January 2, 2026

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10 Best cartridge pool filters of 2026

Explore top picks

Best Choice

1

Pentair
Pentair EC-160340 Clean & Clear Plus 320 sq. ft. Cartridge Pool Filter - Limited Warranty
Main highlights

Efficient Filtration System
Handles up to 57,600 gallons with 120 GPM flow.

Ideal for In-Ground Pools
Specifically designed for in-ground pool filtration.

Ease of Installation Praised
Customers appreciate the straightforward installation process.
9.8

Exceptional

Our Rating

9.9
Easy installation

9.7
Simple to clean

9.5
worth the money
How do we rank?

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Based on millions of stores and reviews

Shoppers influence our rankings
Analyzing top stores
Value for Money

2

XtremepowerUS

XtremepowerUS 425 SQ/FT Pool Cartridge Filter In-Ground Above Ground Swimming Pool and Spa Filter System (4-Pieces Filter Set) 2" Inlet/Outlet Fitting
9.7

Exceptional

Our Rating

9.9
Simple to clean

8.7
worth the money

8.7
Easy installation
3

Optimum Pool Technologies
Optimum Pool Technologies® Pool Filter 4-Pack, Compatible Replacement for Pentair® Clean & Clear Plus 420 178584, R173576, Unicel C-7471, Pleatco PCC105, & Filbur FC-FC-6470, FC-1977 Filter Cartridges
Main highlights

Key Features
High-quality, durable filtration media; made in USA; includes support bands for added durability. Compatible with multiple cartridge filters.

Ideal Use Cases
Perfect for pool owners needing a reliable replacement for Pentair CCP420, Waterway Crystal Water 105, and Jacuzzi J-CQ420 cartridge filters.

Customer Praise
Most reviews highlight its exceptional durability and effectiveness in maintaining pool clarity, outperforming original equipment for many users.
Key specs
- Type:Cartridge Filter
- Dimensions:26 x 14 x 14 inches
- Material:High quality filtration media
- Size:N/A
- Compatibility:Pentair CCP420, Waterway Crystal Water
9.6

Exceptional

Our Rating

9.7
Easy installation

9.5
worth the money

9.5
Simple to clean
4

Intex
Intex 29002E Type A Pool Filter Cartridge Filter Pumps – Easy-to-Clean – Dacron Paper – Efficient Filtration – Two Pack
Main highlights

Key Features
Enhances pool water clarity with heavy-duty Dacron paper for superior filtration. Easy maintenance and optimal performance through regular cartridge replacement.

Ideal Use Cases
Perfect for Intex pool owners seeking a hassle-free solution to keep water clean and fresh, especially compatible with models 28603EG, 28637EG, 28635EG, and more.

Customer Praise
Most reviews highlight the significant improvement in water clarity and the ease of maintenance, marking it as a top choice for pool owners.
9.4

Excellent

Our Rating

9.7
Easy installation

9.7
Simple to use

8.9
worth the money
5

POOLNEAT

POOLNEAT PA106-PAK4 Pool Filter Replacement for Hayward C4030,C4020,C4025,Unicel C-7488,PA106,FC-1226,CX880XRE,C4020,Ultral-A1,FC-6430,106Sq. ft,4Packs
9.2

Excellent

Our Rating
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6

Swimline
Swimline HYDROTOOLS Above-Ground Pool Cartridge Tank & Replacement Filter Element - 50 Sq. Ft. High-Performance Filtration, Sure-Flo Pro System, Pump or Base Not Included
Main highlights

Strong and Durable Construction
Hydrotools SURE-FLO Cartridge Filters are made with top-quality resin for lasting performance.

Ideal for Large Pools
Perfect for pools up to 15,600 gallons with 50 sq ft filtration area.

Highly Effective Filtration
Customers praise the filter's ability to clear water quickly and efficiently.
Key specs
- Type:Cartridge Filter
- Dimensions:27 x 10 x 10 inches
- Material:Plastic
- Size:50 SF
- Compatibility:N/A
9.0

Excellent

Our Rating

8.2
Vacuum strength

8.0
worth the money

8.0
Easy installation
7

POOLPURE
POOLPURE PLF120A Pool Filter Replaces Hayward C1200, CX1200RE, Pleatco PA120, Ultra-B2, Unicel C-8412, Filbur FC-1293, Clearwater II 125, Waterway Pro Clean PCCF-125, L x OD:23 1/4" x 8 15/16"
Main highlights

High Filtration Capacity
The Poolpure Pool and Spa filter features a trilobal filtration fabric with a 120 sq.ft area, effectively removing fine particles like hair, leaves, and dust.

