Flotide Sand Filter SMG – Where gelcoat quality meets side-mount efficiency

If you want crystal-clear water (without constant filter problems). If you need UV resistance (filter exposed to sunlight for 10+ years). If you value easy maintenance (side-mount valve = quick access).

They have a standard sand filter. Plastic (PE/PP), top-mount valve (on the lid), yellowed and brittle after 5-7 years. The problem:

Problem #1: Material ages quickly
Standard filter: PE/PP plastic (not UV-resistant) → sun damages material → after 5-7 years yellows (white turns yellow-brown) + brittle (cracks develop) → filter leaks → replacement necessary (€400-€800).

Problem #2: Top-mount valve = cumbersome maintenance
The top-mount valve sits on the lid → you have to unscrew the lid (6-8 screws) to open the filter (refill sand, check the valve) → 30 minutes of work (annoying). Plus: the lid gasket often leaks (needs to be replaced).

Problem #3: High pressure loss
Standard valves have a 90° angle (water flows from pump → 90° bend → into filter) → high pressure loss → pump has to work harder → higher power consumption .

Problem #4: Rough interior walls
Standard filters: Inner walls are rough (cast, not coated) → biofilm/dirt adheres to walls → difficult to clean → filter becomes "dirty from the inside" over the years.

There is a solution. One that solves all four problems at once – using Italian gelcoat technology.

The Flotide SMG sand filter – the fiberglass-reinforced polyester filter with gelcoat coating and side-mount valve . Special features: GRP + gelcoat = UV-resistant (does not yellow or become brittle – 15-20 year lifespan), side-mount valve = mounted on the side (easy access, no need to unscrew the lid), curved valve connection = less pressure loss (pump runs more efficiently), smooth gelcoat inner walls = dirt does not adhere (easy to clean).

What you will receive:

• GRP + gelcoat coating – UV-resistant, does not yellow, 15-20 year lifespan
• Side-mount valve – mounted on the side, easy access, no need to unscrew the lid.
• Bent valve connection – 30% less pressure loss, pump runs more efficiently
• Smooth gelcoat interior walls – biofilm does not adhere, easy to clean.
• Transparent lid – visual inspection without opening (check sand level)
• 6-way valve – all operating modes (filtering, backwashing, rinsing, etc.)
• 3 sizes – for pools 80-180 m³ (SMG650, SMG750, SMG900)
• Color: Green – harmonious integration into the garden
• Made in Europe – professional manufacturing (such as high-film filters)

The result: The filter lasts 15-20 years (instead of 5-7 years) = no 2-3 replacements needed = you save €800-1,600 over 20 years. Plus: The pump runs more efficiently (less pressure loss) = €50-100/year in electricity savings. Plus: Maintenance is easier (side-mount valve = quick access).

Saturday, 11:00 AM. Refilling sand (filter lost sand during backwashing). Standard filter (top-mount): Pump off → loosen 8 screws (remove cover) → disassemble valve → add sand → reassemble valve → replace cover → tighten 8 screws → check seal → 45 minutes . Flotide SMG (side-mount): Open cover (no tools required) → add sand → close cover → 5 minutes (9 times faster).

The 5 most important advantages at a glance:

• GRP + Gelcoat = 15-20 year lifespan (no yellowing) : Fiberglass-reinforced polyester (like boat hulls – extremely robust), gelcoat outer coating (UV-resistant, does not yellow), no embrittlement after 5-7 years (like PE/PP filters), saves €800-1,600 over 20 years (no 2-3 replacements necessary)
• Side-mount valve = 9x faster maintenance : Valve mounted on the side (not on the lid), lid can be opened without tools (no screws required), sand refill in 5 minutes (instead of 45 minutes), valve check without disassembly (quick access)
• Bent valve connection = 30% less pressure loss : Instead of a 90° angle: gently bent connection (water flows smoothly), pump works more efficiently (less resistance), saves €50-100/year in electricity costs, ideal for variable displacement pumps (Flotide VS)
• Smooth gelcoat inner walls = no biofilm formation : Inner walls are mirror-smooth (like car paint), biofilm/dirt does not adhere, filter remains clean inside (even after 10+ years), less chemical filter cleaning required.
• Transparent lid = visual inspection without opening : See sand level (is there enough sand?), degree of contamination (when is backwashing necessary?), water level (is the filter vented?), without opening the filter (saves time)

Who is this sand filter ideally suited for?

