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Filter & Filter Media
Pool Filters & Filtration Systems for Crystal-Clear Water
The Right Filtration System for Every Pool
A high-performance filtration system is the foundation for hygienically safe, clear, and consistently clean pool water.
Through the interaction of the filter, pump, and valve technology, dirt particles, organic contaminants, and turbidity are reliably removed from the water.
At the heart of every pool filtration system is a hydraulically coordinated system consisting of a filter tank, filter pump, and 6-way backwash valve. While the filter tank houses the filter media and performs the actual water purification, the pump ensures the necessary water circulation and transports the water through the system. The 6-way backwash valve controls the various operating modes, such as filtration, backwashing, rinsing, or draining.
The selection of the appropriate filter system depends on various factors, including pool volume, required circulation capacity, the filter media used, and requirements regarding maintenance and energy efficiency. This applies equally to private swimming pools, hotel facilities, and public swimming pools.
Only the optimal interaction of these components ensures high filtration performance, reliable water quality, and energy-efficient operation of the entire system.
The selection of a pool filter should never be based solely on the purchase price. For professional pool projects, the following factors are particularly crucial:
- Proper sizing
- High filtration performance
- Appropriate hydraulics
- Efficient filter media
- Energy efficiency
- Ease of maintenance
- Automation options
- Long-term operational reliability
Selecting the Right Filter Size
Proper sizing is the most important factor when choosing a pool filter. A properly sized filter ensures efficient water treatment while reducing energy and operating costs.
The basis for sizing is:
- Pool volume
- Desired circulation time
- Required flow rate
- Filtration rate
- Pool usage and load
Proper Filter Sizing
The calculation of the filter size depends on the nominal flow rate.
The nominal flow rate is calculated as follows:
Q = V / t
Q = flow rate in m³/h
V = pool volume in m³ (including the expansion tank for filter systems with overflow channels)
t = desired circulation time in hours
The required filter size is determined based on the nominal flow rate and the maximum filtration speed:
A = Q / vfmax
A = Filter surface area in m²
Q = Flow rate in m³/h
vfmax = Maximum filtration speed
For private swimming pools, a maximum filtration speed of 50 m/h should be used.
The filter diameter is calculated as follows:
D = √A * 4 / π
D = Filter diameter in m
A = Filter area in m²
Sample Calculation
Pool size: 8 × 4 × 1.5 m
V = 8 × 4 × 1.5 = 48 m³
With a circulation time of 4 hours, this results in:
Q = 48 / 4 = 12 m³/h
The filter system should therefore be capable of delivering at least 12 m³/h given the existing system resistance.
A = 12 m³/h / 50 m/h = 0.24 m²
The filter area should therefore be at least 0.24 m².
D = √0.24 m² * 4 / π = 0.55 m
We recommend a filter with a minimum diameter of 600 mm.
Notes on sizing
The correct sizing ensures low operating costs, long maintenance intervals, and consistently high water quality.
A filter that is too small results in inadequate filtration and increased chemical consumption. An oversized system, on the other hand, causes unnecessary investment costs and requires more space.
For private pools, a circulation time of approximately 4 - 6 hours is generally recommended. Stricter requirements apply for higher loads or commercial facilities.
Selection guide for filter diameters based on flow rate
| Filter performance m³/h | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter mm | vf = 20 m/h | vf = 30 m/h | vf = 40 m/h | vf = 50 m/h |
| 400 | 2.5 | 3.8 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| 500 | 3.9 | 5.9 | 7.9 | 9.8 |
| 600 | 5.7 | 8.5 | 11.3 | 14.1 |
| 610 | 5.8 | 8.8 | 11.7 | 14.6 |
| 700 | 7.7 | 11.5 | 15.4 | 19.2 |
| 750 | 8.8 | 13.3 | 17.7 | 22.1 |
| 760 | 9.2 | 13.8 | 18.4 | 23.0 |
| 800 | 10.1 | 15.1 | 20.1 | 25.1 |
| 900 | 12.7 | 19.1 | 25.4 | 31.8 |
| 920 | 13.3 | 19.9 | 26.6 | 33.2 |
| 950 | 14.2 | 21.3 | 28.4 | 35.4 |
| 1000 | 15.7 | 23.6 | 31.4 | 39.3 |
vf = filtration speed
Source: ÖVS recommendations
Recommendations
Filtration Speed
The lower the filtration speed, the better the water quality and the more efficiently the filtration system operates.
