With the convenience of sand and extremely low maintenance, outlasts sand and glass by many years and can be regenerated. Reduces backwashing.

Zelbrite for watr filtration was being  used by  ancient  civilisations 2,000 years ago. Modern sand filters filled with Zelbrite far exceed the performance of D.E. (Diatomaceous earth) filter. They are also much far more economical and require little maintenance (no addition of powder, or replacement of the filter material, etc.).

Note:

• Requires only 75% by weight of the amount of sand for your filter
• Can be regenerated
• Backwash only every 8 - 10 weeks
• Lasts for 10 years or longer

Zelbrite™ is an advanced filtration media that out-performs the traditional pool filtration mediums of sand and Diatomaceous Earth (DE). Zelbrite upgrades standard sand filters into high performance water purifiers that are the lowest maintenance and easiest to use.

It has been precisely engineered to provide unparalleled performance in filters in response to market pressure for an efficient, ecologically sustainable and long lifespan media.

The stability and hardness of Zelbrite makes it the ideal media for nearly every water processing application, from domestic and commercial pools, potable water treatment systems to domestic and industrial wastewater treatment.

Each backwash consumes 20 – 25% less water. Higher dirt holding means fewer backwashes for any given application, up to half as many of which significantly reduce water consumption and loss of salt in saltwater chlorination systems.

Zelbrite lowers the output required from salt water chlorinators extending the cell plate life. No modifications are required to standard sand filters to accept Zelbrite - it  can therefore can be used as an upgrade when the sand is replaced.

What  is it? How does it  work?

Zelbrite is manufactured to exacting standards from natural zeolitic material sourced from our mine at Werris Creek in New South Wales. This natural material was formed over 300 million years ago as a result of volcanic activity in the vicinity of a large freshwater lake. Over the passage of geological time, this material was overlain by hundreds of meters of other material giving rise to a zeolitic material of exceptional hardness and durability. In fact, a material exceptionally suited to "filtration" applications.

The active ingredient of the zeolite is "clinoptilolite", a mineral with very special properties. These include an exceptionally high surface area, an infinitely extending three-dimensional cage-like structure with large internal pore spaces, and the ability to chemically capture pollutants by a mechanism called "cation-exchange".

Zelbrite FAQ's

Why should I use Zelbrite instead of sand in my filter?

Zelbrite is the filter media of the future and has much more to offer.

1. The performance of D.E. with the ease of sand.
2. Better filtration (2 microns) means a saving in chemicals usage and better looking water.
3. Removal of ammonia - better swimming comfort - no smell - no more irritation to skin and eyes.
4. Because of its greater surface are you will not have to backwash as often - on average twice as long between backwashing therefore saving water - up to 50%
5. Leading Australian swimming pool filter manufactures recognise these benefits and have chosen to promote this ultimate filter media.
6. No only has Zelbrite been chosen as the best form of filter media in domestic pools it is being used in many aquatic centres - swim schools and council pools through Australia and overseas.
7. Zelbrite comes from a naturally formed volcanic rock which is mined at Werris Creek in Northern N.S.W. Australia.

How much Zelbrite do I need in my filter?

Zelbrite has a lower bulk density than sand, hence you require 75% by weight of the amount of sand required, and this will vary depending on the size of the filter. A 15kg bag of Zelbrite is equivalent in volumer to a 20kg bag of sand.

Most filters have a name plate which will give you the size of the tank, e.g. 24in and also specify the amount of sand required, for example 140kg, which is 7x20kg bags of sand, or 7x15kg bags of Zelbrite.

How well does Zelbrite filter

Tests carried out by an Australian water quality centre prove that Zelbrite filters out dirt particles down to 2 microns. This compares with sand at 15 microns and diatomaceous earth (DE) at around 5 microns. Zelbrite also removes ammonium ions which inhibits formation of potentially harmful chloramine compounds.

What is Zelbrite made from?

Zelbrite is an Australian product. It is manufactured from naturally occurring zeolitic material which was formed as a result of ancient volcanic activity over 300 million years ago.

Are all zeolites the same?

