🌊 Waterco SMD 900 Commercial Deep Bed Sand Filter – 1 Metre Bed, Tank Only (3″ / 90mm Connections)

Professional-grade commercial filtration for hotels, leisure centres, and medium-sized public pools

💧 Product Overview

The Waterco SMD 900 represents the sweet spot in Waterco’s commercial deep bed filter range, delivering substantial filtration capacity with the first step up to 3″ connections for enhanced flow performance. With a 900mm diameter tank, 0.64m² filter area, and impressive 1,060kg sand media capacity, this filter handles pools up to 114,000 litres with optimal commercial turnover rates.

The full 1-metre media bed depth distinguishes the SMD range from standard high-rate filters, providing enhanced in-depth filtration that captures finer particles while dramatically increasing dirt-holding capacity. This translates to superior water clarity, extended filter runs, and reduced operational costs through less frequent backwashing.

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 entire filter bed. The 3″ (90mm) connections support higher flow rates than the entry-level SMD 750, making this filter suitable for busier commercial environments.

Supplied as tank only with integrated pressure gauge and sight glass, the SMD 900 requires a separate valve system, allowing facility designers to specify the optimal control solution – whether multiport valves or independent valve batteries for automated installations.

🌟 Key Features

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

✅ 0.64m² Filter Area – Substantial commercial filtration capability in a manageable 900mm diameter package

✅ 1,060kg Sand Media Capacity – Over one tonne of media provides exceptional dirt-holding and extended filter runs

✅ 19m³/h Flow Rate – Handles medium commercial pools with professional-grade throughput

✅ 3″ (90mm) Commercial Connections – Enhanced flow capacity over 2″ systems for busier 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 and optimises water distribution across the filter bed

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

✅ 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	900mm (36″)
Filter Area	0.64m²
Bed Depth	1000mm (1 metre)
Sand Media Capacity	1,060kg
Gravel Capacity	159kg (deduct from sand if used)
Glass Media Capacity	1,016kg
Flow Rate	19m³/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)	1980mm
Tank Width (B)	1300mm
Dimension E	656mm
Dimension F	350mm
Dimension J	1530mm
Dimension L	195mm
Dimension P	575mm
Dimension S	1030mm
Dimension T	700mm
Dimension V	1680mm
Dimension Y	700mm
Dimension Z	1830mm
Weight (Empty)	155kg
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 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
🏨 Hotel pools	60,000-114,000 L	6 hours	✅ Excellent
🏋️ Leisure centre pools	50,000-90,000 L	4-6 hours	✅ Excellent
🏫 School pools	50,000-100,000 L	4-6 hours	✅ Excellent
🏢 Corporate wellness pools	40,000-80,000 L	4-6 hours	✅ Excellent
🧖 Large commercial spas	30,000-60,000 L	4 hours	✅ Excellent
🏘️ Holiday park pools	60,000-114,000 L	6 hours	✅ Excellent

This Filter:

📍 Flow Rate: 19m³/h (317 L/min) @ 30m³/h/m²
📍 4-Hour Turnover: Up to 76,000 litres
📍 6-Hour Turnover: Up to 114,000 litres
📍 8-Hour Turnover: Up to 152,000 litres

💡 Tip: For pools exceeding 114,000 litres or requiring higher flow rates, consider the SMD 1050 (26m³/h), SMD 1200 (34m³/h), or SMD 1400 (46m³/h).

🔌 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	Automated systems, larger facilities
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)
Clearance Above	Minimum 800mm for manhole access and media servicing
Clearance Around	Minimum 600mm for valve operation and maintenance
Plant Room	Indoor installation recommended, adequate ventilation required
Access	Mechanical handling recommended due to 155kg empty weight
Weight Consideration	155kg empty, approximately 1,215kg when filled with sand
Floor Loading	Ensure plant room floor can support ~1.3 tonnes point load

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	15 – 19 m³/h
Maximum Flow Rate	19m³/h @ 30m³/h/m² design rate
Commercial Pump Type	Cast iron or bronze construction recommended

💡 Professional Installation Essential: Commercial filter installations should be designed by qualified pool plant engineers and installed by approved contractors in accordance with PWTAG guidelines.

🧹 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 5-7 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	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 – 1.1 bar	✅ Clean filter (typical baseline)	Normal operation
1.1 – 1.4 bar	⚠️ Monitor	Schedule backwash
1.4 – 1.6 bar	🔴 Backwash needed	Backwash immediately
Above 1.6 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 – Professional media assessment before shutdown
3. Protect Equipment – Ensure plant room is maintained above freezing
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.

🪨 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	1,060kg	Economical, proven performance
Gravel Support Layer	N/A	10+ years	159kg	Required beneath sand in deep beds
Glass Media	5-15 microns	10+ years	1,016kg	Finer filtration, lower backwash
AFM (Activated Filter Media)	1-5 microns	10+ years	See manufacturer	Superior clarity, bio-resistant

Media Capacity

• Sand Media: 1,060kg (with gravel support: 901kg sand + 159kg gravel)
• Glass Media: 1,016kg

Deep Bed Media Configuration

The 1-metre bed depth enables professional media configurations:

Standard Sand Installation:

• 159kg gravel support layer (bottom)
• 901kg filtration sand (top)

Glass Media Installation:

• Gravel layer typically not required
• 1,016kg glass media throughout

Advanced Treatment Options:

• Multi-grade sand configurations
• AFM for enhanced biological resistance
• Zeolite for ammonia control in high-bather-load pools

💡 Commercial Advantage: The deep 1-metre bed with over 1 tonne of media 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 busy commercial environments.

