Why is filtration quality essential?
Imagine your kidneys: these organs continuously filter impurities from your body to maintain vital balance. In your pool, it’s exactly the same principle. The filtration system acts as the heart of your water, removing visible debris like leaves, as well as microscopic particles invisible to the naked eye.
Clear, healthy, and safe water depends directly on the performance of your filtration. And one essential thing to understand: a filter will never perform better than the filter media it contains.
This is where it all happens.
At Piscine Hippocampe, we know that delivering exceptional water starts with superior filtration. That’s why we now recommend the best on the market: AFM ng (Activated Filter Media new generation) from Dryden Aqua.
Unlike traditional sand, AFM ng revolutionizes pool filtration by capturing many more fine particles, reducing chemical consumption, and limiting bacterial growth in the filter.
Result: clearer, healthier, and easier-to-maintain water.
Dryden Aqua’s activated filter media AFM ng
What is AFM ng?
AFM ng (Activated Filter Media new generation) is a premium activated filter media developed from over 35 years of research and development by Dryden Aqua. Designed to directly replace sand or recycled glass in a sand filter, AFM ng installs without any modification to your existing system.
Whether you have a residential pool, a saltwater pool, or a commercial facility, AFM ng is compatible with all standard filters, making it a simple, quick, and extremely effective solution to improve your water quality.
An intelligent and ultra-efficient filter media
Where AFM ng truly stands out is in its technology.
Unlike sand or traditional filter glass, AFM ng undergoes a unique three-step activation process (thermal and chemical). This treatment transforms the media into a highly efficient surface capable of:
- Prevent bacterial growth (self-sterilizing effect)
- Attract and retain fine particles (adsorptive power)
- Maintain consistent performance over time
Result: much more precise, stable, and hygienic filtration than traditional media.
Unmatched filtration fineness
Filtration performance is one of the greatest advantages of AFM ng.
- AFM ng: filters 95% of particles down to 1 micron
- Sand: filters 95% of particles down to 20 microns
- Recycled glass: filters 95% of particles above 25 microns
Specifically, this means that AFM ng filters up to 20 times finer than sand.
This difference is major: it allows the removal of many more invisible contaminants, including bacteria, spores, and organic matter responsible for cloudy water.
Why choose AFM ng for your pool?
Choosing AFM ng means choosing:
- Clearer and crystal-clear water
- Less chemicals needed
- A cleaner and more durable filter
- Reduced problems with algae and biofilm
In summary, AFM ng completely transforms the performance of your filtration system, while simplifying your pool maintenance.
Crystal-clear water with fewer chemicals
Thanks to its advanced electrostatic and mechanical properties, AFM ng captures the finest particles, even those invisible to the naked eye. This significantly reduces the organic load in the water, and therefore:
Less chlorine needed
Less toxic by-products like trihalomethanes (THMs)
Reduction of chlorine odors
Healthier, clearer, and more pleasant water for swimmers
Bio-resistance: no more bacterial colonies in the filter
One of the biggest advantages of AFM ng is its ability to prevent bacterial growth in the filter. Ordinary sand filters often become breeding grounds for biofilm, where bacteria like Legionella or Cryptosporidium develop.
With AFM ng:
No biological channeling
No urea conversion into ammonia (which causes the chlorine smell)
Risk reduced to an absolute minimum for infections
A durable, eco-friendly, and high-performance media
AFM ng is made from selected green and brown glass, as these types of glass contain metal oxides essential for activation. Unlike the clear glass used by many competitors, this choice ensures a stronger electrostatic charge, and therefore more effective filtration.
Dryden Aqua, the manufacturer of AFM ng, does not just recycle glass. Their factory is one of the most sophisticated in the world, dedicated exclusively to producing high-tech filter media.
Easy to use, in all contexts
AFM ng is a universal product that can be easily installed in all filters using sand or glass. It is perfectly suited for:
For private or residential pools
For public or commercial pools
For saltwater pools
At all temperatures
With all disinfection methods (chlorine, UV, ozone, etc.)
A profitable long-term investment
Although AFM ng may seem more expensive to purchase than sand or recycled glass, it is extremely economical in the long run. Thanks to its durability, resistance to biological contamination, and exceptional performance, you reduce:
Frequency of media replacement
Chemical product needs
Technical interventions
Maintenance costs
AFM ng vs Nature Works vs Regular Filtering Glass: Which to choose?