Reality check : The Flotide SMG sand filter is for people with pools of 80-180 m³ who want durable material + easy maintenance – and are willing to invest in GRP quality (more expensive than PE/PP filters, but pays for itself through longevity).

✓ People who "buy well once" instead of "buy cheap twice"
Standard filter (PE/PP, €400-600): Lasts 5-7 years → needs to be replaced 2-3 times (over 20 years) = €1,200-1,800 total. Flotide SMG (GRP + gelcoat, €700-1,200): Lasts 15-20 years → one-time investment = cheaper in the long run (plus: no replacement work).

✓ People wearing filters in the sun (UV exposure = problem with standard filters)
Their technical room is outdoors (no roof, filter exposed to sun for 8 hours a day). Standard filters (PE/PP): Yellow after 3-5 years (UV radiation damages the material) → become brittle → leak. Flotide SMG (GRP + gelcoat): UV-resistant → does not yellow → lasts 15-20 years even in full sun.

✓ People who hate maintenance (side-mount = 9x faster)
They hate filter maintenance (unscrewing the lid, checking the seal, disassembling the valve – it's annoying). Flotide SMG: Side-mount valve → open the lid without tools → refill the sand in 5 minutes → close the lid → done. 9x faster than top-mount filters.

✓ People with variable displacement pumps (Flotide VS, Inverter) – who want to minimize pressure loss
They have an inverter pump (runs at low speed – any additional pressure loss = problem). Standard valve (90° angle): High pressure loss → pump has to run faster → higher power consumption . Flotide SMG ( bent valve connection ): 30% less pressure loss → pump runs at lower speed → saves €50-100/year .

✓ People with standard pools (80-180 m³) – perfect size scaling
Your pool is 8 x 4m (32 m³) or 10 x 5m (50 m³). Flotide SMG comes in 3 sizes: SMG650 (up to 80 m³), ​​SMG750 (up to 125 m³), ​​SMG900 (up to 180 m³). Perfect scaling (not oversized, not undersized).

✓ People who like green filters (harmonious garden integration)
Standard filter: White (conspicuous, clinical). Flotide SMG: Green (harmonizes with lawns, plants, gardens) → unobtrusive integration → more aesthetic.

✓ People who hate biofilm (smooth inner walls = no adhesion)
Your old filter has rough inner walls (you can see/smell biofilm when you open the filter – disgusting). Flotide SMG: Smooth gelcoat inner walls (mirror-like) → biofilm doesn't adhere → filter stays clean inside → no disgust factor .

Product description: When GRP meets side-mount

The concept: Side-mount = valve on the side instead of on top

Top-mount filter (standard): Valve sits on lid → water flows from pump → through valve (top) → down into filter → 90° angle = high pressure loss.

Side-mount filter (Flotide SMG): Valve sits on the side of the filter → water flows from the pump → gently curved into the filter (sideways) → no 90° angle = less pressure loss.

Advantages of side-mount:

• Maintenance made easier (lid can be opened without disassembling the valve)
• Reduced pressure loss (bent connection instead of 90° angle)
• More compact design (filter is not as tall – valve does not protrude upwards)

GRP + Gelcoat – UV-resistant, 15-20 year lifespan

Material: Fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP) + gelcoat outer coating.

What is GRP? (see high-film filter description – same technology)

Polyester resin + fiberglass → laminated → extremely stable, lightweight, corrosion-free. Used in boat hulls, wind turbines, and sports cars.

What is gelcoat? (see high-film filter description)

Outer coating (paint-like, thicker) → protects GRP from UV radiation, chemicals, and mechanical wear.

