How to Remove and Clean Hayward SwimClear Cartridge Elements

Tools and Supplies Needed

• 3/4" socket or open-end wrenches (for the DEX2421J2 clamp bolt and nut)
• Torque wrench with 3/4" socket (required for reassembly — 150 inch-lbs)
• Garden hose with nozzle
• Soft-bristle brush
• Large plastic bucket or trash can (for chemical soak if needed)
• Cartridge degreaser or mild detergent (no petroleum solvents)
• Clean cloth for wiping the seal surface

Part Numbers Reference

• Clamp system: DEX2421JKIT (includes clamp, bolt, nut, seal, labels)
• Clamp bolt and nut only: DEX2421J2
• Metal-reinforced seal: DEX2422Z2
• Manual air relief assembly: DEX2420MAR2 or CCX1000V
• Top manifold (C2030/C3030/C4030): CX3030C
• Top manifold (C5030/C7030): CX5030C
• Drain plug with o-ring: SP1022CBLK

Disassembly Procedure

Step 1: Shut down the system

1. Turn off all system circulation pumps and all electrical power at the equipment pad.
2. Close all system valves to prevent water from flowing to the filter.

Step 2: Relieve pressure and drain

1. Place the manual air relief valve (MAR) in the OPEN position by rotating the handle counterclockwise to the open detent. Wait for all water flow to stop from the MAR discharge port.
2. Remove the drain plug (SP1022CBLK) from the bottom of the lower filter body and allow the filter to drain completely. The drain plug uses an o-ring seal — inspect it while the plug is out.

Step 3: Remove the clamp

1. Using 3/4" wrenches or sockets, loosen and fully remove the clamp nut from the DEX2421J2 clamp bolt.
2. Holding both ends of the DEX2421JKIT clamp, carefully spread the clamp ends and lift it over the upper filter body. Do not drop the clamp — dropping can damage it. Do not strike it with metal tools.

Step 4: Lift the upper body

1. Grasp the upper filter body by its body — not by the pressure gauge. Lift straight up to separate it from the lower body.
2. Set the upper body aside on a clean surface.

Step 5: Remove the manifold and cartridges

1. Lift the top manifold (CX3030C or CX5030C) straight up off the cartridges. Note how the return pipe aligns with the port in the manifold for reference during reassembly.
2. Remove each cartridge element using a slight rocking motion while lifting upward. They are seated on hub posts on the bottom seal plate.
3. On the C7030, the filter has two levels of 4 cartridges each, separated by the mid-plate connector (CX7020M). Remove the upper set first, then the mid-plate, then the lower set.

Cleaning the Cartridge Elements

Basic hose cleaning

1. Stand the cartridge upright and use a firm garden hose stream — not a pressure washer — to wash from top to bottom on the outside of the pleats, angling the stream to flush debris out from between the folds.
2. Also rinse the inside of the core.
3. After hosing, use a soft brush to gently sweep the pleated surface to dislodge fine particles the water stream did not remove.
4. Rinse again after brushing.

Chemical degreaser soak (when hosing is not enough)

1. Submerge cartridges in a dedicated cartridge cleaning solution or a solution of TSP-free detergent and water.
2. Soak for one hour minimum.
3. Rinse thoroughly — no detergent residue should remain.

Acid soak for calcium scale

1. After the degreaser soak and rinse, prepare a 1:10 dilution of muriatic acid in water (add acid to water).
2. Soak for 1–2 hours maximum.
3. Rinse completely before reinstallation.

Do not use petroleum solvents on any filter component — the Hayward manual specifically prohibits this. Solvents will degrade the polyester media and plastic components.

Inspecting Before Reinstalling

Before putting cartridges back in, check:

• Pleat definition — compressed or permanently deformed pleats indicate end of life.
• End caps — separation from the media at the top or bottom cap means the element needs replacement.
• Core integrity — no cracks, splits, or holes in the inner core tube.
• Media tears — any visible tears in the polyester fabric mean water will bypass unfiltered.

Reassembly Procedure

Step 1: Flush the lower body

Before reinstalling cartridges, flush any dirt or debris from the bottom of the lower filter body. Also flush the upper body interior and the area around the MAR port.

Step 2: Reinstall cartridges and manifold

1. Set each cartridge firmly over the corresponding hub post on the bottom seal plate. Push down until it seats fully — there should be no wobble.
2. On the C7030, reinstall the lower 4 cartridges first, seat the mid-plate connector (CX7020M), then install the upper 4 cartridges.
3. Place the top manifold over the cartridges, aligning the return pipe with the pipe port below the manifold. Press down firmly.

Step 3: Clean and inspect the seal and seal surface

1. Remove the DEX2422Z2 metal-reinforced seal from the lower body flange.
2. Wipe the lower body seal surface and the upper body seal surface with a clean, dry cloth. Remove all dirt and debris. Do not use solvents. Do not lubricate the seal.
3. If the seal shows any cracking, permanent compression set, or damage, replace it before reassembling.

Step 4: Seat the upper body

1. Place the DEX2422Z2 seal on the lower filter body seal surface.
2. Lower the upper filter body onto the seal, aligning the labels so all safety and operation labels are clearly visible. Press down firmly and evenly on the upper body to seat the seal.

Step 5: Install and torque the clamp

1. Position the DEX2421JKIT clamp around both filter bodies with the clamp ends adjacent to the label area.
2. Insert the DEX2421J2 clamp bolt through the clamp ends. Thread the clamp nut onto the bolt with the rounded end of the nut facing toward the clamp ends.
3. Using a 3/4" socket on a torque wrench, tighten the clamp nut to exactly 150 inch-lbs. Do not rely on hand tightening — the manual explicitly prohibits it. Do not strike the clamp with metal tools.

Step 6: Replace drain plug and restart

1. Reinstall the SP1022CBLK drain plug with its o-ring. Hand-tight plus a quarter turn is sufficient — over-tightening cracks the plug.
2. Confirm the MAR body is in the LOCK position in the upper filter body.
3. Open all system valves, place the MAR valve in the OPEN position, and start the pump.
4. Close the MAR valve only when a steady stream of water — not air or air/water mix — discharges from the valve.
5. Record the new clean starting pressure on the gauge green arrow.