🏊 Waterco SMD 750 Commercial Deep Bed Sand Filter – 1 Metre Bed, Tank Only (2″ / 63mm Connections)

Entry-level commercial deep bed filtration for boutique hotels, fitness centres, and light commercial applications

📋 Product Overview

The Waterco SMD 750 is the entry point to Waterco’s commercial deep bed filter range, offering professional-grade filtration in a compact format ideal for smaller commercial installations. While sharing the same 750mm diameter as the residential SM750, the SMD variant features a full 1-metre media bed depth that delivers significantly enhanced filtration performance and dirt-holding capacity.

With 0.44m² filter area and 670kg sand media capacity, the SMD 750 provides 13m³/h flow rate – suitable for pools up to 78,000 litres with optimal turnover. The deep bed design captures particles progressively through the media depth, achieving finer effective filtration than standard high-rate filters while extending intervals between backwash cycles.

Built using Waterco’s precision bobbin winding technology, this Australian-designed fibreglass vessel features the patented fishtail lateral configuration for optimised hydraulic performance. The 2″ (63mm) connections provide compatibility with standard commercial plumbing, while the side mount configuration allows easy access for maintenance through the manhole.

Supplied as tank only with integrated pressure gauge and sight glass, the SMD 750 requires a separate valve system, allowing facility managers to specify the optimal control solution for their installation requirements.

⭐ Key Features

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

✅ 0.44m² Filter Area – Compact commercial footprint with professional-grade filtration performance

✅ 670kg Sand Media Capacity – Extended filter runs between backwash cycles reduce water and operational costs

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

✅ Fishtail Lateral Configuration – Patented design eliminates dead zones and optimises water distribution across the filter bed

✅ 2″ (63mm) Commercial Connections – Standard commercial port sizing for easy integration with existing plumbing systems

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

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

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

✅ Compact Commercial Footprint – Ideal for plant rooms with space constraints

⚙️ Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Filter Type	Deep Bed Sand Filter (Side Mount)
Tank Diameter	750mm (30″)
Filter Area	0.44m²
Bed Depth	1000mm (1 metre)
Sand Media Capacity	670kg
Gravel Capacity	100kg (deduct from sand if used)
Glass Media Capacity	570kg
Flow Rate	13m³/h @ 30m³/h/m²
Working Pressure	2.5 bar (250 kPa) standard
Maximum Temperature	50°C
Connection Size	63mm / 2″
Connection Type	Imperial standard (metric available on request)
Mount Type	Side Mount
Overall Height (C)	1930mm
Tank Width (B)	1110mm
Dimension E	1100mm
Dimension F	1210mm
Dimension J	1405mm
Dimension L	176mm
Dimension P	548mm
Dimension S	1100mm
Dimension T	746mm
Dimension V	1605mm
Dimension Y	1482mm
Dimension Z	1775mm
Weight (Empty)	58kg
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. Light commercial applications generally require 4-6 hour turnover depending on bather load.

Formula:

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

Pool Size Compatibility

Facility Type	Volume Range	Turnover	Suitability
🏨 Boutique hotel pools	40,000-78,000 L	6 hours	✅ Excellent
🏋️ Fitness centre pools	30,000-60,000 L	4-6 hours	✅ Excellent
🏠 Large residential (deep bed upgrade)	50,000-78,000 L	6-8 hours	✅ Excellent
🧖 Commercial spa/wellness	20,000-50,000 L	4 hours	✅ Excellent
🏫 Small school pools	40,000-70,000 L	4-6 hours	✅ Very Good
🏢 Holiday cottage complexes	40,000-78,000 L	6 hours	✅ Excellent

This Filter:

📍 Flow Rate: 13m³/h (217 L/min) @ 30m³/h/m²
📍 4-Hour Turnover: Up to 52,000 litres
📍 6-Hour Turnover: Up to 78,000 litres
📍 8-Hour Turnover: Up to 104,000 litres

💡 Tip: For pools exceeding 78,000 litres or requiring higher flow rates, consider the SMD 900 (19m³/h) or SMD 1050 (26m³/h) with 3″ connections.

