💧 Waterco SMD 2000 Commercial Deep Bed Sand Filter – 1 Metre Bed, Tank Only (4″ / 110mm Connections)

Maximum-capacity commercial filtration for Olympic-standard pools, major leisure complexes, and large-scale aquatic facilities

🌊 Product Overview

The Waterco SMD 2000 is the flagship of Waterco’s commercial deep bed filter range, engineered for the most demanding large-scale aquatic facilities. With an impressive 2000mm diameter tank and 3.14m² of filter area, this is a serious piece of commercial pool plant delivering an exceptional 94m³/h flow capacity – sufficient for Olympic-standard competition pools, major leisure complexes, and high-throughput water treatment applications.

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 a massive 5,140kg sand media capacity, the SMD 2000 delivers exceptionally long filter runs between backwash cycles, significantly 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 across the substantial filter bed. The 4″ (110mm) connections support maximum-flow commercial plumbing systems, 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 2000 requires a separate valve system, allowing facility designers to specify the optimal control solution for their specific installation – whether independent valve batteries, automated Besgo systems, or integration with sophisticated Building Management Systems.

✨ Key Features

✅ Industry-Leading 3.14m² Filter Area – The largest single-tank SMD filter, handling pools up to 564,000 litres with optimal turnover

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

✅ Massive 5,140kg Sand Media Capacity – Exceptional dirt-holding volume enables extended filter runs and significantly reduced backwash frequency

✅ 94m³/h Flow Rate – Maximum-capacity throughput for Olympic pools, major leisure centres, and high-demand commercial facilities

✅ 4″ (110mm) Commercial Connections – Large-bore port sizing supports maximum flow rates and reduced pressure losses

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

✅ Fishtail Lateral Configuration – Patented design eliminates dead zones, optimises water distribution across the substantial filter area

✅ Large Manhole Access – Easy media inspection, servicing, and replacement for simplified maintenance on this high-capacity vessel

✅ 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	2000mm (79″)
Filter Area	3.14m²
Bed Depth	1000mm (1 metre)
Sand Media Capacity	5,140kg
Gravel Capacity	771kg (deduct from sand if used)
Glass Media Capacity	4,225kg
Flow Rate	94m³/h @ 30m³/h/m²
Working Pressure	2.5 bar (250 kPa) standard
Maximum Temperature	50°C
Connection Size	110mm / 4″
Connection Type	Imperial standard (metric available on request)
Mount Type	Side Mount
Overall Height (C)	2063mm
Tank Width (B)	2042mm
Dimension E	758mm
Dimension F	420mm
Dimension J	1755mm
Dimension L	245mm
Dimension P	629mm
Dimension S	1190mm
Dimension T	758mm
Dimension V	1765mm
Dimension Y	758mm
Dimension Z	1908mm
Weight (Empty)	500kg
Tank Material	Fibreglass Reinforced Polyester
Included	Tank, pressure gauge, sight glass, inflow diffuser, manual drain
Not Included	Valve system (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: Large 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
🏢 Olympic/50m competition pools	500,000-600,000 L	4-6 hours	✅ Excellent
🏨 Major leisure centre pools	400,000-564,000 L	4-6 hours	✅ Excellent
🏫 University aquatic centres	300,000-500,000 L	4-6 hours	✅ Excellent
🏢 Large municipal pools	350,000-500,000 L	4-6 hours	✅ Excellent
🏢 Water park main pools	300,000-500,000 L	4-6 hours	✅ Excellent
🏢 Industrial water treatment	High volume	Varies	✅ Excellent

This Filter:

📍 Flow Rate: 94m³/h (1,567 L/min) @ 30m³/h/m²
📍 4-Hour Turnover: Up to 376,000 litres
📍 6-Hour Turnover: Up to 564,000 litres
📍 8-Hour Turnover: Up to 752,000 litres

💡 Tip: For pools exceeding 564,000 litres, multiple SMD 2000 units in parallel provide the ultimate filtration solution. For the highest-demand installations, consult Waterco for custom multi-filter configurations.

