💧 Lacron Finaflow ZZ3260NS 30″ Complete Sand Filter with Valve & Gauge

Professional deep bed filtration for larger pools, ready to install

🌊 Product Overview

The Lacron Finaflow ZZ3260NS is the complete 30″ (760mm) deep bed sand filter system, delivered ready for installation with factory-matched 6-way multiport valve and pressure gauge. This turnkey package combines the proven Finaflow tank with all necessary valve components, eliminating specification complexity and ensuring guaranteed component compatibility for professional-grade results.

Delivering a robust 20.0m³/h flow rate through 2″ connections, the ZZ3260NS provides 48% more filtration capacity than its 24″ sibling whilst maintaining the signature deep bed technology that sets Finaflow apart. The minimum 1-metre media depth ensures extended water contact time, capturing finer particles and colloidal substances that pass straight through conventional shallow-bed filters – the result is noticeably clearer water with reduced chemical demand.

The complete package includes the commercial-grade GRP tank with side hatch for rapid media changes, sight glass for visual bed inspection, and connecting unions for straightforward installation. Ideal for larger residential pools, holiday let properties, and light commercial applications operating with warmer water and higher bather loads. With Lacron’s 35+ year industry track record and Waterco Group backing, the ZZ3260NS represents the professional choice for pools up to 160,000 litres demanding superior water clarity without the hassle of sourcing separate components.

⭐ Key Features

✅ Complete Ready-to-Install Package – Tank, 6-way multiport valve, pressure gauge, and unions all included

✅ 20.0m³/h Flow Rate – Suitable for pools up to 160,000 litres with 8-hour turnover

✅ Deep Media Bed Technology – Minimum 1-metre filtration bed depth for superior particle capture

✅ 2″ (63mm) Connections – Larger bore pipework for reduced friction loss on bigger installations

✅ Glass Reinforced Polyester Construction – Extremely hard-wearing GRP tank with smooth high-gloss finish

✅ 6-Way Multiport Valve Included – Filter, backwash, rinse, waste, recirculate, and closed positions

✅ Integrated Pressure Gauge – Monitor filter condition for optimal backwash timing

✅ Side Hatch for Media Access – Rapid media removal for efficient maintenance and changes

✅ Media Sight Glass – Observe filter bed condition during operation and backwash cycles

✅ Clear Inspection Lid – Easy visual monitoring of media without system shutdown

✅ Connecting Unions Included – Simplifies installation with ready-to-connect pipework fittings

✅ Pressure Tested to 4 Bar – Rigorous factory testing ensures reliable performance at 2.5 bar operating pressure

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Model	ZZ3260NS
Filter Type	Deep Bed Sand Filter (Complete System)
Tank Diameter	30″ (760mm)
Flow Rate	20.0m³/h
Minimum Bed Depth	1 metre
Overall Height	Approximately 1500mm
Filtration Rating	20-40 microns (with sand media)
Test Pressure	4 bar
Maximum Working Pressure	2.5 bar
Connections	2″ (63mm)
Tank Material	Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP)
Internal Finish	Smooth high-gloss
Valve Type	6-way side-mount multiport
Valve Included	Yes
Pressure Gauge	Yes – Included
Connecting Unions	Included
Air Vent	Manual
Water Drain	Manual
Sand Dump Port	Yes
Inspection Lid	Clear
Media Sight Glass	Yes
Service Hatch	Yes
Filter Base	Included for stable floor mounting
Manufacturer	Lacron (Waterco Group)

📏 Pool Sizing Guide

The Lacron Finaflow ZZ3260NS delivers reliable filtration for larger residential pools and light commercial applications. Pool filtration systems should turn over the entire pool volume within 6-8 hours for optimal water quality.

