Brand Buying Guide

Pentair® Pool Filter Cartridge Buying Guide

Identify your Clean & Clear, Clean & Clear Plus, RP, or EasyClean cartridge and match the right replacement.

This guide helps you identify which cartridge your Pentair® filter takes and when to replace it. The housing model — Clean & Clear Plus 420, for example — tells you the cartridge set it runs; the part number on the end cap confirms the exact size.

How to identify your Pentair® filter cartridge

  1. Check the end cap and tank label. Pentair® housings print the model and size on the tank label (Clean & Clear Plus models are numbered by square footage, like 320 or 420), and the cartridge part number is printed on an end cap.
  2. Match the number. Every Excel Filters product page lists the OEM part numbers and housings it replaces, plus the matching Pleatco, Unicel, and Filbur cross-reference numbers. You can also look up any part number on our cross-reference chart.
  3. No legible number? Measure outer diameter, length, and both end caps — our how to measure your filter cartridge guide walks through each dimension.

Have your number? to jump straight to the matching replacement.

Which Pentair® filter system do you have?

  • Pentair® Clean & Clear Cartridge Filters One of Pentair's most popular cartridge filter lines for a wide range of pool sizes with reliable filtration and easy-access cleaning.
  • Pentair® Clean & Clear Plus Cartridge Filters Built for larger pools and higher-flow applications with larger-capacity cartridges and excellent dirt-holding capacity. Shop Clean & Clear Plus replacement cartridges.
  • Pentair® Clean & Clear RP Cartridge Filters Reliable filtration performance and compatibility with existing Pentair® applications.
  • Pentair® EasyClean Cartridge Filters Compact and efficient filters for smaller pool applications with quick, convenient maintenance.
  • Pentair® PacFab & Purex Cartridge Filters Replacement cartridges for select legacy Pentair®-owned systems to extend the life of older filtration equipment.

Cleaning and replacing your Pentair® cartridge

Rinse the cartridge with a garden hose every few weeks during swim season, spraying at an angle to flush debris from between the pleats. Deep-clean with a cartridge cleaning solution at least once a season to remove the oils and scale rinsing leaves behind — our care and maintenance guide covers the full routine. Most cartridges last 12 to 24 months: replace yours when cleaning no longer restores water flow, the pleats fray or stay discolored, or an end cap cracks.

Why Choose Excel Filters?

  • Made in the USA — Premium pool and spa filters manufactured with strict quality standards.
  • OEM-Level Quality — Designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications for fit, function, and performance.
  • Expert SupportOur filtration specialists can help you identify the correct replacement cartridge.
  • Competitive Pricing — High-quality filtration without the premium OEM price tag.

Once you know which cartridge you need, shop Pentair® replacement filter cartridges in singles or money-saving multi-packs — engineered to OEM dimensions, made in the USA, and backed by our Perfect Fit Guarantee on listed cross-references.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the right Pentair® replacement filter cartridge?

Check the OEM part number printed on the end cap of your current cartridge, or measure its diameter, length, and both end caps. Every Excel Filters product page lists the Pentair® and aftermarket part numbers it replaces (Pleatco, Unicel, Filbur), and our how-to-measure guide walks through each dimension step by step.

How often should I replace my Pentair® filter cartridge?

Most pool and spa filter cartridges last 12 to 24 months depending on usage, debris load, and water chemistry. Replace the cartridge when cleaning no longer restores water flow, the pleats fray, or an end cap cracks. Rinsing the cartridge regularly during swim season extends its life.

Are Excel Filters cartridges compatible with Pentair® filter systems?

Yes. Excel Filters replacement cartridges are manufactured in the USA and engineered to meet or exceed OEM specifications for Pentair® systems, with matching dimensions, end caps, and filtration media.

Do Excel Filters replacement cartridges come with a warranty?

Yes. Every Excel Filters cartridge is covered by a 6-month limited warranty against defects in materials and manufacturing, and a 30-day return policy.

How fast is shipping?

Standard shipping is free on all orders within the United States. Orders ship within 1–2 business days and typically arrive within 2–3 business days after that.

Shop Pentair® Replacement Filters

Browse 13 compatible Excel Filters replacements for Pentair® systems. View all Pentair® replacement filter cartridges.