10 Best Pool Filter Cartridge Reviews 2019 & Top Pick
UPDATED: Nov 01, 2019.
Any swimming pool owner knows that one of the critical parts of a pool is having an effective filtering and cleaning system. Pools, whether indoor or outdoor, will always accumulate debris and dust even when off season.
Replacing the water in your pool would consume time and be costly, so to keep your pool water clean and clear, you require filters in order to have a safe pool. Some of these filter use cartridge and there are hundreds of filter cartridges out there. Selecting the best pool filter cartridge for your swimming pool can be an issue.
This article shows you how to choose the right filter cartridge for your pool and reviews the top 10 models on the market today.
At a Glance: Our Recommendations for Best Pool Filter Cartridge:
- Intex Pool Replacement Filter Cartridge – 6 Pack (Top Pick)
- Pleatco PA120 Replacement Filter Cartridge – 1 Pack (Top Rated)
- Pleatco PRB50-IN Spa Pool Filter Cartridge – 1 Pack (Editor Choice)
- Bestway Coleman Spa Filter Pump Cartridge – 6 Pack
- Intex 29005E Pool Replacement Filter Pump Cartridge – 3 Pack
- Intex Type A Filter Cartridge – Twin Pack
- Pleatco PCC105-PAK4 Replacement Cartridge – 4 Pack
- Pleatco PWK30 Replacement Cartridge – 1 Pack
- Pleatco Spa/Pool PRB25-IN Filter Cartridge – 1 Pack
- Jacuzzi 6000-383 Filter Cartridge – 2 Pack
Top 10 Pool Filter Cartridges Reviews for 2019
Here is a review of the best pool filter cartridges on the market today.
1. Intex 29000E/59900E Easy Set Pool Replacement Type A/C Filter Cartridge – 6 Pack
The Intex 29000E/59900E comes in a pack of 6 to make your pool filtration life easier and keep it clean for a longer duration of time. These well-known cartridges are arguably the most regularly bought A/C type pool filters, so you are assured of making the right decision when you buy them.
They are rated highly by most users and people always buy them time after time, meaning they are really effective in cleaning your pool. These cartridges are made by Intex, a reputable company when it comes to pool products. When you hear of Intex, you can expect the usual excellence and quality from the filter cartridges.
You are assured to be excited by the clean pool you will get when you install these cartridges. In fact, they are able to filter much finer debris and dirt than most other filter cartridges out there.
2. Pleatco PA120 Replacement Filter Cartridge for Hayward Star-Clear Plus C-1200 – 1 Pack
Pleatco PA120 Replacement Filter Cartridge is ideal for spa and pool cleaning systems alike. It is not just a cartridge but a complete filtration system that will make your swimming pool to be cleaner and clearer for a long time.
One great feature of this cartridge is the Free Flow Cores that allow for a smooth and free flow of water via the filtration system to increase the efficient of the filter. It also comes with antimicrobial end caps that resist chlorine degradation while providing support to the filter elements to ensure they last for long.
This is one of the best cartridges on the market today and it also comes with superbond bands. The filter cartridge provides both the effectiveness and quality required from a filtration system to ensure you get a clean pool around the clock.
3. Pleatco PRB50-IN Spa Pool Filter Cartridge – 1 Pack
Pleatco is a reputable filter cartridge provides and this time we have the Pleatco PRB50-In Spa Cartridge making it on our list. This is a replacement filter for spa and pool cleaning systems that are easy to install and remove when it’s worn out.
Just like the PA120, this unit comes with Free flow Cores that maximizes the water flow via the REEMAY filter media. This ensures that more water is cleaned within a short period of time to give you a fresh pool every time you need it.
It also features antimicrobial end caps that resist chlorine deprivation and offer support to the filter elements to ensure that they last for long. The filter cartridge is part of the dynamic series IV and can be custom molded to suit your personal needs.
4. Bestway Coleman Spa Filter Pump Replacement Cartridge Type VI 90352 – 6 Pack
Keep your swimming pool water clear with the Bestway Coleman Spa Filter Cartridges. These products sift out the dirt and debris in all above ground pools so the pool pump can easily refill it with fresh and clean water that is suitable for taking a dive.
These cartridges last for about 2 weeks; therefore, you should replace them regularly to ensure that you continue to enjoy a fresh pool. Replacing them regularly also ensures that you get the highest standard pool that is hygiene.
When you use these filter cartridges and maintain them, which is very easy, the water in your swimming pool remains fresh and attractive all summer long. And that’s not all; it is very easy to install these cartridges and even replace them. They are also one of the most affordable filters on the market today.
5. Intex 29005E Pool Easy Set Type B Replacement Filter Pump Cartridge – 3 Pack
As the name suggests, the Intex 29005E Filter Cartridges come in a package of 3 filters. These cartridges are easy to install and replace; you can easily DIY when replacing them and you won’t take a lot of time.
The products last for about 2 weeks with normal use. Therefore, you might need to replace them after this period to ensure that you continue to enjoy a fresh pool. The other great thing about these units is that they are quite effective in cleaning the water.
Furthermore, they fit the intex pump and filter unit models as well as krystal klear models. This means that they are highly versatile and can be used for all these modes. As well, they are quite affordable – you don’t need to break a bank to get them.
