💦 Lacron Finaflow ZZ3270NS 42″ Complete Sand Filter with Valve & Gauge

Commercial-grade deep bed filtration for large pools, delivered ready to install

📋 Product Overview

The Lacron Finaflow ZZ3270NS is the flagship 42″ (1100mm) deep bed sand filter system, delivered complete with factory-matched 6-way multiport valve and pressure gauge. This turnkey commercial-grade package represents the pinnacle of the Finaflow range, combining exceptional 43.0m³/h flow capacity with the signature deep bed technology that has made Lacron the professional’s choice for demanding pool applications.

With more than three times the filtration capacity of the 24″ model, the ZZ3270NS is engineered for large residential pools, hotel pools, leisure centres, and commercial installations where water quality and reliability are paramount. The minimum 1-metre media bed depth ensures extended water contact time, capturing finer particles and colloidal substances that pass straight through conventional shallow-bed filters – delivering noticeably clearer water even in high bather load conditions.

The complete package eliminates specification complexity, including the commercial-grade GRP tank with side hatch for rapid media changes, sight glass for visual bed inspection, sand dump port for efficient maintenance, and all connecting unions. Designed for pools and spas operating with warmer water temperatures and higher bathing loads, the ZZ3270NS meets the demanding requirements of commercial installations whilst offering superior performance for premium residential projects. Backed by Lacron’s 35+ year industry track record and Waterco Group engineering, this is the professional choice for pools up to 344,000 litres.

✨ Key Features

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

✅ 43.0m³/h Flow Rate – Commercial-grade capacity for pools up to 344,000 litres

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

✅ 42″ (1100mm) Tank Diameter – Flagship model in the Finaflow range

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

✅ Commercial-Grade Internals – All pipe work and components upgraded to highest commercial standards

✅ 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

✅ Sand Dump Port – Purpose-designed lower outlet for efficient media removal

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

⚙️ Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Model	ZZ3270NS
Filter Type	Deep Bed Sand Filter (Complete System)
Tank Diameter	42″ (1100mm)
Flow Rate	43.0m³/h
Minimum Bed Depth	1 metre
Filtration Rating	20-40 microns (with sand media)
Test Pressure	4 bar
Maximum Working Pressure	2.5 bar
Connections	Contact Parts4Tubs for confirmation
Tank Material	Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP)
Internal Finish	Smooth high-gloss
Internal Components	Commercial-grade upgraded
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
Underdrain System	Candle type industrial collector tubes
Manufacturer	Lacron (Waterco Group)

📐 Pool Sizing Guide

The Lacron Finaflow ZZ3270NS delivers commercial-grade filtration for the largest residential pools through to medium commercial installations. 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
🏠 Very Large Residential	150,000-250,000 L	✅ Excellent – optimal performance
🏠 Premium Estate Pools	250,000-344,000 L	✅ Very Good – 8-hour turnover
🏨 Hotel Pools	Up to 250,000 L	✅ Excellent – ideal match
🏢 Leisure Centre Pools	Up to 258,000 L	✅ Excellent – 6-hour turnover
🏢 Health Club Pools	Up to 300,000 L	✅ Very Good
🏫 School/College Pools	Up to 250,000 L	✅ Excellent
🧖 Commercial Swim Spas	30,000-100,000 L	✅ Ideal – rapid turnover
🏨 Holiday Parks	Up to 300,000 L	✅ Good – verify PWTAG compliance

This Filter:

📍 Flow Rate: 43.0m³/h
📍 Optimal Pool Size: Up to 258,000 litres (6-hour turnover)
📍 Maximum Pool Size: Up to 344,000 litres (8-hour turnover)

Comparison Across the Finaflow Range:

Model	Tank Size	Flow Rate	Pool Capacity (8hr)
ZZ3250NS	24″	13.5m³/h	108,000 L
ZZ3260NS	30″	20.0m³/h	160,000 L
ZZ3270NS	42″	43.0m³/h	344,000 L

📊 219% higher flow rate than ZZ3250NS (24")
📊 115% higher flow rate than ZZ3260NS (30")

💡 Commercial Installations: For regulated commercial pools, verify compliance with PWTAG (Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group) guidelines. Multiple filters may be required for larger installations or to meet specific turnover requirements.

