Our Top Picks
4PK Pool Filters Compatible Replacement for Pentair® CleanMedium26 x 14 x 14 inches21 PoundsCheck on Amazon
Swimara Essential Series for Pentair CCP420 Pool Filter420 sq ft (4-Pack)7 x 7 x 26 Inches18.94 poundsCheck on Amazon
4PK Pool Filter Cartridge Compatible Replacement for Jandy®27" x 7"28 x 15 x 15 inches21 PoundsCheck on Amazon
Cryspool 07077 Pool Filter Cartridges Replace CCP42026-1/16" x 7" x 3" x 3"7 x 7 x 26.06 Inches19.76 poundsCheck on Amazon
The best pool filters for most owners are the replacement cartridges that match the filter already bolted to the pool equipment pad, and that is what nearly every listing in this roundup is. Nine listings are compared below by system fit, pack size and the claims in their titles. Be clear on one point first: these are cartridge elements, not complete filter tanks. If your tank is cracked or undersized, you need a different guide, and fit matters more than any brand name here.
Top picks at a glance
POOLPURE CCP420 Pool Filter Replaces Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420 4Pack | Compatible with R173576, PCC105, 178584, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, 817-0106, FC-1977, LxOD: 26"x7", 4X105 sq.ft. Cartridge
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4PK Pool Filters Compatible Replacement for Pentair® Clean & Clear Plus 420 | Compatible Replacement Filter Cartridges for 178584, R173576, Unicel C-7471, Pleatco PCC105, & Filbur FC-FC-6470, FC-1977
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Swimara Essential Series for Pentair CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges 420 sqft | Replaces PCC105/178584/R173576; fits CCP420 #160301; 3 oz/sq yd standard media for daily filtration & steady flow; 4-Pack
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4PK Pool Filter Cartridge Compatible Replacement for Jandy® CL460, R0554600 | Compatible Replacement for Unicel C-7468, Filbur FC-0810, & Pleatco PJAN115
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Cryspool 07077 Pool Filter Cartridges Replace CCP420, R173576, 4 Pack | Compatible with Clean and Clear Plus 420, PCC105-PAK4, C-7471, 178584, 817-0106, FC-6470, 4×105 Sq. Ft
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INTEX 29002E Type A Pool Filter Cartridge: for INTEX Filter Pumps – Easy-to-Clean – Dacron Paper – Efficient Filtration – Two Pack
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POOLPURE CCP520 Pool Filter Replaces Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 520 4Pack | Compatible with R173578, 178585, PCC130, Ultral-A7, Unicel C-7472, Filbur FC-1978, FC-6475, 817-0131, L x OD: 32 1/16"x7"
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PA106-PAK4 Pool Filters Replacement for Hayward C4030,C4020,C4025,Unicel C-7488,PA106,FC-1226,CX880XRE,C4020,Ultral-A1,FC-6430,106Sq. ft,4Packs
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POOLPURE C1200 Pool Filter Replace Hayward CX1200RE, HAY823C, Pleatco PA120 | Compatible with Ultra-B2, Unicel C-8412, Filbur FC-1293, Clearwater II 125, Waterway Pro Clean PCCF-125, 1Pack
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| Model | Key point from title | Price tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| POOLPURE CCP420 | 4-pack, Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420 replacement | Premium | Owners of a 420 model with four elements |
| Optimum Pool Technologies 4PK (Pentair 420) | 4-pack, same Clean & Clear Plus 420 family | Mid-range | 420 owners comparing part-number coverage |
| Swimara Essential Series | 420 sq ft total, 3 oz/sq yd media, 4-pack | Budget | 420 owners who want a stated media weight |
| Optimum Pool Technologies 4PK (Jandy CL460) | 4-pack for Jandy CL460, R0554600 | Premium | Jandy CL460 systems |
| Cryspool 07077 | 4-pack, Pentair 420 equivalents, 4×105 sq ft | Mid-range | 420 owners who want a clear area figure |
| INTEX 29002E Type A | Two-pack for Intex filter pumps, Dacron paper | Budget | Small above-ground pool kits |
| POOLPURE CCP520 | 4-pack, Pentair 520, 32 1/16″ length | Premium | Larger Pentair 520 filters |
| POOLNEAT PA106-PAK4 | 4-pack, Hayward C4030 family, 106 sq ft | Budget | Hayward C4030-type filters |
| POOLPURE C1200 | Single cartridge, Hayward CX1200RE replacement | Budget (single unit) | One-element Hayward 1200 filters |
Why filter choice is shifting toward cartridge fit and spares
Pool care has gradually moved toward owners handling more of the routine work themselves, and that puts the cartridge in the spotlight. A cartridge is the consumable part of the system: the tank and plumbing last, while the pleated element wears out, so a good share of the money you will ever spend on filtration goes into these parts.
