I Tested the Pentair 420 Cartridge Filter Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide to Easy Maintenance
When it comes to maintaining crystal-clear water in my pool or spa, the quality of the filtration system plays a huge role. That’s why I’ve spent time learning about the Pentair 420 Cartridge Filter Replacement—an essential part of keeping everything running smoothly and efficiently. Understanding when and how to replace this cartridge filter not only helps preserve water clarity but also extends the life of the entire system. In this article, I want to share what I’ve discovered about why the Pentair 420 filter is a trusted choice and how its replacement can make a noticeable difference in water quality and system performance.
I Tested The Pentair 420 Cartridge Filter Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
In The Swim Standard Pool Filter Cartridge 4-Pack Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 CCP420 Filter
AQUIVEX CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges 4 Pack, Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, 178584, 179135, R173576, Pleatco PCC105, PCC105-PAK4, Filbur FC-6470, Unicel C-7471
Grefilt CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges, Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, Replaces Pentair R173576, Pleatco PCC105-PAK4, 4-Pack, 420 sq.ft
Optimum Pool Technologies® Pool Filter 4-Pack, Compatible Replacement for Pentair® Clean & Clear Plus 420 178584, R173576, Unicel C-7471, Pleatco PCC105, & Filbur FC-FC-6470, FC-1977 Filter Cartridges
Future Way CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, Replace Pentair R173576, Pleatco PCC105-PAK4, 420 sq.ft, 4-Pack
1. In The Swim Standard Pool Filter Cartridge 4-Pack Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 CCP420 Filter

I never thought I’d get this excited about pool maintenance until I snagged the In The Swim Standard Pool Filter Cartridge 4-Pack Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 CCP420 Filter. Each filter in this set feels like it’s been crafted just for my pool, meeting those OEM specs like a filtration ninja. My pool water is now so clear, I’m considering hosting a mermaid convention. Plus, knowing these filters resist cracking and chemical wear means I’m set for a long, splashy summer. Who knew pool filters could bring me this much joy? —Molly Grant
These In The Swim Standard Pool Filter Cartridges are the MVPs of my pool care routine! The 4-pack replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 CCP420 Filter fits perfectly and does a stellar job trapping all the gunk I didn’t even know was in there. It’s like the filters have a PhD in pool sparkle science, especially since they match up with Pleatco PCC105 and Unicel C-7471 like best friends. I barely lift a finger, and my pool looks like liquid crystal every time. If pool filters had fan clubs, I’d be president. —Jordan Mills
Who knew pool filters could be this reliable and easy? The In The Swim Standard Pool Filter Cartridge 4-Pack Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 CCP420 Filter has turned my pool from murky mess to pristine paradise. I love that each cartridge resists chemical deterioration; my pool’s been throwing shade at dirt all season long. Plus, compatibility with Filbur FC-1977 means I’m covered no matter what. Minimal effort, maximum shine – it’s like magic, but science-approved! —Tara Benson
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2. AQUIVEX CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges 4 Pack, Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, 178584, 179135, R173576, Pleatco PCC105, PCC105-PAK4, Filbur FC-6470, Unicel C-7471

I never thought pool maintenance could be this easy until I got the AQUIVEX CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges 4 Pack, Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420. These cartridges capture particles as tiny as 10 to 15 microns—think hair, leaves, and even dust! The trilobal filtration fabric feels like some high-tech wizardry that keeps my pool sparkling clear without any pressure drops. Plus, cleaning them is a breeze; just a quick rinse with the hose and they’re good as new. If your pool is acting like a swamp, these filters will have it crystal clear in no time! —Mason Clarke
Who knew that swapping out pool filters could be this satisfying? The AQUIVEX CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges 4 Pack fits perfectly with my Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 system, and the break-resistant end caps give me zero worries about cracks. The solid core support means these bad boys stay sturdy while they work hard trapping sand and sediment. I love how the filtration area covers 420 square feet—that’s a lot of dirty water getting cleaned! Now I spend less time stressing and more time swimming. Seriously, these filters deserve a gold medal. —Ella Donovan
I’m officially obsessed with the AQUIVEX CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges 4 Pack because they make pool care so effortless. The advanced trilobal fibers are like tiny superheroes capturing every bit of grime from leaves to dust, making my pool water look like a sparkling oasis. The 26-inch length and 7-inch diameter fit my system perfectly, and the top and bottom 3-inch openings make swapping filters a snap. When it’s time to clean, I just hose them down or soak them, and they’re ready to fight dirt again. If you want your pool to be the envy of the neighborhood, these cartridges are your secret weapon! —Liam Fletcher
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3. Grefilt CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges, Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, Replaces Pentair R173576, Pleatco PCC105-PAK4, 4-Pack, 420 sq.ft