🔌 Installation Requirements

Complete Package Contents:

• 42″ (1100mm) 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	Contact Parts4Tubs for confirmation
Outlet Connection	Contact Parts4Tubs for confirmation
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 800mm for lid removal and maintenance
Clearance Around	Minimum 700mm for service hatch and valve access
Load Bearing	Ensure floor can support filled filter weight
Location	Plant room installation recommended
Orientation	Ensure service hatch, sight glass, and valve are accessible

Pump Compatibility:

Parameter	Recommendation
Recommended Pump Flow	35.0 – 43.0m³/h
Maximum Pump Flow	Do not exceed 43.0m³/h
System Pressure	Must not exceed 2.5 bar during operation
Pump Type	Commercial-grade pump recommended

⚠️ Professional Installation Recommended: Due to its size and commercial-grade capacity, we recommend professional installation by qualified pool engineers for the ZZ3270NS.

💡 Installation Advantage: The ZZ3270NS 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. For commercial installations with high bather loads, this translates to longer intervals between backwashes, reduced water wastage, and lower operating costs.

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 ZZ3270NS features a purpose-designed lower outlet (sand dump port) for efficient media removal during changes, significantly reducing maintenance time on this large-capacity filter.

Commercial Maintenance Considerations:

• Maintain detailed log books for PWTAG compliance
• Schedule backwashing during low-usage periods
• Consider automatic backwash systems for large installations
• Regular water quality testing as per commercial pool regulations

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 ensure plant room is frost-protected

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

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🪨 Filter Media Information

The Lacron Finaflow ZZ3270NS’s deep bed design is optimised for use with specific filter media to achieve maximum performance in commercial applications.

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 ZZ3270NS deep bed configuration. Note: Standard LSR 42″ filters use approximately 450kg of sand – Finaflow deep bed requirements may differ.

💡 Lacronite Advantages: Lacron specifically recommends their Lacronite zeolite media for commercial installations. Benefits include superior water clarity, remarkable dirt retention, reduced backwashing frequency, lower chemical costs, and improved bather comfort – particularly important in high bather load environments.

Graded Bed Option: The deep bed design allows for graded media installation with different grain sizes to achieve specific filtration fineness – essential for meeting stringent commercial water quality requirements. 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
• Failure to meet commercial water quality standards

Media Change Access: The ZZ3270NS features both a dedicated service hatch and sand dump port for rapid media removal – essential for minimising downtime in commercial installations.

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🔬 Filtration Performance

Metric	Value
Filtration Rating (Sand)	20-40 microns
Filtration Rating (Lacronite)	3-5 microns
Design Flow Rate	43.0m³/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 significantly more dirt before backwashing
• Colloidal Particle Capture – Removes fine suspended matter that passes through shallow beds
• Improved Water Clarity – Noticeably clearer water, essential for commercial pool standards
• Reduced Chemical Demand – Cleaner water requires fewer treatment chemicals
• Ideal for High Bather Loads – Superior performance in demanding commercial applications
• PWTAG Compliance Support – Helps meet stringent commercial water quality requirements

Commercial Performance: The ZZ3270NS’s combination of high flow rate and deep bed technology makes it particularly effective for commercial pools where water quality standards are strictly regulated and high bather loads place additional demands on filtration systems.

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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.

💡 Commercial Tip: Consider manifold face pipework with individual valves for larger installations requiring more sophisticated control or multiple filter configurations.

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🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Pool Size	Suitability
🏠 Very Large Residential	150,000-250,000 L	✅ Excellent – premium choice
🏠 Estate/Manor House Pools	200,000-344,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏨 Hotel Swimming Pools	Up to 250,000 L	✅ Ideal – commercial-grade
🏢 Leisure Centre Pools	Up to 258,000 L	✅ Excellent – 6-hour turnover
🏢 Health Club/Gym Pools	Up to 300,000 L	✅ Very Good
🏫 School/College Pools	Up to 250,000 L	✅ Excellent
🏨 Holiday Park Pools	Up to 300,000 L	✅ Good – verify regulations
🧖 Commercial Swim Spas	30,000-100,000 L	✅ Ideal – rapid turnover
♨️ Warmer Water Pools	Various	✅ Specifically designed
🏊 High Bather Load Pools	Various	✅ Specifically designed

