Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 520 vs. Waterway 525 SqFt Crystal Water Cartridge Filter

Choosing the right cartridge filter for your pool is essential to maintaining clean and healthy water. The Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 520 EC-160332 and the Waterway 525 SqFt Crystal Water Cartridge Filter 570-0525-07 are two popular high-capacity options designed to provide superior filtration. But which one is best for your pool? This comparison breaks down their features, efficiency, and value to help you decide.

Overview of Each Product

Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 520 EC-160332

• Filter Type: Cartridge
• Filtration Area: 520 sq. ft.
• Flow Rate: Up to 150 GPM
• Maximum Working Pressure: 50 PSI
• Material: Durable fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene tank
• Features:
  • Four-cartridge design for superior filtration and longer cleaning intervals
  • High-flow manual air relief valve for easy maintenance
  • Easy-to-access filter elements
  • NSF-certified for reliability

Waterway 525 SqFt Crystal Water Cartridge Filter 570-0525-07

• Filter Type: Cartridge
• Filtration Area: 525 sq. ft.
• Flow Rate: Up to 150 GPM
• Maximum Working Pressure: 50 PSI
• Material: Injection-molded thermoplastic body
• Features:
  • Four-cartridge design for increased surface area
  • Easy-lift lock ring for quick access
  • Large drain port for easy servicing
  • NSF-certified for performance and durability

Side-by-Side Comparison

Pros & Cons of Each Model

Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 520

Pros:

• Durable fiberglass-reinforced tank
• High-flow manual air relief valve improves efficiency
• Trusted Pentair brand reliability
• Longer lifespan with high-quality materials

Cons:

• Higher price point
• May require professional installation for optimal performance

Waterway 525 SqFt Crystal Water

Pros:

• Slightly larger filtration area (525 sq. ft.)
• More affordable than Pentair
• Large drain port for easier maintenance
• Quick-access lock ring simplifies cartridge removal

Cons:

• Thermoplastic tank may not be as durable as Pentair’s fiberglass-reinforced model
• Air relief valve is less effective than Pentair’s high-flow design

Which One is Right for You?

• Best for Durability & Long-Term Investment: Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 520
• Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers: Waterway 525 SqFt Crystal Water
• Best for Easy Maintenance: Waterway 525 SqFt with its large drain port and quick-access lock ring
• Best for Performance & Reliability: Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 520 with its superior air relief system

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Both cartridge filters offer excellent filtration for large pools, but the choice ultimately depends on your budget and priorities. If you want top-tier durability and efficiency, go with the Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 520. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option with easy maintenance, the Waterway 525 SqFt Crystal Water is a great choice.

Need help choosing the best pool filter? Contact us or visit our store locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Las Vegas for expert advice!