As a community rec operator, there is a lot on your to-do list, from programming to staffing, and it can be a lot to keep track of. One thing that may not stay at the top of your list is the cost and environmental impact of your facility’s water filtration.
Scott Hyland, Sales Director for the Americas, is an expert in commercial water filtration, specializing in competition pools, waterparks, aquariums and other large aquatic facilities. He has more than 20 years of experience providing solutions for recreational water facilities across North, Central and South America. Below, Hyland shares the benefits of regenerative media filtration (RMF) and why your rec center should consider making the switch in an interview with Community Rec Magazine.
What Led to the Creation of Regenerative Media Filtration (RMF)?
Neptune Benson has been a recognized leader in the commercial aquatics industry since 1956. In 2003, we recognized the need for a solution to improve water quality, reduce the amount of space required to house equipment, and deliver significant operational savings to pool owners and operators. RMF technology had been in existence for nearly 100 years. Neptune Benson changed the game by developing RMF filters tailored to the needs of the aquatics industry. These innovative filters were supported with educational outreach on the benefits of RMF technology: improved operational efficiency, sustainability and guest safety/satisfaction.
How is RMF Technology Different from Traditional Sand Filtration?
Traditional sand filters operate on the premise of depth and surface filtration. The water flows through the bed of sand and the sand captures particulate. When the pressure differential increases by 10 to 12 psi, the flow is reversed and the sand bed is cleaned by sending large volumes of water to waste. There is approximately 10 times the filter area in an RMF system versus an equivalent sand-sized system. The RMF regenerates on a daily basis where the media is redistributed, opening up additional filter area. When the pressure differential increases 10 to 12 psi, the media is changed. It takes a longer period of time to build up the pressure differential in an RMF system because of the regeneration process that takes place on a daily basis, where no water is discharged to waste, resulting in significant operational savings.
What Problems Can RMF Solve?
RMF can save significant amounts on operational expenses, such as water to waste, make-up water, electricity, fuel and chemical usage. The mechanical space savings can be substantial — up to a 75% reduction in footprint. RMF has the ability to filter particulate down to one micron in size at a higher efficiency compared to sand filters, which supports a safer swimming environment for patrons.
How Would Community Rec Centers Benefit from Using Regenerative Media Filtration?
Rec centers can recognize the operational savings while at the same time providing bathers with the cleanest and safest water available today. The mechanical space savings can be recognized in new construction by reducing the amount of space required or valuable space can be gained by renovating existing sand filters with new RMF technology.