What is an AC pool filter and what is it used for?
An AC pool filter is the combination of pump + hydraulic filtration to move water from the pool through the filter using AC from the grid or an inverter. It is available in 230 V single-phase and three-phase 230/400 V, which allows for continuous operation, integration with standard automation systems, and, if desired, control via VFD. It is the natural choice when a stable power supply is available and operational simplicity is desired.
Advantages and limitations
- Simplicity and immediacy: direct connection to 230 V (single/three-phase) with standard protections (MCB/RCBO, thermal relay).
- Continuity: ideal for maintaining complete filtration cycles regardless of solar irradiation.
- Advanced control: optional use of VFD to modulate flow/pressure, reduce consumption, and smooth startups.
- Limitations: higher energy cost than a solar solution; requires planning for consumption in the electrical contract or inverter.
Common applications
- Residential and community pools operating several hours a day throughout the season.
- Installations requiring 24/7 service or extended hours.
- Systems with chlorination, dosing, or home automation controls in the AC panel.
How to choose your AC pool filter
- Pool volume and turnovers/day: Target flow rate (m³/h) ≈ volume / effective operating hours.
- TDH (m): sum of static head and losses in pipes, valves, and filter. Choose the model based on its flow–head curve with margin.
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Power supply:
- 230 V single-phase: for residential and moderate power requirements.
- Three-phase 230/400 V: for larger pools or long lines; lower current per phase and easy integration with VFD.
- Hydraulic compatibility: pipe diameter, filter losses, type of connections, and water quality (prefilter/skimmer recommended).
Indicative specifications
| Typical flow rate | 12–36 m³/h (depending on pool and filter size) |
| Manometric head | 9–27 m (includes filtration circuit losses) |
| Power supply | 230 V single-phase | Three-phase 230/400 V (50/60 Hz) |
| Control | Timer / Press-control / VFD (optional) |
| Protections | Dry run (probes), thermal, surge, non-return |
| Catalogue status | AC range (single/three-phase) in progressive expansion |
Best practices
- Size the flow rate by turnovers and schedule enough hours to maintain water quality.
- Check the actual TDH: filter and valve losses add head; clean prefilters to maintain performance.
- Install protections: MCB/RCBO, thermal relay, dry run and surge protection.
- With VFD, adjust ramps and target pressure to reduce consumption and water hammer.
Comparisons and related collections
If your priority is energy savings, see Solar Pool Filters. If you need backup but want to prioritize photovoltaics, choose Hybrid Pool Filters (solar + 230 V single-phase). To move water outside the pool circuit (transfer/irrigation), see Surface Pumps. Complete the installation with Accessories





