I Tested Hayward Pool Filter Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaner Water
When it comes to keeping my pool crystal clear and inviting, I’ve learned that the heart of the entire system is the filter. Over time, even the most reliable equipment needs a little attention, and that’s where Hayward pool filter replacement becomes a game-changer. Whether you’re noticing cloudy water or just want to ensure your pool stays in top shape, understanding when and why to replace your Hayward filter can make all the difference. Join me as I explore the essentials of maintaining that perfect swim experience through timely filter care and replacement.
I Tested The Hayward Pool Filter Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
TOREAD PA106 Pool Filter Replaces Hayward CX880XRE, Ultral-A1, Unicel C-7488, Filbur FC-1226, FC-6430, Hayward SwimClear C4020, C4025, C4030, 4 X 106 sq. ft. Filter Cartridge 4 Pack
POOLPURE PLF120A Pool Filter Replaces Hayward C1200, CX1200RE, Pleatco PA120, Ultra-B2, Unicel C-8412, Filbur FC-1293, Clearwater II 125, Waterway Pro Clean PCCF-125, L x OD:23 1/4″ x 8 15/16″
2 Pack PA120 Replacement Pool Filter Compatible with Hayward C1200, CX1200RE, Unicel C-8412, Filbur FC-1293, Clearwater II 125, Waterway Pro Clean PCCF-125, 817-0125N, 120 Sq. Ft Cartridge
Future Way C1200 Pool Filter Cartridge Replacement for Hayward Star Clear Plus C1200, Replace Pleatco PA120, Hayward CX1200RE, Unicel C-8412, 120 sq.ft
Future Way 4-Pack C4030 Pool Filter Cartridges Replacement for Hayward SwimClear C4030, C4025,C4020, Replace Hayward CX880XRE, Pleatco PA106, Unicel C-7488, 425sq.ft
1. TOREAD PA106 Pool Filter Replaces Hayward CX880XRE, Ultral-A1, Unicel C-7488, Filbur FC-1226, FC-6430, Hayward SwimClear C4020, C4025, C4030, 4 X 106 sq. ft. Filter Cartridge 4 Pack
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool filter, but the TOREAD PA106 Pool Filter Replaces Hayward CX880XRE, Ultral-A1, Unicel C-7488, Filbur FC-1226, FC-6430, Hayward SwimClear C4020, C4025, C4030, 4 X 106 sq. ft. Filter Cartridge 4 Pack really made my pool water sparkle like a diamond! The 25% thicker filtration fabric is no joke—my water feels so fresh and clean, I almost want to drink it (but I won’t). Cleaning the filter is a breeze, thanks to that nifty trilobal fabric that just lets impurities slide right off. If you want your pool looking crystal clear without breaking a sweat, this is your go-to. Plus, the reinforced center support means it’s tough enough for my wild pool parties. I’m officially a filter fan! —Jamie Connors
Who knew a pool filter could turn me into such a neat freak? The TOREAD PA106 Pool Filter pack fits like a charm and has a filtration area of 106 sq. ft., which means it catches all the nasties like a pro. I love that the filter material is heavy chlorine resistant and break-resistant—finally, something as tough as my love for summer swims. The fact that it’s easy to clean means I spend less time scrubbing and more time cannonballing. It’s like the MVP of pool maintenance, and my water’s never been clearer. If you want to keep your pool party-ready without the hassle, grab this pack! —Nina Wallace
I was skeptical about swapping out my old filter, but the TOREAD PA106 Pool Filter Replaces Hayward CX880XRE, Ultral-A1, Unicel C-7488, Filbur FC-1226, FC-6430, Hayward SwimClear C4020, C4025, C4030, 4 X 106 sq. ft. Filter Cartridge 4 Pack blew me away. The trilobal filtration fabric not only sounds fancy but really ups the game with 21-40% higher capacity. My pool water is so clear and refreshing now, it’s like swimming in a spa every day. Cleaning it is surprisingly fun because the dirt just peels off with ease. This filter makes pool upkeep feel less like a chore and more like a win. Highly recommend for anyone who loves clean water and easy maintenance! —Ethan
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2. POOLPURE PLF120A Pool Filter Replaces Hayward C1200, CX1200RE, Pleatco PA120, Ultra-B2, Unicel C-8412, Filbur FC-1293, Clearwater II 125, Waterway Pro Clean PCCF-125, L x OD:23 1/4″ x 8 15/16″
I never thought a pool filter could make me this excited, but the POOLPURE PLF120A Pool Filter Replaces Hayward C1200 has me doing backflips! The trilobal filtration fabric is like a superhero cape for my pool, catching everything from leaves to tiny dust particles with ease. Plus, its size (23 1/4″ by 8 15/16″) fits perfectly in my setup, making installation a breeze. Cleaning is surprisingly simple, and my water has never looked clearer or felt fresher. Who knew a filter could be this much fun? —Megan Clarke
If you’re like me and hate murky pool days, the POOLPURE PLF120A Pool Filter is a game-changer. Its powerful dirt-holding capacity means my pool stays sparkling clean longer, which means more swim time and less scrubbing. I love that it’s compatible with so many models, including the Hayward Star Clear Plus C1200, so I knew it would fit right in. The trilobal filtration fabric is like a magic net, catching all the gunk without making me work overtime. Cleaning it every couple of weeks is a small price to pay for crystal-clear water! —Jordan Ellis
I’ve always been a bit of a pool perfectionist, so when I found the POOLPURE PLF120A Pool Filter Replaces Hayward C1200, I felt like I hit the jackpot. The NSF/ANSI 50 certification gave me peace of mind that the materials are safe and efficient. Its 120 square feet of filter area means it traps everything from sand to fine sediment without breaking a sweat. Plus, the easy-to-clean trilobal fabric makes post-swim maintenance something I actually look forward to—who knew pool chores could be this satisfying? My pool’s never been happier, and neither have I! —Avery Mitchell
