Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420
#1 in CartridgeFull review
A large four-cartridge filter for a big in-ground pool, for owners who want to clean the filter a few times a season and never backwash.
Amazon $1,295$1,295
The Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 is the better pool filter overall, rated 4.0 to 3.1. The Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 leads on filter area. The Hayward StarClear Plus C12002 wins on value. The Hayward StarClear Plus C12002 costs $416 less ($879 vs $1,295).
Hayward StarClear Plus C12002
#10 in CartridgeFull review
A low-cost single-cartridge filter for a small in-ground pool. Choose a larger cartridge if you want fewer cleanings.
Amazon $879$879
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 for filter area (420 sq ft of filter area vs 120 sq ft of filter area).
- Choose the Hayward StarClear Plus C12002 for value ($7.33 per gpm ($879, 120 gpm) vs $8.63 per gpm ($1,295, 150 gpm)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every cartridge pool filter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 | Hayward StarClear Plus C12002 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.0/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 35% | 61 $8.63 per gpm ($1,295, 150 gpm) | 72 $7.33 per gpm ($879, 120 gpm) |
| Filter area 30% | 80 420 sq ft of filter area | 5 120 sq ft of filter area |
| Valve 10% | 100 no backwash valve needed | 100 no backwash valve needed |
| Pressure rating 10% | 100 50 psi maximum working pressure | 50 pressure rating not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 15% | 33 1-year warranty | 33 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 | Hayward StarClear Plus C12002 | |
|---|---|---|
| Filtering | ||
| Filter type | Cartridge | Cartridge |
| Filter area | 420 sq ft | 120 sq ft |
| Maximum flow | 150 gpm | 120 gpm |
| Pool type | In-ground | In-ground |
| Build | ||
| Valve | None needed | None needed |
| Maximum pressure | 50 psi | - |
| Ports | 2 in | 2 in |
| Air relief | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |