Hayward SwimClear 525 Sq Ft 4-Element Cartridge Pool Filter
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Hayward SwimClear W3C5030 525 Sq Ft 4-Element Cartridge Pool Filter
The Hayward SwimClear W3C5030 is a 525 sq ft 4-element cartridge pool filter and the highest-capacity model in the SwimClear residential line sold here. Four CX1280XRE polyester cartridge elements (131 sq ft each) sit in a Quad-Cluster arrangement inside a glass-reinforced co-polymer tank, providing 525 sq ft of total filter area at a 150 GPM design flow rate. That combination of filter area and flow capacity makes it the right selection for large pools with consistently high debris loads, elevated bather traffic, or circulation systems running at the upper end of the SwimClear line's flow ceiling.
Each element can be removed, rinsed, inspected, and replaced independently without disturbing the filter's plumbing connections. The one-piece clamp provides quick access to all four cartridges, and the self-aligned tank top and bottom make reinstallation straightforward. The W3C5030 ships complete with all four cartridges, two 2" unions, the tank body, the clamp assembly, and the air relief valve.
W3C5030 Key Features
- 525 sq ft total filter area - Four CX1280XRE elements at 131 sq ft each in Hayward's Quad-Cluster configuration. The additional 100 sq ft over the W3C4030 translates to longer intervals between cleanings under equivalent debris conditions.
- 150 GPM design flow rate - Matches the W3C4030's rated flow ceiling while providing substantially more filter area, making it better suited to pools where debris load rather than pump output is the primary pressure on cleaning frequency.
- No backwash required - Cleaning is done by removing and rinsing the cartridge elements. No multiport valve, no drain line, and 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 all four cartridges without disturbing plumbing connections.
- Glass-reinforced co-polymer tank (PermaGlass XL) - Tank body handles continuous outdoor exposure and pool chemical contact. Approximate weight 92 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 straightforward installation.
- 1.5" integral drain - Full-flow drain ensures complete tank drainage during winterization.
- Pressure gauge included - Tracks operating pressure so cleaning is timed to actual measured rise above the clean baseline rather than a fixed calendar schedule.
- 68.5" vertical clearance required - The largest tank in the SwimClear line; confirm overhead clearance at the equipment pad before installation to allow full cartridge removal during service.
Hayward W3C5030 Specifications
A full replacement set requires four CX1280XRE 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: W3C5030 in Context
The W3C5030 is the highest-capacity model in the SwimClear line carried here. The table below shows published design flow rates and cartridge specs across the range. For the 325 sq ft model, see the SwimClear 325 sq ft filter. For the 425 sq ft model, see the SwimClear 425 sq ft filter.
| Model | Filter Area | Elements | Design Flow Rate | Replacement Cartridge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SwimClear W3C2030 | 225 sq ft | 4 | 84 GPM | CX580XRE (x4) |
| SwimClear W3C3030 | 325 sq ft | 4 | 122 GPM | CX580XRE (x4) |
| SwimClear W3C4030 | 425 sq ft | 4 | 150 GPM | CX880XRE (x4) |
| SwimClear W3C5030 (this model) | 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 W3C5030
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 CX1280XRE element individually. At 131 sq ft per element and 32.875" in length, these are the largest cartridges in the SwimClear line; have a stable surface ready nearby and note which element came from which position so you can track wear differences across the Quad-Cluster 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 runs clear. Do not use a pressure washer at any setting; high-pressure spray permanently compresses the pleat fibers and cannot be undone.
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 work into 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 midway through 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 CX1280XRE 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 W3C5030 allows individual element replacement, inspect each element's condition at every cleaning rather than waiting for a full set to fail. At this element size, indoor storage at season end makes a meaningful difference in protecting the pleat material and end cap seals from off-season UV and freeze damage.
Pump Pairing and Flow
The W3C5030 shares the same 150 GPM design flow rate as the W3C4030, so the two filters suit similar pump configurations. The practical difference is filter area: 525 sq ft vs. 425 sq ft means the W3C5030 holds more debris before pressure rises to the cleaning threshold, extending the interval between service events under equivalent conditions. For installations where the pump output comfortably fits within 150 GPM and the driving consideration is minimizing cleaning frequency, the W3C5030 is the stronger choice. For variable-speed pump installations, lower speeds during overnight filtration cycles keep the filter operating at pressures that extend element life while reducing electrical costs.
Installation Notes
The W3C5030 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. This tank requires 68.5" of vertical overhead clearance for cartridge removal during service, which is 10" more than the W3C4030; verify this at the equipment pad before committing to placement. Install all four CX1280XRE 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 W3C5030
At season end, remove all four CX1280XRE cartridges, perform a full cleaning and soak cycle on each element, and inspect each carefully before storage. At this element size, indoor storage in a dry location away from sunlight and freezing temperatures is particularly important for protecting the pleat material and end cap seals. 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 W3C5030 use, and how many are required?
The W3C5030 uses four Hayward CX1280XRE replacement cartridge elements, one per position in the Quad-Cluster manifold. Each element is 131 sq ft (7" outer diameter, 32.875" length). A full replacement set requires four CX1280XRE units. Common aftermarket cross-references include Unicel C-7494 and Pleatco PA131.
What is the design flow rate for the W3C5030?
The W3C5030 has a published design flow rate of 150 GPM per Hayward's documentation, the same ceiling as the W3C4030. The difference between the two models is filter area (525 sq ft vs. 425 sq ft), not flow capacity. Sustained operation consistently 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 W3C5030 require a backwash valve or drain line?
No. The W3C5030 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 W3C4030 or W3C3030 in the W3C5030?
No. The W3C5030 uses CX1280XRE elements (131 sq ft each, 32.875" length). The W3C4030 uses shorter CX880XRE elements and the W3C3030 uses CX580XRE 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 W3C5030 differ from the W3C4030?
Both the W3C5030 and the W3C4030 share the same 150 GPM design flow rate and four-element Quad-Cluster configuration. The W3C5030 provides an additional 100 sq ft of total filter area via larger CX1280XRE cartridges (131 sq ft per element vs. 106 sq ft per element for the CX880XRE). That extra area extends the interval between required cleanings under equivalent debris conditions and gives the filter more headroom for pools with heavy bather traffic, surrounding vegetation, or heated environments where algae pressure elevates year-round demand. The tank is also taller, requiring 68.5" of vertical clearance vs. 58.5" for the W3C4030; confirm equipment pad overhead before selecting the W3C5030 for a space-constrained installation.
What does the W3C5030 ship with?
The W3C5030 ships complete with four CX1280XRE 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.