🌊 Waterco SMD 1600 Commercial Deep Bed Sand Filter – 1 Metre Bed, Tank Only (3″ / 90mm Connections)

High-capacity commercial filtration for leisure centres, competition pools, and large-scale aquatic facilities

🏊 Product Overview

The Waterco SMD 1600 is a high-capacity commercial filter engineered for the most demanding aquatic facilities. With an impressive 1600mm diameter tank and 2.01m² of filter area, this deep bed filter delivers 60m³/h flow capacity – sufficient for competition swimming pools, busy leisure centres, and water treatment applications requiring substantial throughput.

The full 1-metre media bed depth sets this filter apart from standard high-rate designs, providing enhanced in-depth filtration that captures finer particles while dramatically increasing dirt-holding capacity. With 3,170kg sand media capacity, the SMD 1600 delivers exceptionally long filter runs between backwash cycles, reducing operational costs and water consumption in high-volume facilities.

Built using Waterco’s precision bobbin winding technology, this Australian-designed fibreglass vessel features the patented fishtail lateral configuration that eliminates dead zones and optimises hydraulic performance. The 3″ (90mm) connections support high-flow commercial plumbing, while the side mount configuration provides excellent accessibility for maintenance through the large manhole access.

Supplied as tank only with integrated pressure gauge and sight glass, the SMD 1600 requires a separate valve system, allowing facility designers to specify the optimal control solution – whether multiport valve, independent valve battery, or fully automated Besgo system.

🌟 Key Features

✅ Massive 2.01m² Filter Area – One of the largest single-tank commercial filters, handling pools up to 360,000 litres with ease

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

✅ 3,170kg Sand Media Capacity – Exceptional dirt-holding volume enables extended filter runs and reduced backwash frequency

✅ 60m³/h Flow Rate – High-capacity throughput for competition pools, leisure centres, and busy commercial facilities

✅ Bobbin Wound Fibreglass Construction – Seamless one-piece vessel with superior structural integrity for decades of commercial service

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

✅ 3″ (90mm) Commercial Connections – High-flow port sizing matches commercial plumbing infrastructure

✅ Large Manhole Access – Easy media inspection, servicing, and replacement for simplified maintenance

✅ UV & Corrosion Resistant – Non-metallic construction engineered for longevity in chemically-treated pool environments

✅ Pressure Gauge & Sight Glass Included – Essential monitoring equipment supplied as standard

🔩 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Filter Type	Deep Bed Sand Filter (Side Mount)
Tank Diameter	1600mm (63″)
Filter Area	2.01m²
Bed Depth	1000mm (1 metre)
Sand Media Capacity	3,170kg
Gravel Capacity	476kg (deduct from sand if used)
Glass Media Capacity	2,605kg
Flow Rate	60m³/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)	1994mm
Tank Width (B)	1644mm
Dimension E	1151mm
Dimension F	1261mm
Dimension J	1202mm
Dimension L	218mm
Dimension P	548mm
Dimension S	1151mm
Dimension T	795mm
Dimension V	1615mm
Dimension Y	1533mm
Dimension Z	1839mm
Weight (Empty)	330kg
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: Public and competition pools typically require 4-6 hour turnover rates depending on bather load and regulatory requirements. PWTAG guidelines should be followed for UK commercial installations.

Formula:

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

Pool Size Compatibility

Facility Type	Volume Range	Turnover	Suitability
🏢 Competition pools (25m)	300,000-400,000 L	4-6 hours	✅ Excellent
🏨 Large leisure centre pools	250,000-360,000 L	4-6 hours	✅ Excellent
🏫 University swimming facilities	200,000-350,000 L	4-6 hours	✅ Excellent
🏢 Municipal swimming pools	250,000-360,000 L	4-6 hours	✅ Excellent
🏨 Large hotel pool complexes	150,000-300,000 L	6 hours	✅ Excellent
🏢 Water treatment applications	Varies	Varies	✅ Very Good

This Filter:

📍 Flow Rate: 60m³/h (1,000 L/min) @ 30m³/h/m²
📍 4-Hour Turnover: Up to 240,000 litres
📍 6-Hour Turnover: Up to 360,000 litres
📍 8-Hour Turnover: Up to 480,000 litres

💡 Tip: For pools exceeding 360,000 litres or requiring even higher flow rates, consider multiple SMD 1600 units in parallel, the SMD 1800 (76m³/h), or SMD 2000 (94m³/h) 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 250mm thick, structurally engineered for load)
Clearance Above	Minimum 1000mm for manhole access and media servicing
Clearance Around	Minimum 800mm for valve operation and maintenance
Plant Room	Indoor installation in dedicated plant room required
Access	Crane or heavy lifting equipment required for installation
Weight Consideration	330kg empty, approximately 3,500kg 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	45 – 60 m³/h
Maximum Flow Rate	60m³/h @ 30m³/h/m² design rate
Commercial Pump Type	Cast iron or bronze construction, commercial-grade

💡 Professional Design Required: Commercial pool plant systems should be designed by qualified pool plant engineers and installed by approved contractors in accordance with PWTAG guidelines and local building regulations.

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🧹 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

Backwash Water Requirements

The SMD 1600’s substantial media volume requires adequate backwash capacity:

Consideration	Requirement
Backwash Flow Rate	Sufficient to fluidise 1-metre bed
Backwash Duration	Typically 5-10 minutes until sight glass clears
Waste Water	Ensure adequate drain capacity for backwash volume
Balance Tank	Consider backwash water recovery where applicable

Commercial Winterisation (UK Climate)

For seasonal facilities that close during winter months:

1. Drain Completely – Open all drain ports and remove plugs
2. Inspect Media – Assess condition before shutdown
3. Protect Equipment – Ensure plant room maintains above-freezing temperatures
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 must maintain plant room temperatures above freezing or fully drain all systems.

