Hayward CX500RE Replacement Cartridge Element

I agree with others who have said that it's not worth buying "compatible", or even so-called "OEM replacement" filter cartridges. They may cost half as much, but they are cheap and don't last, nor do they clean as well.I have had bad experiences, even here on Amazon, buying what is supposed to be an authentic -- and more expensive -- Hayward OEM cartridge that doesn't turn out to be authentic. I couple of years ago I bought one that even came in a Hayward box, had Hayward wrapping and the labeling on the filter itself also all said "Hayward". However, when I unwrapped it and looked at it closely I noticed that some of the finishing details were "off". Such as small pieces of plastic that weren't completely trimmed off the end caps. Also, some of the filter pleats were wrapped unevenly. Also the inside rings that provide strength looked different than what I had seen before. I used that filter and sure enough, after a few months it stopped cleaning as well.Talking about this one from this vendor: It truly looks like a genuine Hayward filter. And for the price I expect it to last as long as on OEM filter. Every detail on it is perfect. The pleats are well-spaced and uniform. There are no extraneous pieces of plastic that haven't been properly trimmed. Etc. Maybe some of those people who say it's not genuine somehow ended up with a bootleg version for some reason -- intentional or not, no way to tell -- but at least in my case I seem to have received a genuine filter that should last. And so far it's working fine.

I haven't purchased a “real” Hayward CX1750RE filter since my first one was replaced some 30+ years ago!! So to say that I’ve purchased some “pretenders” would be valid.The main purpose of this review is to educate you on the CRITICAL difference in the filter pretenders world of make-believe pool filters.Over the years, I’ve purchased other filters from suppliers, some of which were OK. They worked acceptably well and did last a few years. The price of these filters was apx $70 - $75.About 1 year ago, I bought one from an Amazon supplier that advertises an “ALL AMERICAN Replacement Cartridge” filter for apx $70 as I remember. You can look them up. The filter is NOT made in America other than the “label” is attached here.Here’s three items that are immediately obvious;1) There are less filter “elements” compared to a “real” Hayward CX1750RE Filter Cartridge2) There are FIVE bands around a C1750RE filter element; this one has THREE.3) The opening is stated to be 4” but a “real” Hayward Filter Cartridge opening is slightly less than 4”.The first two items will be ignored in favor of explaining number 3).The filter’s opening is key and you can test to see if it’s OK BEFORE you use it. If it fails the measurement, I would recommend that you return it ASAP b/c it won’t work properly. I used a micrometer to accurately measure the opening.The “real” Hayward filter is specified to have a 4 inch opening at the TOP and BOTTOM of the filter. However, the opening is SLIGHTLY smaller than that so that the PROPER SEAL CAN BE OBTAINED WHEN THE FILTER IS SEATED INTO THE MAIN FILTER BODY. This dimension is critical!The Hayward filter’s opening is 3.984 inches and there’s a LIP that is added to the Hayward Filter which creates that dimension. It is the EXTRA 0.016 inch that ensures a proper seal.The “ALL AMERICAN” filter, for example, measured opening was 4.005 inches. You might, incorrectly say, that it’s only 0.005 inches bigger than the “spec” so what’s wrong with that??? Answer. . . everything! It won’t seal properly. That’s why you pool doesn’t clear up after running your filter or takes LONGER to clear.To install the Hayward filter, a slight “push” on the top is required to seat the filter over the internal main body plenum. Ran the pool for 4 hours and it is filtering as it should.Hope that this helps you determine whether the filter will work in your Hayward 175 Sq Ft Pool Filter System.Update: 10/19/18 - I cleaned the filter today after apx 19 months of use before the high back pressure dictated cleaning. Yes, it was LOADED w/ dirt but cleaned up and is now back into the Hayward Pool Filter ready for another year+ of pool filtering.

I purchased this cartridge on Amazon, via partner Pool Supply Warehouse. It is an OEM filter with "Genuine Hayward" labels on it. It was shipped within a few days and cost only 100 bucks. I am very pleased.I recently bought a house with a pool but I have never maintained a pool before and don't know anything about them. I've been applying the BBB method as described on troublefreepools.com with great success, but I was having problems with the existing filter system. I couldn't get the pool clean even through vacuuming, and it seemed like the debris I picked up was being blown right back out the returns. The existing cartridge was not Hayward and didn't seem to get a good seal on the contact points in the filter housing. I usually prefer to buy cheaper alternatives to brand name products but in this case I decided to go with Hayward to see what correct fit and finish looks like so I can properly evaluate the knock-offs in the future.The Hayward filter fit perfectly, it snapped right into the lower filter housing and I could tell right away it sealed properly. The upper housing aligned properly whereas with the old cartridge it seemed to be misaligned. When I turned on the filter it sealed so well it immediately exposed a problem with the filter o-ring and water came shooting out the side. A little pool lube and couple extra twists of the lock nut and this was corrected.The new cartridge works beautifully. The pool is clear and vacuuming eliminates all the dirt wonderfully. I can't wait for summer!

For the longest time, I was using cheap knockoff filters that just weren't getting all the algae out of the pool. I decided to go with the original OEM filter and pay a bit more. Good investment! Now my pool water is much cleaner. The filter is a little heavier but probably made a lot better. It should last a year with regular cleaning.

So pleased w product! Sturdy top notch quality! Absolutely worth every penny & I will NEVER waste money on generic less quality brands ever again! Cleans pool in half the time of cheaper competitors.