Why is filtration quality essential?
Imagine your kidneys: these organs constantly filter impurities from your body to maintain a vital balance. In a pool, it is the filter that plays this crucial role. It removes dirt, leaves, invisible particles, and sometimes even objects left behind by mistake. However, a filter is only as good as the media it contains.
At Piscine Hippocampe, we believe that the best filtration starts with the best filtering media. That’s why we present to you the most advanced product on the market: the AFM ng (Next Generation Activated Filter Media) from Dryden Aqua.
The activated filtering media AFM ng from Dryden Aqua
What is the AFM ng?
The AFM ng is a revolutionary activated filtering media resulting from 35 years of research & development. Designed to directly replace sand or recycled glass in sand filters, it requires no infrastructure modifications. It easily installs in all standard filters, whether for private pools, saltwater pools, or public installations.
An intelligent filtering media
Unlike traditional sand or recycled glass, AFM ng is activated by a thermal and chemical three-step process, giving it unique self-sterilizing and adsorptive properties. Result: filtration up to 20 times finer than with traditional media.
AFM ng: filters 95% of particles up to 1 micron
Sand: filters 95% of particles up to 20 microns
Recycled glass: filters 95% of particles > 25 microns
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 (THM)
Reduction of chlorine odors
Healthier, clearer, and more pleasant water for swimmers
Bio-resistance: no more bacterial colonies in the filter
One of the greatest advantages of AFM ng is its ability to prevent bacterial proliferation in the filter. Ordinary sand filters often become breeding grounds for biofilm, where bacteria like Legionella or Cryptosporidium thrive.
With AFM ng:
No biological filtration
No conversion of urea to ammonia (responsible for the chlorine smell)
Reduced to an absolute minimum risk 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 essential metal oxides for activation. Unlike the white glass used by many competitors, this choice ensures a stronger electrostatic charge, and therefore a 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 the production of high-tech filter media.
Easy to use, in all contexts
AFM ng is a universal product that can be effortlessly 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 cost-effective in the long run. Thanks to its durability, resistance to biological contamination, and exceptional performance, you reduce:
The frequency of media replacement
The needs for chemicals
The technical interventions
The maintenance costs
AFM ng vs Nature Work vs Regular filtration glass: Which one to choose?
When it comes time to choose the best filtering medium for your pool, it is essential to compare the options available on the market. Three solutions currently stand out: AFM ng, Nature Work, and regular filtration glass. Each has its characteristics, but only one offers the optimal performance sought by quality, health, and sustainability-conscious pool owners.
1. Filtration performance
AFM ng : Filtration down to 1 micron, certified by independent laboratories. Its electrostatically activated structure allows it to capture ultrafine particles, even without a flocculant.
Nature Work : Generally advertised around 5 to 10 microns, depending on the grain size. Less effective on organic and pathogenic micro-particles.
Regular glass : Filtration around 15 to 25 microns. Comparable to sand, it does not capture very fine contaminants without additives.
🔎 Conclusion : AFM ng greatly dominates due to its ability to filter water to a nearly sterile level.
2. Resistance to biofilms and bacterial development
AFM ng : Medium 100% bio-resistant, self-sterilizing thanks to its activation in 3 steps. It prevents the formation of biofilm, which avoids odors, the proliferation of bacteria, and the transformation of urea into toxic trichloramines.
Nature Work : Treated media but not activated comparably. Biofilm formation remains possible in the long term.
Regular glass : Not bio-resistant. Like sand, it becomes a bacterial hotspot within a few weeks of use.
🔬 Conclusion : AFM ng is the only one to offer active long-term microbiological protection.
3. Durability and replacement frequency
AFM ng : Good for life under normal usage conditions. Does not clog, does not compact, requires no frequent replacement.
Nature Work : Estimated lifespan between 5 and 8 years, with a risk of clogging or loss of performance.
Regular glass : About 5 years with a gradual loss of filtering capacity.
♻️ Conclusion : AFM ng represents a unique and sustainable investment.
4. Ecological impact and material origin
AFM ng : Made from pure green and brown glass, optimized for its electrostatic charge. Produced in a specialized, sustainable, zero-waste factory. No sharp edges.
Nature Work : Made from recycled glass with simpler processing. Less control over grain size or impurities.
Regular glass : Standard recycled product, sometimes used as "recovered waste", without extensive processing.
🌍 Conclusion : AFM ng combines real ecology and high technology.
5. Compatibility with treatments and pools
AFM ng : Compatible with all saltwater pools, public pools, private pools, spas, UV systems, ozone, chlorine, etc.
Nature Work: Suitable for domestic pools, but less tested in demanding environments (saltwater, thermal, public).
Regular glass: Generally reserved for private pools, with variable results depending on the treatment system.
💧 Conclusion: AFM ng is the only one that is universal and adaptable to all contexts.
6. Added value for the customer
Less maintenance
Less chlorine to use
Less unpleasant odors
Less health risks
Less replacement
👉 AFM ng does not just filter: it enhances the swimming experience and the quality of the water.
Verdict: Why choose AFM ng?
Compared to Nature Work and traditional filtering glass, AFM ng stands out with its unique activated technology, its ultrafine filtration at 1 micron, its self-sterilizing effect, and its exceptional durability. It is unmatched for those who want the best for their pool, their health, and the environment.
Are you investing in a filtering media? You might as well choose the most reliable, purest, and most sustainable option: AFM ng.
Performance testimony
According to tests conducted by the independent laboratory IFTS (France), the AFM ng is currently the only filtering media in the world to achieve a certified filtration level of 1 micron without flocculant.
In summary: why adopt the AFM ng?
✅ Filtration 20 times more effective than sand
✅ Reduction of up to 50% in disinfection by-products
✅ Eco-friendly product and 100% bio-resistant
✅ Easy installation without changing your equipment
✅ Long-term savings
Piscine Hippocampe, your partner for pure water
At Piscine Hippocampe, we are proud to offer innovative solutions to improve the quality of your water. By recommending the 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.
