How the efficiency of AFM® saves energy (and money)
Considering whether to upgrade your pool filtration from traditional sand to Activated Filter Media (AFM®) – an advanced, bio-resistant glass-based solution?
Learning more about the potential money and energy savings of AFM can help you to make a more informed decision – and that’s where the expert engineers at Chemsol come in.
In this guide, we explain some of the science behind AFM, including how fluidisation supports its efficiency and how these efficiencies can translate into a significant reduction in running costs for pool owners and operators.
What is fluidisation and why is it important for AFM?
Fluidisation in pool filtration refers to a process where the filter media is lifted and suspended by an upward flow of water during the essential backwashing process.
Unlike other types of pool filter media, Dryden Aqua’s AFM requires fluidisation during backwashing to allow for optimal bed expansion and proper cleaning.
Why are backwash flow rates important in commercial swimming pool filtration?
The appropriate backwash flow rates are designed to facilitate fluidisation of the filter bed, making them vital for effective and efficient swimming pool filtration.
However, the flow rate must be tailored to the filter media to ensure uniform media suspension and a minimum 20% bed expansion – both of which are essential for effective contaminant release and media cleaning.
If the rate is too low, then the media won’t be lifted and the bed won’t expand by the minimum 20%, increasing the chance of debris and contaminants remaining in the water.
This can lead to filter clogging and poor water clarity.
How does AFM® behave differently from other filter media during a backwash?
Unsure whether it’s worth switching from traditional sand to AFM?
While the upfront costs are higher, the long-term cost and environmental benefits can outweigh the initial expenditure.
According to Dryden, the ideal fluidisation rates for backwashing tends to be a velocity of 40 to 50 m/h (meters per hour). Sand media, on the other hand, requires backwashing at 60m/h for five minutes.
These lower backwash flow rates for AFM improve bed expansion efficiency, allowing the media to achieve effective cleaning with lower flow rates than sand.
This results in measurable water and energy savings that increase over time, with Dryden Aqua estimating that backwashing with AFM instead of sand can save 50% of the backwash water.
What makes AFM® perform better?
Complete fluidisation
Unlike conventional sand, AFM is also designed to be fully fluidised during backwashing, allowing for improved removal of captured particles and more effective media cleaning.
Uses less backwash water
The lower backwash flow rates of AFM offer a clear practical benefit by simply allowing you to clean your pool without using as much energy and water, resulting in tangible cost operational savings in these areas.
Needs fewer chemicals
Thanks to AFM’s ability to remove particles smaller than five microns, less acid and chlorine is required to oxidise these pool water contaminants. Dryden estimates these chemical savings to be around 20% to 30% - a significant saving for all pool operators!
Lower maintenance
Another factor that sets AFM apart from sand is its sustainability and minimal maintenance.
While AFM media still requires replacement just like sand, AFM has a much longer life expectancy than quartz sand, with many AFM installations lasting 20 years or more, according to Dryden Aqua.
How does using AFM® impact ROI?
Yes, AFM does cost more to buy than traditional sand for pool filtration purposes.
However, when you consider AFM’s longer lifespan, as well as its reduced chemical, water, and maintenance requirements, the bottom line is across-the-board efficiencies.
By outlasting all other filter media and providing long-term cost savings, Dryden Aqua states that AFM offers pool owners and operators a guaranteed return on investment (ROI).
Case study: The White House Spa
Working with The White House Spa in North Wales, our team installed the first swimming pool plant room Da-Gen Daisy+ filtration system in a commercial setting in the UK.
This system uses bio-resistant AFM to provide superior water filtration and purification, helping to prevent bacteria from growing, and ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable guest swimming experience.
Why Chemsol?
At Chemsol, our team has extensive experience designing, installing, and maintaining effective pool filtration solutions with AFM.
Whether you operate a commercial pool in a hotel or leisure centre or own a private domestic pool, our expert engineers can help you take advantage of all the benefits AFM has to offer.
Request a filtration system quote or technical assessment
If you’re ready to upgrade your existing pool filtration system to a solution which offers premium deep bed filtration complete with both money and energy savings, talk to our expert engineers about AFM® today.
We’ll start with an initial consultation to learn more about your filtration requirements, providing you with all the technical or scientific detail you need to make a more informed decision about improving the water quality of your commercial or residential pool.
Whether you require a completely new system designed from scratch or a like-for-like upgrade and ongoing maintenance, we’ll work with you to ensure regulatory compliance, increase filtration efficiency, and boost swimmer satisfaction.
To request an initial survey or to simply speak to our experienced engineers about AFM® and deep bed pool filtration solutions, we’d love to hear from you.