The pool filter cartridge is an often-overlooked part of the pool filtration system, but it’s just as important as any other part of the pool setup. If you have a cartridge filter, a clogged or worn cartridge can make your pool look cloudy, and a cartridge that’s too large for your pool can result in water waste. If you have a D.E. pool filter, a worn cartridge can result in water with a chalky white film and can also make it harder to reach the right pH.
To help you select the right pool filter cartridge for your pool, here’s what to look for and our top picks at a variety of price points.
Our Editor’s Best Pool Filter Cartridges Reviews
- ✔ CONVENIENT MAINTENANCE – A must have cartridge to the INTEX Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump, this filter cartridge is made with easy-to-clean Dacron paper for the ultimate filtration
- ✔ FILTER PUMP COMPATIBILITY – For best use and results, the filter cartridge A by INTEX is compatible for filter pump models in of the following: 28603EG, 28637EG and 28635EG
- ✔ ROUTINE USAGE – For maximum efficiency and results for your above ground pool, the recommendation is to replace cartridges every two weeks for a clean and happy pool
- ✔ HYDROAERATION TECHNOLOGY – It's all in the bubbles; patented HydroAeration Technology by INTEX when using our filtration systems improves overall water circulation, clarity, and freshness in thousands of above ground pools
- ✔ SAFETY, QUALITY and VALUE – Intex designs, builds, and tests all its products to the highest standards with safety the first order of business; our affordable and innovative products are built to last
- Dirt particles as small as 10-15 microns get captured by Cartridge Pool Filters, making them perfect for pools that need an effective option for removing smaller debris and dust particles. Ideal for in-ground pools/spa from 5,000 to 35,000 gallons
- The heavy-duty, tamper-proof, one-piece clamp securely fastens the tank top & bottom together & allows for easy removal and convenient access to each of the (4) cartridge filters without disturbing piping or connections
- Filter tanks made from extra durable glass reinforced co-polymer material to meet the demands of the toughest applications and environmental conditions, including in-floor cleaning systems
- Pool Filter Cartridge with Pressure Gauge Included. The filter comes with a precise pressure gauge, allowing you to monitor the pressure status in real-time, ensuring stable equipment operation
- Filter Type: Cartridge | Number of Filter Elements: 4 | Fitting Inlet/Outlet: 2" | Flow Rating: 150 GPM | Filtration Area:425 sq. ft.| Turnover 8 Hrs.72000 gal. | Turnover 10 Hrs. 90000 gal. (Replacement Cartridge Filter SKU: 75213 / ASIN: B08J2NZ424)
- Pack of 6 Bestway type III/A replacement filter cartridges replaces old and worn-out filter cartridges to keep your pool clean
- For use in 500/800/1500 gallon filter pumps, providing a versatile replacement for multiple size pumps
- Replace cartridge regularly every 2 weeks to ensure the long life of your Bestway pool and filter pump
- Easy to clean, letting you quickly remove debris and grime to keep the filter running optimally
- Fits 2,006 L (530 gallon); 3,028 L (800 gallon), 4,921 L (1,300 gallon); and 5,678 L (1,500 gallon) per hour filter pumps
- 『Durable ABS Construction』POOLPURE PFT-AF50 Cartridge Filter tank is made of high-quality ABS material, designed for superior resistance to corrosion, UV rays, and sun exposure. This ensures unparalleled durability, making it perfect for long-term outdoor use near the pool. Additionally, our filter tank has excellent airtightness, making it resistant to leaks.
- 『Widely Used 』With a wide filtering area of 50 square feet and the capacity to filter 3,000 gallons of water per hour, our filter ensures efficient and rapid water purification. It is suitable for all types of swimming pools.
- 『Easy Installation』Our filter system can be quickly assembled and disassembled without the need for any tools, making it user-friendly. Simply install it on a flat, solid surface next to your pool and secure it using the four mounting holes on the base for long-term stability. our filter is equipped with 1.5in joints, eliminating the hassle of searching for a coupling adapter.
- 『High-Performance Filtration』Equipped with a 15um high-efficiency filter element and high-density pleated fiber, our filter effectively removes particulate impurities from the water. Our filter media is made from environmentally friendly, lead-free materials, ensuring both water quality and a healthier pool.
- 『Safety Features 』POOLPURE PFT-AF50 Cartridge Filter tank includes a high-quality pressure gauge for easy monitoring of working pressure, ensuring optimal performance.
- Strong & Reliable: Doheny’s Cartridge Filter Systems are built with durable thermoplastic materials for long-lasting performance.
- High-Performance Filtration: Extra-large, non-woven cartridge filter delivers superior water clarity, extended filter cycles, and maximum water flow.
- Easy Maintenance: Features a built-in pressure gauge & air release valve for hassle-free operation. The secure locking system prevents dead locking.