When it’s time to choose the best filtering media for your pool, several options are available. Among the most popular are AFM ng, Nature Works, and regular filtering glass.
But beware: not all filtering media are equal. If your goal is perfectly clear, healthy, and easy-to-maintain water, filtration performance becomes a decisive criterion.
1. Filtration performance: a major difference
A filtering media’s ability to capture fine particles directly determines your water quality.
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AFM ng
The AFM ng offers exceptional filtration down to 1 micron, validated by independent laboratories. Thanks to its electrostatically activated structure, it effectively captures ultrafine particles, even without using flocculants.
Result: purer, more stable, and visibly clearer water. -
Nature Works
The Nature Works filtering media generally offers filtration between 5 and 10 microns, depending on its granularity. Although it performs better than sand, it remains less effective at removing organic micro-particles and some invisible contaminants. -
Regular filtering glass
Classic recycled glass offers filtration around 15 to 25 microns, a performance similar to sand. It struggles to retain very fine particles without adding chemicals like flocculants.
A difference you can see... and feel
With a filtration capacity up to 20 times finer than traditional media, AFM ng literally transforms the quality of your water.
Fewer particles in circulation means:
- Clearer water
- Lower chemical demand
- Better disinfection
- Less risk of irritation for swimmers
Conclusion: AFM ng, the undisputed leader
In this comparison, AFM ng clearly stands out as the highest performing filter media.
If you want nearly sterile water, reduced maintenance, and superior daily quality, AFM ng is simply the best option available on the market.
2. Resistance to biofilms and bacteria: a major challenge for your water
Beyond filtration fineness, an often overlooked factor by pool owners is a filter media’s ability to resist the development of bacteria and biofilms.
Biofilm is an invisible layer of microorganisms that forms inside the filter. Once established, it becomes a true refuge for bacteria, reduces disinfection effectiveness, and can even degrade water quality.
This is where the differences between filter media become critical.
AFM ng: a unique self-sterilizing technology
AFM ng is the only filter media designed to be 100% bio-resistant.
Thanks to its advanced three-step activation process (thermal and chemical), AFM ng actively prevents biofilm formation inside the filter.
This means concretely:
- No bacterial buildup in the filter media
- Elimination of unpleasant odors
- Significant reduction of organic contaminants
- Less formation of toxic trichloramines (responsible for chlorine odors and irritation)
Result: healthier, more stable water that is much more pleasant for swimmers.
Nature Works: limited protection
The Nature Works filter media is treated to improve its performance, but it does not benefit from an activation as advanced as AFM ng.
Over time, biofilm formation remains possible, which can lead to:
- A gradual decline in filtration performance
- An increased demand for chemicals
- Less microbiologically stable water
Regular filtering glass: an underestimated risk
Standard recycled glass, like sand, offers no natural resistance to bacteria.
After a few weeks of use, it can become:
- An environment conducive to bacterial growth
- A source of internal filter contamination
- An aggravating factor for cloudy water or odor problems
Conclusion: AFM ng, the benchmark in microbiological protection
When it comes to water health and swimmer safety, AFM ng stands out as the most advanced solution.
Its ability to actively prevent biofilm formation makes it an essential choice for anyone wanting a cleaner, safer, and easier-to-maintain pool.
3. Durability and replacement frequency: a long-term investment
When choosing filter media for your pool, you should not only look at immediate performance but also long-term durability.
A media that must be replaced regularly leads to additional costs, more maintenance, and declining performance over the seasons.
AFM ng: a filter media designed to last a lifetime
AFM ng clearly stands out for its exceptional durability.
Under normal usage conditions, AFM ng is considered a permanent filter media that does not require periodic replacement like sand or glass.
Unlike other options:
- It does not compact
- It does not clog
- It maintains consistent performance year after year
This means you invest only once for a durable, reliable, and stable long-term solution.
Nature Works: a limited lifespan
Nature Works filter media offers an estimated lifespan between 5 and 8 years.
However, over time, it can:
- Gradually clogs
- Loses filtration efficiency
- Requires replacement to maintain good water quality
Regular filter glass: declining performance
Traditional filter glass has an average lifespan of about 5 years.
