Hayward SPX0580Z2 Lens Gasket Replacement For Underwater Lights

Gasket is pictured, advertised and sold as a genuine Hayward gasket (see Amazon photo showing embossed Hayward name, Hayward part #SP-580-Z2, Hayward installation instruction). Product shipped is an obvious knock-off. There is no embossed Hayward name, number or instruction on the gasket shipped. The only ID is a package sticker falsely stating (or at least implying) it is a Hayward part. An actual new Hayward gasket is 16mm overall thickness (just like the original) versus the Amazon knock-off at 11.5mm overall thickness. This 28% reduction in gasket cross-sectional mass is a fatal flaw in a supposed watertight gasket as it fits too loose in the Hayward SP-580 lamp system and provides inadequate compression when the Hayward compression ring is tightened down. While the sub-standard product may seem tight at first, it is not. I do not trust it's long-term water-tightness when pool electrical safety is at risk and failure of an expansive LED bulb will eventually fail. Furthermore, both the Hayward and knock-off gaskets must be installed with the correct side facing the pool water. Hayward embosses this critical instruction right on the gasket itself to assure the correct orientation. The knock-off has no such instruction, leaving the customer to guess or worse, unaware of a potential electrical fault and failure of the pool light due to incorrect orientation.If you doubt the validity of this comment, compare a cheap $15 knock-off gasket at Leslie's Pool Supply with a real $30 genuine Hayward gasket at Pinch-A-Penny Pool Supply. Amazon is selling the cheap version like Leslie's.JD...burnt once, twice shy

Save yourself time and money and go with a genuine Hayward replacement gasket.I don't always buy genuine replacement parts, and this time it cost me. As you can see in the picture, the Hayward gasket on the left is much beefier than this part. This part leaked within a year and destroyed the expensive LED bulb I had installed. Lesson learned.Also, there are several good videos online describing how to replace this gasket. If you're going to do it yourself, take the time to view these and be patient with the install. The retainer ring must be properly seated to protect against leaks.

Looked like an OEM product but clearly wasn't. Not even the same shape. This gasket had three defects, tares in the surface of the rubber. Would I really use this gasket to protect a very expensive LED bulb, submerged under water. for years in a swimming pool. And, when in went to get credit on my Amazon account the only option was to go to the manufacturer's website to resolve your problem. It took me to the official Hayward site, not the manufacturer of this knock off product. I had to call Amazon customer service to go any further. I got credit and will now go throw this thing into the garbage. What a waste of time. This is probably the first review I've written in 10 years but I wanted to let you know. This was sold by "Crushing Deals". Stay away from them !!!

I don't know what the story is with these negative reviews, possible angry pool supply store owners that charge over $30 for the same part? I am all for supporting local businesses, but I bet even they buy some stuff online so... I was hoping to find a silicone version because even the genuine Hayward rubber gasket deteriorates over time in pool water. I also wonder if some folks were foolish enough to install it dry? You have to clean the lens and the can edge with a scotchbrite pad (or equivalent) first, then lube it up good inside and out with silicone grease (aka vacuum grease) can be found at any hardware/pool supply (Amazon should suggest it with the gasket purchase). If you do this and make sure it is seated properly before you tighten the clamp, it works great.

Had to replace the bulb in our Hayward Astrolite Model SP-583-SL fixture. I bought this as a "Like New" used item from Amazon Warehouse Deals. It came in the original Hayward packaging and it is the genuine gasket from Hayward, as it matched perfectly with my old gasket. (I understand there are knock-offs sold by some third-party sellers, so be careful about that. If you can buy directly from Amazon, do it, even if the cost may be slightly higher. You don't want to ruin a new bulb due to a leaky gasket.)One final note: if you've never replaced a pool lightbulb before, make sure you understand exactly how to install this gasket so the fixture is completely water tight or you run the risk of destroying your new expensive pool lightbulb. There are some excellent YouTube videos on how to do this for this particular model. It is a bit tricky so spend the time to do it right.