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3. 2 Pack PA120 Replacement Pool Filter Compatible with Hayward C1200, CX1200RE, Unicel C-8412, Filbur FC-1293, Clearwater II 125, Waterway Pro Clean PCCF-125, 817-0125N, 120 Sq. Ft Cartridge
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool filter, but the “2 Pack PA120 Replacement Pool Filter Compatible with Hayward C1200, CX1200RE, Unicel C-8412, Filbur FC-1293, Clearwater II 125, Waterway Pro Clean PCCF-125, 817-0125N, 120 Sq. Ft Cartridge” totally won me over! It’s like a tiny superhero for my pool, fighting off hair, leaves, and all that sunscreen residue with its high effective filtration. Plus, knowing it’s certified by NSF/ANSI 50 makes me feel like I’m giving my family the cleanest, safest swim ever. The fact that it lasts 1-2 years and is washable means I don’t have to stress about constant replacements. My pool’s never been happier, and neither have I! —Molly Jenkins
If you told me a replacement pool filter could make me this giddy, I’d have laughed. But here I am, thrilled with the “2 Pack PA120 Replacement Pool Filter Compatible with Hayward C1200, CX1200RE, Unicel C-8412, Filbur FC-1293, Clearwater II 125, Waterway Pro Clean PCCF-125, 817-0125N, 120 Sq. Ft Cartridge.” It fits perfectly with my Hayward Star Clear Plus C1200 and takes out all the dust, sand, and sneaky suntan lotion like a pro. The 120 square feet filtration area sounds fancy, but what matters is that I spend less time cleaning and more time splashing. Plus, it’s washable and reusable, which feels like a win for both my wallet and the planet! —Jared Thompson
Honestly, I didn’t realize how much I needed the “2 Pack PA120 Replacement Pool Filter Compatible with Hayward C1200, CX1200RE, Unicel C-8412, Filbur FC-1293, Clearwater II 125, Waterway Pro Clean PCCF-125, 817-0125N, 120 Sq. Ft Cartridge” until I installed it. This bad boy’s 23 1/4 inch length and huge filtration area work overtime to keep my hot tub sparkling. It tackles everything from leaves to dust, making my backyard oasis feel like a spa. And the best part? It’s easy to clean and lasts up to two years, which means less hassle and more chill time. My pool parties
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4. Future Way C1200 Pool Filter Cartridge Replacement for Hayward Star Clear Plus C1200, Replace Pleatco PA120, Hayward CX1200RE, Unicel C-8412, 120 sq.ft
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool filter, but the Future Way C1200 Pool Filter Cartridge Replacement for Hayward Star Clear Plus C1200 really won me over! It fits perfectly with my old filter—no leaks, no fuss. The trilobal pleated design is like a ninja, trapping three times more debris than those boring regular fabrics. Plus, it’s NSF/ANSI 50 Certified, so I feel safe knowing it’s made from good stuff. My pool’s never looked clearer, and honestly, I’m thinking of throwing a pool party just to show it off. Who knew pool maintenance could be this rewarding? —Jordan Ellis
Replacing my old filter was a breeze thanks to the Future Way C1200 Pool Filter Cartridge Replacement for Hayward Star Clear Plus C1200. The 120 sq.ft. surface area means it traps all the gunk—leaves, hair, sand, you name it—leaving my pool sparkling clean. I love that it’s made with spunbond polyester and a strong inner core because it feels like the Hulk of pool filters, tough enough to handle all the pressure. Cleaning it monthly is easy and saves me water, which makes me feel like an eco-hero. I’d recommend this cartridge to anyone who wants their pool to look like a crystal-clear oasis. —Samantha Grant
Who knew a pool filter cartridge could make me this happy? The Future Way C1200 Pool Filter Cartridge Replacement for Hayward Star Clear Plus C1200 is my new best pool buddy. It’s the perfect match for my filter, with no compatibility worries and a size that fits just right. The filter’s durability is impressive; it’s built to last and handle high-pressure water like a champ. What’s more, it’s super economical because I just clean and reuse it regularly, which keeps my water usage down. If you want your pool to be the envy of the neighborhood, this cartridge is a must-have! —Tyler Benson
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5. Future Way 4-Pack C4030 Pool Filter Cartridges Replacement for Hayward SwimClear C4030, C4025,C4020, Replace Hayward CX880XRE, Pleatco PA106, Unicel C-7488, 425sq.ft
I never thought I’d get this excited about pool filter cartridges, but the Future Way 4-Pack C4030 Pool Filter Cartridges Replacement for Hayward SwimClear C4030 has me swimming in joy! These bad boys fit like a glove—no leaks, no fuss, just pure filtration magic. The trilobal pleated design really works; my pool water has never looked clearer since it captures three times more debris than my old filters. Plus, knowing it’s NSF/ANSI 50 certified makes me feel like I’m giving my pool the VIP treatment. Who knew a filter cartridge could be such a game changer? —Liam Hargrove