---

🔧 Installation Requirements

Important: Tank Only Product

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

Valve Option	Connection	Application
2″ Multiport Valve	63mm	Standard installations
Independent Valve Battery	63mm	Automated systems
Besgo Automatic Valves	63mm	Fully automated control

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

Physical Installation

Requirement	Details
Base	Reinforced concrete pad (minimum 150mm thick)
Clearance Above	Minimum 600mm for manhole access and media servicing
Clearance Around	Minimum 500mm for valve operation and maintenance
Plant Room	Indoor installation recommended
Access	Standard handling equipment suitable due to 58kg empty weight
Weight Consideration	58kg empty, approximately 728kg when filled with sand

Plumbing Connections

Requirement	Specification
Inlet Connection	63mm / 2″
Outlet Connection	63mm / 2″
Connection Type	Imperial standard (metric available on request)
Valve Position	Side Mount

Pump Compatibility

Parameter	Specification
Recommended Pump Flow	10 – 13 m³/h
Maximum Flow Rate	13m³/h @ 30m³/h/m² design rate
Commercial Pump Type	Cast iron or composite construction

💡 Professional Installation Recommended: While more manageable than larger SMD models, commercial filter installations should be designed and installed by qualified pool plant engineers.

---

🔄 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 3-5 minutes)
Rinse after backwash	After every backwash	Run for 45-60 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
0.7 – 1.0 bar	✅ Clean filter (typical baseline)	Normal operation
1.0 – 1.3 bar	⚠️ Monitor	Schedule backwash
1.3 – 1.5 bar	🔴 Backwash needed	Backwash immediately
Above 1.5 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 for spring comparison

⚠️ Warning: Frost damage is not covered under warranty. Facilities must maintain above-freezing temperatures 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	670kg	Economical, proven performance
Gravel Support Layer	N/A	10+ years	100kg	Required beneath sand in deep beds
Glass Media	5-15 microns	10+ years	570kg	Finer filtration, lower backwash
AFM (Activated Filter Media)	1-5 microns	10+ years	See manufacturer	Superior clarity, bio-resistant

Media Capacity

• Sand Media: 670kg (with gravel support: 570kg sand + 100kg gravel)
• Glass Media: 570kg

Deep Bed Media Configuration

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

Standard Sand Installation:

• 100kg gravel support layer (bottom)
• 570kg filtration sand (top)

Glass Media Installation:

• Gravel layer typically not required
• 570kg glass media throughout

💡 Deep Bed Advantage: The 1-metre bed depth (vs 300-400mm in residential filters) captures particles progressively through the media, achieving finer effective filtration and significantly increased dirt capacity.

---

💎 Filtration Performance

Metric	Value
Filtration Rating (Sand)	20-40 microns
Filtration Rating (Glass)	5-15 microns
Filter Area	0.44m²
Bed Depth	1000mm
Design Filtration Rate	30 m³/h/m²

SMD 750 vs SM750 (Residential) Comparison

Feature	SM750 (Residential)	SMD 750 (Commercial)
Tank Diameter	750mm	750mm
Filter Area	0.44m²	0.44m²
Bed Depth	400mm	1000mm
Sand Capacity	285kg	670kg
Flow Rate	13.2-22 m³/h	13m³/h
Valve Included	Yes (2″ multiport)	No (tank only)
Valve Size	2″ / 63mm	2″ / 63mm
Working Pressure	2.5 bar	2.5 bar
Price	£1,089.67	£1,452.67

Key Difference: The SMD 750 has 2.5× the bed depth and 2.35× the media capacity of the residential SM750, providing significantly enhanced filtration and dirt-holding despite the same tank diameter.

---

⚙️ Valve Configuration Options

As a tank-only product, the SMD 750 requires a separate valve system:

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 45-60 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 automated installations, independent valve systems offer:

• Individual control of each flow path
• Automated operation with Besgo or similar actuators
• Integration with Building Management Systems
• Easier maintenance of individual components

⚠️ Important: Always stop the pump before changing valve positions on multiport valves.

