Hayward SwimClear 425 Sq Ft 4-Element Cartridge Pool Filter
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Hayward SwimClear W3C4030 425 Sq Ft 4-Element Cartridge Pool Filter
The Hayward SwimClear W3C4030 is a 425 sq ft 4-element cartridge pool filter built for large residential in-ground pools that need high-capacity filtration without the infrastructure of a sand or D.E. system. Four CX880XRE polyester cartridge elements (106 sq ft each) sit in a Quad-Cluster arrangement inside a glass-reinforced co-polymer tank, providing a total of 425 sq ft of filter area with a 150 GPM design flow rate.
Each element can be removed, rinsed, inspected, and replaced independently without disturbing the filter's plumbing connections. The one-piece clamp design gives quick access to all four cartridges, and the self-aligned tank top and bottom make reinstallation straightforward. The W3C4030 ships complete with all four cartridges, two 2" unions, the tank body, the clamp assembly, and the air relief valve.
W3C4030 Key Features
- 425 sq ft total filter area - Four CX880XRE elements at 106 sq ft each, arranged in Hayward's Quad-Cluster configuration for even flow distribution and independent serviceability.
- 150 GPM design flow rate - Accommodates large residential circulation systems including pools with attached spas, water features, or multiple return circuits.
- No backwash required - Cleaning is done by removing and rinsing the cartridge elements. No multiport valve, no drain line, no water discharged to waste during routine maintenance.
- Heavy-duty one-piece clamp - Tamper-proof clamp secures the tank top and provides quick access to cartridges without disturbing plumbing connections.
- Glass-reinforced co-polymer tank (PermaGlass XL) - Tank body withstands continuous outdoor exposure and pool chemical contact. Tank dimensions: 24" diameter x 54" height; weight approximately 82.3 lbs.
- Manual air relief valve - High-capacity quarter-turn lever purges trapped air from the tank after startup or cartridge reinstallation.
- CPVC 2" or 2.5" union connections - Full-flow internal 2" plumbing with union coupling connections for maximum hydraulic performance and easier installation.
- 1.5" integral drain - Full-flow drain ensures complete tank drainage during winterization.
- Pressure gauge included - Lets you track operating pressure and time cleanings to actual measured rise above the clean baseline rather than a fixed calendar schedule.
- 58.5" vertical clearance required - Confirm overhead clearance at the equipment pad before installation to allow full cartridge removal during service.
Hayward W3C4030 Specifications
A full replacement set requires four CX880XRE cartridges. Pool size coverage depends on pump sizing, turnover rate targets, and site conditions. Consult a pool equipment professional for system design guidance.
SwimClear Multi-Element Lineup: W3C4030 in Context
The W3C4030 sits at the 425 sq ft position in the SwimClear multi-element line. The table below shows published design flow rates across the range so you can confirm sizing against your pump output and pool requirements. For the 325 sq ft model, see the SwimClear 325 sq ft filter. For the 525 sq ft model, see the SwimClear 525 sq ft filter.
| Model | Filter Area | Elements | Design Flow Rate | Replacement Cartridge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SwimClear C2025 | 225 sq ft | 4 | 84 GPM | CX580XRE (x4) |
| SwimClear C3025 / W3C3030 | 325 sq ft | 4 | 122 GPM | CX580XRE (x4) |
| SwimClear W3C4030 (this model) | 425 sq ft | 4 | 150 GPM | CX880XRE (x4) |
| SwimClear C5025 / W3C5030 | 525 sq ft | 4 | 150 GPM | CX1280XRE (x4) |
Design flow rates per Hayward SwimClear owner's manual (ISC2028 Rev C). Cartridge part numbers are OEM Hayward designations; verify against your filter's model label before ordering replacements.
Cleaning the SwimClear W3C4030
Turn off the pool pump and open the manual air relief valve to release all tank pressure before touching the lid. Once fully depressurized, open the one-piece clamp, lift the lid, and remove each CX880XRE element individually. Note which element came from which position in the Quad-Cluster so you can track wear differences across positions over time.
Rinse each element top to bottom with a garden hose and spray nozzle, working between every pleat fold on all sides. Continue until the runoff is clear. Do not use a pressure washer at any setting; high-pressure spray permanently compresses the pleat fibers and reduces effective filter area in a way that cannot be reversed.
