Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 520
#2 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 $1,788.99$1,788.99
The Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 520 is the better pool filter overall, rated 3.9 to 3.3. The Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 520 leads on filter area. The Hayward SwimClear C3030 costs $189.99 less ($1,599 vs $1,788.99).
Hayward SwimClear C3030
#7 in CartridgeFull review
A big four-cartridge filter for an in-ground pool of up to about 58,560 gallons, for owners who want long cleaning intervals and no backwash.
Amazon $1,599$1,599
Prices were last checked November 3, 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 520 for filter area (520 sq ft of filter area vs 325 sq ft of filter area).
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 520 | Hayward SwimClear C3030 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 35% | 37 $11.93 per gpm ($1,788.99, 150 gpm) | 30 $13.11 per gpm ($1,599, 122 gpm) |
| Filter area 30% | 100 520 sq ft of filter area | 56 325 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 | 100 50 psi maximum working pressure |
| Warranty 15% | 33 1-year warranty | 33 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 520 | Hayward SwimClear C3030 | |
|---|---|---|
| Filtering | ||
| Filter type | Cartridge | Cartridge |
| Filter area | 520 sq ft | 325 sq ft |
| Maximum flow | 150 gpm | 122 gpm |
| Largest pool | - | 58,560 gal |
| Pool type | In-ground | In-ground |
| Build | ||
| Valve | None needed | None needed |
| Maximum pressure | 50 psi | 50 psi |
| Ports | 2 in | 2 in |
| Air relief | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |