Hayward HCF Series 36" Commercial Fiberglass Sand Filter with 2.5" Bulkhead
The Hayward HCF236C 36" HCF Series Commercial Fiberglass Sand Filter with 2.5" Bulkhead sets a new standard for performance and longevity in the recreational water market. The step-up from the 30-inch HCF230C, this 36-inch model offers 7.05 sq ft of filtration area and 2.5-inch bulkhead connections for higher-flow commercial installations. Designed with a UV-protected gel coat to prevent fiberglass blooming, multi-diffuser distribution heads, and oversized commercial-grade laterals for improved filtration and extended filter cycles.
Proprietary resins and fiberglass construction — virtually corrosion-proof. Secure manway for easy inspection. Gray tank, 900 lb sand required, only 4 inches of side clearance needed. Backed by a 5-year parts / 1-year labor warranty.
Note: Filter sand (900 lb) is not included. Backwash valve not included. Professional installation required.
Key Features
36" / 7.05 Sq Ft / 2.5" Bulkhead
Mid-size commercial HCF model — more capacity than the 30-inch HCF230C with 2.5-inch bulkhead for higher-flow plumbing.
UV-Protected Gel Coat
Prevents fiberglass blooming and shields against UV, chemicals, and environmental weathering for extended service life.
Multi-Diffuser Distribution Heads + Oversized Laterals
Commercial-grade PVC and polypropylene slotted laterals with multi-diffuser heads for improved filtration and longer filter cycles.
Virtually Corrosion-Proof
Proprietary resins and fiberglass — built for long commercial service life.
Secure Manway
Easy access for internal inspection, maintenance, and sand changes.
4" Side Clearance / 5-Year Parts Warranty
Minimal side clearance for tight equipment rooms. 5-year parts / 1-year labor commercial warranty.
Who It's For
- Commercial aquatic facilities requiring higher-flow sand filtration than the 30-inch HCF230C provides
- Installations specifying 2.5-inch bulkhead connections and 7.05 sq ft filtration area
- Commercial pool operators who want the HCF Series UV gel coat protection and extended parts warranty in the 36-inch size
Specifications
Performance
| Filtration Area | 7.05 sq ft |
| Max Working Pressure | 50 PSI |
Filter Media
| Sand Required | 900 lb (not included) |
Tank & Plumbing
| Tank Material | Fiberglass (UV-Protected Gel Coat) |
| Tank Diameter | 37.4 in |
| Tank Color | Gray |
| Connections | 2.5 in Bulkhead |
| Product Height | 47.6 in |
| Side Clearance Required | 4 in |
| Vertical Clearance Required | 18 in |
Physical
| Product Weight | 167.5 lb |
| Shipping Dimensions | 37 × 39 × 46 in |
Approvals & Warranty
| Parts Warranty | 5 Years |
| Labor Warranty | 1 Year |
What's in the Box
- Hayward HCF236C 36" Commercial Fiberglass Sand Filter Tank
- Multi-Diffuser Heads and Oversized Laterals
- User Manual
Note: Filter sand (900 lb) and backwash valve are not included. Professional installation required.
Warranty
The Hayward HCF236C comes with a 5-year parts warranty and 1-year labor warranty. Clearflow Pool Supply is an authorized Hayward dealer and will assist with any warranty service needed.
Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the HCF236C (36") compare to the HCF230C (30") and HCF342C (42")?
All three are HCF Series commercial fiberglass sand filters with UV gel coat and 5-year parts / 1-year labor warranty. The HCF230C (30-inch) has 4.9 sq ft and 2-inch bulkhead — the smallest model. The HCF236C (36-inch) is the mid-size at 7.05 sq ft and 2.5-inch bulkhead for higher flows. The HCF342C (42-inch, bobbin-wound) is the largest at 9.83 sq ft and 433 GPM with 1,400 lb of sand. Choose the HCF236C when the 30-inch is undersized but the full 42-inch capacity isn't required.