Is the Hayward CAX-20272 Flow Cell the Same as the IPS Flow Cell?

[FlaMike]

OK, bad day here. I was re-calibrating my pH probe and cracked the IPS flow cell when I re-installed the probe. Shoot, shoot, shoot! Not the way to get the pool ready for swim season:-(

So, it looks like I have to buy, bore out, & tap a new flow cell. I can get the above-identified Hayward cell (not valves or switch, which is fine) for much less than a replacement IPS unit. However, based on the few pictures I have seen online, I can't tell if they're the same unit. Does anyone know definitively if they're the same? Here is the unit I'm looking at:

https://www.poolwarehouse.com/shop/hayward-cax-20272-molded-flow-cell/?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=17701698604&cq_con=&cq_term=&cq_med=pla&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&gad_source=1

Thanks!!

[tagyoureit]

Oof! Ya, looks the same, but hard to find specs. If you buy it from Amazon, there are free returns. :)

[FlaMike]

Great suggestion!!! Thank you. 6 bucks more & free shipping in both directions (Pirme). Could be less than the link above with shipping. I shall report back. Again, I thank you!!!! (There's even a used one that's less, but it's distressed & I don't care to chance it since I need to drill it out & tap it. New is better, in this case.

[FlaMike]

I have good news for anyone who needs a flow cell chamber. The Hayward CAX-20272 flow cell appears to be indistinguishable from the IPS flow cell. The holes and threads seem to be the same as the IPS unit. It can be purchased at the Pool Warehouse link above or from Amazon. I was able to install the exit valves & 1/2" NPT flow switch in all 3 input ports. If you use Industrial probes, you'll still have to drill & tap for them.

Please note, these sources are for the acrylic chamber only, without a flow switch or exit port valves. Nevertheless, if you need to replace the chamber or have another source for the flow switch & exit port valves, you may be able to purchase the chamber for far less than an IPS branded unit.

In my case, I cracked the flow cell when reinstalling a re-calibrated pH probe. Not a good day. Amazon shipped the flow cell to me in 2-3 days (faster than the promised 5 days) for $89.27 with tax and Prime shipping with free returns. I believe the Pool Warehouse price is about $77.00 presumably plus tax & shipping. It looked like an IPS "complete" flow cell (with exit valves & flow switch included) is at least $200.00 plus tax & shipping.