Hayward W3S310T2 Pool Sand Filter, 30 Inch

Was worried about how this would ship. But everything worked out fine and it was the exact replacement for my 20 year old sand filter whose neck had developed a crack.

I bought this large sand filter to replace the identical 8-year-old Hayward filter for my 44,000 gallon pool. The old filter had developed a 4" long crack near the top of the tank. i couldn't get it to stop leaking even with copious amounts of J-B WaterWeld applied inside and out. This filter arrived quickly and was very easy to set up. It's BIG, but I have lots of room in my pool equipment area with wide open access. Being exactly the same filter as the old one (minus the "2" at the end of the model number), all of the PVC piping back onto this filter's valve perfectly. I have PVC unions on the pump, return, and waste PVC piping so it's easy to disconnect and reconnect the valve. I used the recommended pipe sealant on the threaded connections to the filter valve. I simply cut up the old filter with vertical cuts I made with my reciprocating saw, so I could take it apart and easily shovel out all of the old sand in it... 500 lbs of it! it went quickly though. Then I set this new filter tank in place, put the valve on top, and connected the PVC lines to it to properly position it. Then I disconnected the lines, pulled the valve, put the standpipe in and positioned the laterals, taped off the top of the standpipe, and filled the tank half full with water. Time to add the sand. I used 250 lbs of Zeosand this time around, instead of 500 lbs of standard filter sand. My old sand needed to be replaced anyway, and I got 8 years out of it with no problems - much longer than the recommended 3-5 years. I used the little cardboard brace that came with the filter to hold the top of the standpipe in the center of the tank neck, and VERY CAREFULLY poured in the Zeosand cup by cup at first, keeping the standpipe centered and vertical. After 50 lbs of Zeosand was in, the standpipe and laterals were fixed in position and I could pour in the remaining 200 lbs of Zeosand more quickly. After that, I put the valve back on, lubricating the big O-ring with silicone pool lube, and reconnected the PVC piping. I also screwed my pressure gauge into the new valve using pipe sealant. The filter is working perfectly with the Zeosand, with no more leaks! I backwashed the filter with the Zeosand in it until the sight glass ran clear - about 3 minutes to get rid of the green color from the Zeosand - then rinsed for about 30 seconds, and finally put it in the filter position. The pool is sparkling clear. I can't ask for more than that! The valve lever on this new filter turns FAR easier than the old one did even when it was brand new in 2013. In fact, the lever turns so easily, at first I feared it was broken inside - but it works in each position. i guess Hayward has improved the internal workings on the valve to make it easier to turn. I'm fine with that.

Very satisfied. I installed it myself. No issues. Used 500lbs of glass instead of sand and it filters great. Real good flow, quick backwash. Water is crystal clear

I replaced my cartridge filter system with this sand filter at the beginning of this season. This is hands down an easier, more manageable solution than my old cartridge filters. I can actually enjoy my 22,000 gallon in-ground pool again, without back-breaking maintenance! The turn lever still requires some muscle, but my “retirement age” mother can operate it! I also saved a ton of money on chemicals this season with the efficient and easy to use/clean/maintain sand filter system. I wish I had installed it years ago!

Was waiting a reply from gizelle re: clamp that would not clamp the valve to the neck of the filter. Here it is 2weks later and still haven't heard back.

Shipped fast & professional. Love this filter 4 my 18x36 inground. Replaced my DE that exploded after 35yrs. Used ZeoSand. Had to just backwash 1 time with 4lb rise so far this season, Jersey. Unbelievable 👍👍 PS: was a Quick install middle of Summer. Will refine the plumbing at end of season.

Perfect pool pump my pool is very clean I love the pump

Place before filling with filter media make sure is placed on hard level surface