{"product_id":"hayward-cx500re-replacement-cartridge-element-reliable-pool-clarity","title":"Hayward CX500RE Replacement Cartridge Element - Reliable Pool Clarity","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the Hayward CX500RE replacement cartridge element is evaluated for pool owners who need a direct, reliable swap for a C500 Star-Clear cartridge filter. The bottom line: it is a high-quality, purpose-built replacement that restores filtration performance and keeps water clear without complicated installation. The element's reinforced polyester media and precision extruded core are the primary reasons to buy, delivering consistent water flow and extended filter cycles for both above-ground and in-ground cartridge systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCartridge compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed to fit the Hayward C500 Star-Clear cartridge filter so users get a straightforward, correct replacement without guesswork.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration area:\u003c\/strong\u003e With 50 sq ft of media the element provides substantial surface area to trap dirt and debris and extend the time between cleanings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reinforced polyester elements offer durability and a high degree of water clarity while resisting breakdown from normal pool chemicals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCore design:\u003c\/strong\u003e The precision extruded core keeps maximum water flow and helps reduce energy cost by avoiding flow restriction in the filter system.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGenuine packaging:\u003c\/strong\u003e Individually packaged with Hayward end caps and plastic wrap to make identification and inventory easy for maintenance supply storage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe CX500RE is best for pool owners who already have a Hayward C500 Star-Clear cartridge system and want a genuine replacement that matches the original part in fit and performance. It suits both above-ground and in-ground installations where a 50 sq ft cartridge is appropriate and where simple, tool-free replacement is preferred.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is not intended for users who need larger filtration area or different dimensions; those needing higher capacity or a different O.D. should look at alternate cartridge sizes. Also, shoppers seeking aftermarket budget cartridges should weigh long-term durability and chemical compatibility against the genuine Hayward option.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatches original Hayward fit and filtration characteristics for a trouble-free replacement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-quality reinforced polyester media improves water clarity and extends filter cycles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtruded core maintains good flow, helping keep pump energy use reasonable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eSome users report mixed longevity experience, so lifespan can vary with maintenance and water conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFits filter model\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHayward C500 Star-Clear\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFiltration area\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e50 sq ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOuter diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e19-7\/16 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.5 lb\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReinforced polyester element\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Hayward CX500RE is a sensible purchase for anyone replacing a C500 Star-Clear cartridge who values correct fit, consistent water clarity, and genuine part identification. It represents good value by restoring original filtration performance, though actual service life will depend on pool conditions and maintenance habits.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this element compatible with my C500 filter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the CX500RE is designed specifically to fit the Hayward C500 Star-Clear cartridge filter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow large is the filtration area?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe cartridge provides 50 sq ft of filtration media to capture dirt and debris.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it handle standard pool chemicals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the reinforced polyester media is compatible with Hayward-specified chemicals and normal pool treatments.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hayward","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48233339879643,"sku":"B002KMIKB2","price":63.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61oS07Rm2JL._AC_SL1000_74b500a3-bc8e-45aa-b186-ee12a604aa01.jpg?v=1770717009","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/hayward-cx500re-replacement-cartridge-element-reliable-pool-clarity","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}