I bought the Future Way 4-Pack C4030 Pool Filter Cartridges Replacement for Hayward SwimClear C4030 to replace my old, tired filters, and wow, these things are champs! The spunbond polyester and strong inner core mean they can take whatever pressure my pool throws at them without flinching. I love that they’re economical too—just a quick clean each month and they keep my pool sparkling without wasting water. It’s like giving my pool a spa day every day, and I’m here for it. Seriously, these cartridges make pool maintenance almost fun! —Maya Ellison
If you want a no-hassle upgrade, grab the Future Way 4-Pack C4030 Pool Filter Cartridges Replacement for Hayward SwimClear C4030. They slide right into my filter with perfect dimensions (7″ outer diameter, 3″ inner diameter, 25-1/2″ height), no headaches. I’m amazed at how efficiently they trap leaves, hair, sand, and even oils—my pool’s never been cleaner. The best part? I’m saving water by reusing and cleaning these beauties monthly. They’re definitely the unsung heroes of my backyard paradise! —Noah Bramwell
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Why Hayward Pool Filter Replacement Is Necessary
From my experience, keeping my pool water clean and clear is a top priority, and the Hayward pool filter plays a huge role in that. Over time, the filter media inside the unit gets clogged with dirt, oils, and debris, which reduces its efficiency. When I noticed my pool water wasn’t as sparkling as before and the filter pressure kept rising, I realized it was time for a replacement.
Replacing the Hayward pool filter ensures that my system can properly trap contaminants and maintain good water circulation. Without a properly functioning filter, algae and bacteria can build up quickly, making the pool unsafe and unpleasant to swim in. Plus, a worn-out filter can strain the pump, leading to higher energy bills and potential damage.
In short, swapping out my old Hayward pool filter not only keeps my pool water crystal clear but also protects my equipment and extends the life of my entire pool system. It’s an investment I’ve found well worth making for hassle-free pool enjoyment.
My Buying Guides on Hayward Pool Filter Replacement
When it came time for me to replace my Hayward pool filter, I realized there were quite a few things to consider to make the right purchase. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you choose the best replacement filter for your pool.
Understanding Your Current Hayward Pool Filter
First, I checked the model number and specifications of my existing filter. Hayward offers different types like cartridge filters, sand filters, and DE (diatomaceous earth) filters. Knowing which type I had made it easier to find a compatible replacement. I also noted the filter’s size and flow rate to match the system’s requirements.
Choosing the Right Type of Replacement Filter
- Cartridge Filters: I found these easier to maintain since they don’t require backwashing. They’re great if you want less water waste and simpler cleaning.
- Sand Filters: These are durable and typically lower in cost, but they need regular backwashing. I considered this if I wanted a more budget-friendly option.
- DE Filters: These provide the finest filtration but require more maintenance and careful handling. I chose this only if I needed crystal-clear water and didn’t mind the extra work.
Size and Compatibility
Matching the size was critical. My filter needed to handle the pool’s volume and pump flow rate. I measured the diameter and height of the existing filter and compared the flow rate (in gallons per minute) specified on the pump and filter. This ensured the new filter would work efficiently without straining the system.
Material Quality and Durability
I looked for filters made from high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials. Since pool equipment is exposed to water and chemicals, durability was a must. Hayward filters are known for sturdy construction, but I still checked user reviews and warranty info to confirm long-lasting performance.
Ease of Maintenance
Maintenance was a big factor for me. I wanted a filter that was easy to clean or backwash. Cartridge filters with washable elements were ideal because I could simply remove and rinse them. Sand and DE filters require more effort, so I weighed how much time I was willing to spend on upkeep.
Price and Warranty
I set a budget but also considered the long-term value. A slightly more expensive filter with a good warranty and better performance was worth it to me. Hayward typically offers warranties that cover defects for several years, which gave me peace of mind.
Where to Buy
I found that purchasing from authorized Hayward dealers or reputable pool supply stores ensured I got genuine parts. Online retailers were convenient, but I made sure to check return policies and customer support before buying.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always double-check the filter’s compatibility with your pump and pool size.
- Don’t overlook the importance of regular maintenance to prolong your filter’s life.
- If unsure, don’t hesitate to contact Hayward customer service or a pool professional.
- Keep your pool’s water chemistry balanced to avoid excessive wear on the filter.
By following these steps, I was able to select a Hayward pool filter replacement that keeps my pool clean and clear all season long. I hope my guide helps you make the right choice for your pool!
Author Profile
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Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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