Cartridge filtration keeps a swimming pool’s water clear by trapping fine particles, and the right replacement cartridge can mean the difference between effortless maintenance and constant fiddling. For homeowners with an established in-ground setup, the cartridge is the workhorse of the system, catching everything from pollen to sunscreen residue. Picking a cartridge that matches your filter housing, flow rate, and debris load makes routine care much smoother.
The Lineup, Simplified
Future Way CCP320 Pool Filter Cartridges for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 320 (4 Pack)
Future Way CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 (4 Pack)
Future Way CCP520 Pool Filter Cartridges for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 520 (4 Pack)
Hayward RCX70101PAK2 Tiger Shark Filter Cartridge Refill Set (2 Piece)
Hayward RCX70101PAK2 AquaVac TigerShark Filter Cartridge (2 Pack)
Yoozell PCC130-PAK4 Swimming Pool Replacement Filter Cartridge (4 Pack)
Wowreed Pool Filter for SwimClear C100S / C-9440 (1 Pack)
Yoozell YZ688E System 3 S7M120 Pool Filter Replacement (300 sq ft)
Meet The Standout Selections
The CCP320 replacement cartridge is built to slot directly into Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 320 housings, and the four-pack format means you can rotate through a full season of service intervals without reordering. The pleated media delivers 320 square feet of filtration surface, which suits mid-size residential pools that run a steady filter cycle each day.
Future Way’s design maps onto the OEM geometry, so installation usually takes a few minutes with no gasket rework. For homeowners with a Clean & Clear Plus 320 already in the yard, this is the practical, no-surprise path to restoring flow and clarity. Compared to the larger CCP420 below, the 320 sits in a slightly more compact footprint, making it a sensible match for backyard pools in the 15,000- to 20,000-gallon range.
Benefits That Matter
- 320 sq ft of pleated media holds a meaningful amount of debris between cleanings
- Direct-fit geometry for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 320 housings reduces install guesswork
- Four-pack packaging covers roughly a year of routine swaps for most households
- Cross-compatible with several OEM part numbers, simplifying the reorder step
Things To Consider
- Not suited for the larger CCP420 or CCP520 housings, so check the model tag before ordering
- Like most pleated cartridges, periodic rinsing is required to maintain flow as debris loads build
Who It Suits Best
Owners of Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 320 systems running a typical residential pool on a standard cleaning schedule.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
The Future Way CCP520 serves larger pools with heavier bather loads, so step up to that one for pools above 25,000 gallons.
The CCP420 steps the surface area up to 420 square feet, giving the filter more runway between rinse cycles when the pool collects pollen, leaves, or fine silt. It is also a common swap for several OEM cross-references, including Waterway and Unicel part numbers, so the housing fit rarely needs a workaround.
For households with mid-size pools that see weekend gatherings or a family of swimmers, the extra pleat depth translates to steadier pressure readings and longer intervals between cleanings. The 26-inch length and 7-inch outer diameter mirror the OEM profile, so drop-in fit is the norm. Side by side with the CCP320 above, the difference shows up in the volume of debris the media can hold before flow starts to drop.
Notable Upsides
- 420 sq ft of trilobal media balances capacity and flow for busy pools
- Cross-compatible with Pentair R173576, Pleatco PCC105, Unicel C-7471, and Filbur FC-1977 references
- Four-cartridge pack stretches across a full year of regular service rotations
- 3-inch open top and bottom ports align with most Clean & Clear Plus 420 tanks
Points To Note
- Worth measuring tank height before ordering, since the 26-inch body is longer than smaller replacements
- Heavier saturation after big debris events means a longer rinse cycle, so plan for garden hose access
Made For
Mid-size residential pools in the 20,000- to 30,000-gallon range with regular bather traffic.
Consider Something Else When
The Wowreed SwimClear C100S cartridge is the right call for Pentair SwimClear housings rather than Clean & Clear Plus tanks.
The CCP520 is the high-capacity sibling in the Future Way line, with 520 square feet of filtration surface aimed at larger pools and heavier debris loads. It maps directly onto the Clean & Clear Plus 520 housing, and the cross-reference list covers Pentair R173578, Unicel C-7472, Filbur FC-1978, and several aftermarket equivalents.
Where the CCP320 and CCP420 above handle typical residential use, the CCP520 earns its place in pools that host large gatherings or sit under trees that drop organic matter throughout the swim season. More media means longer intervals between rinses, which is the practical payoff for anyone who has been chasing pressure-gauge climbs every few weeks. For pools above 30,000 gallons, the larger surface area keeps turnover rates steady.
Where It Delivers
- 520 sq ft of media supports extended cleaning cycles for larger pools
- Direct fit for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 520 and 178585 systems
- Compatible with major aftermarket cross-references, simplifying reorders
- NSF/ANSI 50 certification points to verified material safety for pool water contact
Honest Caveats
- Larger media mass means cartridges take longer to fully dry between rinses, so plan storage space
- Overkill for smaller pools under 20,000 gallons, where flow may actually feel sluggish
Right Fit For
Large residential pools or heavily used backyards where a smaller cartridge would clog too quickly between cleanings.
