Aumzong Cartridge Swimming Pool Filter Compatible with Haywa
✅ PROS
- Costs significantly less than Hayward OEM cartridges while maintaining the same 100 sq. ft. filtration area
- Heavy-duty reinforced pleats hold up to weekly cleaning without separating or tearing
- True drop-in replacement — dimensions match StarClear Plus spec exactly, no adapter needed
❌ CONS
- Packaging is minimal; cartridge arrives in a thin plastic bag with no end caps, so handle carefully during install
- Some users report a slightly tighter fit in older Hayward housings — a bit of wiggling may be required
The Verdict
If you own a Hayward StarClear Plus filter, you already know the sting of buying OEM cartridges. The Aumzong replacement undercuts that price substantially, and with 215 ratings averaging 4.3 stars, it’s not flying under the radar. But does saving money mean sacrificing filtration? Here’s the honest breakdown after digging through specs and real owner feedback.
What You Actually Get
The box contains a single cartridge — no gaskets, no O-rings, no adapters. That sounds sparse, but it’s exactly what you need if your filter housing is in good shape. The cartridge itself is built to match Hayward’s CX1500RE specs: roughly 10 inches in diameter and 15 inches tall, with 100 square feet of pleated filtration media. The polyester material feels dense and substantial compared to some flimsier aftermarket options I’ve handled.
As shown in the product image, the pleats are tightly packed and reinforced at the top and bottom caps. That reinforcement matters — it’s the first thing to fail on cheap cartridges, and it’s where Aumzong appears to have spent their manufacturing budget.
Real-World Performance
The filtration media catches everything from algae debris to fine silt, and the pleats hold their shape through repeated cleanings. Several buyers mention getting a full season from a single cartridge with bi-weekly hose-downs. One reviewer put it plainly: “Bought two of these — one in use, one as backup. The first one lasted 6 months with heavy summer use, and I clean it every two weeks with a garden hose.”
Water clarity matches what you’d expect from the OEM part. The 100 sq. ft. surface area means your pump doesn’t work harder to push water through, so flow rates stay where they should be.
Where It Falls Short
Let’s be honest about the downsides. The packaging is bare-bones — just a thin plastic sleeve. During shipping, that’s not ideal, and a few buyers reported minor pleat distortion on arrival. It doesn’t affect function, but it’s worth inspecting before you install.
There’s also a fitment quirk. While the dimensions match spec, some owners with older StarClear Plus housings report a tighter-than-expected fit. It goes in, but you may need to apply more pressure than you’d like. One reviewer noted: “Fits my CX1500 housing, but it’s snug — you have to push firmly to get it seated properly. Once it clicks in, it’s fine.”
Who Should Buy This
If you’re maintaining a seasonal above-ground pool or an inground pool with a StarClear Plus filter, this is a smart buy. It’s also ideal for rental property owners who need to swap cartridges between tenants without paying OEM prices. If you’re a commercial operator running a filter 12 hours daily year-round, you’ll still save money, but you’ll replace it more often than the OEM part.
Skip it if you’re a stickler for exact OEM fit and don’t mind paying double. Or if your filter housing shows signs of wear — a new cartridge won’t fix a cracked housing.
FAQ
How often should I replace this cartridge? With normal residential use (swimming season, weekly cleaning), expect 6-12 months. Clean it when the pressure gauge reads 8-10 psi above clean baseline.
Will it fit my Hayward model? It’s designed for StarClear Plus models: CX1500RE, CX1500R, and compatible housings. Check your housing model number before ordering — don’t assume by brand alone.
Can I clean it with a pressure washer? You can, but use low pressure and keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away. High pressure will blow out the pleats and destroy the cartridge.
The Verdict
Buy it if you want OEM-equivalent filtration at a fraction of the price and don’t mind a snug fit in older housings.
Skip it if you require flawless packaging or you’re replacing a cartridge in a filter housing that’s seen better days.
The Aumzong earns its 4.2 score — it does the job, saves you money, and holds up through a season of abuse. Just be ready to handle it carefully on arrival and push a little harder during installation. For most pool owners, that’s a fair trade.
Rating: 4.2/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.