Deep Soak Cleaning and Element Replacement
Surface rinsing clears the bulk debris load but does not remove oils, mineral scale, and fine organic compounds that accumulate in the pleat material over a season. Soaking all four elements overnight in a dedicated pool cartridge cleaning solution at the start of each swim season, and again during periods of heavy use, is the most reliable way to restore operating pressure to the recorded clean baseline and extend element service life.
Replace a CX880XRE element when pressure does not return to the clean baseline after a full clean-and-soak cycle, when the pleats show visible tears or permanent compression, or when end cap cracking allows unfiltered water to bypass the media. Because the W3C4030 allows individual element replacement, inspect each element's condition at every cleaning rather than waiting for a full set to fail.
Pump Pairing and Flow
The W3C4030's 150 GPM design flow rate accommodates a wide range of residential pump configurations. For installations with variable-speed pumps, lower speeds during overnight filtration cycles reduce electrical costs while keeping the filter working at pressures that extend element life. Higher-speed runs for spa jets or water features sit comfortably within the filter's rated flow. Confirm at commissioning that the pump's output at each operating speed is appropriate for the filter and that the system does not consistently run near the rated maximum, which accelerates pleat wear.
Installation Notes
The W3C4030 connects via CPVC 2" or 2.5" union couplings at the inlet and outlet. No multiport valve is needed. Connect pump discharge to the filter inlet and filter outlet to the pool return. The tank requires 58.5" of vertical overhead clearance for cartridge removal during service; confirm this at the equipment pad before installation. Install all four CX880XRE cartridges before closing the lid. Prime by running the pump with the air relief valve open until a steady stream of water (not air) flows from the port, then close the valve. Record the gauge reading as the clean baseline: a rise of 8 to 10 PSI above this number indicates cleaning is due.
Winterizing the W3C4030
At season end, remove all four CX880XRE cartridges, perform a full cleaning and soak cycle on each element, and inspect each carefully before storage. Store cartridges indoors in a dry location away from sunlight and freezing temperatures. Use the 1.5" integral drain to fully empty the tank body, leave the lid open to allow residual moisture to evaporate, and store the tank in a protected location. In hard-freeze climates, bring the tank indoors or into an insulated space to prevent ice damage to the tank body and seals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What replacement cartridge does the W3C4030 use, and how many are required?
The W3C4030 uses four Hayward CX880XRE replacement cartridge elements, one per position in the Quad-Cluster manifold. Each element is 106 sq ft (7" outer diameter, 25.5" length). A full replacement set requires four CX880XRE units. Common aftermarket cross-references include Unicel C-7488 and Pleatco PA106.
What is the design flow rate for the W3C4030?
The W3C4030 has a published design flow rate of 150 GPM per Hayward's documentation. Sustained operation consistently at or near the rated maximum accelerates element wear and shortens cleaning intervals, so the pump should be sized to meet the pool's daily turnover requirements rather than running at the ceiling continuously.
Does the W3C4030 require a backwash valve or drain line?
No. The W3C4030 uses CPVC union coupling connections at the inlet and outlet as its only plumbing connections. There is no multiport valve and no backwash drain line. Cleaning is done by removing the four cartridge elements and rinsing them by hand with a garden hose.
Can I use cartridges from the 325 or 525 sq ft SwimClear models in the W3C4030?
No. The W3C4030 uses CX880XRE elements (106 sq ft each). The 325 sq ft model uses smaller CX580XRE elements and the 525 sq ft model uses larger CX1280XRE elements. Installing the wrong element results in improper manifold seating that allows unfiltered water to bypass the cartridge media. Always match replacement cartridges to the model number on the filter tank or in the owner's manual.
How does the W3C4030 differ from the 525 sq ft SwimClear model?
Both models share the same 150 GPM design flow rate and four-element Quad-Cluster configuration. The 525 sq ft model provides an additional 100 sq ft of total filter area (131 sq ft per element vs. 106 sq ft per element) via larger CX1280XRE cartridges. The additional filter area extends the interval between required cleanings and provides more headroom for pools with consistently high debris loads, heavy bather traffic, or heated environments where filter demand is elevated year-round. For most large residential pools, the W3C4030's 425 sq ft is the appropriate starting point; step up to the 525 sq ft model if the installation has the characteristics above.
What does the W3C4030 ship with?
The W3C4030 ships complete with four CX880XRE cartridge elements, two 2" unions for installation, the tank body, the one-piece clamp assembly, and the manual air relief valve. A pressure gauge is also included. No additional cartridges or fittings are required to put the filter into service.
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