Skip It When
The Yoozell YZ688E System 3 set makes more sense for Hayward System 3 tanks that use paired inner and outer elements.
This Hayward set ships two OEM replacement cartridges for TigerShark robotic pool cleaners, which is a different category from the stationary tank cartridges earlier in the list. The TigerShark roams the pool floor and walls, and these cartridges sit inside the robot’s debris chamber, collecting fine particles before the robot returns to the caddy.
Because this is the Hayward OEM part rather than a third-party equivalent, the fit inside the TigerShark housing is the same as the originals. Owners who already run a TigerShark benefit from a direct swap, and the pleated media handles the fine grit the robot lifts from the pool floor. For households using a robotic cleaner in addition to a main filter, this set keeps the robot’s internal collection at OEM performance.
Everyday Wins
- OEM fit inside Hayward TigerShark robotic cleaners avoids the trial-and-error of aftermarket swaps
- Two-pack covers the standard replacement cadence for most robotic cleaning cycles
- Reusable media rinses clean, so disposal is rarely part of the routine
- Manufactured in the United States, which simplifies the parts trail for service calls
Points To Keep In Mind
- Only fits TigerShark robotic units, so it will not work with AquaVac, SharkVac, or other cleaner families
Best Suited To
Hayward TigerShark owners looking for the OEM replacement rather than a third-party alternative.
Look Elsewhere When
The Hayward RCX70101PAK2 AquaVac TigerShark two-pack covers a wider range of robotic cleaner models in one order.
This version of the RCX70101PAK2 expands the fit list to cover Hayward AquaVac, AquaVac QC, SharkVac, and TigerShark robotic cleaners in a single two-pack. The shared part number across these families means households running different robot models, or those who have upgraded robots over the years, can stock a single replacement cartridge.
For someone with an older SharkVac still in service or an AquaVac QC on a secondary pool, this is the more versatile buy compared to the TigerShark-only set above. The pleated design handles fine silt and hair, and the cartridges rinse out and reinstall without tools. The honest read is that for single-model TigerShark owners, the dedicated set above is the more focused choice, but the cross-family coverage here pays off in mixed-fleet households.
Practical Pluses
- Single part number fits AquaVac, AquaVac QC, SharkVac, and TigerShark units
- Reusable media cuts down on replacement waste over the life of the robot
- Two-pack covers typical service intervals for a single robotic cleaner
Small Caveats
- Does not fit the main tank-style filter systems earlier in the list, so confirm the model before ordering
- Cross-family compatibility is helpful, but worth double-checking the cleaner label since some early SharkVac revisions differ
Who Will Love This
Households with multiple Hayward robotic models across different pools, or anyone unsure which robot variant they own.
Swap It Out When
Stationary tank filtration is the goal, in which case the Future Way CCP320 or CCP420 is a more relevant replacement.
The Yoozell PCC130-PAK4 lands in the same fit class as the Future Way CCP520 above, covering Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 520, 160332, and 178585 tanks. The standout detail is the trilobal fabric structure, a three-lobed fiber cross-section that creates more surface area for debris to settle on compared to standard spun-bond media.
For pools under heavy tree cover or in regions with high pollen counts, that extra capture surface translates to clearer water between rinses. Yoozell positions this cartridge as a direct alternative to OEM Pentair, Unicel C-7472, and Filbur FC-1978 equivalents, which makes it easy to slot into existing service routines. Compared to the Future Way CCP520, the choice often comes down to fabric preference, since the surface area is in the same neighborhood.
What Earns Its Place
- Trilobal fabric structure increases debris capture per square inch of media
- Direct fit for Pentair CCP520 and 178585 housings with no gasket mods
- Cross-compatible with Unicel C-7472, Filbur FC-1978, and Darlly 71252 references
- Four-pack keeps spares on hand without repeated orders
Trade Offs
- Trilobal fabric can hold more debris, which occasionally means a longer rinse to fully clear the pleats
- Not designed for Pentair SwimClear tanks, so check the housing label before purchase
Perfect Match For
Pool owners dealing with heavy seasonal debris who want the extra capture capacity of trilobal media in a Clean & Clear Plus 520 system.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
The Wowreed SwimClear C100S cartridge is the right call for Pentair SwimClear housings rather than Clean & Clear Plus 520 tanks.
The Wowreed cartridge targets Pentair SwimClear systems, including the C100S, CX100XRE, and the older C-9440 reference. The SwimClear line uses a single-element design rather than a four-pack cluster, which changes the replacement cadence, since each pool only needs one cartridge at a time.
Specifications land at 19 5/8 inches in length, a 10 5/16-inch outer dimension, and 4-inch openings on both top and bottom. The 100-square-foot filtration area is the standard for the C100S class. For SwimClear owners, the practical consideration is that this is a single-element replacement, so the buy decision is about matching the housing part number rather than buying in bulk.
