A cartridge filter catches finer dirt than sand and wastes no water on backwashing. You open the tank and hose the cartridges off a few times a season, and replace them every few years. The more cartridge area, the longer between cleanings.
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.
Full ranking 10
- Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420#1 of 10Full 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$1,295150 gpm420 sq ft- - Pentair Clean & Clear 150#2 of 10Full review
A slim single-cartridge filter for an in-ground pool of up to about 72,000 gallons. It suits owners who want simple cartridge cleaning from a major maker.
Amazon $787$787150 gpm150 sq ft72,000 gal - Hayward SwimClear C5030#3 of 10Full 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$2,249150 gpm525 sq ft72,000 gal - Hayward SwimClear C4030#4 of 10Full 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 $1,819$1,819150 gpm425 sq ft72,000 gal - Pentair Clean & Clear 200#5 of 10Full review
A slim single-cartridge filter for an in-ground pool of up to about 72,000 gallons. It suits owners who want simple cartridge cleaning from a major maker.
Amazon $1,049$1,049150 gpm200 sq ft72,000 gal - Hayward SwimClear C3030#6 of 10Full 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$1,599122 gpm325 sq ft58,560 gal - Pentair Clean & Clear 100#7 of 10Full review
A slim single-cartridge filter for an in-ground pool of up to about 48,000 gallons. It suits owners who want simple cartridge cleaning from a major maker.
Amazon $699$699100 gpm100 sq ft48,000 gal - Hayward SwimClear C150S#8 of 10Full review
A compact single-cartridge filter for a small in-ground pool, for owners who would rather hose off one cartridge than backwash.
Amazon $1,009$1,009120 gpm150 sq ft57,600 gal - Jandy CS100#9 of 10Full review
A compact single-cartridge filter for a small in-ground pool, mainly for owners already on Jandy equipment.
Amazon $895.95$895.95100 gpm100 sq ft48,000 gal - Hayward StarClear Plus C12002#10 of 10Full review
A low-cost single-cartridge filter for a small in-ground pool. Choose a larger cartridge if you want fewer cleanings.
Amazon $879$879120 gpm120 sq ft-