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🪨 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	3,170kg	Economical, proven performance
Gravel Support Layer	N/A	10+ years	476kg	Required beneath sand in deep beds
Glass Media	5-15 microns	10+ years	2,605kg	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: 3,170kg (with gravel support: 2,694kg sand + 476kg gravel)
• Glass Media: 2,605kg

Deep Bed Media Configuration

The 1-metre bed depth enables sophisticated multi-layer media configurations:

Standard Sand Installation:

• 476kg gravel support layer (bottom)
• 2,694kg filtration sand (top)

Glass Media Installation:

• Gravel layer typically not required
• 2,605kg glass media throughout

Mixed Bed Installation:

• Multiple media grades for enhanced performance
• Granular activated carbon layers for specific treatment
• Zeolite for ammonia removal in hydrotherapy applications

💡 Commercial Advantage: The deep 1-metre bed captures particles progressively through the media depth, achieving significantly finer effective filtration than shallow high-rate filters. The substantial 3,170kg capacity provides exceptional dirt-holding for busy commercial environments.

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💎 Filtration Performance

Metric	Value
Filtration Rating (Sand)	20-40 microns
Filtration Rating (Glass)	5-15 microns
Filter Area	2.01m²
Bed Depth	1000mm
Design Filtration Rate	30 m³/h/m²

Deep Bed Filtration Advantage

The SMD 1600’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	3,170kg media = substantial 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, energy, and chemical costs
Treatment Media Compatible	Sufficient depth for GAC, zeolite, or mixed bed configurations
PWTAG Compliance	Deep bed filtration supports regulatory compliance

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 1600 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, 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
• Full integration with Building Management Systems (BMS)
• Remote monitoring and control capabilities

⚠️ 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
🏢 Competition pools (25m)	300,000-400,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏨 Large leisure centre pools	250,000-360,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏫 University swimming facilities	200,000-350,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏢 Municipal swimming pools	250,000-360,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏨 Large hotel pool complexes	150,000-300,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏢 Teaching pools	100,000-200,000 L	✅ Excellent (oversized for quality)
🏢 Water park attractions	Up to 300,000 L	✅ Very Good
🏢 Industrial water treatment	Varies	✅ Very Good

Ideal For:

• Competition and training pools requiring FINA-compliant water quality
• Busy leisure centres with high bather loads
• Municipal facilities where operational efficiency is critical
• University and school swimming programmes
• Facilities requiring PWTAG-compliant deep bed filtration
• Installations where extended filter runs reduce operational costs
• Sites where superior water clarity is a priority

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle?

A: The SMD 1600 delivers 60m³/h flow rate, suitable for pools up to approximately 360,000 litres with 6-hour turnover, or 240,000 litres with 4-hour turnover typical of busy commercial installations.

Q: How does the SMD 1600 compare to the SMD 1400?

A: The SMD 1600 offers 31% more filter area (2.01m² vs 1.54m²), 26% higher media capacity (3,170kg vs 2,515kg), and 30% higher flow rate (60m³/h vs 46m³/h). Both use 3″ connections and 1-metre bed depth.

Q: Why is this sold as tank only?

A: Commercial installations typically require customised valve configurations. Selling tank-only allows facility designers to specify multiport valves, independent valve batteries, or automated Besgo systems as appropriate for each installation.

Q: What valve do I need?

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

Q: How often do I need to backwash?

A: Backwash when pressure rises 50 kPa (0.5 bar) above clean baseline. The substantial 3,170kg media capacity enables significantly longer runs between backwashes than smaller filters – often 1-2 weeks depending on bather load.

Q: What filter media should I use?

A: Standard installations use silica sand (3,170kg) with gravel support layer (476kg). Glass media (2,605kg) provides finer filtration. For specialist applications, AFM or mixed bed configurations achieve even higher water quality.

Q: How much does this filter weigh when filled?

A: Empty weight is 330kg. Filled with sand and gravel, total weight is approximately 3,500kg. Structural engineering and heavy lifting equipment are essential for installation.

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 there a larger model available?

A: Yes. The SMD 1800 offers 76m³/h and the SMD 2000 provides 94m³/h, both with 4″ (110mm) connections for the largest commercial installations.

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 1600

✅ Exceptional Capacity – 2.01m² filter area with 60m³/h flow rate handles competition pools and busy leisure centres

✅ Deep Bed Performance – 1-metre media depth delivers superior filtration vs standard high-rate filters

✅ Massive Dirt-Holding – 3,170kg sand capacity means extended filter runs and lower operational costs

✅ Australian Engineering Excellence – Designed by Waterco, trusted globally for commercial pool filtration since 1981

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

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

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

✅ PWTAG Compliance Support – Deep bed filtration helps meet UK commercial 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 1600 is a high-capacity commercial deep bed filter delivering exceptional performance for pools up to 360,000 litres. With 2.01m² filter area, 1-metre bed depth, and 3,170kg sand capacity, this tank provides the flow rate (60m³/h), dirt-holding capacity, and filtration efficiency demanded by competition pools, leisure centres, and municipal facilities. Built using proven bobbin wound fibreglass technology with patented fishtail laterals, this tank-only filter supports flexible valve configurations for optimised commercial installations. The 3″ connections and substantial throughput make it ideal for facilities requiring PWTAG-compliant deep bed filtration with reduced operational costs.