Hayward W3C12002 StarClear Plus Cartridge Pool Filter, 120 Sq. Ft.

Just what I needed after 42 years with the same pool filter. Perfect size for 12,000 gallon in ground pool. If you’re comfortable working with PBC water pipe you will have no problems installing this filter.Works just like it should. Happy customer.

Great product my last one lasted for 25 years

Our old sand filter gave up... so I asked around ... the pool guys wanted to sell me a larger 4 cartridge filter for $1200. Then I asked a neighbor about his ... he has a 13000 gallon pool and 3/4 horse pump and this filter and has never had a problem . I have a 26000 gallon pool and 3/4 pump... this filter works amazing... my pool guy said it was too small, he is full of hot air because my return pipe is only 1 1/2 inches in diameter and you cannot push more than 60 gallons per minute through a 1 1/2 inch pipe anyway... no matter how much horsepower you have so this filter is perfect for my pool, it was very green and took two days to clear up after we replace the sand filter with this new cartridge filter... you just have to wash the filter out a little more often than you would with multiple cartridges. It’s very easy to wash the cartridge out. Whenever somebody wants to sell you something that’s bigger, ask them why and what the benefits are because if you only have a certain size return pipe only a certain amount of water can circulate through it no matter how large the filter is.

I ordered this filter as replacement for an older cartridge filter of similar manufacture. The old filter worked well, but after almost 20 years the casing cracked at the bottom. The new filter is physically smaller, which I was not sure would work as well, but has larger filtering area (175 sq. ft. versus 140).The filter was ordered Saturday and was received Wednesday, which is very good for free shipping such a large item across the country.While the pool had not had a running filter in almost a month, the new filter made the water sparkling clean in no time. The pressure drop through the cartridge is low (lower than with the old filter), which makes it easy for the pump and increases the water flow.Installation was very easy, even though I had to rerun the pipes because the inlet was in a different location from the old filter.Only issue: the pressure gauge housing was broken (but still functional) when the filter was received. It is obvious the packaging is OK for the filter itself which is quite rugged, but not for the gauge which is fragile and sticks out at the top. It is absolutely not protected. I have contacted the vendor and they quickly responded offering to send a replacement gauge by mail.I did not rate 5 stars simply for the packaging, particularly considering that I have read many reports of broken gauges for this particular product. I would think it would be the manufacturer's interest to fix that problem sooner rather than later.

Was a direct replacement of prior system that lasted ten years. Though faded under intense sun the housing was still solid. The failure was the threaded rod the cap is held down with.. Saltwater had its way with it, and a turn too far with my gorilla grip snapped that puppy flush to the bottom of the casing. Insofar as the product is concerned, a stainless steel or zinc rod would hold up better, but after ten years? Its hard to complain. System came with filter already in it which was a nice surprise and explained the cost. I dont use Hayward replacement filters as i dont want to pay for them... Others are just as good for most part, with only slight inferiority. The trick is having two or three filters, allowing one to dry completely to be cleaned thoroughly, with one cleaned (or new) and the other in use... They'll last much longer than even five filters in constant use with this practice.One hint: the fittings for intake and exhaust are often tapered slightly, which means you should make liberal use of thread dope or tape, and seat them with even, constant/steady, and slow pressure until they are completely seated... There is nothing worse than cutting pvc, mocking it up sans glue/bonding agent, then putting it together with glue and realizing it leaks because you didnt seat the fitting threads properly.... Yeah, I may or may not have done that. Use thread dope or tape., a lot., make sure its seated.. Get two extra filters. Expect years of service, even in a salt water pool with consistent disagreement with metals... Ive nothong but good to say about performance..

Easy to install .. works great !!

I bought this for my my pool and I have to say within a day of running 8 hours the next day that pool was so clear I didn’t know the floor looked like it is now. Great quality and the guy who service my pool is now recommending it for all of his clients with the similar size pool