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
- 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
- 【SPECIFICATIONS】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】Poolpure Pool and Spa filter is tested and certified by IAPMO against NSF/ANSI 50 for safe material. The filter fabric with a precision of 50 microns can remove hair, leaves, dust, sediment, sand and other fine particles.
- 【POWERFUL DIRT HOLDING CAPACITY】The unique trilobal filtration fabric has a greater effective surface area, which can increase back press- sure throughout your entire filtration system, and provide you with clean, fresh and clear water.
- 【EASY TO CLEAN】Uniformity and high-performance trilobal fabric make it easier to capture and release stains, so it's easy for you to wash the filter after use. It is recommended that you clean the cartridges every 2 weeks dependon usage to maximize your pool's performance.
- Perfect Fit: Compatible with Intex Krystal Clear 530/1000/1500 GPH Pump, 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
- 2024 Upgrade: With narrowed inner diameter, the upgraded filters are easy to install, stay in place and will not float. The end caps are much more sturdy, not easy to melt or crack
- Dimension: With an outer diameter of 4-1/4'', an inner diameter of 1-15/16'' and a height of 8'', definitely compatible with your filter perfectly
- Economical Pool Maintenance: Regularly cleaning and reusing the filter cartridge is a simple way to minimize water usage. We recommend replacing the cartridge every 2 weeks to maximize its effectiveness and ensure a clean swimming experience
- Pack of 4 Premium Quality Universal Replacement Filter Cartridges that are compatible with all above-ground pools and pumps that use type A or C filters, as well as type III filters. Filter cartridges replace Intex 59900E and 29000E filter cartridges
- The filters are made with premium quality polyethylene terephthalate fibers for advanced superior cleaning, as they provide crystal clear water filtration. Filters contain a durable hard plastic iner core that is collapse-resistant
- For use in pool pumps that range from 530 gallons per hour to 2,000 gallons per hour. For best performance, replace the filter every two weeks. Filters are washable easy to replace and clean filter cartridges with long service lives.
- Filters are compatible with several brands of cartridge filter pumps. Intex models: 28603EG (603), 28637EG (637R), 28635EG (635T), 604/G, 636T/G, 638R/G. Bestway models: 58384(E), 58387, 58388E, 58389, 58390(E). Summer Waves models: RX1000, RX1500, RP800, RP1000, RP1500, RP2000, SFS1000, SFS1500, SFS2000, CP2000-C.
- Filter dimensions: 8" high x 4.25" diameter with a nearly 2" diameter center hole
- Perfect Match: Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420/160301/178584 pool filter. Replace Pentair R173576, Pleatco PCC105/PCC105-PAK4, Waterway Crystal Water 425, Unicel C-7471/C-7471-4, Filbur FC-1977, Pure N Clean PC-1977/PC-1977P/PC-6470 and more. Filter Dimensions: Length: 26"; Outside Diameter: 7"; Top & Bottom Openings: 3"
- 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
- Easy Maintenance: Trilobal structure repels large particles from entering the inside of CCP420 filter, ensuring they are spread out and preventing stains from building up in any one area. This design allows for easy and thorough rinsing
- Extremely Enduring: CCP420 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
- 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.
- 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.
- HYDROAERATION TECHNOLOGY BY INTEX -– Transforming the Above Ground Pool industry, by bringing revolutionary water aeration benefits such as improved circulation and filtration, improved water clarity, increased negative ions at the water surface
- EASY INSTALLATION -– Just hook up hoses and plug in! This pump is a must have for any INTEX above ground pool up to 15,200 gal (Partial assembly required)
- EASY-TO-CLEAN CARTRIDGE -– The C2500 Krystal Clear Cartridge uses Type B filter cartridges (Item #29005E) which should be changed every 2 weeks; the Type B filter cartridge is made with easy-to-clean Dacron paper for ultimate filtration
- 2500 GPH PUMP FLOW RATE -– Water flow rate at pump (pump capacity): 2,500 gph (9,463 lph); in pool (system flow rate): 1,900 gph (7,192 lph); suitable for INTEX pools up to 15,200 gal with 1.25in (32mm) diameter hose fitting
- 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.
- 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
- 2" in and outlet connections, 150 gpm flow rate, for pools up to 36000 Gallons @ 4hrs, 72000 Gallons @ 8hrs
- Elevated, filtered water collector and debris sump prevents accidental by-pass of heavy debris to pool when cartridge is removed for cleaning
- Extra-large cartridge element with new precision engineered extruded core provides extra strength and maximum flow | **Replacement Filter Model SKU: 75215 / ASIN: B08GMCRJGP**
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.