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

Easy to install .. works great !!

Purchased this Hayward 120 sq ft filter (W3C12002) to replace an older version of this same type of Hayward StarClear filter that was a little smaller at 90 sq ft. The older Hayward filter we replaced (W3C9002) was about ten years old - it still worked fine but some moving parts with the lid screw handle were broken, was pretty sun faded, it was leakinga little around the pressure gauge threads and we wanted a slightly larger and more efficient filter anyway so we went with this larger W3C12002 120 sq ft one.I wont go into how great these old StarClear cartridge type filters are because that fact is well know. But I will say we looked into Hayward's newer style of SwimClear line of cartridge filters and instead opted to stay with this tried and true older style StarClear one as according to some reputable local pool supply vendors and svc techs I've spoken to say they're seeing issues with the big plastic lid fastening bracket breaking on these newer SwimClear type cartridge filters. Lots of problems with this issue they say so the safe bet is to at least for now stay with the older StarClear line filters.The real news I'd like to share about this Hayward (W3C12002) 120 sq ft filter is that I was able to purchase it directly here through Amazon with free Amazon Prime shipping from Hayward for $250-$300 less that any local pool supply business or store will currently sell me one for. So for a DIY installation of one of these Hayward SwimClear filters this is by far the best way to purchase.

Update: Purchased this in 2017, and got less than 4 years of service out of it. That might be acceptable, but my prior Pentair performed well for probably 15 years and I expect better quality from a good name like Hayward. I still agree that this filter cleans the water VERY well, but that's where my happiness stops. Over time it became impossible to latch down the lid completely and securely (latch system is a long metal rod that you screw the top down onto). It has been leaking for several months, just a steady small stream. This week it blew out completely, and it took several inches out of the pool level before I noticed. Unfortunately, it sprayed directly into my electrical control box (on/off switch for the pump). We reseated the lid two more times, and it blew out the side both times, before we placed an order for another Pentair. We're done with Hayward filters. Poor design caused it to fail MUCH earlier than it should have.Prior review: Bought this to replace another brand filter. It was easy to hook up and cleaned the pool water much quicker than I expected, and much quicker than our old filter system! Unlike other reviewers, we had no problems with the pressure gauge being damaged. It arrived intact, and in perfect condition. However, I could see from the packaging how the pressure gauge could easily be damaged, as it sticks out from the top of the lid and has very little protection in that position from the packaging. Overall, this is a perfect filter for our roughly 15,000 gallon pool and I expect we'll get many years of service out of it. We also have a Hayward in-line chlorinator, and it has been a real workhorse, too. I'm going to switch all of our equipment to Hayward now!

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

Seems to be cleaning much better than my old filter. Like others have noted, I had a hard time getting one of input fitting to seal. I used teflon tape and had to reinstall again the typical teflon tape from the hardware store. When that didn't seal properly, I read about Blue Monster teflon tape and sealant. That did the trick, thank goodness!UPDATE: Even using the Blue Monster tape and sealant, the output fitting started dripping. I ended up replacing the PVC adapter and using GE Silicone sealer over the Blue Monster teflon tape, which did the trick.

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..