Pool Filter Buying Guide: Types, Sizing & Maintenance
Compare cartridge, sand and D.E. filtration, match the filter to actual pump flow, and plan safe maintenance.
Explore our picks ↓See full comparisonFive pool filters for different installation priorities
Choose a filtration technology first, then check filter area, published flow limits, plumbing, service clearance, and compatible pump operating points.
Pentair Clean & Clear Plus CCP320
Cartridge
Large media area and no backwash water discharge
Pentair Clean & Clear Plus CCP420
Cartridge
420 square feet of media gives more dirt-holding area
Pentair FNS Plus FNSP48
D.E.
D.E. filtration for owners prioritizing fine-particle clarity
Pentair Triton II TR60
Sand
Fiberglass-reinforced tank and side-mount valve choices
Hayward ProSeries S244T
Sand
Seven-position valve and straightforward sand filtration
Pool filter comparison: cartridge, D.E. and sand
Published flow ratings are filter limits or reference values, not a guarantee of actual system flow. Confirm the complete pump-and-plumbing configuration.
| Cleaner | Type | Published fit | Cleaning coverage | Key compromise | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pentair Clean & Clear Plus CCP320 | Cartridge | 320 sq ft | 120 GPM published | Four replacement cartridges and periodic disassembly | Review |
| Pentair Clean & Clear Plus CCP420 | Cartridge | 420 sq ft | 150 GPM published | Requires vertical service clearance and four cartridges | Review |
| Pentair FNS Plus FNSP48 | D.E. | 48 sq ft | 96 GPM published | Requires approved D.E. handling, recharge and grid servicing | Review |
| Pentair Triton II TR60 | Sand | Side-mount design | Valve purchased separately | Valve is not included; plumbing and backwash routing matter | Review |
| Hayward ProSeries S244T | Sand | 24-inch tank class | Top-mount VariFlo valve | Verify pump flow, media amount and installation clearance | Review |
Five filter models in detail
Manufacturer-published specifications are used where available; unknown installation details are explicitly marked as requiring site-specific confirmation.
Pentair Clean & Clear Plus CCP320
Large media area and no backwash water discharge
Large media area and no backwash water discharge; manufacturer product family documented.
Four replacement cartridges and periodic disassembly
Technical Specifications
What matters in everyday use
Pentair Clean & Clear Plus CCP320 fits buyers who prioritize large media area and no backwash water discharge. Compare ongoing maintenance with your site constraints.
Four replacement cartridges and periodic disassembly
Best reason to consider: Large media area and no backwash water discharge.
Check PriceThis button opens a model-specific Amazon search, not a guaranteed in-stock listing. Verify model and included components.
Pentair Clean & Clear Plus CCP420
420 square feet of media gives more dirt-holding area
420 square feet of media gives more dirt-holding area; manufacturer product family documented.
Requires vertical service clearance and four cartridges
Technical Specifications
What matters in everyday use
Pentair Clean & Clear Plus CCP420 fits buyers who prioritize 420 square feet of media gives more dirt-holding area. Compare ongoing maintenance with your site constraints.
Requires vertical service clearance and four cartridges
Best reason to consider: 420 square feet of media gives more dirt-holding area.
Check PriceThis button opens a model-specific Amazon search, not a guaranteed in-stock listing. Verify model and included components.
Pentair FNS Plus FNSP48
D.E. filtration for owners prioritizing fine-particle clarity
D.E. filtration for owners prioritizing fine-particle clarity; manufacturer product family documented.
Requires approved D.E. handling, recharge and grid servicing
Technical Specifications
What matters in everyday use
Pentair FNS Plus FNSP48 fits buyers who prioritize d.e. filtration for owners prioritizing fine-particle clarity. Compare ongoing maintenance with your site constraints.
Requires approved D.E. handling, recharge and grid servicing
Best reason to consider: D.E. filtration for owners prioritizing fine-particle clarity.
Check PriceThis button opens a model-specific Amazon search, not a guaranteed in-stock listing. Verify model and included components.
Pentair Triton II TR60
Fiberglass-reinforced tank and side-mount valve choices
Fiberglass-reinforced tank and side-mount valve choices; manufacturer product family documented.
Valve is not included; plumbing and backwash routing matter
Technical Specifications
What matters in everyday use
Pentair Triton II TR60 fits buyers who prioritize fiberglass-reinforced tank and side-mount valve choices. Compare ongoing maintenance with your site constraints.
