Hayward C500 Tie Rod, CX500Z2S

This is the genuine Hayward CX500Z2S tie rod for the Star Clear C500 cartridge filter. It measures 28-3/32 inches.

What it does

The tie rod runs down the center of the filter element assembly and pulls the top and bottom plates together against the cartridge. That clamping load is what makes the filter work. Water takes the easiest path available to it, and if the assembly is not held tight, some of the flow slips around the cartridge instead of through it and carries dirt straight back to the pool.

Why the length matters

Hayward shows this rod on the parts diagram covering the Star Clear C-250, C-500, C-750 and C-1000, but the rod itself is sized to the tank. At 28-3/32 inches this is the C500 part, and a longer or shorter model needs its own. Check the model number on your tank before ordering.

When to change it

Tie rods fail by corroding at the threads or by bending under repeated overtightening, and either way the assembly stops clamping properly. If dirt reappears in the pool soon after the filter has been cleaned, or the element stack feels loose when the lid comes off, look at the rod and its hardware. Replace corroded nuts and washers at the same time, since a new rod on a seized nut solves nothing.