POOLPURE Replacement Filter for Hayward C500, CX500-RE, PA50

The Verdict

You don’t need to hear that pool filters are important. You need to know if this $40-ish cartridge actually replaces a $90 Hayward part without headaches. After digging through 229 ratings and the technical specs, here’s the straight story.

What you actually get
The box contains one cartridge. That’s it. No gaskets, no O-rings, no instructions (you won’t need them). The filter measures 9.5 inches in diameter by 23.5 inches tall — identical to the OEM Hayward C500 replacement. The pleated polyester media is wrapped around a reinforced ABS core with molded end caps. As shown in the product image, the pleats are tight and uniform across the entire surface — a good sign for even water distribution.

Real-world performance
The 50-square-foot filtration area is the same as the factory part. In practice, that means you’ll get the same flow rate — around 80 GPM at typical pump speeds — without the pressure spike you sometimes see with cheap knockoffs. One reviewer noted: “Pressure gauge stayed at 12 PSI after install, same as the Hayward original that lasted 3 seasons.” That’s the metric that matters.

The polyester media catches algae spores and fine sand down to about 10-15 microns. It won’t filter as finely as DE, but for a cartridge system, it’s the standard. Buyers consistently report it clearing green water within 24-48 hours when paired with a proper shock treatment.

Build quality and longevity
The end caps are sonically welded, not glued — that’s a real difference. Glued caps fail at the seam after a year. Welded caps hold. The center core is thick-walled ABS that won’t collapse if you accidentally run the pump dry for a few minutes. Multiple reviewers report getting 2 full seasons before replacement, with one stating: “Second year using this, still holds pressure, no channeling.”

The one consistent complaint: the filter can arrive slightly oval-shaped from being compressed in shipping. It doesn’t affect fit, but you’ll want to let it sit for a few hours before installing so the pleats fully expand. If you install immediately, you might get slightly reduced flow for the first day.

Where it falls short
No gasket included. The Hayward C500 housing uses a large rubber O-ring that seals the lid. POOLPURE assumes you’ll keep your old one. If yours is cracked, you’ll need to order one separately — that’s an extra $8-10 and a trip to the pool store. Also, this is a cartridge-only replacement. It does NOT include the internal manifold or the top/bottom grids. That’s fine for most people, but if your housing internals are worn, this won’t fix that.

Who should buy this

• Hayward C500 or CX500-RE owners who want OEM-equivalent performance without the OEM price tag.
• PA50 owners (Pentair’s rebranded version of the same filter) — the dimensions match, and buyers confirm it fits.
• DIY pool owners comfortable with a 10-minute swap. If you’ve never changed a cartridge, this is the easiest one to learn on — no tools needed.

Skip it if

• Your filter housing is more than 8 years old and showing cracks — replace the whole unit first.
• You need a gasket — this doesn’t come with one.
• You’re expecting DE-grade filtration — it’s not, and no cartridge filter is.

FAQ

How often should I replace this filter?
With normal use (daily pumping, 4-6 hours), replace every 12-18 months. If you run your pump 24/7 or have heavy tree debris, plan on annual replacement. You’ll know it’s time when pressure rises 8-10 PSI above clean baseline and hosing off doesn’t bring it down.

Will this fit my Hayward C500 housing exactly?
Yes. The diameter, height, and center hole all match the OEM C500 cartridge. No adapters or cutting needed. It also fits the CX500-RE and Pentair PA50, which use the same cartridge.

Can I clean and reuse this filter?
Yes, but only 2-3 times. Hose it down gently from top to bottom, let it dry, and reinstall. After the third cleaning, pleats start to lose shape and filtration drops. Don’t use a pressure washer — it will damage the media.

The Verdict
Buy it if you want a drop-in replacement that performs like the Hayward original at roughly half the cost. The 4.6-star rating holds up — the few complaints are about shipping compression and the missing gasket, not performance.

Skip it if you need a complete filter assembly with gaskets and grids. This is strictly the cartridge.

Rating: 4.6/5 — Deducting half a star for the missing gasket and the occasional shipping deformation. Everything else is exactly what you want from a replacement part.

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.