ESPA Pool Filters

ESPA Pool Filters: The Catalan Brand from Banyoles with Two Distinct Product Lines

ESPA is likely the most well-known Spanish brand for pool pumps. Founded in 1962 in Banyoles (Girona), it has been manufacturing high-quality hydraulic equipment for over six decades and is practically synonymous with premium Catalan pumps in the industry. When it comes to filters, ESPA has a more focused catalog than it does for pumps (where the Espa pump range dominates with dozens of models), but one that is consistent with its philosophy: a well-made product, correctly sized, and designed to fit into the complete ESPA machine room ecosystem.

On this page, you’ll find the 5 ESPA products distributed by Quimipool, organized into two distinct lines: the Neat Monobloc family (filter + pump integrated into a single compact unit, ideal for small-to-medium pools or quick installations) and the Filterkit Plus FKP family (separate polyester filters with a 6-way valve included, for standard installations where the pump is separate). Here I’ll explain when each one is the right fit.

Why ESPA and for whom

Three key features set ESPA apart:

• A Catalan brand from Banyoles with over 60 years of history. ESPA is likely the most internationally recognized Spanish pool brand, with a factory in Girona and exports to over 100 countries. The technical quality of its manufacturing is beyond question, and spare parts are readily available through Spanish distributors.
• Natural consistency with the ESPA pump ecosystem. If you’re installing an ESPA pump (which many installers do in medium-to-high-end residential pools), the ESPA filter fits the brand’s logic. For premium pools or comprehensive projects, the complete ESPA ecosystem (pump + filter) is a highly justifiable choice.
• The Neat Monobloc solution isunique in the catalog. ESPA is the only brand in the Quimipool catalog that offers monoblock filters: filter + pump integrated into a single compact unit. For above-ground/removable pools, small family pools, or quick installations where simplifying the equipment room is a priority, the Neat is hard to beat.

It is the natural choice for owners with an existing ESPA pump who want brand consistency, small or above-ground pools where the Neat monoblock solves everything in a single unit, and premium installations where the customer values a well-established Catalan brand over price.

The Neat Monobloc range: filter + pump in a single unit

The Neat family is ESPA’s signature line: a polyester filter + Nox pump factory-pre-assembled into a single compact unit. Ready to connect and operate without having to size the pump and filter separately.

Two models available:

When does Monobloc make sense?

• Small-to-medium-sized family pools (up to 40 m³) where simplifying installation offers real value
• Removable, above-ground, or lightweight pools that come without equipment or with basic equipment that you want to upgrade
• Quick machine roomrenovations: replace the entire system in hours, without having to adjust sizing or install pump-filter connection pipes
• Second homes where ease of maintenance takes precedence over everything else

The downside of the monoblock: if the pump fails, it’s usually best to replace the entire unit (the Nox 25 or Nox 33 pump is model-specific). If your priority is flexibility to replace parts separately, the Filterkit Plus range is a better choice.

The Filterkit Plus FKP range: standalone polyester filters

The Filterkit Plus FKP family is ESPA’s standard line of standalone filters. Polyester housing with a 6-way selector valve included (the “6LT” designation indicates 6-way Lateral Top or equivalent). Three models:

The FKP 620 (€329) is the best-selling model in the independent ESPA catalog: 14 m³/h with a 6-way valve included for a standard family pool of 50–80 m³, at a very competitive price compared to equivalent brands.

Compared to the Coral Alaska 600 (€389), the QP Red 600 (€389), and the Astralpool Star Plus 600 (€369), the ESPA FKP 620 is slightly cheaper (€329) for a polyester filter with similar performance. The difference stems from a more focused catalog and ESPA’s positioning centered on pumps.

The FKP range clearly targets the mid-range residential market: the largest model (FKP 760) is suitable for pools up to about 120 m³. For larger pools (140+ m³), ESPA does not offer filters directly, so it is advisable to look at other brands such as Astralpool Vesubio or Cantabric, or Hayward Pro Series d.900.

How to size your ESPA filter: a rule of thumb

Quick rule based on pool volume:

For small or above-ground pools (up to 40 m³), the Neat monoblock is the choice for simplicity. For standard residential pools (50–100 m³), the Filterkit Plus FKP combined with an ESPA Iris, Wiper, or Silen 2 pump ensures brand consistency and performance.

The complete ESPA ecosystem

What truly adds value when choosing ESPA is the consistency of the equipment room. If you combine an ESPA filter with an ESPA pump, you get:

• ESPA pumps (Iris, Wiper, Silen 2, Nox, Tifón…) — a wide range from 0.25 hp to several hp
• Consistent technical quality across all hydraulic equipment
• EspaUnified after-sales service through the ESPA network in Spain
• Spare parts coordinated between filter and pump
• Stable stock availability in Spanish distribution

For pools with salt chlorinators (any brand: Innowater, BSV, Idegis, Astralpool, Hayward…), ESPA filters are fully compatible. ESPA does not manufacture salt chlorinators, so you have complete freedom to choose the brand of salt chlorinator you prefer.

For variable-speed pumps, ESPA has its own highly rated line (Silen Plus VS and others) for pools that combine extended filtration with salt electrolysis, where the energy savings offset the initial extra cost within 2–3 seasons.

Filter Media and Maintenance

ESPA filters work with standard silica sand (the default option), recycled filter glass (finer filtration, nearly double the lifespan), or zeolite (chloramine absorption). See the complete catalog of filter media. The blog features a detailed comparison of filter media with the pros and cons of each option.

For ESPA pool filter replacement parts, Quimipool has a wide selection available. Selector valves and valve replacement parts are often interchangeable with other brands on the market due to supplier compatibility.

ESPA vs. Other Filter Brands

Every brand has its place:

• ESPA is the premium Catalan brand that naturally complements its range of pumps. A focused catalog of 5 products, with two distinct lines (Monobloc Neat for small systems, FKP for standard systems). A good choice if you already have an ESPA ecosystem or value Catalan brands.
• Coral is the classic Spanish brand with three ranges (Neptuno/Alaska/Series 92). A broader catalog in the economy-to-mid-range segment.
• Astralpool is the multinational Fluidra, with the widest range on the market (10 sub-lines), covering residential and semi-industrial applications.
• Productos QP Shares a platform with Coral and is the budget-friendly private label with cross-brand spare part availability.
• Hayward This is the American multinational with Pro Series and Powerline, strong in top-valve (TOP) models.

If your priority is a filter+pump monoblock for a small or removable pool, ESPA is the only option in the Quimipool catalog in this category. If you value consistency with a Catalan brand that matches your existing pump, choose ESPA. If you need a wide range with many models for large or semi-industrial pools, visit Astralpool. For the absolute best price, check out Coral or QP. For top-mounted (TOP) valves in a narrow equipment room, visit Hayward.

Find your ESPA filter in the list above. Choose between Monobloc Neat (filter + pump in a single unit, for small-to-medium pools up to 40 m³) or Filterkit Plus FKP (separate filters for standard installations of 50–120 m³). Free shipping on orders over €150 and standard delivery within 24–48 hours on the Spanish mainland. If you’re unsure whether to choose Monobloc or FKP, want advice on compatibility with your existing ESPA pump, or need to set up a complete ESPA-branded equipment room, call 91 128 55 90 or contact us via the contact form: our technical team is available Monday through Friday during business hours.