No, Zelbrite is made from uniquely very hard zeolitic material. Most zeolites found throughout the world are soft and friable and are therfore unsuitable for use as pool filter media.

Why do I have to backwash and rinse three times when I first install Zelbrite?

As with new sand, you must backwash and rinse several times to clean out any dust. With Zelbrite these backwash and rinse cycles ensures that any adhering clay is removed, and importantly, the different particle sizes are separated - the finer material rising to the top of the filter tank and the coarser grains settling to the bottom covering the laterals.

Do I have to modify my filter?

No, all domestic and commercial sand filters are suitable for use with Zelbrite.

What does Zelbrite Regeneration mean?

Zelbrite is able to adsorb ammonium ions from water however over time it will become saturated and unable to take up more ammonium ions. The process of regeneration removes the adsorbed ammonium ions, effectively 'refreshing' the Zelbrite. Even if Zelbrite is not regenerated, say once every one or two years, this will not affect its superior filtration performance.

If I want to regenerate my Zelbrite, how do I do it?

The procedure is very simple. It comprises adding sufficient pool salt to the filter to produce a 10% concentration, leave stand overnight before backwashing two or three times.

Can I use Zelbrite with a Saltwater Chlorinator or Ioniser?

Yes. Some of our distributors are also leading filter and saltwater chlorinator manufacturers and they recommend their chlorinators and ionisers be used with Zelbrite filters.

If I have a saltwater pool do I still need occasionally to regenerate my Zelbrite?

Yes, saltwater chlorinators typically produce water with a salt level of around 4-6000ppm which is not concentrated enough to regenerate the Zelbrite.

How often do I have to replace Zelbrite?

Filter manufacturers have always recommended that sand should be changed every 4 to 6 years. Zelbrite will give you 8 to 10 years or even longer.

Will I have to backwash as often if I change from sand to Zelbrite?

No, Zelbrite's superior filtration capability results in fewer backwashes being required. You should expect an extra 4 weeks between backwashes.

Do I use more water to backwash and rinse with Zelbrite?

No, tests actually show that you can save up to 50% of water when using Zelbrite.

Is Zelbrite used in commercial pools?

Yes, Zelbrite is used in many commercial pools. Among the latest to choose Zelbrite are:

• The Canberra International Sports and Aquatic Centre
• Adelaide Aquatic Centre
• Glenn Innes Swim Centre in Northern N.S.W
• Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre Murwillumbah (opened in Nov '08)
• Richmond Pool in N.S.W.
• Esplanade Lagoon Cairns

Does Zelbrite have any effect pH?

No, Zelbrite is pH neutral.

Are there any additives or impurities in Zelbrite?

No, Zelbrite is manufactured entirely from a naturally occurring zeolitic mineral resource. THe manufacturing process does not involve treatment with, or addition, of any form of chemicals or other materials.

Maintaining Zelbrite

De-greasing Filter Media

All filter medias need to be de-greased every 12 months

In recent times the Australian Skin Council has embarked on an education plan to help ward off skin cancers using all forms of suntan lotions and block out. Although this is very important to stop sunburn it has caused problems with pool filtration but can simply be overcome by de-greasing the filter media.

All filter medias are effected. Cartridge filters, sand media, glass media - even Zelbrite filter media.

This can be done simply by using a detergent (there are many different brands on the market) but for best ad safest results, we recommend FilterKleer .

From experience this needs to be done every 12 months to clean all the oil and grease out of the media and is best done during the warmer months when the water temp is over 24 degrees. This will help release the build up which will cause the backwashing to become more frequent. With more frequent backwashing you will use more water, more chemicals which puts up the cost of running a pool.

The de-greasing can be done while backwashing as follows:

For an average commercial filter you would need to use 1 to 2 litres of FilterKleer per filter depending on bathing loads. This can be put into the strainer pot before starting backwashing - when the pump is started up the detergent will enter the filter from the bottom washing up through all the filter media removing the build up of grease and oil which will then be pumped out through the backwash line and down the drain.

If you have any problems, please contact us for help.