Dryden Aqua Healthy Swim AFM Grade #1 - Fine Grade - Glass Filter Media 55 LB Bag

Dryden Aqua Healthy Swim AFM® Grade #1 – Fine Grade Glass Filter Media (55 lb Bag)

Upgrade your pool filtration system with Dryden Aqua Healthy Swim AFM® Grade #1, a high-performance activated glass filter media engineered to deliver crystal-clear water, superior hygiene, and long-lasting efficiency. Designed as a direct replacement for #20 silica sand, AFM® Grade #1 dramatically improves filtration performance while reducing chlorine usage and harmful disinfection by-products.

Unlike ordinary glass media, AFM® (Activated Filter Media) undergoes a proprietary activation process that makes it bio-resistant, self-sterilizing, and electrostatically charged—resulting in cleaner, safer, and healthier pool water for years to come.

What Is AFM® (Activated Filter Media)?

AFM® is a bio-resistant, activated filtration media made from 100% recycled green and brown glass. Through a unique three-step activation process, AFM® develops a massive surface area—up to 300 times greater than sand—allowing it to trap microscopic contaminants and inhibit bacterial growth.

AFM® is not glass sand. It is a highly engineered filtration technology that provides superior mechanical, electrostatic, and adsorption filtration.

Why Choose AFM® Over Traditional Sand or Glass Media?

Superior Filtration Performance

• Filters at least twice as effectively as sand

• Captures particles 4x smaller than sand and standard glass media

• Prevents channeling and unfiltered water bypass

Bio-Resistant & Self-Sterilizing

• Inhibits bacterial growth and biofouling

• Prevents mud-balling and coagulation

• Reduces the risk of waterborne pathogens including:

  • Legionella

  • Pseudomonas

  • Cryptosporidium

Healthier Pool Environment

• Significantly reduces chloramines

• Less “chlorine smell” in the air

• Lower chlorine consumption

• Fewer toxic disinfection by-products (DBPs)

Long-Term Value

• Never needs recharging or replacement

• Maintains consistent performance for many years

• Eco-friendly and sustainable

Engineered for Maximum Efficiency

AFM® is manufactured exclusively by Dryden Aqua using a specialized glass type. It is processed to achieve the optimal particle shape and size, then activated using a proprietary 3-step mechanical and chemical process. This activation:

• Increases surface area by up to 300x

• Enhances electrostatic attraction of particles

• Enables catalysis and adsorption reactions

• Creates a permanent negative surface charge

Unlike activated carbon, AFM® does not require chemical recharging—it is naturally regenerated through standard backwashing.

AFM® vs. Other Glass Media

Activation

AFM® is the only glass filter media that undergoes a full activation process. This is what makes it bio-resistant and dramatically more efficient than standard glass media.

Raw Materials

AFM® uses only green and brown glass. The natural metal oxides within the glass create a negative charge, which is further enhanced through activation.

Manufacturing Excellence

Dryden Aqua is a dedicated glass media manufacturer—not a recycling company selling by-products. Their production facility is one of the most advanced in the world, ensuring:

• No sharp edges

• Uniform particle size

• No damage to filter laterals

• Safer handling

Proven Efficiency

Independently tested by IFTS (France), AFM® has been proven to outperform sand and conventional glass media by filtering significantly finer particles.

Applications – Where Can AFM® Be Used?

AFM® is a direct drop-in replacement for sand or glass media—no system modifications required.

Compatible with:

• All sand and glass sand filters

• Chlorine pools

• Saltwater pools

• Natural and eco pools

• All oxidation and sanitation methods

• All operating temperatures

Grade Information

• AFM® Grade #1 (Fine Grade) – Replaces #20 silica sand

• AFM® Grade #3 – Replaces gravel in multi-layer filters

Key Benefits at a Glance

✔ Crystal clear water
✔ Reduced chlorine usage
✔ Less chloramine odor
✔ Healthier air quality
✔ Lower infection risk
✔ Long-lasting performance
✔ Sustainable and eco-friendly
✔ Proven in over 200,000 pools worldwide

Dryden DAISY® 

Additional Information

AFM FAQ Sheet

AFM Brochure

AFM Brochure

SDS Sheet