15kg Fine Grade Glass Filter Media - Virgin Activated Glass Media

15kg Fine Glass Pool Filter Media | Virgin Activated Glass Media (AGM)

Fine glass filters the fine particles. It sits in its own layer above the coarse media, which goes in the bottom of the filter.

The basics

• What it is: 15kg bag of Activated Glass Media (AGM), fine grade. Treated media, not plain graded glass.
• Grain size: ~0.5 to 1.5mm.
• Where it goes: in its own layer above the coarse media, filling the main body of the filter.
• What it does: captures suspended dirt and fine particles, the main filtration layer of the bed.
• What you also need: coarse media for the bottom layer. See 15kg Coarse Glass Filter Media.
• Pick up or delivered: collect from 10 Industry Blvd, Carrum Downs VIC, or have it delivered Australia wide. Choose from the variants.
• Fits: many existing sand and media filters, subject to the manufacturer's media specifications.
• Brands supplied: SensaClear, AstralPool or Zodiac, depending on availability.

Australian warehouse stock, not simply a drop-shipping listing.

Fine and Coarse Glass Filter Media: Which Do I Need?

Most swimming pool sand filters converted to glass require both grades. They do different jobs.

Fine Glass Media (this product), ~0.5 to 1.5mm:

• Sits in its own layer above the coarse media.
• Forms the main working filtration bed.
• Traps smaller suspended particles and debris.
• Provides the principal water clarity benefits.

Coarse Glass Media, ~1 to 3mm:

• Goes in first, in the bottom of the filter around the laterals.
• Protects the laterals from the finer media and from direct flow.
• Supports the fine glass media above.
• Aids backwashing by allowing water to distribute through the lower layer.

Replacing all the sand in your filter? Many filters require both fine and coarse glass media. Fine glass provides the main filtration, while coarse glass supports the bed and protects the laterals.
View Matching 15kg Coarse Glass Filter Media

Important: Not every filter requires both grades. Always follow the filter manufacturer's media grading and filling instructions.

What Is Activated Glass Media (AGM)?

Activated Glass Media, usually shortened to AGM, is glass filtration media that has been treated after grading rather than simply crushed and screened.

In the fine grade it matters more than anywhere else in the filter, because the fine layer does the actual filtering.

Published Performance Figures for Activated Glass

AstralPool publishes the following for its Viron Active glass media. The figures are the manufacturer's own and apply to a complete, correctly configured activated glass bed:

• Filtration to 5 micron at a flow rate of 20m3/m2 of filter area, against 20 to 30 micron for sand and conventional glass.
• Up to 50% less backwash flow than sand or conventional glass media to clean the bed effectively.
• 30% faster clearing of cloudy water than sand or conventional glass in independent testing (CTM Centre Tecnologic, project PR13/0118).
• A permanent negative electrical charge applied during manufacturing, which conventional glass does not carry. Measured as Zeta Potential in millivolts, it attracts organic molecules and continues working across the pH range of pool water.
• Lower chlorine demand: less film, algae and bacteria forming in the filter bed leaves more free chlorine available to sanitise the water.

These are published figures for that brand, obtained under the manufacturer's stated test conditions. We supply SensaClear, AstralPool or Zodiac according to availability, and published performance data varies between manufacturers. Real-world results depend on the filter design, flow rate, water chemistry, backwashing and maintenance.

Why Use Fine Glass in a Swimming Pool Filter?

Fine glass is responsible for the majority of particle removal in a correctly configured glass media filtration system.

As pool water passes through the filter, suspended particles become trapped within the spaces between the glass grains and throughout the filtration bed. The filtered water then passes through the lower coarse media layer and filter laterals before returning to the pool.

Fine glass filtration media helps:

• Remove suspended dirt, dust and fine debris from pool water.
• Reduce the fine particles responsible for cloudy or hazy water.
• Improve water clarity when used in a properly designed and maintained filtration system.
• Provide effective filtration throughout the depth of the media bed.
• Support efficient backwashing and cleaning of the filter.
• Provide a durable alternative to conventional silica sand.

Why Choose Glass Instead of Traditional Filter Sand?

Glass filter media is a modern alternative to traditional silica sand, widely used in residential and commercial swimming pool filtration.

Glass is a durable filtration material, and correctly graded glass media can offer excellent particle retention, effective backwashing and a long working life.

Benefits of glass filter media include:

• Excellent water clarity: Fine glass helps capture suspended particles and debris, reducing the fine material that can cause cloudy or hazy swimming pool water.
• Effective fine-particle filtration: A correctly graded glass media bed can provide finer particle removal than conventional sand under suitable filtration conditions.
• Efficient backwashing: Glass filtration media can release accumulated dirt efficiently during backwashing, potentially reducing cleaning time and water consumption compared with traditional silica sand.
• Long service life: Durable glass particles provide years of effective filtration when correctly installed and maintained.
• Reduced media replacement frequency: Glass filtration media can offer a longer service life than conventional sand, depending on water conditions, maintenance and the filter system.
• Consistent particle grading: Media graded to defined particle sizes, so the bed you build matches the bed the filter was designed around.
• Treated surface: As an activated media it is processed beyond simple grading, unlike plain crushed glass.
• Existing filter compatibility: Many conventional swimming pool sand filters can be converted to glass filtration media without replacing the filter vessel.

