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
- 🍀Specifications: Length: Length: 23 1/4"; Outside Diameter: 8 15/16"; Top Bottom Opening: 4"; Bottom Opening: 4"; Material Area: 120 Sq.ft; Filter Material: Trilobal Filtration Fabric.
- 🍀Compatible Models: PLF120A Pool Filter compatible Hayward Star Clear Plus C1200 / CX1200RE, Unicel C-8412, Porpoise PP-B2, Clearwater II ProClean 125, Aladdin 22002, Filbur FC-1293, AK-7005. ★NOTE: This is a compatible spare part and the manufacturers' names and part numbers have been used for reference purposes only. POOLPURE is an independent brand.
- 🍀NSF/ANSI 50 Certified Safety: PoolPure pool and spa filter is tested and certified by IAPMO against NSF/ANSI 50 standards for material safety. All components are proven safe for long-term water exposure, ensuring no harmful substances are released. Protect your family’s health and enjoy cleaner, safer pool and spa water.
- 🍀Trilobal Filtration Fabric Design: The innovative trilobal fiber structure provides three times the adsorption surface area compared to conventional filter fabrics. It captures more dirt and sediment while maintaining consistent water clarity, even under frequent use—so you can enjoy crystal-clear water all day long.
- 🍀Patented Dirt-Locking Technology: Our exclusive dirt-locking structure efficiently captures debris and makes cleaning effortless. During rinsing, trapped dirt is released easily and thoroughly. The filter is simple to rinse, reusable, and significantly reduces both maintenance time and costs.
- 【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.
- 🍀Specifications: Length: Length: 31 1/8"; Outside Diameter: 10 1/16"; Top & Bottom Opening: 6" ; Filtration Area: 150 sq. ft; Filter Material: Trilobal Filtration Fabric.
- 🍀Compatible Models: PLF150A Pool Filter is compatible with Pentair Clean and Clear 150, Posi-Clear PCRP150, R173216, 59054300, PAP150-4, Unicel C-9415, Filbur FC-0687, Aladdin 25005. ★NOTE: This is a compatible replacement. Original manufacturers' names and part numbers are for reference only. POOLPURE stands as an independent brand.
- 🍀NSF/ANSI 50 Certified Safety: PoolPure pool and spa filter is tested and certified by IAPMO against NSF/ANSI 50 standards for material safety. All components are proven safe for long-term water exposure, ensuring no harmful substances are released. Protect your family’s health and enjoy cleaner, safer pool and spa water.
- 🍀Trilobal Filtration Fabric Design: The innovative trilobal fiber structure provides three times the adsorption surface area compared to conventional filter fabrics. It captures more dirt and sediment while maintaining consistent water clarity, even under frequent use—so you can enjoy crystal-clear water all day long.
- 🍀Patented Dirt-Locking Technology: Our exclusive dirt-locking structure efficiently captures debris and makes cleaning effortless. During rinsing, trapped dirt is released easily and thoroughly. The filter is simple to rinse, reusable, and significantly reduces both maintenance time and costs.
- Perfect Match: Compatible with Hayward Star Clear Plus C1200 pool filter. Replacement for Hayward CX1200RE, Pleatco PA120/PA120-4, Unicel C-8412, Filbur FC-1293, Waterway Pro Clean PCCF-125, 817-0125N, Clearwater II 125. 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 8-15/16'', inner diameter of 4'' and a height of 23-1/4'', C1200 pool filter cartridge can be easily installed in your filter without worrying about leaks or compatibility issues
- Extremely Enduring: C1200 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
- 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
- Wide Compatibility: Perfect replacement for popular pool filter cartridges like Pentair CC150, CCRP150, Ultral-C4, PP-C4, PP-C4-M, Unicel C-9415, R173216, 59054300, Filbur FC-0687, 160317, 160355, 160352, and Pleatco PAP150. Fits seamlessly into your existing system for hassle-free upgrades.
- Certified Safety: Rigorously tested and certified by IAPMO to meet NSF/ANSI 50 standards, ensuring safe, high-quality materials for your pool. Swim with confidence knowing your water is clean and safe.
- Precise Specifications: Designed with an outer diameter of 10 1/16”, inner diameter of 6”, and height of 31 1/8”. Offers a generous 150 sq. ft. filtration area to keep your pool water crystal clear.
- Superior Filtration with Trilobal Fibers: Engineered with advanced trilobal fibers that trap more debris, including hair, leaves, dust, sediment, and sand. Enjoy cleaner water and fewer clogs for longer-lasting performance.
- Innovative Technology: Features cutting-edge filtration technology that outperforms traditional point-bond fabric. Delivers superior water clarity, extended filter life, and reduced maintenance for your pool.
- In The Swim Standard Replacement Filter Cartridge CCP420 4-Pack Set is designed for the Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 Pool Filter.
- Each filter is crafted with meticulous detail to meet or exceed OEM specifications for superior filtration.
- Compatible with Pleatco PCC105, Unicel C-7471, and Filbur FC-1977.
- The filters are resistant to cracking and chemical deterioration, ensuring durability and ease of use.
- Ideal for restoring your pool's crystal-clear shine, these filters require minimal effort for maximum filtration results.
- 【SIZE】Length: 26-1/16"; Outside Diameter: 7"; Top Opening: 3"; Bottom Opening: 3"; Material Area: 4×105 sq.ft.
- 【COMPATIBLE MODELS】Compatible with Clean and Clear Plus 420, CCP420, C-7471, R173576,178584, PCC105-PAK4, FC-1977, 160301, 570-0425, 570-0425-07, SD-00163, AK-60431, Aladdin 20503, FC-6470.26"x7". 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.
- 🍀Specifications: Length: 17 3/8" ; Outside Diameter: 8 15/16" ; Top & Bottom Opening: 4" ; Filtration Area: 90 sq. ft; Filter Material: Trilobal Filtration Fabric.
- 🍀Compatible Models: PLF90A Pool Filter is compatible with Hayward CX900RE, C900, C9002, PA90, Porpoise PP-B6, Unicel C-8409, Clearwater II Pro Clean 100, Sta-Rite Posi Clear PXC-95, 25230-0095S, Aladdin 19002/19002SVP. ★NOTE: This is a compatible replacement. Original manufacturers' names and part numbers are for reference only. POOLPURE stands as an independent brand.
- 🍀NSF/ANSI 50 Certified Safety: PoolPure pool and spa filter is tested and certified by IAPMO against NSF/ANSI 50 standards for material safety. All components are proven safe for long-term water exposure, ensuring no harmful substances are released. Protect your family’s health and enjoy cleaner, safer pool and spa water.
- 🍀Trilobal Filtration Fabric Design: The innovative trilobal fiber structure provides three times the adsorption surface area compared to conventional filter fabrics. It captures more dirt and sediment while maintaining consistent water clarity, even under frequent use—so you can enjoy crystal-clear water all day long.
- 🍀Patented Dirt-Locking Technology: Our exclusive dirt-locking structure efficiently captures debris and makes cleaning effortless. During rinsing, trapped dirt is released easily and thoroughly. The filter is simple to rinse, reusable, and significantly reduces both maintenance time and costs.
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.