Shoppers have also become more comfortable with aftermarket elements that cite original part numbers. The listings here lean heavily that way, with titles that list a string of cross-reference numbers for several brands. That is helpful for matching, but it also makes titles long and sometimes messy, so reading them carefully has become part of the job.
Another change is buying spares as a set. Several listings are four-packs sized for filters that hold four elements, which makes rotation easy: one set in service, one set drying or soaking after cleaning. Whether that habit pays off depends on how often your filter needs attention, which varies by pool and season.
Another shift is price transparency: pack sizes vary from one cartridge to four, so the same sticker can hide very different value per element. Comparing cost per cartridge, not cost per box, is now the sensible habit.
Finally, water-care guidance keeps stressing that a filter is only as good as its seal and its cleanliness, not its price. A cheap element that fits and is cleaned on time can beat a premium one that is neglected. Treat the discussion below as a way to narrow listings, not a ranking of water quality, since the titles say nothing about real filtration performance.
How we picked these
We compared the nine listings by what each title states: the system it replaces, the pack size, the stated area, the dimensions where given and the part numbers it lists. Our basis is published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer reviews. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. Titles are seller claims, so anything beyond them is marked “check the listing”, and price tiers are relative within this set, not quotes.
POOLPURE CCP420
The title says this is a four-pack that replaces the Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, with a long list of cross-reference numbers, a length by outer diameter of 26″ x 7″, and a total of 4 x 105 sq ft. It is the clearest 420 listing here for dimensions, which makes it easy to compare against the label on your old element.
It suits an owner who already knows the tank is a 420 and wants a straightforward four-element swap. Picture a spring opening: you pull the four dirty elements, drop in a fresh set and keep the old set for a deep clean. Price tier within this group is Premium, so the comparison to make is against the cheaper 420 sets below.
One caution is that a long cross-reference list can mean different things: some numbers are exact equivalents and some are near neighbors. Lay your old element beside the photo and read every number on its end cap before you commit to a set.
Pros
- Stated length and diameter let you check fit against your old element
- Four-pack matches a four-element tank
Cons
- Highest-priced 420 set in this group
- Part-number list is long, so mismatched numbers are easy to miss
Check the listing: media weight, pleat count, end-cap material and return terms. Question to ask before buying: do the numbers printed on my current element appear in this title?
Optimum Pool Technologies 4PK for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420
This listing describes a four-pack of compatible replacement cartridges for the Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, naming part numbers 178584, R173576, Unicel C-7471, Pleatco PCC105 and Filbur FC-1977 style equivalents. The title contains a typo-like entry, “FC-FC-6470”, so a careful buyer should not rely on that one number for matching.
It fits a 420 owner who prefers to shop by the cross-reference numbers on the box of the old cartridges. In a typical case, you copy two or three numbers from the old end cap and confirm they appear here. If they do, this is a mid-range way to refill all four slots.
Because the listing leaves out size details, treat it as a candidate to verify rather than a finished answer. Its appeal is the breadth of numbers it cites, which gives you several chances to find a match with the label on your existing cartridges.
Pros
- Covers several equivalent part numbers in one title
- Mid-range tier among the 420 sets
Cons
- No dimensions or media weight in the title
- Duplicated prefix in one part number suggests sloppy listing text
Check the listing: length, diameter, square footage and the warranty. Question to ask before buying: if the fit is off, how easy is the return?
Swimara Essential Series for Pentair CCP420
The title calls this a four-pack for the Pentair CCP420, 420 sq ft in total, replacing PCC105, 178584 and R173576, and fitting CCP420 #160301. It also states “3 oz/sq yd standard media” and describes daily filtration with steady flow, which is the only media-weight claim among the 420 sets.
