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 3.7. The Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 520 leads on value. The Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 520 costs $460.01 less ($1,788.99 vs $2,249).
Hayward SwimClear C5030
#4 in CartridgeFull review
A big four-cartridge filter for an in-ground pool of up to about 72,000 gallons, for owners who want long cleaning intervals and no backwash.
Amazon $2,249$2,249
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 value ($11.93 per gpm ($1,788.99, 150 gpm) vs $14.99 per gpm ($2,249, 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 520 | Hayward SwimClear C5030 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Value 35% | 37 $11.93 per gpm ($1,788.99, 150 gpm) | 21 $14.99 per gpm ($2,249, 150 gpm) |
| Filter area 30% | 100 520 sq ft of filter area | 100 525 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 C5030 | |
|---|---|---|
| Filtering | ||
| Filter type | Cartridge | Cartridge |
| Filter area | 520 sq ft | 525 sq ft |
| Maximum flow | 150 gpm | 150 gpm |
| Largest pool | - | 72,000 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 |