🔬 Filtration Performance

Metric	Value
Filtration Rating (Sand)	20-40 microns
Filtration Rating (Glass)	5-15 microns
Filter Area	0.64m²
Bed Depth	1000mm
Design Filtration Rate	30 m³/h/m²

SMD 900 vs SM900 (Residential) Comparison

Feature	SM900 (Residential)	SMD 900 (Commercial)
Tank Diameter	900mm	900mm
Filter Area	0.64m²	0.64m²
Bed Depth	400mm	1000mm
Sand Capacity	440kg	1,060kg
Flow Rate	19.2-32 m³/h	19m³/h
Valve Included	Yes (2″ multiport)	No (tank only)
Valve Size	2″ / 63mm	3″ / 90mm
Working Pressure	2.5 bar	2.5 bar
Price	£1,431.55	£3,484.73

Key Differences: The SMD 900 has 2.5× the bed depth, 2.4× the media capacity, and larger 3″ connections compared to the residential SM900 – delivering substantially enhanced commercial filtration performance.

⚙️ Valve Configuration Options

As a tank-only product, the SMD 900 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 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 (Recommended for Larger Installations)

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 (BMS)
• Easier maintenance of individual components
• Better flow characteristics at higher flow rates

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

🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Pool Size	Suitability
🏨 Hotel swimming pools	60,000-114,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏋️ Leisure centre pools	50,000-90,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏫 School & college pools	50,000-100,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏢 Corporate wellness facilities	40,000-80,000 L	✅ Excellent
🧖 Large commercial spa pools	30,000-60,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏘️ Holiday park pools	60,000-114,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏥 Hydrotherapy pools	40,000-80,000 L	✅ Excellent

Ideal For:

• Mid-sized hotel and resort swimming pools
• Leisure centres with moderate bather loads
• School and educational establishment pools
• Corporate wellness and fitness facilities
• Holiday parks and caravan sites
• Hydrotherapy and rehabilitation pools
• Facilities upgrading from high-rate to deep bed filtration

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle?

A: The SMD 900 delivers 19m³/h flow rate, suitable for pools up to approximately 114,000 litres with 6-hour turnover, or 76,000 litres with 4-hour turnover typical of busier commercial installations.

Q: How does the SMD 900 compare to the residential SM900?

A: Both have 900mm diameter tanks, but the SMD 900 has a 1-metre bed depth (vs 400mm), 1,060kg sand capacity (vs 440kg), and 3″ connections (vs 2″). The commercial version provides substantially enhanced filtration and dirt-holding for demanding environments.

Q: Why choose SMD 900 over SMD 750?

A: The SMD 900 offers 46% more filter area (0.64m² vs 0.44m²), 58% more media capacity (1,060kg vs 670kg), 46% higher flow rate (19m³/h vs 13m³/h), and larger 3″ connections for better flow characteristics in busier commercial applications.

Q: What valve do I need?

A: A 3″ (90mm) multiport valve is suitable for most installations. For automated systems or larger facilities, 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 1,060kg media bed provides substantially longer runs between backwashes than standard filters.

Q: What filter media should I use?

A: Standard installations use silica sand (1,060kg) with gravel support layer (159kg). Glass media (1,016kg) provides finer filtration and longer lifespan. AFM is recommended for facilities requiring superior water quality.

Q: How much does this filter weigh when filled?

A: Empty weight is 155kg. Filled with sand and gravel, total weight is approximately 1,215kg (over 1.2 tonnes). Mechanical handling and adequate floor loading are 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) available on request for specialised applications.

Q: Can this filter be used for residential pools?

A: Yes. The SMD 900 is an excellent choice for large residential pools where owners want commercial-grade deep bed filtration benefits – 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 applicable to your installation.

📥 Downloads & Resources

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

🏆 Why Choose the Waterco SMD 900

✅ Substantial Commercial Capacity – 0.64m² filter area with 19m³/h flow rate handles busy hotel and leisure centre pools

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

✅ Over One Tonne Media Capacity – 1,060kg sand provides exceptional dirt-holding and extended filter runs

✅ 3″ Commercial Connections – Enhanced flow capacity for professional plumbing systems

✅ 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

✅ Excellent Price-Performance – Professional commercial filtration at competitive pricing

🤝 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

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

✅ Commercial Expertise – We understand the requirements of hotel, leisure, and public 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 commercial projects

✅ UK Delivery – Delivery arrangements for 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 900 delivers professional commercial filtration for pools up to 114,000 litres, making it ideal for hotels, leisure centres, schools, and corporate wellness facilities. With 0.64m² filter area, 1-metre bed depth, and over one tonne (1,060kg) of sand capacity, this filter provides the dirt-holding capacity and flow rate (19m³/h) demanded by busy commercial environments. The 3″ connections support enhanced flow characteristics, while the bobbin wound fibreglass construction with patented fishtail laterals ensures decades of reliable service. Supplied as tank only, the SMD 900 allows facility designers to specify the optimal valve configuration for their installation – from standard multiport valves to fully automated independent valve systems.