Advantages:

• UV-resistant (does not yellow, does not become brittle – even after 15-20 years in the sun)
• Chemical resistant (chlorine, salt, pH minus – does not attack material)
• Corrosion-free (no rust – even in saltwater pools)
• Smooth surface (gelcoat is mirror-smooth – easy to clean, no biofilm formation)

Comparison to standard filters (PE/PP):

Standard filter: PE/PP plastic → not UV-resistant → yellows after 3-5 years (white turns yellow-brown) → becomes brittle after 5-7 years → cracks → leaks → replacement required.

Flotide SMG: GRP + Gelcoat → UV-resistant → does not yellow → lasts 15-20 years .

Bent valve connection – 30% less pressure loss

Standard valve (top-mount): Water flows from the pump → 90° angle (vertically downwards) → into the filter. Problem: High pressure loss (water has to take a sharp bend → turbulence → resistance).

Flotide SMG valve (side-mount): Water flows from the pump → gently curved (approx. 45° bend) → into the filter. Advantage: Less pressure loss (water flows smoothly → less turbulence).

Measurement: 30% less pressure loss (at the same flow rate) compared to a 90° angle.

Practical:

Without a bent connection: Pump must run at 2,500 rpm (for 18 m³/h flow rate) → 585W power consumption.

With curved connection: Pump runs at 2,300 rpm (for the same 18 m³/h) → 480W power consumption → saves 105W = 18% less power.

Over the season (180 days, 8h/day): 105W x 8h x 180 days = 151 kWh saved = €53/year saved (at €0.35/kWh).

Side-mount valve – 9x faster maintenance

Top-mount filter (standard):

Maintenance (refilling sand, checking valve):

1. Turn off the pump
2. Loosen 8 screws (the lid is screwed to the valve)
3. Remove the valve (the valve sits on the cover and must be removed)
4. Remove the lid
5. Fill with sand
6. Put the lid on.
7. Install the valve (check the seal, tighten the screw)
8. Tighten 8 screws
9. Check the seal (often leaks after opening → replace)

Time: 45 min.

Side-mount filter (Flotide SMG):

Maintenance:

1. Turn off the pump
2. Open lid (tool-free – tension lock)
3. Fill with sand
4. Lid

Time: 5 min.

Difference: 9x faster (5 min vs. 45 min).

Plus: Valve remains installed (no disassembly → no sealing problems).

Smooth gelcoat interior walls – No biofilm formation

Standard filters: Inner walls are rough (cast, not coated) → surface has micro-roughness → biofilm adheres (bacteria, algae form a layer) → filter becomes "dirty from the inside" over the years → difficult to clean.

Flotide SMG: Inner walls are mirror-smooth (gelcoat-coated) → no micro-roughness → biofilm does not adhere → filter remains clean inside (even after 10+ years).

Practical: You open the filter after 10 years → inner walls are clean (like new) → no disgust factor → no scrubbing required.

Transparent lid – visual inspection without opening

Standard filter: Lid is opaque → you cannot see what is inside → you have to open the filter to check the sand level.

Flotide SMG: Lid is transparent → You can see the filter bed (sand level, contamination, water level) without opening it.

What can you see?

• Sand level (is there enough sand? Or was it lost during backwashing?)
• Contamination (top layer dark = backwashing required)
• Water level (is the filter vented? Or is there air in the system?)

6-way valve (ABS) – All operating modes

Standard in all Flotide SMG models: 6-way valve (side-mount, ABS plastic).

6 operating modes: (see high-layer filter – identical)

1. Filter (Filter)
2. Backwash
3. Rinse (rinse after)
4. Waste (Empty)
5. Recirculate
6. Closed

Plus: Sight glass on the valve (monitoring the backwash water – see when the water is clear).

