In The Swim Filter Grid Set Replacements

The Verdict

If your pool water’s gone cloudy and your pressure gauge is creeping past 20 PSI no matter how often you backwash, your D.E. filter grids are likely clogged, torn, or simply past their useful life. Replacing them is one of those maintenance jobs that feels intimidating until you realize it’s basically a 20-minute swap. The In The Swim Filter Grid Set Replacements aim to make that swap painless without the OEM markup. Here’s the honest breakdown after digging through what 225 buyers had to say.

What You Actually Get

The box contains the full set of grids for your specific filter model — not a universal “one size fits all” situation. You’ll get the main grid assembly plus the smaller manifold grids, depending on which configuration you order. What you won’t get is any hardware, gaskets, or O-rings. That’s worth noting because many pool owners assume a “set” includes everything needed for the job. It doesn’t. Inspect your existing seals before placing the order.

The grids themselves are constructed with a polyester weave over a rigid polypropylene frame. The fabric is taut — not baggy like some cheap replacements I’ve seen — and the stitching along the seams is reinforced rather than single-pass. That’s a meaningful quality signal for a part that gets flexed every time you backwash.

Real-World Performance

The primary job of a D.E. grid is to catch everything from algae debris to particles you can’t see. These grids use a tighter weave than many OEM replacements, which translates to better filtration efficiency. Multiple buyers noted their water cleared noticeably faster after the swap. One reviewer put it plainly: “Water is crystal clear after installing. My old grids were shot and these fit like they were made for my Pentair.”

Fitment is where these shine. The dimensions are matched to factory specs for the most common Pentair and Hayward models. Buyers repeatedly confirmed no cutting, trimming, or forcing was needed. That’s the difference between a 20-minute job and a frustrating afternoon.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

The 4.5-star average isn’t an accident. Across the ratings, three themes dominate:

Fit precision. “Dropped right in. No modifications.” appears in various forms throughout the reviews. When a replacement part fits without persuasion, it’s a huge confidence signal.

Value. At a price point well below OEM grid sets, buyers repeatedly mention getting comparable or better performance for less. One long-time pool owner wrote, “I’ve used OEM grids for 15 years. These are just as good at half the price.”

Build quality. The reinforced seams and sturdy frame construction got consistent positive mentions. Buyers who’d been through cheap replacements before noted the difference immediately.

Where It Falls Short

Nothing’s perfect, and this set has two honest drawbacks.

First, the frame tabs are slightly thinner than OEM parts on some models. This doesn’t affect performance, but it means you should handle the grids gently during installation. Yanking on the tabs to seat the manifold can crack them. Take the extra 30 seconds to seat everything carefully.

Second, the lack of included gaskets is a genuine inconvenience. If your existing gaskets are compressed or cracked, you’ll be making a second order. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s an avoidable friction point that In The Swim could easily fix.

Who Should Buy This

This set is ideal for the DIY pool owner who’s comfortable with basic maintenance and wants OEM-level performance without the OEM price tag. If you’re replacing grids every 3-5 years as part of normal maintenance, this is a smart buy.

Skip it if you have an off-brand filter model or if you’re not sure which grid configuration your system uses. Double-check your filter model number before ordering — the fitment precision cuts both ways.

FAQ

How often should I replace my D.E. filter grids? Most manufacturers recommend every 3-5 years, but it depends on usage. If you backwash frequently, run the pump year-round, or have heavy debris loads, inspect annually. Signs of replacement: rising pressure despite backwashing, cloudy water, or visible tears.

Will these fit my filter? The listing specifies compatible models. Match your filter’s model number exactly. Don’t guess based on brand alone — Pentair and Hayward make multiple grid configurations.

Can I clean these grids instead of replacing them? Yes, you can extend life with periodic chemical cleaning using a D.E. filter cleaner. But once the fabric tears or the frame cracks, cleaning won’t help. Replacement is the only fix.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You own a common Pentair or Hayward D.E. filter and want factory-fit performance at a reasonable price. This is a solid, well-built replacement that does exactly what it promises.

Skip it if: You need gaskets in the same order, or you’re replacing grids on an uncommon filter model where fitment is a gamble.

Rating: 4.6/5 — Deducting a notch for the missing gaskets and slightly delicate tabs. Otherwise, this is a genuinely impressive replacement part that pool owners can trust.

Where to Buy

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