Valve is not included; plumbing and backwash routing matter
Best reason to consider: Fiberglass-reinforced tank and side-mount valve choices.
Check PriceThis button opens a model-specific Amazon search, not a guaranteed in-stock listing. Verify model and included components.
Hayward ProSeries S244T
Seven-position valve and straightforward sand filtration
Seven-position valve and straightforward sand filtration; manufacturer product family documented.
Verify pump flow, media amount and installation clearance
Technical Specifications
What matters in everyday use
Hayward ProSeries S244T fits buyers who prioritize seven-position valve and straightforward sand filtration. Compare ongoing maintenance with your site constraints.
Verify pump flow, media amount and installation clearance
Best reason to consider: Seven-position valve and straightforward sand filtration.
Check PriceThis button opens a model-specific Amazon search, not a guaranteed in-stock listing. Verify model and included components.
How to choose the right pool filter
1. Select cartridge, sand or D.E. by maintenance preference
Cartridge filters capture debris in removable elements without backwashing. Sand filters backwash through a valve. D.E. filters use powder-coated grids and require correct recharge and disposal practices.
2. Size to the pump and plumbing, not just gallons
Calculate the required circulation flow from your actual pool volume and operating schedule, then check the pump curve and filter maximum rated flow. A high filter rating does not increase a pump’s delivered flow.
3. Compare filter area within the same technology
Square feet of cartridge, sand and D.E. media are not directly interchangeable. Compare effective area and manufacturer ratings only within the appropriate design and application.
4. Plan access and safe pressure release
Leave room to remove cartridge elements or grids, reach clamps, and service valves. Shut off and isolate equipment and follow the manufacturer’s air-relief and depressurization procedure before opening a filter.
5. Check the backwash route and local rules
Sand and D.E. systems need an approved discharge route. Never assume backwash water or spent D.E. can enter a storm drain; follow local wastewater requirements.
6. Budget for consumables and labor
Cartridges need cleaning and eventual replacement. Sand media and laterals may require service. D.E. filters need media recharge and grid inspection. Labor and water use may outweigh small purchase-price differences.
Filter installation and safety checklist
Never open a pressurized filter. Turn the pump off, isolate as directed, and fully release pressure using the documented procedure. Seek qualified service if unsure.
What does pool filtration cost over time?
Include replacement cartridges or grids, sand or D.E. media, backwash water, pressure-gauge replacement and service labor. Avoid assuming that a larger filter automatically reduces electrical consumption.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cartridge filter better than sand?
Neither is universally better. Cartridge models avoid routine backwashing but need element washing; sand models simplify routine backwashing but consume discharge water. Choose for site constraints and maintenance preference.
How do I calculate pool filter size?
Start with pool volume and required circulation, determine realistic pump flow from its performance curve, then select a filter whose rated flow and plumbing requirements safely accommodate that operating range.
Can I install a larger pool filter?
Often a larger filter area can reduce cleaning frequency, but verify rated flow, available pad space, pressure ratings and manufacturer installation rules. Do not exceed any system component limit.
How often should I clean a cartridge filter?
Use the clean-start pressure baseline and the manufacturer’s specified pressure-rise threshold. Pentair identifies 10 PSI above starting pressure for Clean & Clear Plus; actual cleaning frequency depends on debris load.
Does a D.E. filter need special maintenance?
Yes. D.E. grids require proper cleaning and media recharging. Follow the exact manufacturer instructions and local requirements for used D.E. disposal.
Can I replace a sand filter with a cartridge filter?
Often, but the conversion can require plumbing changes, flow checks, pad-clearance changes and removal or rerouting of the backwash line. Have the equipment configuration evaluated.
Final recommendation
Best all-around cartridge comparison: Pentair Clean & Clear Plus CCP320 is a useful starting point where its published flow limit and service clearance match the system.For larger cartridge area: Pentair CCP420 offers more media area. For D.E. filtration, consider FNS Plus FNSP48 where D.E. maintenance is acceptable.For sand filtration: Compare Triton II TR60 with Hayward ProSeries S244T, accounting for the Triton valve sold separately.
Manufacturer references and verification notes
- Pentair Clean & Clear Plus CCP320 — official manufacturer documentation
- Pentair Clean & Clear Plus CCP420 — official manufacturer documentation
- Pentair FNS Plus FNSP48 — official manufacturer documentation
- Pentair Triton II TR60 — official manufacturer documentation
- Hayward ProSeries S244T — official manufacturer documentation