The Verdict

Hayward SwimClear Plus Cartridge Pool Filter Review: Crystal Clear Water, With a Maintenance Catch

If you’re staring at a green-tinted pool or tired of backwashing 500 gallons of water every week just to keep things clear, the Hayward SwimClear Plus deserves a hard look. This cartridge filter has carved out a solid 4.3-star average across 215 Amazon ratings — and the math on why is simple: it filters finer than sand, wastes zero water, and the clear lid lets you see exactly when the cartridges need attention.

What You Actually Get

The box contains the filter housing, four CX1500RE cartridge elements, a pressure gauge, and the clear lid assembly. The unit stands about 3 feet tall and connects with standard 1.5-inch plumbing — the same size as most pump systems. As shown in the product image, the translucent lid is the standout visual feature; it’s not just for show. You can actually see debris collecting on the cartridges, which removes the guesswork from cleaning schedules.

The filtration spec is where this thing earns its keep: 10-micron filtration. For reference, a typical sand filter catches particles around 20–40 microns. That’s the difference between water that’s “clear enough” and water that sparkles.

Real-World Performance

Pool owners consistently report two things: dramatically clearer water within days of installation, and lower pump pressure readings than their old filters. One Amazon reviewer put it plainly: “Switched from a sand filter and the difference was night and day. Water went from cloudy to crystal in about three days.”

The four-cartridge design gives you 150 square feet of filtration surface area. That means lower flow resistance — your pump works less, which translates to lower energy bills over the season. The pressure gauge lets you monitor when cleaning is due; most users report hosing down cartridges every 2–4 weeks in peak summer.

Where It Falls Short

Here’s the honest tradeoff. Cartridge filters require more hands-on maintenance than sand units. You’ll be hosing off those cartridges regularly, and they’re not cheap to replace. A full set of four CX1500RE cartridges runs $60–80, and you’ll likely need fresh ones every 12–18 months depending on usage and debris load.

Installation is a two-person job. This filter weighs over 60 pounds, and wrestling it onto a pad while aligning PVC pipes is awkward solo. If you’re not handy with plumbing, budget for professional installation — it’s not a beginner DIY project.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You have an above-ground or small in-ground pool, you’re tired of cloudy water, or you live in a drought-prone area where backwashing is wasteful. It’s also a smart upgrade if your current filter is over 5 years old and pressure stays high even after cleaning.

Skip it if: You want a “set it and forget it” system, you have a massive commercial-sized pool, or your pool gets heavy leaf/debris load that would clog cartridges within days. Sand filters still win on pure low-maintenance operation.

FAQ

Q: Will this filter work with my existing pump? A: If your pump is rated for pools up to 15,000–20,000 gallons (depending on the exact model), yes. Check your pump’s flow rate — the filter handles up to 150 GPM. Most residential pumps fall well within this range.

Q: How often do I really need to clean the cartridges? A: When the pressure gauge reads 8–10 PSI above the clean baseline. For most pools, that’s every 2–4 weeks. Hosing them down takes about 10 minutes. Don’t let pressure climb higher — it strains the pump and reduces filtration efficiency.

Q: Can I use this for an above-ground pool? A: Yes, as long as your pump’s flow rate doesn’t exceed the filter’s rating. Many above-ground setups use smaller pumps, which works fine. Just confirm your plumbing is 1.5-inch or adapt accordingly.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.2/5 — The Hayward SwimClear Plus delivers on its core promise: noticeably cleaner water with zero water waste. The maintenance commitment is real, but for most pool owners, the tradeoff is worth it. If you’re upgrading from sand or DE, you’ll notice the difference immediately.

Buy it if you value water clarity over convenience and don’t mind 10 minutes of cartridge maintenance every few weeks. Skip it if you want a hands-off system — in that case, stick with sand and pay the water bill.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.