Introduction
Water filtration technologies are rapidly evolving, and new terms are being introduced into the market to capture attention one such term is “Activated Glass Media.” But does it truly compare to Activated Carbon, or is it just clever marketing?
In this blog, we’ll explore:
The difference between glass media and activated carbon
Whether glass media can be activated
How it compares to sand
The real science behind the claims of activation
The best use cases for each media
What Is Glass Media?
Glass media is a filtration material made from recycled glass, processed into angular grains. It is primarily used as a replacement for sand media in water treatment applications — particularly swimming pools, municipal filters, and wastewater systems.
Benefits of Glass Media:
Filters down to 5–10 microns (vs 20 microns for sand)
Requires less frequent backwashing
Made from recycled materials (eco-friendly)
Lifespan of 5–10 years
What Is Activated Carbon?
Activated carbon is made by superheating carbon-rich material (like coconut shell or coal) to develop an ultra-porous structure. This structure enables chemical adsorption, where impurities stick to the internal pores of the media.
Benefits of Activated Carbon:
Adsorbs chlorine, VOCs, and organic contaminants
Removes odor and color
Essential in municipal, industrial, and residential water treatment
Can Glass Media Be Activated Like Activated Carbon?
Short Answer: No – It’s Mostly a Marketing Gimmick.
Glass media cannot be activated in the same way as carbon. Let’s break it down:
| Property | Activated Carbon | Glass Media |
|---|---|---|
| Activation Process | Steam/chemical activation at high temp | Surface etching or roughening |
| Porosity | Ultra-porous structure (high surface area) | Slight increase in surface area |
| Filtration Method | Chemical adsorption | Mechanical filtration only |
| Removes | Chlorine, organics, odors, VOCs | Suspended solids, fine particulates |
| Is it truly “Activated”? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (Surface-treated only) |
Conclusion:
Glass media may be surface treated to add roughness or a negative charge (zeta potential), but it does not develop the microporosity needed for chemical adsorption like activated carbon. These treatments can slightly improve performance, but it’s not true activation.
Glass Media vs Sand: Is Glass Still a Better Choice?
Although glass media can’t replace activated carbon, it does outperform sand in many mechanical filtration scenarios:
| Feature | Sand Media | Glass Media |
|---|---|---|
| Particle Filtration | ~20 microns | ~5–10 microns |
| Backwashing Frequency | Every 1–2 weeks | Every 3–4 weeks |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years | 10–15 years |
| Biofilm Growth | Can harbor bacteria | Lower bacterial growth |
| Eco-Friendliness | Extracted from nature | Made from recycled glass |
Verdict: If you’re upgrading from sand to glass media in your pool or industrial system go for it! Just don’t expect it to perform like carbon when it comes to chemical removal.
Is “Activated Glass Media” Just a Marketing Strategy?
Yes — and partially misleading.
Many manufacturers use the term “activated” to imply high-performance filtration like carbon. But since glass is not porous like carbon, the term often causes confusion.
What They Actually Do:
Etch or roughen the surface using acid or mechanical abrasion
Add minor electrical charge (zeta potential)
Improve trapping of debris and microbes
This results in better mechanical filtration, but still not chemical adsorption.
So next time you see the term “activated glass”, read the fine print.
Final Thoughts: Know Before You Choose
✅ Use Glass Media when:
Replacing sand in swimming pools, cooling towers, or basic filtration
You want a longer-lasting, eco-friendly, and lower-maintenance option
❌ Don’t use Glass Media as a replacement for activated carbon when:
You need to remove chlorine, organics, or volatile compounds
You’re targeting chemical impurities, not just physical particles
🔍 Always assess your filtration goals and match them with the right media.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can glass media remove chlorine like activated carbon?
A: No. Glass media filters physically, not chemically. It does not adsorb chlorine or organic contaminants.
Q2. Why do companies label their glass media as “activated”?
A: It refers to a surface treatment — not actual chemical activation. It’s mainly a marketing term to imply enhanced performance.
Q3. Should I replace sand with glass media?
A: Yes, if your goal is finer particle removal, reduced backwashing, and longer lifespan.
Q4. Can I use glass media and activated carbon together?
A: Absolutely! In many filtration systems, a glass pre-filter is followed by activated carbon for the best of both worlds.
Need Help Choosing the Right Filter Media?
Let’s simplify your filtration journey.
Whether you’re treating swimming pool water, drinking water, or industrial effluent — choosing the right media matters.
Contact us at:
📩 info@starkefiltermedia.com
🌐 www.starkefiltermedia.com