- Complete System Features: Includes a 1.5" threaded connector, operates at 115V/60Hz, and comes with a high-efficiency pump & all necessary fittings.
- FILTER ONLY'S DO NOT INCLUDE PUMP, SYSTEM BASE or PUMP TO TANK CONNECTION.
- Cartridge, Pentair Posi-Clear RP/CNC/CNC RP, 200 sqft, OEM.
- Upgrade Your Pool's Cleanliness with Our Advanced 50sq.ft Cartridge Pool Filter System: Perfect for homes, hotels, and schools, our powerful filter handles pools from 22.8 to 34.2 cubic meters, ensuring effortless maintenance of crystal-clear water. Designed for easy cleaning and maintenance, it saves you valuable time and effort while providing exceptional quality and peace of mind.
- Robust Leak-Proof Construction: Engineered with PP+fiberglass composite material in a seamless die-cast housing, our filter prevents leaks and shields internal components from environmental wear. This sturdy design not only boosts durability but also prolongs the filter's lifespan.
- Enhanced Water Purification with Upgraded Filter Core: Featuring a 50-micron high-efficiency filter and dense pleated fibers, our filter effectively eliminates particles, ensuring pristine pool water quality. Crafted from lead-free, eco-friendly materials, it promotes a safer swimming environment.
- Integrated Pressure Gauge and Safety Valve: Keep tabs on pressure levels in real-time with the precise gauge, ensuring consistent operation. The built-in pressure relief valve mitigates the risk of high water pressure, enhancing safety and providing peace of mind.
- Easy 3-Step Assembly for Inground Pools: Setup is quick and hassle-free. Simply secure the filter, connect the pump pipe to the 'inlet,' and attach the pool return pipe to the 'outlet.' Whether you're a beginner or seasoned pool owner, installation is a breeze.
- Perfect Match: Compatible with Hayward SwimClear C-4030/C-4025/C-4020 Pool Filter. Replacement for Hayward CX880XRE, Pleatco PA106/PA106-4/PA106-PAK4, Unicel C-7488/C-7488-4, Filbur FC-1226/FC-6430, Pure N Clean PC-1226/PC-6430 and more. All manufacturers' names and part numbers are used for compatibility information only
- NSF/ANSI 50 Certified: Tested and certified by NSF International against NSF/ANSI 50 for the use of safe materials. The trilobal pleated design captures 3x more debris than regular fabric, efficiently trapping leaves, hair, sand, and oils for cleaner water
- Dimension: With an outer diameter of 7'', inner diameter of 3'' and a height of 25-1/2'', c4030 pool filter cartridges can be easily installed in your filter without worrying about leaks or compatibility issues
- Extremely Enduring: C4030 pool filter cartridge features spunbond polyester and a strong inner core, making it capable of withstanding high-pressure water flow and enduring enough to be a worthwhile investment for your pool
- Economical Pool Maintenance: Regularly cleaning and reusing the filter cartridge is a simple way to minimize water usage. We recommend cleaning the cartridge monthly to maximize its effectiveness and ensure a clean swimming experience
- 【SIZE】Length: 23-5/16"; Outside Diameter: 8-15/16"; Top & Bottom Opening: 4"; Filtration Area: 120 sq. ft.
- 【COMPATIBLE MODELS】Compatible with Hayward C1200/CX1200RE Pool Filter Cartridge, PA120, Unicel C-8412, FC-1293, Clearwater II125, Clearwater II Pro Clean 125, pccf 125, Aladdin 22002, AK-7005, SD-00105, SD-01084, pro clean 125 and 817-0125N(models after 2006 ). Note: The manufacturer’s name and part number have been used for reference purposes only. CRYSPOOL is an independent brand.
- 【QUALIFIED MATERIAL】The advanced material of trilobal fibers is utilized. Cutting-edge technologies make the capacity higher than common point-bond fabric. It makes water process more thoroughly and service life longer.
- 【EASY CLEANING】The Improved Trilobal Fabric Filter Structure enables the deep penetration of impurities into filter pleats when we wash it, the filter is a totally brand-new one after cleaning. It’s recommended to clean the filter when the pressure gauge reaches the predetermined value, so as to take full advantage of its performance.
- 【GOOD CHOICE FOR FILTERS】With our qualified material, end caps as well as pleats, the filters are easy to clean, strong to filter, sturdy to hold in position. If cleaned regularly more often, its service life can be largely enhanced, the water usage will also be largely minimized.