It suits owners who want the lowest-priced route into a full 420 set, such as a seasonal rental pool where a premium element is hard to justify. The “standard media” wording is honest, but it also signals this is a baseline element rather than a heavier-duty one. Treat the media claim as the seller’s.
The mention of daily filtration and steady flow is marketing language, and it says nothing measurable about how clear the water will be. What you can use is the combination of total area, media weight and tank number, which together are easier to verify than a slogan.
Pros
- Budget tier in this group
- States media weight and total area
- Lists a specific tank part number
Cons
- “Standard” media implies no durability upgrade
- Brand has little detail in the title
Check the listing: individual length, diameter and end-cap type. Question to ask before buying: does the number #160301 match my tank’s documentation?
Optimum Pool Technologies 4PK for Jandy CL460
This is the only Jandy listing: a four-pack described as a compatible replacement for the Jandy CL460 and R0554600, cross-referenced to Unicel C-7468, Filbur FC-0810 and Pleatco PJAN115. It is a different system from the Pentair and Hayward sets, so it is not an alternative to them.
It is for someone whose equipment pad has a Jandy CL460 and who wants all four elements swapped in one go. If your pool has a Jandy filter, the useful comparison is part numbers, because the title gives no dimensions. Price tier is Premium, similar to the top 420 set.
Jandy-style tanks vary between models, so the single most valuable step is reading the label on your tank lid or the old element. If the CL460 code is there, this listing is a plausible match; if only a similar number appears, keep looking.
Pros
- Only option here for the Jandy system
- Several cross-reference numbers help with matching
Cons
- No size or media details in the title
- Premium pricing with no stated reason
Check the listing: dimensions, area and warranty. Question to ask before buying: is my filter exactly a CL460, or a neighboring Jandy model?
Cryspool 07077
The title says this four-pack replaces the CCP420, R173576, Clean and Clear Plus 420, PCC105-PAK4, C-7471, 178584, 817-0106 and FC-6470, with 4×105 sq ft. It reads a little cleaner than some competitors and states the area clearly, though it lists no dimensions or media weight.
It is a sensible mid-range candidate for a 420 owner who wants a plain four-element set without paying the top price. An everyday scenario: a family pool with moderate use, where the owner rotates two sets across the season and replaces them when pleats flatten.
Since several 420 listings overlap, this one earns a spot mainly through its tidy title. Do not read tidiness as quality, though: a clean title says nothing about pleat strength, glue or how the element holds up after repeated cleaning.
Pros
- Clear area figure and numerous cross-references
- Mid-range tier among the 420 sets
Cons
- No dimensions or media weight in the title
- Overlaps closely with other 420 listings, so little differentiates it
Check the listing: returns, warranty and end-cap description. Question to ask before buying: what does this offer that the cheaper 420 sets do not?
INTEX 29002E Type A
This one is a different class. The title describes a Type A cartridge for Intex filter pumps, Dacron paper, easy to clean, sold as a two-pack. It belongs with compact above-ground pool pumps rather than the in-ground style tanks the other listings serve.
It suits a small inflatable or frame pool owner who needs a cheap spare for an Intex pump. Imagine a backyard kit pool in summer: the cartridge gets rinsed often and replaced when it will not come clean. It cannot substitute for a 420 or Hayward set, and it should not be compared with them on price.
Rinsing is gentle work with this style of element, and the product text itself points to easy cleaning. Even so, follow the pump maker’s guidance for cleaning, and replace it rather than coax it along if the paper looks torn or will not release dirt.
Pros
- Lowest price tier in the group
- Two-pack gives a spare right away
Cons
- Fits only Intex pumps that take Type A
- Paper media is a lighter-duty class
Check the listing: which Intex pump models list Type A. Question to ask before buying: does the label on my pump say Type A?
POOLPURE CCP520
The title states a four-pack replacing the Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 520, with R173578, 178585, PCC130, Ultral-A7 and several other cross-references, and a length of 32 1/16″ by 7″ outer diameter. “Ultral-A7” looks like a typo of an Ultra-style code, so verify it before relying on it.
It is for owners of the larger 520 model, whose elements are longer than the 420 type. For a bigger pool with heavy leaf fall, a larger tank may be the reason you picked this size in the first place. It is the top price tier here, which is expected for a longer element but still worth a comparison.