Sizing Calculation:

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

Pool Size Compatibility:

Pool Type	Volume Range	Suitability
🏠 Large In-Ground Residential	80,000-120,000 L	✅ Excellent – optimal performance
🏠 Very Large In-Ground	120,000-160,000 L	✅ Very Good – 8-hour turnover
🏊 Premium Above-Ground	60,000-100,000 L	✅ Excellent – rapid turnover
🧖 Large Swim Spas	20,000-60,000 L	✅ Ideal – superior clarity
🏨 Holiday Let Properties	Up to 120,000 L	✅ Excellent – reduced maintenance
🏢 Light Commercial	Up to 120,000 L	✅ Good – verify PWTAG compliance
🏢 Small Hotel/Leisure	Up to 160,000 L	✅ Suitable – consider multiple units for larger

This Filter:

📍 Flow Rate: 20.0m³/h
📍 Optimal Pool Size: Up to 120,000 litres (6-hour turnover)
📍 Maximum Pool Size: Up to 160,000 litres (8-hour turnover)

Comparison with ZZ3250NS (24″):

📊 48% higher flow rate (20.0 vs 13.5m³/h)
📊 48% greater pool capacity
📊 Larger 2" connections vs 1.5"
📊 Same deep bed technology and build quality

💡 Sizing Tip: The ZZ3260NS is the complete version of the FF30416 tank. For pools between 80,000-160,000 litres, this model provides the ideal balance of capacity and efficiency.

🛠️ Installation Requirements

Complete Package Contents:

• 30″ (760mm) Finaflow deep bed tank with side hatch and sight glass
• 6-way side-mount multiport valve (pre-fitted or ready to fit)
• Pressure gauge
• Connecting unions
• Filter base for stable floor mounting

Plumbing Connections:

Requirement	Specification
Inlet Connection	2″ (63mm)
Outlet Connection	2″ (63mm)
Valve Position	Side mount
Union Type	Included connecting unions

Physical Installation:

Requirement	Details
Base	Solid, level concrete pad – filter base included for stability
Clearance Above	Minimum 700mm for lid removal and maintenance
Clearance Around	Minimum 600mm for service hatch and valve access
Location	Protect from direct sunlight where possible
Orientation	Ensure service hatch, sight glass, and valve are accessible

Pump Compatibility:

Parameter	Recommendation
Recommended Pump Flow	15.0 – 20.0m³/h
Maximum Pump Flow	Do not exceed 20.0m³/h
System Pressure	Must not exceed 2.5 bar during operation
Pump Connection	2″ pipework recommended

⚠️ Important: The ZZ3260NS uses 2″ connections (larger than the 24″ model’s 1.5″). Ensure your pump and pipework are compatible with 2″ fittings, or use appropriate reducers.

💡 Installation Advantage: The ZZ3260NS arrives as a complete, matched system. No need to source separate valve components or worry about compatibility – simply connect to your pump and pool pipework.

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🔄 Maintenance Guide

Routine Maintenance Schedule:

Task	Frequency	Method
Check pressure gauge	Weekly	Note baseline reading when clean
Visual bed inspection	Weekly	Check through sight glass during operation
Backwash filter	When pressure rises 0.5-0.7 bar	Run until sight glass shows clear water
Rinse after backwash	After every backwash	60-90 seconds to settle media
Inspect valve seals	Seasonally	Replace if worn or leaking
Check media level	Annually	Top up if low via service hatch
Full media replacement	Every 5-7 years (sand)	Access via service hatch

Pressure Gauge Guide:

📊 Clean filter baseline: 0.8-1.2 bar (typical)
📊 Backwash recommended: 0.5-0.7 bar above baseline
📊 Maximum operating: 2.5 bar

Deep Bed Advantage: The 1-metre minimum bed depth provides significantly greater dirt-holding capacity than standard filters, meaning longer intervals between backwashes and reduced water wastage.

Using the Integrated Pressure Gauge: The included pressure gauge is your primary indicator for filter condition:

1. Note the pressure reading when the filter is freshly cleaned (baseline)
2. Monitor weekly – pressure will gradually increase as debris accumulates
3. When pressure rises 0.5-0.7 bar above baseline, it’s time to backwash
4. After backwash and rinse, pressure should return close to baseline

Sand Dump Port: The ZZ3260NS features a purpose-designed lower outlet (sand dump port) for efficient media removal during changes, significantly reducing maintenance time.

Winterisation (Essential for UK Climate):

1. Switch off pump and allow system to depressurise
2. Set multiport valve to “Winterise” position or between settings
3. Drain filter tank completely via manual drain
4. Open air vent to assist complete drainage
5. Remove and store drain plug safely
6. Leave multiport valve in intermediate position to prevent seal compression
7. Cover filter or relocate to frost-free storage if possible

⚠️ Critical: The deep media bed retains significant water. Ensure complete drainage before freezing conditions to prevent tank damage.

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🪨 Filter Media Information

The Lacron Finaflow ZZ3260NS’s deep bed design is optimised for use with specific filter media to achieve maximum performance.