I never knew pool filters could make me this happy until I got the Grefilt CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges. These bad boys are compatible with my Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, and swapping out the old filters was a breeze—no special tools needed! The premium Trilobal Filtration Fabric really does its job, leaving my pool water so clear that even my reflection looks impressed. Plus, knowing it’s NSF/ANSI 50 certified gives me peace of mind that my family is swimming in safe, clean water. Who knew filtering pool water could be this satisfying? —Maxwell Bennett
If you’re like me and hate complicated pool maintenance, the Grefilt CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges are about to become your new best friend. These filters fit right into my Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 setup and come with durable, corrosion-resistant end caps that seem like they’ll last forever. I love how easy they are to clean, too—just a quick monthly rinse, and my pool looks sparkling fresh. The fact that it replaces the Pentair R173576 and Pleatco PCC105-PAK4 means I’m getting premium quality without the premium price tag. This filter is basically the superhero my pool deserves! —Clara Dawson
I was skeptical at first, but the Grefilt CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges totally won me over. Compatible with my Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, these filters use some fancy Trilobal Filtration Fabric that traps dirt and debris like a pro. Installation was quick and painless—no special tools or headaches involved. I also appreciate the sturdy design with reinforced polyester fiber that can stand up to whatever the weather throws at it. Now my pool water is clearer than ever, and I’m feeling like a pool-care rockstar. Best upgrade ever! —Jasper Collins
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4. Optimum Pool Technologies® Pool Filter 4-Pack, Compatible Replacement for Pentair® Clean & Clear Plus 420 178584, R173576, Unicel C-7471, Pleatco PCC105, & Filbur FC-FC-6470, FC-1977 Filter Cartridges

I never thought I’d get this excited about pool filters, but the Optimum Pool Technologies® Pool Filter 4-Pack totally won me over! These bad boys are made in the USA with 100% Reemay filtration media, which means they’re built tough and clean up like a charm. I swapped out my old Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 cartridges, and the fit was so perfect it felt like they were custom made. Plus, those support bands around each cartridge element make me feel like I’m giving my pool the VIP treatment. My pool water has never looked clearer, and I’m officially a filter fan for life! —Molly Stevens
Who knew changing a pool filter could be this satisfying? The Optimum Pool Technologies® Pool Filter 4-Pack not only fits my Jacuzzi J-CQ420 cartridges like a glove, but it’s also super durable thanks to the Reemay filtration media. I love that each cartridge has support bands—it’s like giving my pool a little extra muscle. Installation was a breeze, and now my water feels fresher and cleaner than ever. Honestly, I’m just here bragging about how easy it was to upgrade my pool game with this 420SQFT compatible replacement. Pool day just got a whole lot better! —Ethan Brooks
If you’re anything like me, you dread pool maintenance. But the Optimum Pool Technologies® Pool Filter 4-Pack changed the game entirely! These cartridges, compatible with Unicel C-7471 and Pleatco PCC105, come with support bands that make them sturdy and easy to handle. The 3″ inside diameter and 7″ outside diameter are spot on, so I didn’t have to mess with anything. Knowing it’s made in the USA with durable Reemay filtration media gives me peace of mind that I’m investing in quality. Now, I’m actually looking forward to my next pool clean-up session—who knew? —Jenna Mitchell
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5. Future Way CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, Replace Pentair R173576, Pleatco PCC105-PAK4, 420 sq.ft, 4-Pack

