From Sand to Smart: The Glass Pearl Upgrade

Fri, 5 Dec 2025

 

 

Across the UK and internationally, commercial swim schools and aquatic operators rely on Waterco’s Glass Pearl filter media to achieve exceptional water quality while streamlining operations. From largescale centres to family-run schools, this advanced filtration media provides a cost-effective, highperformance solution. For Russell Sparks, owner and head swim teacher at The Swim Centre in Wales (pictured above), the switch from sand to Glass Pearl has reinforced the school’s commitment to sustainability. Part of Waterco’s Climate Care Certified range, the media delivers measurable savings in energy, water, and chemicals while keeping pace with the demands and bather loads of busy commercial pools.
 
“As a newly built facility, we are fully committed to minimising our environmental footprint, including using solar power and other energy-saving technologies wherever possible,” Russell explains. “Waterco’s Glass Pearl media fits seamlessly into this approach, delivering high quality water filtration while supporting our eco-conscious operations.” After noticing that the previous sand filter media was underperforming and likely nearing the end of its life cycle, Russell and his team decided it was time for a performance upgrade. “I really wanted a more environmentally responsible alternative, and Cresta Leisure, our trusted pool contractor, recommended Glass Pearl for its proven performance and efficiency,” he says.

 

Smarter filtration, lower cost

Glass Pearl operates on the principle of depth filtration, where dirt is driven through the filter bed and trapped in the minute spaces between the particles, allowing only clean water to pass through. This advanced filtration method not only ensures superior water clarity but also optimises overall system performance, reducing both energy and water consumption.

“The fine, precise filtration of Glass Pearl captures even the smallest contaminants, keeping pool water clearer for longer,” explains Tony Fisher, Waterco Division CEO – North America and Europe.

Improved swim conditions go hand in hand with reduced maintenance demands, helping facilities maintain consistent water quality with significantly less effort and downtime.

“Each Glass Pearl is perfectly smooth and spherical, with no sharp edges, making them exceptionally safe to use,” says Tony.

Their shape also reduces friction in the filter bed, allowing contaminants to be released more efficiently during backwash — delivering measurable water savings.

“This uses up to 20 percent less backwash water than sand, saving time and resources,” he adds.

Cleaner water, smoother operations

The advantages of the upgrade were clear from the moment it was completed, delivering immediate improvements in both performance and efficiency.

“The most important thing to us was maintaining water clarity and the quality of experience for all users,” Russell explains. “The pool water remains exceptionally clear, and we have also reduced chemical consumption and water usage by around 25 percent thanks to the more efficient backwash process.”

Operational tasks have become simpler, and the Centre’s team is spending less time on maintenance while enjoying consistent, high-quality conditions.

“Feedback from coaches, students, and parents has been entirely positive,” says Russell.

With long-term savings and reduced environmental impact, Waterco’s Glass Pearl media stands out as the smart, sustainable choice for filtration management.

Facilities looking to achieve similar results can explore for a reliable, high-performance filtration solution at waterco.eu

Water Research Labratory Results

Independent performance testing by Australia’s University of New South Wales’ Water Research Laboratory confirmed that Waterco's Glass Pearl filter media provides exceptional filtration efficiency, hydraulic performance, and backwash effectiveness.

“Researchers concluded that Glass Pearl reduced head loss across the filter bed by 37 percent, cut backwash water usage by up to 40 percent, and filtered particles down to below 3 microns,” explains Tony Fisher, Waterco Division CEO – North America and Europe. “These results confirm that Glass Pearl is one of the most efficient, energy-saving, and sustainable filtration media available today.”

It has also been Climate Care Certified by industry body SPASA — Australia’s Swimming Pool and Spa Association — recognising its benchmark-setting performance in environmental sustainability.

“Glass Pearl empowers pool operators to deliver consistently superior water quality while cutting energy, water, and chemical costs — a solution that’s both commercially smart and environmentally responsible,” adds Tony.

Superior Depth Filtration

 

Glass Pearl operate on the basis of “depth filtration” where dirt is driven through the filter bed and trapped in minute spaces between the particles of filter media allowing cleansed water to pass through.