Val-Pak Products V60-400 Hayward Leaf Canister Basket

I ordered this leaf canister after two original Hayward canisters burst from too many leaves. Yeah, I know, you have to empty these things before they reach the breaking point. But here in Florida at this time of year (February) if you don't have a screened in pool (I don't because I like sun), leaves from live oaks and water oaks are a constant hassle to clean out of a pool. With the Navigator running regularly to sweep the leaves, the canister can get full quickly and, sadly, split. This Val-pak canister is heavy duty, hard plastic and way stronger than the Hayward OEM replacement which, by comparison, seems flimsy. The Val-pak is also larger (more capacity), but it fits into the canister housing just fine allowing the O-ring lid and screw on housing to fit snugly with room to spare.

This replacement seems to be better made than the one that came with the leaf catcher, which split. I also saw a suggestion to use "UltraSource Disposable Hair Net/Bouffant Caps" in the leaf canister, so I purchased 100 for $6.75, and they seem to work fine. An inexpensive replacement for a pool sock. (I also put one in my pool skimmer basket).

Looks like a great product. It is more heavy duty than my original basket for my inline leaf catcher. Should last a long time for sure. It was a little bit longer but still fit in the basket. I am pleased with this purchase.

Much better and stronger than original. I went through 3 original filters. A little wind and leaves and the original would burst and break. This works awesome.

Unable to comment on durability but it appears better constructed than the original basket.

Works well for Hayward short leaf collector with skimmer sock. Sturdier then Hayward basket that comes with it

Thicker plastic with no give...expect it to be last one I’ll need! Quality is the difference!

Made better than the original.