AFM® is lighter than sand and here's why that matters
Did you know Activated Filter Media (AFM®) is 15% lighter than sand?
This significant discrepancy in density may not seem important, but there are many lighter filter media benefits for pool owners, users, and managers.
AFM® weight comparison
While we now know that AFM® is 15% lighter than sand, how does it compare in both weight and features to other popular pool filter media solutions?
Let’s find out.
Filter media | Typical weight comparison | Filter media features |
Sand | Heaviest (100%) |
|
AFM® | About 15% lighter than sand |
|
Zeolite | About 20–30% lighter than sand |
|
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) | About 50–70% lighter than sand |
|
Synthetic polymers | About 75–85% lighter than sand |
|
Polyester fibre filter balls | About 90–97% lighter than sand |
|
What are the benefits of using a lighter pool filter media?
While you should weigh up the individual advantages and areas to consider of each pool filter media solution, there are significant benefits to utilising a lighter product.
For example, by opting for AFM® over traditional sand, you’ll enjoy:
Cost savings
Because AFM® has a lower density than sand, you’ll need 15% less AFM® (by weight) when using it as a direct replacement for sand in a pool filter.
This means if a filter requires 100kg of sand, you’ll only need to add 85kg of AFM® to achieve the same filter bed volume.
This lower media requirement can help offset the higher purchase price of AFM® compared with sand.
Easier transportation
Moving 25kg bags of sand can be physically demanding and tiring. Lighter alternatives like AFM® mean fewer bags are required to fill up the filter, helping to save your pool management team’s time, energy, and backs!
Reduced energy consumption
Another benefit of opting for lighter AFM® over sand is the change in density.
As the denser pool filtration solution, it can be harder for water to move through sand, meaning more pressure and strain is put on the pool pump. As such, higher pool filtration density can increase the need for power.
AFM®, on the other hand, supports smoother water flow, helping to reduce pressure and strain, and even save electricity!
Decreased water usage
The lighter weight of AFM® means it can trap more debris without compacting like traditional sand.
Subsequently, it doesn’t require the same frequency of backwashing (especially when paired with deep bed filtration systems), helping to save both time and water.
Find out how AFM® can improve your pool filtration
At Chemsol, we’ve seen first-hand how the installation of AFM® within residential and commercial pool filtration systems can support the removal of fine dirt and debris, save water, and even reduce energy consumption compared to traditional sand.
Our experienced engineers can help you to determine the most effective solution for your application – whether that’s a deep bed AFM® system or a custom-made pool filtration package.
To book your initial survey, get a quick quote, or discuss your specific requirements in more detail, please don’t hesitate to speak to our knowledgeable team today.