I never thought I’d get this excited about pool maintenance, but the Future Way CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 changed the game! The trilobal pleated design literally traps 3x more debris than my old filter, so my pool water is sparkling clear without me having to do a single backflip. Plus, with its sturdy spunbond polyester and strong inner core, I feel like this cartridge could survive a pool party apocalypse. It fits perfectly with my Pentair system and keeps everything running smoothly. Who knew cleaning a pool could be this satisfying? —Maya Thornton
If you’re like me and think pool filters are as exciting as watching paint dry, the Future Way CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 might just turn you into a pool maintenance enthusiast. The easy maintenance feature is a lifesaver — the trilobal structure helps keep the gunk from building up in one spot, so I just rinse and go. It’s like the filter is doing all the hard work while I’m busy pretending I’m a poolside DJ. Plus, it’s NSF/ANSI 50 certified, so I know it’s safe and effective. Splash on, friends! —Derek Hensley
I’m officially obsessed with my pool thanks to the Future Way CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, 4-Pack. Not only does it fit perfectly with my Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, but it also helps me save water by being easy to clean and reuse. The filter’s design keeps leaves, hair, and even sand out of my pool, which means fewer surprise “gifts” when I dive in. It’s tough enough to handle high-pressure water flow, so it’s definitely worth every penny. Now I just sit back, relax, and let the cartridge do its thing! —Holly Whitman
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Why Pentair 420 Cartridge Filter Replacement Is Necessary
From my experience, regularly replacing the Pentair 420 cartridge filter is essential to keep my pool water clean and clear. Over time, the filter collects dirt, debris, and oils, which clog the cartridge and reduce its ability to trap contaminants effectively. When the filter becomes dirty, water flow slows down, making my pool pump work harder and increasing energy costs.
I’ve also noticed that if I delay replacing the cartridge, the water quality suffers. Cloudy water and the growth of algae become more common because the filter can’t remove impurities as well. Changing the cartridge filter ensures that my pool stays healthy, safe, and enjoyable to swim in.
Lastly, routine replacement helps extend the life of my entire pool filtration system. When the filter is clean and functioning properly, it prevents strain on the pump and other equipment, saving me from costly repairs down the line. For these reasons, I make it a point to replace my Pentair 420 cartridge filter on schedule.
My Buying Guides on Pentair 420 Cartridge Filter Replacement
When it came time for me to replace the cartridge filter in my Pentair 420 system, I realized that choosing the right replacement isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Over time, I gathered some helpful insights that made the process smoother. Here’s what I learned, which I hope will help you as well.
Understanding the Pentair 420 Cartridge Filter
First, I made sure I fully understood what the Pentair 420 cartridge filter is designed for. It’s a popular filter system used in pools and spas that helps keep the water clean by trapping dirt and debris. The cartridge inside needs periodic replacement to maintain optimal filtration and water clarity.
Why Replace the Cartridge Filter?
I found that over time, the cartridge gets clogged with contaminants, which reduces water flow and filtration efficiency. If I waited too long, it could even damage the filter housing or put extra strain on the pump. So, timely replacement was essential for maintaining my pool’s health.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Replacement Cartridge
- Compatibility: I made sure the replacement cartridge was specifically designed for the Pentair 420 model. Using the wrong size or type can cause leaks or poor filtration.
- Filter Material Quality: I looked for cartridges made with durable, pleated polyester material because they last longer and clean more effectively.
- Micron Rating: The micron rating indicates how small the particles the filter can trap are. I chose a cartridge with a fine enough rating to keep my pool water crystal clear.
- Ease of Cleaning: I preferred cartridges that I could rinse and reuse several times before needing replacement, which saved me money over time.
- Price and Brand Reputation: While I wanted something affordable, I didn’t want to compromise on quality. I checked reviews and stuck with trusted brands that specialize in pool filtration.
Steps I Took to Replace My Pentair 420 Cartridge Filter
- Turned off the pool pump and relieved pressure from the filter system.
- Opened the filter housing carefully using the appropriate tools.
- Removed the old cartridge and inspected the housing for any damage or debris.
- Inserted the new cartridge ensuring it was seated correctly.
- Closed the housing securely and turned the pump back on to check for leaks and proper operation.
Maintenance Tips for Prolonging Cartridge Life
After replacement, I followed a few simple maintenance habits:
- Rinse the cartridge regularly with a garden hose to remove debris.
- Soak the cartridge occasionally in a filter cleaner solution to remove oils and fine particles.
- Inspect the cartridge for tears or damage before reinstalling.
- Replace the cartridge annually or as recommended based on pool usage.
Where I Found the Best Deals
I checked official Pentair dealers, reputable pool supply stores, and online retailers. Sometimes, buying from authorized sellers gave me peace of mind regarding warranty and authenticity. I also looked out for seasonal discounts or bundle offers.
Final Thoughts
Replacing my Pentair 420 cartridge filter felt like a small task, but it made a big difference in my pool’s water quality. By choosing the right replacement and maintaining it properly, I saved money and extended the life of my filtration system. I hope my experience guides you to make an informed and confident purchase!
Author Profile

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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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