Pentair Cartridge Filters — Clean & Clear, Plus & R
Pentair Cartridge Pool Filters — No-Backwash, Easy-Rinse Filtration That Lasts
17 products
17 products
Pentair Cartridge Pool Filters
Aqua Pool Supply carries the full lineup of Pentair cartridge pool filters, including the Clean & Clear, Clean & Clear Plus, and Clean & Clear RP series. Pentair cartridge filters capture fine debris through a pleated element instead of sand or D.E. media, so they run at lower pressure, use no backwash water, and are simple to service. Below you'll find new filter systems along with the replacement cartridges and parts to keep them running.
Pentair Cartridge Filter Models
Pentair builds its cartridge filters around a few core families, each suited to a different pool size and plumbing setup:
Clean & Clear (100–200 sq. ft.)
A single coreless cartridge in a chemical-resistant tank, with a lock ring that opens for quick access. The cartridge rinses clean with a garden hose, making this a dependable choice for small to mid-size residential pools.
Clean & Clear Plus (240–520 sq. ft.)
A four-cartridge design with a large filtration surface area, so it traps more debris and runs longer between cleanings. The Plus series requires no backwashing and delivers commercial-grade performance for larger pools and higher-demand systems.
Clean & Clear RP (100–200 sq. ft.)
Built with 2" x 2.5" side-entry plumbing for maximum flow and improved energy efficiency, plus a fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene tank for added strength and corrosion resistance.
We also stock replacement cartridges and filter parts for legacy Pentair Predator models, so older systems are easy to maintain.
Why Choose a Cartridge Filter?
Cartridge filters have become the standard for many Arizona and Nevada pools, and for good reason:
- No backwashing required. You rinse the cartridge instead of flushing water down the drain — a meaningful saving in regions with water restrictions.
- Energy efficient. Lower pressure drop means less strain on your pump, which pairs well with variable-speed pumps.
- Fine filtration. Pleated media captures smaller particles than most sand filters, for clearer water.
- Simple maintenance. Open the lock ring, lift out the cartridge, and rinse it off.
If you're weighing your options, our guide to pool filter types and top Pentair models walks through how cartridge, sand, and D.E. systems compare.
Sizing Your Filter
Match the filter's square footage and flow rate to your pump and pool volume. Choosing a larger filter than the minimum extends the time between cleanings and reduces wear on the system. As a general guide, a larger cartridge area handles a faster turnover and holds more debris before it needs attention. If you're unsure which size fits your setup, reach out and we'll help you match the right model.
Maintenance & Replacement
Keep an eye on the pressure gauge: when system pressure rises roughly 8 psi above its clean starting point, it's time to remove and rinse the cartridge. Replace the cartridge once the pleats wear, fray, or no longer rinse clean. Browse our replacement cartridges and filter parts to keep your system performing season after season.
Explore More Pool Filters
Pentair cartridge filters are one part of our full pool filter selection. If you're comparing technologies, you can also browse Pentair sand filters and D.E. filters, or explore Waterway cartridge filters as an alternative.
Shopping locally? Aqua Pool Supply offers same-day pickup in Phoenix, AZ and Las Vegas, NV. Order online or stop by to grab the Pentair cartridge filter that fits your pool.
Pentair Cartridge Filter FAQs
Do Pentair cartridge filters need backwashing?
No. Unlike sand and D.E. filters, Pentair cartridge filters are cleaned by removing the cartridge and rinsing it with a garden hose — there's no backwash cycle and no water sent down the drain. That makes them a water-saving choice for Arizona and Nevada pools.
How often should I clean a Pentair cartridge filter?
Watch the pressure gauge rather than the calendar. When system pressure climbs roughly 8 psi above its clean starting point, remove the cartridge and rinse it. For most residential pools that works out to every few months, though heavy debris or a small filter relative to the pool may call for more frequent rinsing.
When should I replace the cartridge instead of cleaning it?
Replace the cartridge when the pleats are frayed, flattened, or no longer rinse clean, or when pressure climbs again shortly after cleaning. With normal care, most cartridges last a few seasons. You can find the right fit in our replacement cartridges collection.
What size Pentair cartridge filter do I need?
Match the filter's square footage and flow rate to your pump and pool volume. Choosing a larger filter than the minimum extends the time between cleanings and eases strain on the system. The Clean & Clear series suits small to mid-size pools, while the higher-capacity Clean & Clear Plus fits larger pools and higher-flow setups. If you're unsure, contact us and we'll help you match the right model.
What's the difference between a cartridge, sand, and D.E. filter?
Cartridge filters use a pleated element, run at lower pressure, and need no backwashing. Sand filters are low-maintenance but filter to a coarser level, and D.E. filters offer the finest filtration but require periodic backwashing and media replacement. See our filter type comparison guide for a full breakdown, or browse Pentair sand filters and D.E. filters.