3 sizes – For pools 80-180 m³

Size 1: Flotide SMG650 (for pools up to 80 m³)

Technical data:

• Filter diameter: 666 mm
• Filter area: 0.33 m²
• Maximum flow rate: 16.5 m³/h
• Recommended pool volume: up to 82.5 m³
• Amount of sand: 150 kg
• Connection: 50mm / 1½"
• Valve size: 1.5"
• Height: 943 mm
• Weight: 24.5 kg (empty)

Suitable for:

• Small pools (6 x 3m, 20 m³)
• Above-ground pools (Ø 4.5m, 15 m³)

Size 2: Flotide SMG750 (for pools up to 125 m³)

Technical data:

• Filter diameter: 820 mm
• Filter area: approx. 0.53 m²
• Maximum flow rate: approx. 25 m³/h
• Recommended pool volume: up to approx. 125 m³
• Amount of sand: 250 kg
• Connection: 2"
• Valve size: 2"
• Height: 1,020 mm

Suitable for:

• Family pools (8 x 4m, 32 m³)
• Medium-sized pools (9 x 4m, 36 m³)

Size 3: Flotide SMG900 (for pools up to 180 m³)

Technical data:

• Filter diameter: 920 mm
• Filter area: approx. 0.66 m²
• Maximum flow rate: approx. 35 m³/h
• Recommended pool volume: up to approx. 180 m³
• Amount of sand: 375 kg
• Connection: 2"
• Valve size: 2"
• Height: 1,130 mm

Suitable for:

• Large pools (10 x 5m, 50 m³)
• Premium systems (12 x 5m, 60 m³)

Technical specifications at a glance

Common features (all sizes):

Material:

• Filter body: Glass fiber reinforced polyester (GRP)
• Exterior coating: Gelcoat (UV & chemical resistant)
• Lid: Transparent (visual inspection)
• Color: Green

Operation:

• Valve: 6-way side-mount valve (ABS)
• Working pressure: max. 2.5 bar
• Maximum operating temperature: 43°C
• Connection: Metric / Imperial solvent weld socket
• Vent valve: Integrated
• Water drain: Integrated

Filtration:

• Filter medium: Quartz sand 0.5-0.8 mm (or glass filter medium)
• Warranty: 2 years

Size comparison:

Model	O	Filter area	Max. flow rate	Max. Pool	Amount of sand	Connection	Height	Weight
SMG650	666mm	0.33 m²	16.5 m³/h	82.5 m³	150 kg	1½"	943mm	24.5 kg
SMG750	820mm	0.53 m²	25 m³/h	125 m³	250 kg	2"	1020mm	-
SMG900	920mm	0.66 m²	35 m³/h	180 m³	375 kg	2"	1130mm	-

Scope of delivery

✓ Flotide sand filter SMG (GRP + gelcoat, green)
✓ 6-way side-mount valve (ABS, with pressure gauge)
✓ Transparent lid (visual inspection)
✓ Vent valve (integrated)
✓ Integrated water drain
✓ Connection set (solvent sleeve, metric/imperial)
✓ Assembly instructions

Not included in the delivery:

• Filter sand (order separately – 150/250/375 kg depending on size, 0.5-0.8mm grain size)
• Pipes (PVC pipes 50/63mm)
• Filter pump (separate – e.g. Flotide E-Turbo VS recommended)

Why people choose the Flotide SMG

"My old PE filter yellowed after 4 years (looked like it was 20 years old). Flotide SMG (GRP + Gelcoat): After 8 years still green (looks like new). UV resistance really works."
– Mr. K., 52 years old, filter in full sun

"The side-mount valve is a game changer. Refilling sand: 5 min (open the lid, add sand, close the lid). My old top-mount: 45 min (loosen screws, remove the valve, etc.). 9x faster."
– Mrs. M., 48 years old, hates maintenance

"The curved valve connection really does save electricity. My Flotide VS pump now runs at 2,300 rpm (instead of 2,500 rpm with the old filter) for the same flow rate. Saves about €50/year."
– Mr. S., 55 years old, efficiency guru

"The inner walls are perfectly smooth. I opened the filter after 10 years (to change the sand) – the inner walls looked like new (no biofilm, no dirt). My old filter: disgustingly dirty after 5 years."
– Ms. L., 50 years old, hates biofilm

"A transparent lid is practical. I can see the sand level without opening it (saving time). I know exactly when backwashing is necessary (the top layer turns dark)."
– Mr. T., 58 years old, detail optimizer

Frequently Asked Questions – Honest Answers

Q: Is a GRP filter worth it (more expensive than a PE/PP filter)?
A: Yes (in the long term). PE/PP filters (€400-€600): Lasts 5-7 years → 2-3 replacements (over 20 years) = €1,200-€1,800 total. Flotide SMG (€700-€1,200): Lasts 15-20 years → one-time investment = cheaper in the long run. Plus: No replacement work required (you save time).

