Pool Filter Cartridges

Excel Filters replacement cartridges are engineered to match the fit, filtration performance, and water flow of the original manufacturer cartridges they replace. Every cartridge is manufactured in our Austin, Texas facility using premium materials, giving you OEM-quality performance at a significantly lower price. Plus, every listed replacement is backed by our Perfect Fit Guarantee.

Like Pleatco, Unicel, and Filbur, Excel Filters manufactures high-quality replacement cartridges designed to replace original manufacturer filters. Every Excel product page includes the matching Pleatco, Unicel, and Filbur cross-reference numbers, making it easy to find the correct replacement.

The difference is that Excel Filters designs and manufactures every cartridge in our Austin, Texas facility and sells factory-direct. That means you receive premium, American-made filter cartridges without the added distributor markup, backed by our Perfect Fit Guarantee.

Yes. Excel Filters cartridges are manufactured in Austin, Texas, and shipping is free on ALL orders.

Match the part number printed on your current cartridge — the manufacturer number or a Pleatco, Unicel, or Filbur cross-reference — against the numbers listed on each product page, or type it into the part-number search. No legible number? Measure outer diameter, length, and both end caps with our how-to-measure guide.

Excel Filters cartridges are manufactured using premium 4 oz. point-bonded, non-woven spunbond polyester filtration media with a 20-micron nominal filtration rating. Each cartridge is engineered to match the original manufacturer’s media surface area, ensuring the proper water flow, dirt-holding capacity, and cleaning intervals your pool or spa filtration system was designed to deliver.

Combined with rigid ABS cores and durable end caps, Excel Filters cartridges provide long-lasting performance and dependable filtration — proudly manufactured in Austin, Texas.

The lifespan of a pool filter cartridge depends on several factors, including pool usage, water chemistry, maintenance, and environmental conditions. With proper care, most cartridges provide 1–3 years of reliable service.

Regular rinsing and a thorough filter cleaning at least once per season can help maximize cartridge life. When cleaning no longer restores normal water flow or filter pressure — or the media, banding or end caps become damaged, it is time to replace the cartridge.

The best indicator is your filter’s pressure gauge — not the calendar. Rinse the cartridge when the pressure rises 8–10 PSI above its clean starting pressure. The frequency varies depending on pool usage, bather load, water chemistry, and environmental conditions.

In addition to regular rinsing, deep-clean the cartridge at least once each season using a filter cartridge cleaning solution to remove oils, sunscreen, and mineral deposits that can reduce filtration performance.

For step-by-step cleaning instructions and tips to maximize cartridge life, see our Pool Filter Cartridge Care & Maintenance Guide.

Replace your cartridge when cleaning no longer restores normal filter pressure or flow. Signs that it is time for a replacement include pleats that are frayed, crushed, or damaged; cracked bands or end caps; tears in the filter media; or heavy buildup that cannot be removed with proper cleaning.

A worn cartridge can restrict water flow and force your pump to work harder, even if your water still appears clear.

For tips on proper cleaning and extending cartridge life, check out our Pool Filter Cartridge Care & Maintenance Guide.

A properly matched aftermarket cartridge should perform just like the original cartridge it replaces. Excel Filters cartridges are engineered to match the original manufacturer specifications for diameter, length, end-cap style, and filtration area, ensuring proper fit, sealing, and water flow.

Our Perfect Fit Guarantee backs every listed cross-reference. If you are unsure which cartridge you need, verify your part number or measurements before ordering, and our team is always happy to help.

If your filter housing uses multiple cartridges, it is best to replace the entire set at the same time. Cartridges work together to provide the designed filtration area and water flow for your system, and mixing new and worn cartridges can create uneven performance.

A 3-pack or 4-pack allows you to replace the complete set at once while lowering the per-cartridge cost and keeping your filtration system operating as designed.