The Hayward W3S244T2 is a ProSeries 24-inch top-mount sand filter for in-ground pools. This review keeps what the manufacturer states separate from what owners report, is honest about the specs that are not published on the listing, and does not claim any testing we did not do. No prices and no star ratings copied across, just what the filter is and who it fits.
| Model | W3S244T2 |
|---|---|
| Tank | 24 inch, top-mount |
| Valve | 2-inch 6-position VariFlo |
| Laterals | 360 degree self-cleaning |
| Tank material | Corrosion-proof polymeric |
| Pool type | In-ground |
| Series | Hayward ProSeries |
For an inground pool that wants long service life, the W3S244T2 is a strong option for long-term service: a rugged 24-inch tank, a proven 2-inch 6-position VariFlo valve, self-cleaning laterals, and the documented parts availability from Hayward and third-party retailers. It is a permanent, larger install that is a very different proposition from above-ground combo systems, it costs more than a combo unit, and it needs a separate pump and sand. For inground owners who value durability and support, it earns its place.
- Pool type
- In-ground
- Tank
- 24 inch
- Valve
- 2-inch 6-position VariFlo
- Our assessment
- Best overall for inground
Is the W3S244T2 a good fit for your pool?
Good fit if
- You have an in-ground pool
- You want long service life and documented parts availability
- You want a proven 2-inch VariFlo valve and self-cleaning laterals
- You are doing a permanent equipment-pad install
Look elsewhere if
- You have an above-ground pool (choose a combo unit)
- You want a drop-in system with pump and sand included
- You want the lowest upfront cost
What the evidence supports
Manufacturer says: this is a ProSeries 24-inch top-mount sand filter for in-ground pools. It uses a 2-inch 6-position VariFlo control valve, a multilateral underdrain with 360 degree self-cleaning slotted laterals for even flow across the sand bed, and a corrosion-proof polymeric tank rated for all-weather performance, with a large drain for quick winterizing.
Owner reports suggest: owners describe it as working well and easy to install. The independent review base on this exact listing is still small, so we treat the owner picture as limited rather than settled.
We did not test this unit ourselves, so we make no performance measurement claim.
The valve and filtration
The 2-inch 6-position VariFlo valve is the part you use most: filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate, waste, and closed, all from a lever-action handle. The 2-inch porting supports strong flow for an inground system.
Inside, the self-cleaning slotted laterals distribute water evenly across the sand bed, which uses the full filter area rather than channeling. The top diffuser does the same job from above. In practice that means consistent filtration and straightforward backwashing when pressure rises.
Install and upkeep
This is a permanent inground install, not a drop-in combo. You supply and connect a suitable pump, add the correct sand, and plumb it with 2-inch fittings. Once running, upkeep is the standard sand rhythm: backwash when pressure climbs above the clean baseline, and change the sand every several seasons.
The large pressure drain makes winterizing and servicing quick, and because it is Hayward, replacement parts are the easiest to source of any brand in this set.
The trade-offs
What we like
- Inground-grade 24-inch tank built to last
- 2-inch 6-position VariFlo valve is simple to operate
- Self-cleaning slotted laterals for even filtration
- Documented parts availability from Hayward and multiple retailers
Worth knowing
- A large ProSeries install, a very different proposition from above-ground combo systems
- Higher upfront cost than a combo unit
- Sand and pump are separate purchases
What owners report
Owner-feedback method: we read Amazon's aggregated customer summary and owner reports on this product's listing. The review base is small (a few dozen ratings), so we treat the owner picture as limited and anecdotal, not a statistical failure rate, and we did not test the unit ourselves.
Owners like
- Works well once installed
- Straightforward to install for a sand filter
- Solid, rugged build
Owners flag
- Review base on this exact listing is small, so patterns are limited
- Needs a separate pump and sand
- A permanent install, not a quick drop-in
Who should buy the W3S244T2?
Buy it if
- You have an in-ground pool and want a durable, serviceable sand filter
- You value Hayward's parts availability and track record
- You are matching it to a suitable pump and sand
Skip it if
- Your pool is above-ground
- You want an all-in-one combo at a low price
Consider a larger system if
- Your inground pool is large: confirm the design flow supports your turnover, and size up the tank if needed
Common questions
Is this filter for above-ground or inground pools?
In-ground. It is a permanent ProSeries top-mount sand filter, which makes it a very different proposition from a typical above-ground combo system.
Does it come with a pump or sand?
No. It is the filter and valve. You supply a suitable pump and the correct sand separately.
What valve does it use?
A 2-inch 6-position VariFlo control valve with a lever-action handle: filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate, waste, and closed.
How much sand and what flow does it need?
The exact sand capacity and design flow are not stated on the listing we worked from, so confirm both on Hayward's spec sheet for the W3S244T2 before buying a pump and sand.
Verified specifications
| Filter type | Sand |
|---|---|
| Tank | 24 inch, top-mount |
| Control valve | 2-inch 6-position VariFlo |
| Laterals | 360 degree self-cleaning slotted |
| Tank material | Corrosion-proof polymeric |
| Best pool type | In-ground |
| Series | Hayward ProSeries |
Source: Manufacturer specifications from the product's Amazon listing (model W3S244T2, ASIN B07SQ2N2N6), captured September 2026, plus owner-reported review themes.
What we could not confirm
Honest gaps. These figures are not in the manufacturer listing we worked from, so we do not state them rather than guess.
- Exact sand capacity
- Design and maximum flow rate (GPM)
- Recommended pump size
- Manufacturer warranty length
Our verdict
For an inground pool that wants long service life, the W3S244T2 is a strong option for long-term service: a rugged 24-inch tank, a proven 2-inch 6-position VariFlo valve, self-cleaning laterals, and the documented parts availability from Hayward and third-party retailers. It is a permanent, larger install that is a very different proposition from above-ground combo systems, it costs more than a combo unit, and it needs a separate pump and sand. For inground owners who value durability and support, it earns its place.
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