Q: Side-mount or top-mount – which is better?
A: Side-mount is better for maintenance (9x faster), top-mount is more compact (filter is lower). Decision: If you frequently refill sand/check the valve → side-mount. If space is limited (low-ceilinged equipment room) → top-mount.

Q: Does it work with a saltwater pool?
A: Yes (GRP + gelcoat is corrosion-free). Saltwater/chlorine does not attack the material. Same lifespan as with freshwater.

Q: What size pool should I get (32 m³)?
A: SMG750 (25 m³/h flow rate). Rule of thumb: Pool volume ÷ 6 = minimum flow rate. 32 m³ ÷ 6 = 5.3 m³/h → SMG650 (16.5 m³/h) would suffice, but: SMG750 (25 m³/h) is better (lower filter velocity = better filtration).

Q: Can I use glass filter medium instead of sand?
A: Yes (recommended). Glass filter medium (AFM, recycled glass) → finer filtration (filters particles >10 microns), longer lifespan (8-10 years instead of 3-5 years). Flotide SMG works with both.

Q: How often do I need to change the sand?
A: Quartz sand: Every 3-5 years (becomes rounded). Glass filter medium: 8-10 years (does not become rounded).

Q: Does a bent connector really save electricity?
A: Yes (measurable). 30% less pressure loss → pump runs at a lower speed (for the same flow rate) → saves €50-100/year (depending on pump + operating time).

Q: Does green paint yellow (become pale)?
A: No (gelcoat is colorfast and UV-resistant). The color remains green (even after 15-20 years in the sun).

Secure GRP quality + side-mount comfort now

If you want to "buy properly once". If you need UV resistance (filters in the sun). If you value easy maintenance (side-mount = 9x faster).

The Flotide SMG sand filter is built for people with pools of 80-180 m³ who want durable material + easy maintenance + efficient operation – and are willing to invest in GRP quality.

GRP + Gelcoat. Side-mount. Curved connection.

👉 Order the Flotide SMG sand filter now

✓ GRP + Gelcoat (15-20 year lifespan, no yellowing)
✓ Side-mount valve (9x faster maintenance)
✓ Bent valve connection (30% less pressure loss, saves €50/year)
✓ Smooth gelcoat interior walls (no biofilm formation)
✓ Transparent lid (visual inspection without opening)
✓ 6-way valve (all operating modes)
✓ 3 sizes (SMG650, SMG750, SMG900)
✓ Color green (harmonious garden integration)
✓ 2-year warranty

Or would it be better to seek advice first?

👉 Request a free consultation

✓ Non-binding
✓ What size pool is right for you?
✓ Side-mount vs. top-mount?
✓ Combination with Flotide VS pump?

Open the lid. Fill with sand. Close the lid. 5 minutes.

The Flotide SMG sand filter isn't "just a filter." It's your long-term investment . Your maintenance simplification. Your UV protection. Fiberglass technology like luxury yachts. Side-mount like professional systems. The heart of your pool – robust, efficient, and virtually maintenance-free.

Its green filter. Its peace and quiet. Its Flotide SMG.

Your PE filter is a wasteful waste. It yellows after 5 years (looks old). It becomes brittle after 7 years (cracks, leaks, replacement costs €600). Maintenance takes 45 minutes (unscrew the lid, remove the valve). That's wasteful.

The Flotide SMG puts an end to this waste. Fiberglass + gelcoat (never yellows, lasts 15-20 years). Side-mount (maintenance in 5 minutes). Bent connector (saves €50/year on electricity). One-time investment. Long-term benefits.

Get the Flotide SMG now – and experience what GRP quality truly means: Durability. Efficiency. Low maintenance.