Astral ECA Media Filter 40mm Multiport

🏷️ Brand

Astral

📝 Description

The Astral ECA is an Australian-designed and made sand and glass media filter with a 40 mm multiport valve and oil-filled pressure gauge, available as the ECA 550 (589 mm tank, 0.23 m² filter area) or the larger ECA 650 (665 mm tank, 0.30 m²). Astral rates the range for in-ground and above-ground pools up to 60,000 litres.

The tank is made with a high-precision injection moulding process and fitted with a hub and lateral system with 10 large 25 mm laterals, quick-connect barrel unions and corrosion-free valve connections. A large drain port makes media changes fast.

The ECA 550 is rated to turn over 85,000 litres in 8 hours, and the ECA 650 134,400 litres, so the larger model gives more flow headroom for bigger pools or stronger pumps.

📦 Parts Included

• 1x ECA filter tank with hub and laterals
• 1x 40 mm multiport valve with oil-filled pressure gauge
• Quick-connect barrel unions

Filter media (sand or glass) is not included.

📐 Measurements

Measurements are approximate.

• ECA 550 tank diameter: 589 mm
• ECA 550 height with valve: 930 mm
• ECA 550 shipping weight: 13 kg
• ECA 650 tank diameter: 665 mm
• ECA 650 height with valve: 1000 mm
• ECA 650 shipping weight: 17 kg

⚙️ Specifications & Compatibility

• SKU (ECA 550): 10096
• SKU (ECA 650): 10097
• Filter area: 0.23 m² (ECA 550) / 0.30 m² (ECA 650)
• Port size: 40 mm
• Valve: 6-way multiport valve
• Rated turnover (6 hours): 65,000 L (ECA 550) / 100,000 L (ECA 650)
• Rated turnover (8 hours): 85,000 L (ECA 550) / 134,400 L (ECA 650)
• Sand required: 80 kg (ECA 550) / 120 kg (ECA 650)
• Viron glass media, coarse: 30 kg (ECA 550) / 45 kg (ECA 650)
• Viron glass media, fine: 50 kg (ECA 550) / 75 kg (ECA 650)
• Maximum pressure: 175 kPa
• Maximum water temperature: 40 °C
• Suitable for: In-ground and above-ground pools up to 60,000 L
• Country of origin: Australia

💡 Before You Buy

• Will it suit my pool? Astral rates the ECA range for pools up to 60,000 litres, turning the water over twice in an 8 hour daily filtration cycle. Check your pump's flow against the turnover figures above, and make sure your system will not exceed 175 kPa or 40 °C.
• Media is not included. The ECA 550 takes 80 kg of sand, or 30 kg of Viron coarse glass media or 50 kg of Viron fine. The ECA 650 takes 120 kg of sand, or 45 kg coarse or 75 kg fine. Our glass media comes in 15 kg bags: Viron coarse glass media and Viron fine glass media.
• Changing media? Sand change bags make removing the old media less messy.

🔧 Our Tips

• Centre the stand pipe first. Before you add any media, make sure the stand pipe is centred in the tank, and keep it centred as you fill.
• Add some water before the sand. Once the stand pipe is in position, add water to the tank before you pour in the sand. This reduces the risk of damaging the laterals. Don't overdo it, though: with too much water the stand pipe will try to float out of position.
• Pour the sand evenly. Spread it around the tank rather than pouring it all on one side, and take care not to get any sand down the stand pipe.
• Fill the tank with water before start-up. Before you close the lid and turn the pump on, fill the tank right to the top with water. This helps protect your pump and chlorinator cell.
• First start-up (per the Astral manual). With the valve on Backwash, run the pump for about 3 minutes, then switch to Rinse for about 1 minute, then set the valve to Filter. Always stop the pump before changing valve positions, and never run the pump dry.

❓ Common Questions

What size pool is the Astral ECA suitable for?

Astral rates the ECA range for in-ground and above-ground pools up to 60,000 litres, turning the water over twice in an 8 hour daily filtration cycle.

What is the difference between the ECA 550 and ECA 650?

The ECA 650 has a larger 665 mm tank (589 mm for the ECA 550), 0.30 m² of filter area instead of 0.23 m², and a higher rated 8 hour turnover of 134,400 litres versus 85,000 litres. It also needs more media: 120 kg of sand versus 80 kg.

Does the filter come with sand or glass media?

No. The filter is supplied without media, so you will need sand or Viron glass media in the quantities listed above.

How do I fill the filter with sand or glass media?

Check the lateral hub and stand pipe are intact, then fill the tank about halfway with water. Place the loading disc in the top opening and the cover over the stand pipe, then slowly add the dry media while keeping the stand pipe centred. Remove the disc, check the stand pipe is still centred, and fill to shoulder level. Clear any media from the opening before fitting the multiport valve with its O-ring. On the ECA series the valve is secured with a clamp band.

What warranty does the Astral ECA have?

10 years on the tank, with labour covered for the first 12 months. The multiport valve and internal components, including O-rings, gaskets and gauges, are covered for 12 months.

📂 Downloads and Support

• Astral ECA Filter Datasheet (PDF)
• Astral ECA and CA Media Filter Owner's Manual (PDF)
• Astral ECA product page

🛡️ Warranty Information

10 years on the tank, with labour service covered for the first 12 months from purchase. 12 months on the multiport valve and internal components, including O-rings, gaskets and gauges. Full details on the Astral warranty page.

 

 

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