Longer elements also mean heavier, wetter handling during cleaning, so plan a spot to lay them flat and drain. Confirm the lid clearance and that your tank is the longer model before spending on a full set.
Pros
- States length and outer diameter
- Only 520-size option in the set
Cons
- Premium tier, the highest in this group
- Typo-like part number in the title
Check the listing: total square footage and media details. Question to ask before buying: is my tank a 520, not a 420?
POOLNEAT PA106-PAK4
This four-pack is described as a replacement for Hayward C4030, C4020 and C4025, cross-referenced to Unicel C-7488, PA106, FC-1226, CX880XRE and others, at 106 sq ft each. “C4020” appears twice in the title, which hints at copy-paste text, so verify the numbers yourself.
It suits a Hayward owner whose cartridges match the C4030 family and who prefers a low-priced four-pack. A typical case is a mid-sized pool where the filter holds several smaller elements, and the owner keeps a rotation set so cleaning never leaves the pool unfiltered for long.
Hayward numbering is crowded, and similar-looking codes belong to different tanks. A habit worth building is photographing the old element’s end cap before you throw anything away, then checking each digit against the listing.
Pros
- Budget tier for a four-pack
- States area per element
Cons
- Duplicated part number in the title
- No dimensions in the title
Check the listing: length, diameter and how many elements your Hayward tank holds. Question to ask before buying: does my element carry any of these numbers?
POOLPURE C1200
The title describes a single cartridge replacing the Hayward CX1200RE, HAY823C and Pleatco PA120, with Ultra-B2, Unicel C-8412, Filbur FC-1293, Clearwater II 125 and Waterway Pro Clean PCCF-125 cross-references. It is sold as a one-pack, so its Budget label reflects a single unit, not a like-for-like price against the four-packs.
It is for filters that take one large element, where a four-pack would be pointless. If your tank has a single cartridge, this listing may be the only match here, and buying two lets you rotate. Compare its price per element, not its sticker, with the multi-pack sets.
Pairing two of these gives you a rotation, which is the usual way single-element owners avoid running the pool without a filter while one cartridge soaks. Whether a second unit is worth the extra spend depends on how quickly your pool loads the filter.
Pros
- Right pack size for single-element tanks
- Broad cross-reference list
Cons
- Price tier is misleading next to multi-packs
- No dimensions or area in the title
Check the listing: length, diameter, area and warranty. Question to ask before buying: does my tank hold exactly one element?
Buying guide: how to choose a pool filter cartridge
Match the system first
Everything starts with the filter model on your equipment pad. The listings above cover Pentair 420 and 520, Jandy CL460, Hayward C4030-style and CX1200-style filters, and the Intex Type A. Brand names in titles describe the filter being replaced, not the maker of the cartridge, so read “replaces” and “compatible with” as the fit statement.
Read dimensions and part numbers together
Length and outer diameter decide whether an element seals in the tank. Part numbers are a shortcut, but because aftermarket titles list many cross-references, copy the numbers from your own element and look for them. Treat any title with a repeated or oddly formatted number as a warning to double-check.
Understand filter area
Total square footage is the sum of the pleated surface. A larger area gives the water more surface to pass through before the element clogs, but only if your tank takes that size. When a title says 4 x 105 sq ft, it means four elements of 105 sq ft each, which gives 420 sq ft in total.
Think about media quality
Only one title here states a media weight. Heavier media can be more durable, but a title cannot prove that, and weight alone does not tell you the pleat count or the glue quality. Look at buyer feedback for flattening, split seams and cloudy water after a few weeks.
Plan for spares and cleaning
Many owners buy two sets so one can soak and dry while the other works. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, and turn the pump off and relieve pressure before opening any filter housing. Pool chemicals and cleaners should be handled according to their labels, and any electrical work on pumps should be done by a qualified professional following local codes.
Worked example with stated assumptions
Assume a 15,000-gallon pool, a pump flow of 40 gallons per minute and a four-element Pentair 420 tank. These are illustrative numbers, not facts about any listing. Turnover time is volume divided by flow: 15,000 divided by 40 is 375 minutes, about 6.3 hours. With 4 x 105 sq ft, the total area is 420 sq ft, so each gallon per minute passes over roughly 10.5 sq ft of media. If the tank were instead a smaller 106 sq ft element set, the same flow would be spread over far less surface, which is why you should use the area your filter was designed for.