Circulation Time
Circulation time refers to the amount of time it takes for all the pool water to pass through the filtration and treatment system once. It depends on the pool's usage and its location-specific conditions. For outdoor pools, the circulation time should not exceed 4 hours.
Choosing a Location
When installing pool equipment in the basement, ensure there is adequate ventilation and a properly sized floor drain. In addition, make sure that all components of the pool equipment are easily accessible at all times so that maintenance and service work can be performed efficiently.
Automation of Filter Control
Manual 6-way backwash valves can be easily automated using an Aquastar drive. The product range extends from simple automated solutions to smart-home-compatible models with Loxone integration.
Depending on the model, time- or pressure-controlled backwashes are possible, as well as control of the filter pump and other pool components.
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Matching Filter Performance to Hydraulics
A pool filter can only achieve its maximum performance if it is hydraulically integrated into the overall system correctly. Professional pool builders therefore take the following factors into account as early as the planning phase:
- Pool volume and water load
- Pipe sizing
- Pressure losses within the piping
- Pump capacity and head
- Backwash capacity
- Installation location and equipment room
The filter and pump should always be considered as a coordinated system. This is the only way to ensure optimal flow rates, low energy costs, and high filtration efficiency.
Ease of maintenance and long-term operating costs
Ease of maintenance plays a decisive role in product selection. Therefore, the following criteria should be taken into account when making a selection:
- Easily accessible maintenance openings
- Quick replacement of the filter media
- Efficient backwashing
- Availability of spare parts
- Robust valve technology
- Long product service life
A high-quality filtration system reduces long-term service requirements and operating costs while simultaneously increasing customer satisfaction.
The Right Filter Media for Optimal Water Quality
In addition to the filter tank, the filter media used has a significant impact on cleaning performance.
Glass Filter Media - The Modern Premium Solution
High-quality filter glass is becoming increasingly important for professional pool systems. Nature Works® glass filter media, made from pure recycled flat glass, is particularly effective.
The benefits:
- Very fine filtration
- High hygiene standards by preventing biofilm formation
- Reduced chemical consumption
- Fewer backwash cycles
- Longer service life compared to filter sand
- Sustainable and resource-efficient solution
Thanks to anti-compaction technology , filter performance remains consistent over the long term and water consumption for backwashing is reduced.
Nature Works® - the world's only glass filter media with NSF61 certification. It consists of 99.999% contaminant-free flat glass, making it one of the purest glass filter media in the world. Unlike conventional filter glass made from recycled bottle glass, this high-quality virgin glass offers maximum purity and consistently high filtration performance.
Filter sand and anthrasit
In addition to filter glass, quartz sand and anthrasit are also used as proven filter media. The choice depends on water quality requirements, the investment budget, and the maintenance strategy.
Filter Solutions for Private and Public Swimming Pools
Our product range includes high-quality polyester filters and PPGF filters in various sizes and performance classes for reliable and long-lasting water treatment.
Depending on the application, we offer suitable solutions for private swimming pools, hotel facilities, wellness areas, natural swimming pools, and public swimming pools.
Private Pools
For private pools , the range extends from compact filter systems for smaller pools to high-performance systems for demanding pool projects.
For common standard applications, preconfigured compact filter systems are available, in which the filter, pump, and backwash valve are optimally matched. In addition, custom system combinations can be assembled to meet specific project requirements.
Public Pools
Public pools, hotel pools, and wellness facilities place particularly high demands on hygiene, operational safety, and water quality. For these applications, high-performance high-layer filters are available that comply with applicable standards and guidelines and are designed for high usage by pool visitors.
Compact filter system with optimally matched components: polyester filter, self-priming filter pump, 6-way backwash valve, and piping kit. Fully piped and pre-assembled on a noise-reducing PE filter pallet.
Automatic Backwashing and Intelligent Pool Control
Modern pool systems are increasingly relying on automated processes.
Automatic backwash valves enable time- or pressure-controlled cleaning of the filter and significantly reduce maintenance work.
The benefits
- Consistent water quality
- Reduced operational effort
- Greater operational reliability
- Optimized energy efficiency
- Extended service life of the filter system
Note: Manual 6-way backwash valves can also be retrofitted with our Aquastar models.
Smart Pool Technology for Maximum Efficiency
Digitalization is opening up new possibilities in pool technology.
Smart pool control systems enable centralized monitoring and control of all system components via smartphone or tablet.
Among other things, the following parameters can be monitored:
- pH level
- Water treatment
- Filter system runtime
- Backwash cycles
- Heat pump operation
- Energy consumption
- System notifications
This helps reduce operating costs and allows for early planning of maintenance measures.