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🛠️ Installation Requirements

Important: Tank Only Product

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

Valve Option	Connection	Application
4″ Multiport Valve	110mm	Large commercial installations
Independent Valve Battery	110mm	Major facilities, automated systems
Besgo Automatic Valves	110mm	Fully automated filtration control
BMS Integration	Via actuators	Building Management System control

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

Physical Installation

Requirement	Details
Base	Reinforced concrete pad (minimum 300mm thick, structurally engineered for substantial load)
Clearance Above	Minimum 1200mm for manhole access and media servicing
Clearance Around	Minimum 1000mm for valve operation and comprehensive maintenance access
Plant Room	Dedicated commercial plant room with adequate floor loading capacity
Access	Heavy crane required for installation – plan access route carefully
Weight Consideration	500kg empty, approximately 5,640kg when filled with sand
Floor Loading	Structural engineer must verify floor can support ~6 tonnes point load

Plumbing Connections

Requirement	Specification
Inlet Connection	110mm / 4″
Outlet Connection	110mm / 4″
Connection Type	Imperial standard (metric available on request)
Valve Position	Side Mount

Pump Compatibility

Parameter	Specification
Recommended Pump Flow	70 – 94 m³/h
Maximum Flow Rate	94m³/h @ 30m³/h/m² design rate
Commercial Pump Type	Heavy-duty cast iron or bronze, commercial-grade
Multiple Pumps	Duty/standby or parallel operation recommended

💡 Professional Design Essential: Installations of this scale require full mechanical and electrical design by qualified pool plant engineers, with installation by approved commercial contractors in accordance with PWTAG guidelines, HSE regulations, and local building control requirements.

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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 8-12 minutes)
Rinse after backwash	After every backwash	Run for 90-120 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	Professional media analysis recommended
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 2000’s substantial media volume requires significant backwash capacity:

Consideration	Requirement
Backwash Flow Rate	Sufficient to fluidise full 1-metre bed across 3.14m² area
Backwash Duration	Typically 8-12 minutes until sight glass clears
Waste Water Volume	Plan for substantial backwash discharge
Balance Tank	Backwash water recovery systems strongly recommended
Drain Capacity	Ensure adequate drainage infrastructure

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 – Professional media assessment before shutdown
3. Protect Equipment – Maintain plant room above freezing temperatures
4. Service Valves – Lubricate and inspect all valve components
5. Document Condition – Comprehensive records for spring recommissioning

⚠️ 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	5,140kg	Economical, proven performance
Gravel Support Layer	N/A	10+ years	771kg	Required beneath sand in deep beds
Glass Media	5-15 microns	10+ years	4,225kg	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: 5,140kg (with gravel support: 4,369kg sand + 771kg gravel)
• Glass Media: 4,225kg

Deep Bed Media Configuration

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

Standard Sand Installation:

• 771kg gravel support layer (bottom)
• 4,369kg filtration sand (top)

Glass Media Installation:

• Gravel layer typically not required
• 4,225kg glass media throughout

Advanced Treatment Installation:

• Multiple media grades for enhanced performance
• Granular activated carbon layers for DBP precursor removal
• Zeolite for ammonia removal in high-bather-load applications

💡 Commercial Advantage: The deep 1-metre bed with 5,140kg capacity captures particles progressively through the media depth, achieving significantly finer effective filtration than shallow high-rate filters. The substantial volume provides exceptional dirt-holding for the busiest commercial environments.

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💎 Filtration Performance

Metric	Value
Filtration Rating (Sand)	20-40 microns
Filtration Rating (Glass)	5-15 microns
Filter Area	3.14m²
Bed Depth	1000mm
Design Filtration Rate	30 m³/h/m²

Deep Bed Filtration Advantage

The SMD 2000’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
Maximum Dirt Capacity	5,140kg media = exceptional 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 full 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)

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⚙️ Valve Configuration Options

As a tank-only product, the SMD 2000 requires a separate valve system. For filters of this scale, independent valve systems are typically preferred:

Independent Valve Battery (Recommended)

For installations of this scale, independent valve systems offer:

• Individual control of each flow path
• Automated operation with Besgo or similar pneumatic/electric actuators
• Minimal pressure losses compared to multiport valves at high flow rates
• Easier maintenance of individual components
• Full integration with Building Management Systems (BMS)
• Remote monitoring and control capabilities
• Compliance with commercial pool regulations

Valve Functions Required

Function	Purpose	Control
Filter Inlet	Normal filtration supply	Automated/manual
Filter Outlet	Filtered water return	Automated/manual
Backwash Inlet	Reverse flow supply	Automated/manual
Backwash Waste	Dirty water to drain	Automated/manual
Rinse	Post-backwash settle	Automated/manual
Isolation	Maintenance shutdown	Manual