- Made in USA with 100% Reemay filtration media that was made specifically for durability and cleanability. Includes support bands around each cartridge element
- Compatible Replacement for Pentair CCP420 Cartridge Filter (PN 160301), Compatible Replacement for Waterway Crystal Water 105 SQFT (817-0106), 420SQFT Compatible Replacement for Jacuzzi J-CQ420 JCF425 Cartridge Filters (PN 42287, 570-0425-09LE)
- Inside Diameter: 3", Outside Diameter: 7”, Length: 26-1/16”
- Compatible Repalcement for Parts: OEM# 178584, R173576, R173476 Unicel# C-7471 / C7471, C-7471-4, C-7471RA, Pleatco# PCC-105 / PCC105, PCC105-PAK4, PCC105-M, PCC105-M-PAK4, Filbur# FC-6470, FC-1977 / FC1977, FC-1977M, FC-1977P, Aladdin# 20503, Misc 817-0106-LE, 45011
- NOTE: This is a compatible aftermarket replacement part made in the USA. The manufacturers' names and part numbers have been used for reference purposes only. Optimum Pool Technologies Inc is an independent brand.
Best Pool Filter Cartridges Buying Guide
Before choosing the best pool filter you should consider following options:
1. Pool Filter Media Types: There are two main types of pool filter media: sand and cartridge. Sand filters are the most traditional pool filter. They consist of a tank, a pad of sand, and a series of valves that pump water in and out.
Sand filters are inexpensive to repair and maintain. Sand is easy to find and relatively inexpensive. Sand filters are also easier to maintain because you can backwash them when clogged and change the media when needed.
The downside of sand filters is that they clog easily and the flow rate is slow. Cartridge filters are the most popular option for new pools. They consist of a tank, a series of valves, and two chambers separated by a filter.
One chamber holds the filter media, which can be either a polyester or polypropylene cartridge, and the other chamber holds water. When the valves are open, water flows from one chamber to the other. When the valves are closed, water can only flow through the filter media.
Cartridge filters are easier to maintain because you don’t have to backwash them. They have a faster flow rate than sand filters, but they’re more expensive. They’re also more difficult to repair because replacement cartridges aren’t readily available.
2. Pool Filter Size: Pool filters come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small bar-type filters to large cartridge filters.
Smaller pool filters are typically bar and cartridge filters, but they are also available in sand filter configurations. Bar and cartridge filters are good for pools with capacities of up to 10,000 gallons.
Large cartridge filters are generally used in pools with capacities from 15,000 to 30,000 gallons. Large sand filters are used in pools with capacities from 30,000 to 60,000 gallons.
Large sand filters are also available for larger pools, but for pools with capacities above 60,000 gallons, you’ll need a dual-tank system with one pump for water entry and a second pump for discharge.
3. Pool Filter Efficiency: Filter efficiency is measured by the percent efficiency rating (EPM) of the filter. The EPM is equal to the percentage of free flow rate that’s available through the filter media divided by the total flow rate.
A filter with an EPM of 60 indicates that 60 percent of the water flow is available through the media while 40 percent is bypassed.
Filter efficiency is important because it indicates how well the filter will clean the water. The higher the EPM, the better the filter, but you don’t need a filter with a very high EPM.
For example, a pool with a flow rate of 10,000 gallons per hour should have a filter with an EPM of 60 or higher. If you have a pool with a higher flow rate, you’ll need a filter with a higher EPM.
4. Pool Filter Cost: The cost of a pool filter varies depending on the media type, size, and efficiency.
Cartridge filters are typically more expensive than sand filters, but that’s because they have better features, such as better flow rates. You can find cartridge filters with EPMs as high as 500.
Sand filters typically have EPMs of between 50 and 100. They are usually the least expensive option for pools with capacities up to 10,000 gallons. Bar filters are typically the least expensive option for pools with capacities from 10,000 to 20,000 gallons.
They have an EPM
What else you should know about pool filter cartridges
1.What is the difference between a cartridge and a sand filter?
The difference between a cartridge and a sand filter is that a cartridge filter uses a pleated paper filter that captures contaminants as water flows through it, while a sand filter uses sand to trap contaminants as water flows through it.
2.What are the pros and cons of cartridge filters?
Cartridge filters have several advantages over other types of filters. They are easy to install and maintain, and they can be used with a wide variety of filter media. Cartridge filters also have a very high flow rate and can be used to filter large volumes of water quickly.
One disadvantage of cartridge filters is that they can be more expensive than other types of filters. Additionally, cartridge filters can become clogged more easily than other types of filters, and they may need to be replaced more frequently.
3.What is the best way to clean a cartridge filter?
The best way to clean a cartridge filter is to remove it and rinse it with a hose.
4.How often should I replace my pool filter cartridge?
The frequency of replacement will depend on the type of pool filter cartridge you have.
5.What are some common problems with cartridge filters?
Some common problems with cartridge filters are:
– They can be difficult to clean
– They can become clogged easily
– They can be expensive to replace
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best pool filter cartridges. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best pool filter cartridges will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.