Choosing the right replacement cartridge for your Pentair pool pump keeps your water clear, reduces chemical use and extends the life of your system. The Pentair Clean & Clear line spans compact above-ground options to high-capacity in-ground models, offering cartridge areas from 50 up to 200 square feet so you can match flow, turnover and dirt-holding capacity to your pool size. Cartridges trap fine particles, algae and debris and require routine rinsing and periodic replacement; correct selection hinges on filtration area, flow rating and compatibility with your housing (top-load vs. side-load). This guide breaks down the most common Clean & Clear RP models (CC50 → CC200) and the Pentair Dynamic series so you can compare filtration capacity, expected lifespan, useful features, third-party replacement options and clear guidelines for when to replace. Use this post to choose the right cartridge for performance and maintenance ease — and remember: regular rinsing, occasional deep cleaning and monitoring pressure rise are the fastest ways to extend cartridge life.
Clean & Clear RP — CC50
Filtration capacity & flow: 50 sq ft effective media area; designed for smaller pools and low-flow systems (typical design flow ~50–100 GPM depending on configuration).
- Life span: With routine rinsing and occasional deep soak, expect 2–4 years; heavy use or poor water chemistry shortens life.
- Important features: Coreless cartridge design for easier cleaning; compact tank for space-limited installations; max continuous operating pressure 50 PSI.
- Third-party options: Aftermarket cartridges from In The Swim, Pleatco/Filbur and other OEM-compatible manufacturers are widely available — look for matching square-footage and pleat counts.
- When to replace: Replace when pleats are torn/collapsed, when pressure doesn’t drop after cleaning, or when the cartridge shows persistent staining/odour despite chemical soak (typically every 2–4 years).
Clean & Clear RP — CC75
Filtration capacity & flow: ~75 sq ft filtration area; suited to medium-small pools and many above-ground systems — design flow commonly ~75 GPM.
- Life span: 2–4 years with good maintenance; more frequent replacement if used with automatic cleaners or high debris loads.
- Important features: High-flow internal air relief, unionized connections and chemical-resistant tank body for durability.
- Third-party options: Pleatco, Filbur and In The Swim make compatible cartridges — confirm dimensions and OE part numbers before buying.
- When to replace: Replace on structural damage, if cleaning no longer restores performance, or if recommended by pressure/flow tests (usually every 2–4 years).
Clean & Clear RP — CC100
Filtration capacity & flow: 100 sq ft media area; common for medium in-ground pools and higher flow systems — flow ratings typically around 100 GPM.
- Life span: 2–5 years depending on care and water conditions.
- Important features: Coreless cartridge for easier cleaning, unionized fittings and 50 PSI max operating pressure for reliable service.
- Third-party options: Multiple aftermarket cartridges match the 100 sq ft specification — verify pleat count, height and collar/ID dimensions to ensure fit.
- When to replace: When increased pressure doesn’t respond to cleaning, pleats are permanently deformed, or after approx. 3–5 seasons in typical use.
Clean & Clear RP — CC150
Filtration capacity & flow: 150 sq ft effective area; built for larger in-ground pools or systems needing higher turnover (flow ratings commonly ~150 GPM; good for 72,000–108,000 gal turnover windows depending on hours).
- Life span: 3–6 years with careful maintenance; lifespan improves with periodic deep-cleans and balanced water chemistry.
- Important features: Larger cartridge area reduces cleaning frequency and improves dirt holding; chemical-resistant tank and safety latches for secure servicing.
- Third-party options: Pleatco/Filbur and other aftermarket options are available for 150 sq ft models — check OEM model compatibility (CC150 / EC-160317 series numbers).
- When to replace: Replace when pleat separation, tears or permanent clogging occur, or roughly every 3–6 years depending on load and maintenance.
Clean & Clear RP — CC200
Filtration capacity & flow: 200 sq ft media area for high-capacity filtration; designed for large pools or high-flow systems (typical flow ratings up to ~150 GPM depending on plumbing).
- Life span: 3–6+ years with good care; larger media area helps resist rapid clogging but cartridges still degrade over time.
- Important features: Very high dirt-holding capacity, continuous high-flow internal air relief and coreless cartridge design for easier cleaning.
- Third-party options: Aftermarket cartridges matching 200 sq ft exist — always confirm height and collar fit for CC200 housings.
- When to replace: Replace when mechanical damage occurs, when pressure remains high after cleaning, or when pleats no longer spring back to shape (often every 3–6 years).
Pentair Dynamic Series Filters
Filtration capacity & flow: Dynamic models (RTL/RCF series and Dynamic II/III) include top-load and in-line cartridges with sizes for spas, small pools and variable flow needs (examples: 25–50 sq ft up to 50+ sq ft depending on model). Designed for high flow and easy servicing.
- Life span: 2–5 years based on model, usage and maintenance.
- Important features: Top-load design for fast cartridge swaps, high-flow capability for small-pool turnover and compatibility with Pentair chemical accessories.
- Third-party options: OEM Pentair replacement cartridges (R-series part numbers) and aftermarket equivalents are commonly sold — check the Dynamic model & part number before ordering.
- When to replace: Same rules apply: tears, collapsed pleats, or loss of cleaning response indicate replacement is due; monitor pressure rise during operation.
Technical Specifications
Below are the core technical details you’ll typically match when ordering replacements — always verify the exact OEM or housing model before purchase.
- Media / Material: Polyester pleated media (synthetic), sometimes with a polymer/nylon coreless design on Pentair Clean & Clear models; chemical-resistant thermoplastic tank bodies.
- Operating limits: Maximum continuous operating pressure ~50 PSI; maximum internal temperature ~104°F (40°C) — follow Pentair operating limits in your manual.
- Dimensions (typical by model):
- CC50 — Height ≈ 18–25.5″, Width ≈ 15.5″; 50 sq ft area.
- CC75 — Height ≈ 24–26″, Width ≈ 15.5″; 75 sq ft area.
- CC100 — Height ≈ 33″, Width ≈ 15.5″; 100 sq ft area.
- CC150 — Height ≈ 40.5″, Width ≈ 15.5″; 150 sq ft area.
- CC200 — Height ≈ 40.5″, Width ≈ 15.5″; 200 sq ft area.
- Dynamic series — dimensions vary by model (top-load vs in-line); common small spa cartridges ~6–12″ tall for 25 sq ft, larger top-load cartridges 18–30″ depending on model.
- Connection types: Unionized or socket plumbing (1½”–2″ typical on in-ground models; check your pump/housing connections).
Conclusion
Picking the right Pentair cartridge balances pool size, desired turnover and maintenance effort. Smaller CC50/CC75 units work well for compact and above-ground pools; CC100–CC200 handle larger in-ground systems and reduce cleaning frequency. Dynamic series filters offer flexible top-load designs for spas and smaller pools. Keep cartridges clean, monitor pressure, and replace when pleats are damaged or cleaning no longer restores flow — typically every 2–6 years depending on use. Always confirm model compatibility and dimensions before buying a replacement.
Tip: Check your filter housing for the exact model/OEM part number (or consult Pentair documentation) before ordering aftermarket cartridges to ensure a correct fit.