Hayward W3S270T ProSeries Sand Filter, 27-Inch, Top-Mount

Well worth the money. I replaced a Hayward cartridge filter system. I was constantly cleaning filters and annually buying filters. I ran into several problems in the installation process. The sand filter comes with 1 1/2” ports , cartridge filter housing has 2” ports..you have two use close fittings in the installation or you have to much hanging which results in a lot of vibration. Also most PVC adaptors have a large shoulder on them that will foul filter housing clamp. Bad to discover after pvc glue has set up.

I purchased this filter system to replace an aging Hayward 24" filter that was showing signs of wear and needed sand replacement due to previous homeowner neglect. Alongside, I opted to upgrade to a 27" model for increased filtration capacity, necessitating a rerouting of plumbing.Navigating the sizing requirements for my pool was a bit daunting, with numerous factors to consider. Hayward's customer service directed me to local pool suppliers, but I found the pricing steep compared to DIY options.Installation was straightforward, thanks to provided instructions and online resources. However, I was disappointed that basic components like threaded adapters and lubricant were not included, considering the premium price.Don't overlook the additional cost of sand when budgeting for this system. The 27" filter requires 350lbs of sand, adding to the overall expense.My total investment, including installation and additional materials, approached $1,000. With proper maintenance, I anticipate this system lasting 5-7 years before I have to replace the sand.A note for fellow buyers: Amazon lists two Hayward 27" filter models (W3S270T & S270T), researching into this, I have concluded the "W3" likely denoting a newer version or indicating purchase through non-traditional channels. I opted for the W3 variant for Prime shipping reliability however if you want to save about $60, feel free to get the latterFor smoother installation, consider these tips:1. Leave sandbags outside in sun to help dry them out. Dry sand is MUCH easier to fill with AND helps mitigate issues of impact with wet sand hitting the folding laterals2. before adding sand, fill filter (with lateral assembly inside) with water. Add enough to cover (a) the laterals & (b) the drain cap. This is a great opportunity to see if you have a leak at the drain cap before adding sand.3. purchase a 1.5" pvc cap to use as a sand shield. it holds in place well and allows for hosing off sand before adding the Vari-flo control valve (closing off filter). Just make sure to remove cap before inserting Control valve. Store in safe place for future maintenance.4. purchase teflon tape, apply to all threaded connections5. purchase waterproof lubricant (B01MDUYET2) and apply to o-ring as well as ontop of teflon tape connections for added protection from leaks as well as making future maintenance easier (smoother removal)6. Make sure you align the Control valve in such a way that makes it easy to view the pressure gauge and glass sight tube before securing the flange clamp. Once secured, the pvc work can begin.7. Consider adding slip joint adapters to each pvc pipe connected to the Control valve. Doing so will make it a great deal easier to remove the control valve for maintenance without having to compromise existing PVC connections. This is HIGHLY recommended if you are getting a professional to install (if you dont know how to work with pvc)

This will be a multi-part review: Part 1 = Shipping & UnboxingReceived our Hayward WS270T sand filter today (Sat., 15 May 2021) that I ordered Wed., early evening 12 May 2021 with a projected delivery of 18-21 May 2021. So, with respect to shipping, I rate this as 5-stars (as to be expected with Amazon Shipping). Bonus: I started replacing the old sand filter with this new one a weekend ahead, while our pool water is just turning teal instead of what I expected to be dark green. The old filter had broken/cracked laterals and/or standpipe and we set the multi-port valve to "recirculate" instead of "filter" to keep our pool water from turning dark green. Why not set the old sand filter to "filter" while I waited for the new sand filter to come in? Because I have probably pushed about 10-20 lbs of sand into the pool - THE MAIN REASON, we know the standpipe and/or laterals are cracked/broken. BTW, I opt to replace the whole unit, instead of buying just the standpipe/laterals for the old filter because having NEW internal parts for the OLD filter will ultimately cost me more. How? Why? I will soon replace the multi-port valve, which means another cost in time and money. Not having to worry about doing anything for the pool but properly close/open it for the next 5-7 seasons is worth every penny we've spent instead of pinching pennies (just IMHO, take that for what it is worth and your personal situation).We did a personal video (not included in this review) because the box was indeed opened and re-taped (something I have read on other reviews). I wanted a video in the event I needed to return this item that costed us roughly $547 after taxes (keep in mind, prices may differ years from now). Upon inspection, everything looks fine and new (not refurbished or returned - we looked for signs of use everywhere); the smell of new is very apparent! This Hayward W3S270T came with the 1.5" Multiport valve along with all part included. Note: I thought the sight glass was missing, but it was inside the box. So, keep this in mind before tossing the box away. Now with that said, I looked everywhere, but the Plastic Air Tube is missing off the base of the stand pipe. After researching (Googled "pro series sand filter parts") we realized that the Plastic Air Tube is only part of the S210S, 244S, 310S filters. I read further down the .pdf form Hayward's website and found the S270T not having the Plastic Air Tube as listed on its part list. I know that the old filter I am replacing has this "air tube" because we replace the sand last year (2020), we washed and cleaned the stand pipe and laterals. I (dad) will ask the local pool store about this part, but for now I will give the unboxing of the Hayward WS270T a 5-star. My next update review below will be of installation and first month's use. Until then, I will rate everything 5-stars.

Great product. Great price.

Previously I had ordered this and was sent the wrong part (a pump). I had to pay for shipping to return it. Waiting for refund. However, I did reorder it. I wrote a rather scorching review in that it appeared that they had sent another pump, based on shipping weight. However, they did deliver the correct item this time to my surprise, so I can forgive the original mistake when I get my refund.The filter itself is relatively simple to install, you just need to do a lot of cutting and refitting of pipes. Mine are all PVC, so it's relatively straightforward. The pressure in the pipes was around 10 psig in my system, so make sure the couplings are well connected and glued. I did not have to move/modify my pump, just reconnected the output to the filter input. The ports on the valve are all 1 1/2 inch threaded female, so you will have to adapt the pipes to that. Remember to get the large amount (350 lbs) of filter sand, does not come with the filter. Once running, filter worked as advertised.