD 1400 delivers 46m³/h flow rate, suitable for pools up to approximately 275,000 litres with 6-hour turnover, or 184,000 litres with 4-hour turnover typical of commercial installations.

Q: Why is this sold as tank only?

A: Commercial installations typically require customised valve configurations. Some facilities use multiport valves, others use independent valve batteries with automated control. Selling tank-only allows facility designers to specify the optimal control solution.

Q: What valve do I need?

A: For most installations, a 3″ (90mm) multiport valve is suitable. For larger facilities or automated systems, consider independent valve batteries with Besgo actuators. Contact Parts4Tubs for valve recommendations.

Q: How does deep bed filtration differ from standard filters?

A: The 1-metre bed depth (vs 300-400mm in standard filters) provides enhanced particle capture, increased dirt capacity, and longer filter runs. Particles are captured progressively through the media depth rather than just at the surface.

Q: How often do I need to backwash?

A: Backwash when pressure rises 50 kPa (0.5 bar) above clean baseline. The deep bed typically allows longer runs between backwashes than shallow filters – often 1-2 weeks depending on bather load.

Q: What filter media should I use?

A: Standard installations use silica sand (2,515kg) with gravel support layer (378kg). Glass media (2,067kg) provides finer filtration. For specialist applications, AFM or mixed bed configurations are possible.

Q: How much does this filter weigh when filled?

A: Empty weight is 270kg. Filled with sand and gravel, total weight is approximately 2,785kg. A properly engineered concrete base is essential.

Q: What is the working pressure rating?

A: Standard rating is 2.5 bar (250 kPa). Higher pressure versions (4.0, 6.0, or 8.0 bar) are available on request for specialised applications.

Q: Is professional installation required?

A: Yes. Commercial pool plant should be designed and installed by qualified engineers in accordance with PWTAG guidelines and building regulations. The substantial weight and plumbing requirements demand professional handling.

Q: What warranty is provided?

A: Waterco provides warranty coverage for commercial installations. Contact Parts4Tubs for specific warranty terms applicable to your installation.

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 SMD Technical Datasheet – Complete specifications and dimensions for all SMD models

🏆 Why Choose the Waterco SMD 1400

✅ True Commercial Performance – 1.54m² filter area with 46m³/h flow rate handles substantial commercial pools

✅ Deep Bed Advantage – 1-metre media depth delivers superior filtration and extended filter runs vs standard high-rate filters

✅ Massive Dirt Capacity – 2,515kg media capacity means less frequent backwashing and lower operational costs

✅ Australian Engineering Excellence – Designed by Waterco, a global leader in commercial pool filtration since 1981

✅ Proven Durability – Bobbin wound fibreglass construction tested for decades of commercial service

✅ Flexible Configuration – Tank-only supply allows optimal valve system selection for your facility

✅ Reduced Operating Costs – Extended filter runs decrease water, energy, and chemical consumption

✅ PWTAG Compliant – Deep bed filtration supports compliance with UK pool water treatment guidelines

🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

✅ UK-Based Company – Local support from our Northamptonshire headquarters

✅ Commercial Expertise – We understand the requirements of professional pool installations

✅ Complete System Supply – Valves, pipework, and accessories available alongside filter tanks

✅ Competitive Commercial Pricing – Trade and volume enquiries welcome

✅ Technical Support – Assistance with sizing and specification

✅ Fast UK Delivery – Efficient dispatch for commercial projects

✅ Warranty Support – We handle warranty matters on your behalf

✅ Real People – Buy from Andi’s team, not just the internet

✨ Summary

The Waterco SMD 1400 is a professional-grade deep bed commercial filter delivering superior performance for pools up to 275,000 litres. The 1-metre bed depth with 1.54m² filter area and 2,515kg sand capacity provides enhanced in-depth filtration, exceptional dirt-holding capacity, and extended filter runs that reduce operational costs. Built using proven bobbin wound fibreglass technology with the patented fishtail lateral system, this tank-only filter supports flexible valve configurations for custom commercial installations. The 3″ connections and 46m³/h flow rate meet the demands of hotels, leisure centres, schools, and public pool facilities requiring reliable, high-performance filtration.