Recommended Media Types:

Media Type	Size	Filtration Rating	Benefits
Lacronite (Zeolite)	As supplied	3-5 microns	Superior clarity, reduced chemicals, longer life
Filter Sand	0.5-1.4mm (16/30 grade)	20-40 microns	Economical, proven performance
Glass Media	0.5-1.0mm	5-15 microns	Finer filtration, eco-friendly

Media Capacity: Contact Parts4Tubs for specific media quantities for the ZZ3260NS deep bed configuration.

💡 Lacronite Advantages: Lacron specifically recommends their Lacronite zeolite media which offers superior water clarity, remarkable dirt retention, reduced backwashing frequency, lower chemical costs, and improved bather comfort.

Graded Bed Option: The deep bed design allows for graded media installation with different grain sizes to achieve specific filtration fineness – consult Lacron documentation for recommended configurations.

Signs Media Needs Replacing:

• Persistently cloudy water despite correct chemical balance
• Shortened filter cycles requiring frequent backwashing
• Visible media particles in pool returns
• Media channelling visible through sight glass
• Increased chemical consumption without improved clarity

Media Change Access: The ZZ3260NS features both a dedicated service hatch and sand dump port for rapid media removal, significantly reducing maintenance time compared to filters requiring complete disassembly.

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💎 Filtration Performance

Metric	Value
Filtration Rating (Sand)	20-40 microns
Filtration Rating (Lacronite)	3-5 microns
Design Flow Rate	20.0m³/h
Minimum Bed Depth	1 metre
Deep Bed Advantage	Enhanced particle capture and dirt retention

Micron Rating Guide:

Rating	What It Removes
40+ microns	Visible debris, leaves, large particles
20-40 microns	Sand, dirt, visible suspended particles
10-20 microns	Fine particles, some algae spores
5-10 microns	Very fine particles, most algae
3-5 microns	Near-invisible particles, colloidal matter

Deep Bed Filtration Advantage:

The Finaflow’s minimum 1-metre media bed depth delivers:

• Extended Contact Time – Water remains in contact with media longer, capturing finer particles
• Enhanced Dirt Retention – Greater media volume holds more dirt before backwashing
• Colloidal Particle Capture – Removes fine suspended matter that passes through shallow beds
• Improved Water Clarity – Noticeably clearer water, especially in warmer pools
• Reduced Chemical Demand – Cleaner water requires fewer treatment chemicals
• Ideal for High Bather Loads – Superior performance in demanding applications

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⚙️ Valve Positions & Functions

The included 6-way multiport valve provides complete control over all filtration and maintenance operations:

Position	Function	When to Use
Filter	Normal filtration mode	Daily operation – water flows through media and returns to pool
Backwash	Reverses flow to clean media	When pressure gauge rises 0.5-0.7 bar above baseline
Rinse	Settles media after backwash	60-90 seconds after every backwash cycle
Waste	Bypasses filter, drains to waste	Vacuuming heavy debris, lowering water level
Recirculate	Bypasses filter, returns to pool	Distributing chemicals, troubleshooting
Closed	Stops all water flow	Maintenance, winterisation

⚠️ Important: Always switch off the pump before changing valve positions to prevent damage to the valve and seals.

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🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Pool Size	Suitability
🏠 Large Residential In-Ground	80,000-120,000 L	✅ Excellent – ideal match
🏠 Very Large Residential	120,000-160,000 L	✅ Very Good – 8-hour turnover
🏊 Premium Above-Ground	60,000-100,000 L	✅ Excellent – rapid turnover
🧖 Large Swim Spas	20,000-60,000 L	✅ Ideal – superior clarity
🏨 Holiday Rental Properties	Up to 120,000 L	✅ Excellent – low maintenance
🏢 Small Hotel Pools	Up to 160,000 L	✅ Good – verify regulations
🏢 Leisure Centre (Small)	Up to 120,000 L	✅ Good – consider PWTAG
♨️ Warmer Water Pools	Various	✅ Specifically designed
🏊 High Bather Load Pools	Various	✅ Specifically designed

Particularly Recommended For:

• Larger residential pools requiring superior water clarity
• New pool installations needing a complete, matched filtration system
• Pools and spas operating with warmer water temperatures
• Installations with higher bather loads requiring enhanced filtration
• Holiday let and rental properties where reliability is essential
• Replacement of complete filter systems on larger pools
• Installers preferring guaranteed component compatibility
• Pool builders wanting a straightforward, complete solution for bigger projects

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle? A: The ZZ3260NS is suitable for pools up to 160,000 litres with an 8-hour turnover, or optimally up to 120,000 litres with a 6-hour turnover.