The Value In It
- Direct fit for SwimClear C100S and CX100XRE, the common residential configuration
- Single-element format matches the SwimClear tank layout, no cluster gymnastics required
- Compatible with PA100S references for earlier SwimClear installations
Worth Noting
- 100 sq ft of media is smaller than the Clean & Clear Plus cluster cartridges, so rinse frequency may tick up
- Single-pack format means reorders come more often than four-pack alternatives
Who Should Grab It
Pentair SwimClear C100S or CX100XRE owners who need a single-element replacement matched to their housing.
Reach For A Different Pick When
The Future Way CCP320 makes more sense for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 320 tanks, since the SwimClear cartridge does not fit that housing.
The Yoozell YZ688E is a paired set for Hayward System 3 S7M120 tanks, which use one inner and one outer element stacked together. The total surface area is 300 square feet across the two cartridges, and the set ships with a replacement O-ring, which is the small detail that often gets forgotten during a service visit.
For System 3 owners, replacing both elements at the same time keeps the filtration balanced, since the inner and outer pieces do different jobs. The set also cross-references to Pentair 25021-0200S and 25022-0201S, as well as Darlly SR300. Compared to the single-element Wowreed above, this is a more involved swap, but it also covers the full filter stack in one order.
Real-World Strengths
- Paired inner and outer cartridges cover the full System 3 stack in a single purchase
- 300 sq ft total surface area balances flow and debris capacity for typical residential pools
- Includes replacement O-ring, a small but commonly missed consumable
- Trilobal fabric structure improves capture compared to standard media
Some Limits To Know
- Designed specifically for Hayward System 3, so it will not fit Clean & Clear Plus or SwimClear housings
- Replacing both elements at once raises the per-service cost compared to single-cartridge swaps
Built With In Mind
Hayward System 3 S7M120 owners who want to refresh the full element stack in one service visit rather than staggering replacements.
Another Choice May Suit
For a single-element replacement, the Wowreed SwimClear C100S is the more focused pick for Pentair SwimClear housings.
What Matters Most Before Choosing Inground Pool Cartridge Filters
Match The Housing Part Number First
Cartridge filters are not interchangeable across brands, and the housing’s model tag is the single most important data point. A Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 320 tank takes a different cartridge than a Clean & Clear Plus 520, and neither one fits a SwimClear or Hayward System 3. Pull the housing label, confirm the OEM part number, and match against the replacement’s cross-reference list before ordering.
Filtration Surface Area And Pool Volume
Surface area, measured in square feet, dictates how long a cartridge can run before the pressure gauge climbs. Smaller pools in the 10,000- to 15,000-gallon range usually do fine with 320 sq ft, while 25,000-gallon-plus pools benefit from 420 or 520 sq ft. Trilobal fabric, with its three-lobed fiber shape, captures more per square inch than standard spun media, which can extend cleaning intervals in debris-heavy environments.
Maintenance Cadence And Reuse
Pleated cartridges are designed to be rinsed and reinstalled, not replaced every few weeks. That said, the media degrades over time, and most residential cartridges last one to two seasons before the pleats start to lose stiffness. Plan to swap the full set annually for heavy-use pools, and consider a four-pack if you want spares on hand to rotate through rinse cycles without downtime.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Mistakes Worth Dodging
Pool owners regularly grab the wrong cartridge by relying on filter brand alone, without checking the specific model. A Clean & Clear Plus 320 and a Clean & Clear Plus 520 look similar from a distance, but the cartridge dimensions and port sizes differ. Another common misstep is ignoring the O-ring on paired systems like the Hayward System 3, where a fresh gasket prevents the kind of slow leak that goes unnoticed until the water level drops.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Higher-tier cartridges in this category tend to add more filtration surface area, trilobal fabric, and longer-lasting pleat support. For most residential pools, the practical question is whether the larger surface area extends the rinse interval enough to justify the cost. In debris-heavy environments, the upgrade usually pays off in fewer service visits, while smaller pools may not see enough difference to justify the premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should an inground pool cartridge filter be replaced?
Most pleated cartridges last one to two seasons in typical residential use, though heavy bather loads and debris-heavy sites shorten that window. Pressure-gauge readings that climb quickly after rinsing are the usual sign the media is wearing out.
Can I rinse a cartridge filter with a garden hose?
Yes, a standard garden hose with a focused nozzle works well for routine rinsing. Spray between the pleats from top to bottom, and avoid pressure-washing the media, since high pressure can damage the fabric’s structure.
What is trilobal fabric, and does it matter?
Trilobal fabric uses a three-lobed fiber cross-section that creates more surface area for debris to settle on compared to standard round-fiber media. For pools under heavy tree cover or in high-pollen regions, that extra capture capacity can extend cleaning intervals.
Do all four-pack cartridges fit any pool filter?
No, the four-pack refers to the quantity, not the compatibility. Each cartridge still needs to match the specific housing model, whether that is a Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 320, 420, or 520, or a SwimClear, or a Hayward System 3.
How do I know which cartridge fits my filter?
Check the housing label for the OEM part number, then match that against the replacement cartridge’s cross-reference list. Most manufacturers and aftermarket brands publish a compatibility table that covers Pleatco, Unicel, Filbur, and OEM references.