---

🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Pool Size	Suitability
🏨 Boutique hotel pools	40,000-78,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏋️ Fitness centre pools	30,000-60,000 L	✅ Excellent
🧖 Commercial spa/wellness	20,000-50,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏫 Small school pools	40,000-70,000 L	✅ Very Good
🏢 Holiday let complexes	40,000-78,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏠 Large residential (upgrade)	50,000-78,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏢 Small therapy pools	20,000-40,000 L	✅ Excellent

Ideal For:

• Boutique hotels and guest houses requiring commercial-grade filtration
• Fitness centres with pool facilities
• Commercial spa and wellness installations
• Holiday let properties with higher-than-domestic usage
• Residential pool owners seeking deep bed filtration benefits
• Hydrotherapy and rehabilitation pools
• Small school or club swimming facilities

---

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle?

A: The SMD 750 delivers 13m³/h flow rate, suitable for pools up to approximately 78,000 litres with 6-hour turnover, or 52,000 litres with 4-hour turnover typical of light commercial installations.

Q: How does the SMD 750 differ from the residential SM750?

A: Both have 750mm diameter tanks, but the SMD 750 has a 1-metre bed depth (vs 400mm) and 670kg sand capacity (vs 285kg). The deeper bed provides enhanced filtration and significantly longer filter runs. The SMD is supplied as tank only, requiring separate valve purchase.

Q: Why is this sold as tank only?

A: Commercial installations often require customised valve configurations. Selling tank-only allows facility designers to specify multiport valves or independent valve batteries as appropriate.

Q: What valve do I need?

A: A 2″ (63mm) multiport valve is suitable for most installations. For automated systems, consider independent valve batteries with Besgo actuators.

Q: How often do I need to backwash?

A: Backwash when pressure rises 50 kPa (0.5 bar) above clean baseline. The deep 670kg media bed provides longer runs between backwashes than standard filters.

Q: What filter media should I use?

A: Standard installations use silica sand (670kg) with gravel support layer (100kg). Glass media (570kg) provides finer filtration and longer lifespan.

Q: How much does this filter weigh when filled?

A: Empty weight is 58kg. Filled with sand and gravel, total weight is approximately 728kg.

Q: What is the working pressure rating?

A: Standard rating is 2.5 bar (250 kPa). Higher pressure versions available on request.

Q: Is this suitable for residential use?

A: Yes. The SMD 750 can be an excellent upgrade for residential pools where owners want the benefits of commercial deep bed filtration – superior water clarity and extended filter runs.

Q: What warranty is provided?

A: Waterco provides warranty coverage for commercial installations. Contact Parts4Tubs for specific warranty terms.

📥 Downloads & Resources

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

🏆 Why Choose the Waterco SMD 750

✅ Commercial Deep Bed Performance – 1-metre bed depth delivers enhanced filtration vs standard high-rate filters

✅ Compact Commercial Footprint – Professional-grade filtration in a manageable 750mm diameter package

✅ Extended Filter Runs – 670kg media capacity means longer intervals between backwashes

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

✅ Proven Durability – Bobbin wound fibreglass construction for years of reliable commercial service

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

✅ Cost-Effective Entry Point – Professional deep bed filtration at accessible pricing

✅ Upgrade Path Available – Same 2″ connections as larger SMD models for future expansion

🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

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

✅ Commercial Expertise – We understand light commercial pool requirements

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

✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value on quality commercial equipment

✅ Technical Support – Assistance with sizing and specification

✅ Fast UK Delivery – Efficient dispatch for your project

✅ Warranty Support – We handle warranty matters on your behalf

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

✨ Summary

The Waterco SMD 750 is the entry point to commercial deep bed filtration, delivering professional-grade performance for pools up to 78,000 litres. Despite its compact 750mm diameter, the 1-metre bed depth and 670kg sand capacity provide significantly enhanced filtration and extended filter runs compared to standard high-rate filters. Built using proven bobbin wound fibreglass technology with patented fishtail laterals, this tank-only filter is ideal for boutique hotels, fitness centres, commercial spas, and residential pool owners seeking the superior water clarity that deep bed filtration provides. The 2″ connections offer compatibility with standard commercial plumbing while providing an upgrade path to larger SMD models.