Actual performance varies with media grade, filter design, operating flow rate, pool water conditions and maintenance.

Product Specifications

How Much Fine Glass Filter Media Do I Need?

The amount of fine glass required depends on your filter's brand, model, tank diameter, internal design and specified media bed depth.

Many glass media systems use coarse glass around the lower laterals, with fine glass making up the majority of the remaining filtration bed.

For example, some manufacturers specify approximately one-quarter to one-third coarse glass and the remainder fine glass. These proportions are not universal and must not replace the instructions for your particular filter.

Before ordering:

1. Identify the brand and model of your pool filter.
2. Check the manufacturer's recommended glass media quantity.
3. Confirm whether coarse media is required around the laterals.
4. Determine the correct quantity of fine media.
5. Check that the selected glass grade is compatible with your filter.
6. Order sufficient media to achieve the specified fill level.

Important: Glass media is not necessarily a weight-for-weight replacement for silica sand. Many manufacturers specify a different total quantity of glass compared with the original sand fill weight.

Do not estimate the required quantity simply by matching the weight of the sand being removed.

Replacing Sand with Fine Glass Filter Media

Many existing swimming pool sand filters can be converted to glass media as part of a normal filter media replacement.

Before refilling, the old sand or media must be removed and the internal filter components inspected. Damaged laterals, distributors, seals or other components should be repaired or replaced as required.

General installation procedure:

1. Turn off and isolate the filtration equipment.
2. Release all pressure from the filter and follow the manufacturer's disassembly instructions.
3. Remove the existing filtration media without damaging the internal laterals or pipework.
4. Inspect and clean the filter internals.
5. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for adding water to the filter before filling, where required to protect the laterals.
6. If specified, install the correct coarse glass support layer first, around the laterals.
7. Carefully add the required quantity of fine glass media above the coarse layer.
8. Reassemble the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions.
9. Backwash and rinse the new media as directed before returning to normal filtration.

When filling a top-mount filter, ensure the centre standpipe opening is protected to prevent media entering the pipework.

Safety: Never open or service a pressurised pool filter. Always isolate the equipment, release pressure and follow the manufacturer's servicing instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes activated glass different from standard glass media?

Standard glass media is graded and bagged. Activated glass is treated after grading, and that treatment is what the AGM name refers to. Manufacturers who publish test data for their activated media report finer particle capture and lower backwash water use than sand or untreated glass.

Is fine glass better than sand for swimming pool filtration?

Fine glass is an effective alternative to traditional silica sand. Properly graded glass filtration beds can provide excellent water clarity, efficient backwashing and long service life. Actual performance depends on the filter system, media grading and operating conditions.

Can I replace the sand in my pool filter with fine glass?

In many cases, yes. Most conventional granular media filters can accept suitable glass filtration media, provided the manufacturer approves the selected grading, quantity and filtration arrangement.

Do I need coarse glass as well as fine glass?

Many glass media systems require a coarse support layer around the lower filter laterals, followed by fine glass above it. Some filters use different configurations. Always check your manufacturer's requirements before ordering.

Can I fill my entire filter with fine glass?

Only if the manufacturer specifies a single-grade media bed suitable for your filter. Where coarse support media is required, it should not be omitted.

How fine does glass filter media filter?

AstralPool publishes 5 micron at 20m3/m2 of filter area for its Viron Active media, against 20 to 30 micron for sand and conventional glass. Micron ratings vary between products and testing methods, and actual particle removal depends on the whole filtration system rather than the glass particle size alone.

Does glass media need backwashing?

Yes. Glass media filters still require regular backwashing and rinsing to remove accumulated dirt. Follow the filter manufacturer's recommendations and monitor the pressure gauge to determine when cleaning is required.

Does glass filter media last longer than sand?

Glass media can provide a longer service life than conventional silica sand. However, there is no universal replacement interval, and media condition depends on water chemistry, contamination, filtration conditions and maintenance.

Does glass media reduce chlorine consumption?

Effective filtration can help remove suspended organic material from pool water, potentially reducing the load on the sanitisation system. However, chlorine consumption is influenced by many factors, including sunlight, water temperature, bather load and water chemistry. Glass media does not replace the need for proper sanitation.

Will I receive the brand shown in the photograph?

Not necessarily. We supply SensaClear, AstralPool or Zodiac fine glass media according to availability. Packaging, exact grading and product appearance can vary. Please contact us before ordering if a particular manufacturer or exact specification is required.

Order from Heater & Spa Parts

Heater & Spa Parts (HASP) is an Australian pool and spa parts specialist supplying filtration equipment, pumps, heaters, replacement parts and maintenance products to homeowners, pool service technicians and the trade.

We operate a retail store and warehouse at 10 Industry Blvd, Carrum Downs, Victoria, supported by interstate warehousing and distribution arrangements.

Choose Australia wide delivery or collection from Carrum Downs by selecting the matching variant above.

Need coarse media as well? Shop 15kg Coarse Glass Filter Media here.

Important: Check the exact media grading, bag quantity and filter compatibility before ordering. Product branding may vary with supply. Always follow the filter manufacturer's installation and servicing instructions.