For cost, assume an illustrative set price of 100 price units and a lifespan of two seasons. That works out to 50 units per season for the set, or 12.5 per element per season. A set at 130 units that lasts three seasons would be about 43 per season. A higher price can win only if the longer life is real, which the titles here do not prove.
| Spec concept | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| System match | Your exact filter model in “replaces” text | A wrong family will not seal |
| Dimensions | Length and outer diameter | Needed for a tight fit in the tank |
| Pack size | Number of elements your tank holds | Avoids paying for unused extras |
| Filter area | Sq ft per element and total | More surface can mean longer gaps between cleanings |
| Media weight | Stated ounces per square yard, if any | A clue to durability, not proof |
| Return terms | Window and who pays shipping | Fit problems are common with aftermarket parts |
Mistakes buyers make
The most common mistake is buying by the brand word in the title. “Pentair” in a listing means the cartridge replaces a Pentair part, not that Pentair made it. Read the sentence it appears in.
The second is ignoring pack size. A four-pack is wasted on a one-element tank, and a single cartridge leaves three empty slots on a four-element tank.
Third, many owners confuse similar names. Pentair 420 and 520 differ in length, and Hayward models carry near-identical codes. Check the numbers on the old element, not a memory of the name.
Fourth is comparing prices without adjusting for pack size, as the single C1200 shows. Divide by the number of elements.
Another error is trusting the product photo. Images often show a generic cartridge, and the title and part numbers are what the seller actually claims, so rely on those.
Finally, many people never clean a new cartridge before the first run or skip the pressure reading. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, since a fresh element on a dirty pump basket still clogs fast.
Verdict by use case
For Pentair 420 owners, compare the POOLPURE CCP420, the Optimum 4PK, the Swimara and the Cryspool on price per element, stated details and returns. For larger Pentair 520 filters, the CCP520 is the only fit here. Jandy CL460 owners have the Optimum Jandy 4PK. Hayward C4030-style filters line up with the POOLNEAT set, and single-element Hayward 1200-style filters with the C1200. Intex pump owners should look only at the Type A two-pack. Whatever you pick, confirm fit before checkout.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know which pool filter cartridge fits my pool?
Start with the filter you already own. Find the model name on the filter tank or the old cartridge, then match it against the part numbers in the listing title. Compare length and outer diameter if the listing gives them, and count how many elements your tank holds. A cartridge that shares a name but not the dimensions will not seal properly, so confirm the fit before ordering rather than trusting the product image.
How often should a pool filter cartridge be cleaned or replaced?
There is no single schedule. Cleaning frequency depends on pool size, bather load, debris, weather and pump run time, and most manufacturers tell you to clean when the pressure gauge rises a set amount above its clean starting reading. Replacement timing depends on whether the pleated media is frayed, cracked, flattened or permanently discolored after cleaning. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your filter and keep a spare set so you can rotate.
Is a larger filter area always better?
A larger total area generally gives the pump more surface to pass water through, which can mean longer gaps between cleanings, but it is only useful if the cartridge fits your tank. You cannot choose a bigger element than the housing allows. Within the size your filter takes, compare the stated square footage and the pleat quality, and match the total area to what your filter model is designed to hold.
Are compatible replacement cartridges as good as the original brand?
The titles here describe aftermarket cartridges that list original part numbers they are said to replace. Whether they match the original in media quality and durability cannot be judged from a title alone. Compare the stated media weight where given, read buyer feedback about fit and lifespan, and check the return policy. If an exact fit and long service life matter most, price the original part too.
Can I use an Intex-style cartridge in an in-ground pool filter?
Usually not. The Intex listing here is described as a Type A cartridge for Intex filter pumps, which are the compact pumps that ship with above-ground pool kits. In-ground cartridge filters use different, larger elements. Always match the cartridge to the exact pump or filter model, and do not try to adapt a mismatched element, because bypassed water carries debris straight back into the pool.
What should I do if the new cartridge does not seem to fit?
Stop and do not force it into the tank. Compare the new element against the old one for length, diameter and end-cap shape, and recheck the part numbers in the listing against your filter model. Turn the pump off and relieve pressure before handling the housing, following the manufacturer’s instructions. If the element is the wrong size, use the seller’s return process rather than running the pump with a loose seal.
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