New technology delivers significant water savings at Willoughby Leisure Centre

A new water filtration system - the first of its kind in Australia - has saved Willoughby Leisure Centre more than $14,000 and 1 million litres of water in a year.

The OC-1 Filtration Media from Astral Pools works through a method of settlement, as opposed to the traditional method of entrapment. With a debris capacity 20 times greater than sand, OC-1 media catches 81% of 10-micron particles in a single pass and can remove particles as small as 1 micron and all with no flocculation or coagulation.

The open cell design of the European plastic filtration system provides a constant flow without pressure build up, regardless of debris retention, which makes it possible to achieve a greater flow of water through the filter. 

Commenting on the positive results delivered by the new system, City of Willoughby Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney stated “it’s made savings in water, chemicals, heat loss and electricity, not to mention less down time so it’s now a better experience for Leisure Centre patrons.

“The new system uses settlement, rather than the traditional entrapment method to more efficiently remove micro particles from water, keeping the heated spa and pool clean and fresh for users.”

Willoughby Leisure Centre former filtration system meant large quantities of heated and treated water were lost through ‘backwash’ - the water washing in and out of the filter.

However, water quality has improved through a 25% increase in turnover of the pool water or about 18 extra turnovers each day.

Mayor Giles-Gidney added “with the reduced downtime we were able to provide a better experience for patrons at a lower running cost which equated to an excellent result from the project.”

Pump speeds were able to be reduced from 50Hz to 42Hz, saving of 70,000 kw hour/per annum or about $14,000 a year.

The OC-1 system was installed by engineering contractors Roejen NSW in August 2017.

Funded by the Council’s environment levy it cost $104,000.

Click here to find out more about Willoughby City Council’s sustainability and efficiency programs.

Click here to contact AstralPool Australia via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

Click here to contact Roejen NSW (Roejen Services) via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.