Q: What’s included in the package? A: The ZZ3260NS includes the 30″ Finaflow deep bed tank with side hatch and sight glass, 6-way side-mount multiport valve, pressure gauge, connecting unions, and filter base. It’s a complete, ready-to-install system.

Q: What’s the difference between this and the FF30416? A: The FF30416 is the tank-only version, while the ZZ3260NS is the complete package including valve and gauge. Both use the same 30″ Finaflow tank with identical filtration performance.

Q: What connection size does this filter use? A: The ZZ3260NS uses 2″ (63mm) connections – larger than the 24″ model’s 1.5″ fittings. This reduces friction loss and suits larger pump installations.

Q: How often do I need to backwash? A: Backwash when the pressure gauge reads 0.5-0.7 bar above your clean baseline. The deep bed design provides greater dirt-holding capacity, typically allowing longer intervals between backwashes.

Q: What filter media should I use? A: Lacron recommends either Lacronite (zeolite) for superior 3-5 micron filtration, or 16/30 grade sand (0.5-1.4mm) for standard 20-40 micron filtration. Glass media is also compatible.

Q: What is the advantage of the deep bed design? A: The minimum 1-metre media depth provides extended water contact time, capturing finer particles and colloidal substances that pass through shallow-bed filters. This results in noticeably clearer water and reduced chemical demand.

Q: Is this suitable for commercial use? A: The Finaflow range is designed for commercial and domestic pools, particularly those with warmer water and higher bather loads. For regulated commercial pools, verify compliance with PWTAG guidelines.

Q: What pump do I need? A: Pair with a pump delivering between 15.0-20.0m³/h through 2″ pipework. Never exceed the filter’s maximum flow rate.

Q: What warranty is included? A: Lacron products are backed by manufacturer warranty. Contact Parts4Tubs for full warranty terms and conditions.

🏆 Why Choose the Lacron Finaflow ZZ3260NS

✅ Complete Ready-to-Install System – Tank, valve, gauge, and unions all included

✅ 20.0m³/h Flow Rate – 48% more capacity than the 24″ model for larger pools

✅ Superior Deep Bed Filtration – 1-metre minimum bed depth captures finer particles

✅ 2″ Connections – Larger bore fittings reduce friction loss on bigger installations

✅ Guaranteed Compatibility – Factory-matched components eliminate specification guesswork

✅ Commercial-Grade Construction – GRP tank with smooth high-gloss finish built to last

✅ Proven Performance – Lacron’s 35+ year track record of reliability

✅ Enhanced Water Clarity – Deep bed technology removes colloidal particles

✅ Reduced Maintenance – Greater dirt capacity means longer backwash intervals

✅ Easy Servicing – Service hatch, sand dump port, sight glass, and integrated gauge simplify maintenance

🤝 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs

✅ UK-Based Company – Local support and expertise you can rely on

✅ Fast UK Delivery – Quick despatch to get your pool up and running

✅ Expert Advice – Our team understands pool filtration and can help with sizing, pump matching, and installation queries

✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value on genuine Lacron equipment

✅ Full Warranty Support – We stand behind every product we sell

✅ Easy Returns – Hassle-free 30-day returns policy

✅ Complete Range – Filter media, spare parts, pumps, and accessories all available

✨ Summary

The Lacron Finaflow ZZ3260NS is the complete 30″ (760mm) deep bed sand filter system, delivered ready for installation with factory-matched 6-way multiport valve, pressure gauge, and connecting unions. Featuring a powerful 20.0m³/h flow rate through 2″ connections and minimum 1-metre media bed depth, this filter captures finer particles and colloidal substances for exceptional water clarity in pools up to 160,000 litres. The commercial-grade GRP construction, service hatch, sand dump port, and sight glass make this a turnkey solution for larger residential pools, holiday lets, and light commercial applications. Backed by Lacron’s 35+ year industry reputation, the ZZ3260NS delivers professional-grade deep bed filtration performance with 48% more capacity than the 24″ model – all in one convenient, complete package.