Multiport Valve Option

4″ multiport valves are available but independent valving is typically preferred for filters of this capacity due to:

• Lower pressure losses at high flow rates
• Better control granularity
• Easier integration with automation systems
• Reduced maintenance complexity on large installations

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🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Pool Size	Suitability
🏢 Olympic/50m competition pools	500,000-600,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏨 Major leisure centre complexes	400,000-564,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏫 University aquatic centres	300,000-500,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏢 Large municipal swimming pools	350,000-500,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏢 Water park main attractions	300,000-500,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏢 Training centre pools	250,000-400,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏢 Industrial water treatment	High volume	✅ Excellent
🏢 Multi-pool leisure facilities	Combined volumes	✅ Excellent

Ideal For:

• Olympic-standard and FINA-compliant competition venues
• Major leisure centres with high bather loads
• University and elite training facilities
• Large municipal swimming programmes
• Facilities requiring PWTAG-compliant deep bed filtration
• Installations where maximum filter runs reduce operational costs
• Sites where superior water clarity is essential for competition or safety
• Water treatment applications requiring high-volume processing

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle?

A: The SMD 2000 delivers 94m³/h flow rate, suitable for pools up to approximately 564,000 litres with 6-hour turnover, or 376,000 litres with 4-hour turnover typical of competition and high-use commercial installations.

Q: Is this the largest filter in the SMD range?

A: Yes, the SMD 2000 is the flagship model with the largest filter area (3.14m²), highest media capacity (5,140kg), and maximum flow rate (94m³/h) in the standard SMD range.

Q: Why does this model use 4″ connections instead of 3″?

A: The 4″ (110mm) connections support the higher flow rates required for this filter’s capacity. The SMD 1800 and SMD 2000 both use 4″ connections, while smaller models (SMD 750 through SMD 1600) use 2″ or 3″ connections.

Q: What valve system do I need?

A: For filters of this scale, independent valve batteries with automated actuators are typically recommended over multiport valves. This provides better flow characteristics, easier automation integration, and simpler maintenance. Contact Parts4Tubs for system recommendations.

Q: How often do I need to backwash?

A: Backwash when pressure rises 50 kPa (0.5 bar) above clean baseline. The substantial 5,140kg media capacity enables significantly extended runs between backwashes – the frequency will depend on bather load and water quality.

Q: What filter media should I use?

A: Standard installations use silica sand (5,140kg) with gravel support layer (771kg). Glass media (4,225kg) provides finer filtration and longer lifespan. For premium water quality, AFM or mixed bed configurations achieve exceptional results.

Q: How much does this filter weigh when filled?

A: Empty weight is 500kg. Filled with sand and gravel, total weight is approximately 5,640kg (over 5.5 tonnes). Structural engineering assessment and heavy lifting equipment are absolutely 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: Can multiple SMD 2000 filters be used together?

A: Yes. For the largest facilities, multiple SMD 2000 units can operate in parallel to provide combined filtration capacity exceeding 180m³/h. This also provides redundancy for maintenance.

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 2000

✅ Maximum Single-Tank Capacity – 3.14m² filter area with 94m³/h flow rate handles Olympic pools and major leisure facilities

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

✅ Exceptional Dirt-Holding – 5,140kg sand capacity means extended filter runs and lower operational costs

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

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

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

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

✅ PWTAG Compliance Support – Deep bed filtration helps meet UK commercial pool water treatment guidelines

✅ 4″ High-Flow Connections – Large-bore ports minimise pressure losses at maximum flow rates

🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

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

✅ Commercial Expertise – We understand the requirements of major 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 for large projects

✅ UK Delivery – Delivery arrangements for heavy commercial equipment

✅ Warranty Support – We handle warranty matters on your behalf

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

🌟 Summary

The Waterco SMD 2000 is the flagship commercial deep bed filter, delivering maximum performance for pools up to 564,000 litres. With an industry-leading 3.14m² filter area, 1-metre bed depth, and massive 5,140kg sand capacity, this filter provides the flow rate (94m³/h), dirt-holding capacity, and filtration efficiency demanded by Olympic-standard venues, major leisure complexes, and large municipal facilities. Built using proven bobbin wound fibreglass technology with patented fishtail laterals, this tank-only filter supports sophisticated valve configurations for fully automated commercial installations. The 4″ connections ensure maximum flow with minimal pressure loss, making the SMD 2000 the ultimate choice for facilities requiring PWTAG-compliant deep bed filtration at the highest capacity.