Hayward RETAINER ROD

The Hayward Retainer Rod is a vital structural fastener used within the internal grid or cartridge assembly of a pool filter to maintain the alignment and stability of the filtration components. Typically manufactured from high-grade, corrosion-resistant stainless steel, this long, threaded rod passes through the center or perimeter of the filter elements to lock the top and bottom manifolds or collectors together. Its primary mechanical function is to apply consistent vertical tension, ensuring that the filter elements remain compressed against their gaskets to prevent any bypass of unfiltered water. By creating a rigid "sandwich" of the internal parts, the retainer rod protects the assembly from shifting or vibrating under the heavy hydraulic loads produced by the pool pump. This component is specifically designed to withstand long-term submersion in chemically treated water, including salt-chlorine environments, without losing its structural integrity or threading. For shipping and logistical purposes, the estimated weight of the Hayward Retainer Rod is approximately 1.2 pounds in its retail protective packaging, while the actual dry weight of the steel rod itself is roughly 0.85 pounds.