Particularly Recommended For:

• Large residential pools requiring commercial-grade filtration
• Hotel and leisure industry swimming pools
• Educational institution pools (schools, colleges, universities)
• Health clubs and fitness centres
• Holiday parks and caravan sites
• Commercial swim spas and hydrotherapy installations
• Any pool with high bather loads or warmer water temperatures
• Installations requiring PWTAG-compliant water quality
• New build commercial projects requiring complete, matched systems
• Replacement of ageing commercial filtration systems

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size pool will this filter handle? A: The ZZ3270NS is suitable for pools up to 344,000 litres with an 8-hour turnover, or optimally up to 258,000 litres with a 6-hour turnover. This makes it ideal for large residential through to medium commercial pools.

Q: What’s included in the package? A: The ZZ3270NS includes the 42″ 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 commercial-grade system.

Q: What’s the difference between this and the FF42416? A: The FF42416 is the tank-only version, while the ZZ3270NS is the complete package including valve and gauge. Both use the same 42″ Finaflow tank with identical 43.0m³/h filtration performance.

Q: Is this suitable for commercial pools? A: Yes, the ZZ3270NS is specifically designed for commercial and domestic pools with warmer water and higher bather loads. For regulated commercial installations, verify compliance with PWTAG guidelines.

Q: How does this compare to the DBF-42 variant? A: The standard FF42416/ZZ3270NS operates at 43.0m³/h. There is also a DBF-42 variant with enhanced 48.5m³/h flow and 3″ connections for larger commercial applications. Contact Parts4Tubs to discuss which variant suits your needs.

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 exceptional dirt-holding capacity, typically allowing longer intervals between backwashes even with high bather loads.

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. For commercial installations, Lacronite offers superior performance.

Q: What pump do I need? A: Pair with a commercial-grade pump delivering between 35.0-43.0m³/h. Never exceed the filter’s maximum flow rate. Contact Parts4Tubs for pump recommendations.

Q: Do I need professional installation? A: Due to its size and commercial-grade capacity, we strongly recommend professional installation by qualified pool engineers.

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 ZZ3270NS

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

✅ 43.0m³/h Flow Rate – Commercial-grade capacity for pools up to 344,000 litres

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

✅ Commercial-Grade Construction – All internal components upgraded to highest standards

✅ Proven Performance – Lacron’s 35+ year track record in commercial installations

✅ Flagship Finaflow Model – The largest and most capable in the range

✅ Enhanced Water Clarity – Deep bed technology removes colloidal particles

✅ Reduced Operating Costs – Greater dirt capacity means less backwashing and water wastage

✅ Easy Servicing – Service hatch, sand dump port, and sight glass minimise downtime

✅ PWTAG Compliance Support – Helps meet commercial water quality standards

✅ Guaranteed Compatibility – Factory-matched components eliminate specification guesswork

✅ Ideal for High Bather Loads – Specifically designed for demanding applications

🤝 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs

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

✅ Fast UK Delivery – Quick despatch for commercial and residential projects

✅ Expert Advice – Our team understands commercial pool requirements and can help with sizing, compliance, and installation queries

✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value on genuine Lacron commercial 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

✅ Commercial Experience – Trusted supplier for professional pool installations

💫 Summary

The Lacron Finaflow ZZ3270NS is the flagship 42″ (1100mm) deep bed sand filter system, delivered complete with factory-matched 6-way multiport valve, pressure gauge, and connecting unions. Featuring an exceptional 43.0m³/h flow rate and minimum 1-metre media bed depth, this commercial-grade filter captures finer particles and colloidal substances for outstanding water clarity in pools up to 344,000 litres. With commercial-grade GRP construction, upgraded internal components, service hatch, sand dump port, and sight glass, the ZZ3270NS is engineered for large residential pools, hotels, leisure centres, and high bather load applications. Backed by Lacron’s 35+ year industry reputation, this is the professional’s choice for demanding installations requiring superior filtration performance, reduced maintenance, and reliable operation – all in one convenient, complete package.