Like sand, it undergoes:
- A gradual wear
- A decrease in its filtering capacity
- A buildup of deposits that reduces its effectiveness
Real savings over several years
Even though AFM ng represents a slightly higher initial investment, it allows you to:
- Avoid frequent replacements
- Reduce maintenance costs
- Maintain optimal water quality without performance loss
4. Ecological impact and material origin: a responsible choice
Today, more and more pool owners want to make choices that are both efficient and environmentally friendly. The filter media you use plays an important role in this approach.
But beware: not all “recycled” products are equal. The quality of processing and the purity of materials make all the difference.
AFM ng: advanced and controlled ecology
AFM ng is made from carefully selected green and brown glass, then processed using a high-precision industrial method.
Unlike traditional filter media, AFM ng is not simply crushed recycled glass. It is:
- Activated to optimize its electrostatic charge
- Processed in a specialized plant with a zero waste process
- Designed without sharp edges for safe handling
- Controlled with precise grain size for optimal performance
Result: a filter media that is ecological, efficient, and durable, reducing environmental impact while improving water quality.
Nature Works: an intermediate approach
The Nature Works media is also made from recycled glass, but with a simpler transformation process.
This can lead to:
- Variability in grain size
- Less uniform quality
- Less consistent long-term performance
Regular filter glass: a basic solution
Standard filter glass is often presented as an eco-friendly solution, but it is generally a minimally processed recycling, sometimes considered just a simple waste recovery.
Its limitations include:
- Little advanced treatment
- Variable efficiency
- A lack of technological optimization
5. Compatibility with treatments and all types of pools
A good filter media must be able to adapt to all water treatment systems and all types of installations. Whether you have a residential pool, commercial pool, or spa, compatibility is essential to ensure optimal performance.
This is where the differences between filter media become very clear.
AFM ng: universal compatibility
AFM ng is designed to work with absolutely all types of pools and treatments.
Whether your installation uses:
- A salt (electrolysis) system
- Traditional chlorine
- Advanced technologies like UV or ozone
- Or even combined systems
AFM ng adapts perfectly without compromising performance.
It is also used in:
- Private pools
- High-traffic public pools
- Spas and thermal facilities
- Demanding environments requiring impeccable water
This versatility makes it the reference filter media worldwide.
Nature Works: a more limited use
The Nature Works filter media is mainly suitable for standard residential pools.
However, it is:
- Less documented in intensive environments
- Less proven with complex systems (UV, ozone, high-load saltwater)
- Less effective under demanding conditions
Regular filter glass: variable results
Classic filter glass is generally used in private pools with simple systems.
However, its performance may vary depending on:
- Type of treatment used
- Swimmer load
- Maintenance quality
It is not recommended for installations requiring high consistency.
Verdict: Why choose AFM ng?
Compared to Nature Work and classic filter glass, AFM ng stands out with its unique activated technology, ultrafine 1-micron filtration, self-sterilizing effect, and exceptional durability. It is unmatched for those who want the best for their pool, health, and the environment.
Are you investing in a filter media? Choose the most reliable, pure, and durable option: AFM ng.
Performance testimonial
AFM ng: certified and globally recognized performance
According to tests conducted by the independent laboratory IFTS (France), AFM ng is currently the only filter media in the world certified to achieve 1-micron filtration without using flocculants.
This data is significant.
It confirms that AFM ng far exceeds industry standards, offering near-sterile filtration quality without relying on additional chemicals.
Result: purer, more stable, and safer water for swimmers.
In summary: why choose AFM ng for your pool?
Choosing AFM ng means opting for a complete, efficient, and durable solution.
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Filtration up to 20 times more effective than sand
AFM ng captures ultrafine particles that traditional media let pass. -
A significant reduction in disinfection by-products (up to 50%)
Fewer contaminants = fewer unwanted chemical reactions. -
An eco-friendly and 100% bio-resistant filter media
AFM ng prevents biofilm formation and limits bacterial growth. -
Simple installation, no modification to your filter
Compatible with all existing systems. -
Significant long-term savings
No frequent replacements, fewer chemicals, less maintenance.
Piscine Hippocampe, your partner for pure water
At Piscine Hippocampe, we are proud to offer innovative solutions to improve your water quality. By recommending AFM ng, we provide you with the ultimate in filtration technology. Whether you are a residential pool owner or a public pool manager, we have the solution tailored to your needs.
