Brand Buying Guide

Waterway™ Pool & Spa Filter Buying Guide

Identify your ProClean, Clearwater II, Crystal Water, or spa cartridge and match the right replacement.

This guide helps you identify which cartridge your Waterway™ pool or spa filter takes and when to replace it. Start with the part number on the cartridge end cap or the model on the housing, then match it to the right Excel Filters replacement.

How to identify your Waterway™ filter cartridge

  1. Check the end cap and tank label. Waterway™ cartridge part numbers are printed on an end cap, and the filter model appears on the housing label; spa cartridges are often top-load designs, so note whether yours pulls from the top of the housing.
  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 Waterway™ filter system do you have?

  • Waterway™ ProClean Cartridge Filters Efficient filtration and excellent water clarity for residential pool applications.
  • Waterway™ ProClean Plus Cartridge Filters Higher-capacity filtration and longer cleaning cycles for improved dirt-holding capacity.
  • Waterway™ Clearwater II Cartridge Filters Dependable filtration performance and compatibility with many pool systems.
  • Waterway™ Crystal Water Cartridge Filters Effective debris removal for pool and spa applications.
  • Waterway™ Spa Cartridge Filters Replacement cartridges for many Waterway™ spa filtration systems, including top-load and front-access applications.

Cleaning and replacing your Waterway™ 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 Waterway™ 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 Waterway™ 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 Waterway™ 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 Waterway™ 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 Waterway™ filter systems?

Yes. Excel Filters replacement cartridges are manufactured in the USA and engineered to meet or exceed OEM specifications for Waterway™ 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 Waterway™ Replacement Filters

Browse 14 compatible Excel Filters replacements for Waterway™ systems. View all Waterway™ replacement filter cartridges.