Perfect for Hayward Models
Ideal for use with Hayward Star Clear Plus C1200, Unicel C-8412, and other compatible models, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance.

Great Value for Money
Customers frequently praise the filter for its cost-effectiveness, often noting it performs as well as higher-priced options from pool stores.
8.9

Very Good

Our Rating

9.7
Easy installation

9.5
materials Quality

9.3
Simple to clean
8

Future Way
Future Way CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, Replace Pentair R173576, Pleatco PCC105-PAK4, 420 sq.ft, 4-Pack
Main highlights

Powerful Filtration Efficiency
Made from ultra-fine paper, maximizes filtration, removes debris.

Ideal for High-Pressure Pools
Can withstand high-pressure water flow, perfect for large pools.

Affordable and Easy Installation
Praised for affordability and ease of installation by customers.
Key specs
- Type:Cartridge
- Dimensions:26 x 7 x 7 inches
- Material:Spunbond polyester
- Size:7 x 7 x 26 inches
- Compatibility:Pentair Clean & Clear Plus
8.7

Very Good

Our Rating

9.5
Easy installation

9.1
worth the money

8.9
Simple to clean
9

Intex Recreation Corp
INTEX 29003E Type A Pool Filter Cartridge: For INTEX Filter Pumps – Easy-To-Clean – Dacron Paper – Efficient Filtration – Three Pack
Main highlights

Key Features
Features easy-to-clean Dacron paper, compatible with specific INTEX pump models, and utilizes HydroAeration Technology for improved water clarity.

Ideal Use
Best for routine bi-weekly replacement in above ground pools to ensure maximum efficiency, clarity, and freshness of pool water.

Customer Praise
Most reviews highlight the filter`s durability, effectiveness in maintaining pool cleanliness, and the overall value for the price.
8.6

Very Good

Our Rating

9.7
Easy installation

9.7
Simple to use

8.9
worth the money
10

POOLNEAT

POOLNEAT Jandy CL460 Pool Filter Cartridge Replacement for CV460,PJAN115,C-7468,PJAN115-PAK4,FC-6410,FC-0810,XLS-705,115sq.ft,4Packs
8.5

Good

Our Rating

10 Best cartridge pool filters of 2026

1

Pentair EC-160340 Clean & Clear Plus 320 sq. ft. Cartridge Pool Filter - Limited Warranty

9.9

9.7

9.5

How do we rank?

How do we rank?

Analyzing top stores

2

XtremepowerUS 425 SQ/FT Pool Cartridge Filter In-Ground Above Ground Swimming Pool and Spa Filter System (4-Pieces Filter Set) 2" Inlet/Outlet Fitting

9.9

8.7

8.7

3

Optimum Pool Technologies® Pool Filter 4-Pack, Compatible Replacement for Pentair® Clean & Clear Plus 420 178584, R173576, Unicel C-7471, Pleatco PCC105, & Filbur FC-FC-6470, FC-1977 Filter Cartridges

9.7

9.5

9.5

4

Intex 29002E Type A Pool Filter Cartridge Filter Pumps – Easy-to-Clean – Dacron Paper – Efficient Filtration – Two Pack

9.7

9.7

8.9

5

POOLNEAT PA106-PAK4 Pool Filter Replacement for Hayward C4030,C4020,C4025,Unicel C-7488,PA106,FC-1226,CX880XRE,C4020,Ultral-A1,FC-6430,106Sq. ft,4Packs

6

Swimline HYDROTOOLS Above-Ground Pool Cartridge Tank & Replacement Filter Element - 50 Sq. Ft. High-Performance Filtration, Sure-Flo Pro System, Pump or Base Not Included

8.2

8.0

8.0

7

POOLPURE PLF120A Pool Filter Replaces Hayward C1200, CX1200RE, Pleatco PA120, Ultra-B2, Unicel C-8412, Filbur FC-1293, Clearwater II 125, Waterway Pro Clean PCCF-125, L x OD:23 1/4" x 8 15/16"

9.7

9.5

9.3

8

Future Way CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, Replace Pentair R173576, Pleatco PCC105-PAK4, 420 sq.ft, 4-Pack

9.5

9.1

8.9

9

INTEX 29003E Type A Pool Filter Cartridge: For INTEX Filter Pumps – Easy-To-Clean – Dacron Paper – Efficient Filtration – Three Pack

9.7

9.7

8.9

10

POOLNEAT Jandy CL460 Pool Filter Cartridge Replacement for CV460,PJAN115,C-7468,PJAN115-PAK4,FC-6410,FC-0810,XLS-705,115sq.ft,4Packs

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