6. Intex Type A Filter Cartridge – Twin Pack
Intex Type A Filter Cartridge is a hassle-free and an easy way to keep your swimming pool clean and sparkling. These units fit Intex filter pumps as well as all other Type A-sized filters, making them quite versatile.
Found in a convenient twin pack, these cartridges will ensure that you don’t hit the market any time soon to get replacement cartridges when they get worn out. And they will last for long when you use them in the normal way. However, you might need to replace them regularly if you want to get a sparkling clean pool.
They come with easy to clean Dacron fiber material that cleans the swimming pool water and get rid of debris and other dirt. Ensure that you replace these units after every two weeks.
7. Pleatco PCC105-PAK4 Replacement Cartridge – 4 Pack
Yet other cartridges that have made it on our list from Pleatco are the PCC105-PAK4 Replacement Cartridge. These units come in a pack of 4 to ensure that they last for about 2 months before you can head to the market and get others.
The cartridges are perfect for replacing spa and pool cleaning systems and are very affordable. They come with ABS Free Flow Cores that maximizes the water flow via the filter media to ensure that more water is cleaned at a go.
Moreover, they feature antimicrobial end caps that resist chlorine dilapidation and offer the required support to your pool’s filter material. This ensures that the material offers you a long service as their life-span is prolonged.
8. Pleatco PWK30 Replacement Cartridge – 1 Pack
Pleatco seems to know their way when it comes to developing high-quality filter cartridges for cleaning your swimming pool. This is especially true with their latest PWK30 Replacement Cartridge for hot springs and swimming pools.
The product comes as a one pack cartridge that will clean your pool for about 2 weeks. Then, you might need to replace it to continue enjoying the clean hot spring that you have always wanted. This cartridge is also perfect for replacing spa and pool cleaning systems and is quite versatile.
Just like all other filter cartridges from Pleatco, the unit comes with Free Flow Cores that optimizes the water flow via the filter media known as REEMAY. It also comes with antimicrobial end caps, which by now you know is resistant to chlorine degradation. The caps offer support to filter material to guarantee a longer life.
9. Pleatco Spa/Pool PRB25-IN Filter Cartridge – 1 Pack
We cannot get enough of Pleatco filter cartridges and this time we have the PRB25-IN Filter Cartridge. This model comes as a single pack product that will clean and filter your swimming pool to eradicate dirt and other debris.
This is a pure premium spa and pool filter cartridge, meaning that it will offer you service for long. Actually, it will clean your swimming pool using less energy – this will conserve power which will translate to less energy bill.
Furthermore, the cartridge replaces different filters including Rainbow Dynamic 25, Unicel C-4326 and others. Hence, it is a universal product that will offer value for money.
10. Jacuzzi 6000-383 Filter Cartridge – 2 Pack
Jacuzzi 6000-383 Filter Cartridge comes in a 2 pack that will last for about a month. This is because you need to replace the cartridge after every two weeks to ensure that you enjoy a sparkling swimming pool.
This model is able to keep bacterial, debris and other particles out of your pool or spa water. Hence, you get a crystal clear pool that you can easily swim in or even hold a pool party. Made of strong material, the cartridges won’t break easily even when the water pressure is high.
Furthermore, the units are quite affordable and will offer value for your hard-earned cash.
Water Filter Cartridge Medium
Different filter cartridges come with different mediums. The main ones are:
Charcoal Medium Carbon Filters – They are very cheap and also very easy to install. They filter the most harmful toxics and leave all the minerals your body requires from the water.
Sediment Filters – They are often added to the carbon models when there is an issue of sediment in the pool, which can easily block the filter. They need to be replaced regularly.
Ceramic Filters – They trap the smallest of bacteria and provide positively changed ions when they interact with water. The ions destroy bacteria in your pool.
Electrolyzed alkaline filters – They filter the water then divide alkaline from acids to make your pool water safe to swim in.
When to Replace A Filter Cartridge
Often, most pool owners replace the filter cartridge after 3 or 5 years, but you should never use the duration that has passed to determine when to change your model. You should always determine the performance of your filter cartridge to know if it’s the right time to replace it.
With that said, there are three ways to know if your filter cartridge needs to be replaced:
1. Measure the pressure gauge
You should replace the cartridge when the pressure gauge increases 8 PSI above the ordinary pressure. This is especially true if the pressure starts to rise within a short time after cleaning your filter.
2. Water Remains Green or Cloudy
The other way to tell if your filter cartridge is worn out is when you realize that the pool remains green or cloudy even when the chemicals are well-balanced. Clean your cartridge first, but if the issue continues, it is time to replace it.
3. Inspection
Another way to tell if your filter cartridge needs to be replaced is to inspect it thoroughly and if you find tears or rips, then you need to replace it.
FAQs About Best Pool Filter Cartridge
Q: When should I clean my pool filter cartridge?
A: You should clean your cartridge when the pressure gauge rises by about 8 PSI above the normal pressure. Or you can clean it at least once in every 6 months, assuming it is working properly and you have not noticed any issue with the water.
Q: What is the best pool filter cartridge?
A: The best filter cartridge is the one that will offer value for your money. It should also last long and be efficient when cleaning your swimming pool. There are a lot of models that can be classified as the best cartridges but they might not fit your system.
Q: When should I wash my pool filter cartridge with acid?
A: You should only wash your filter with acid if it is really necessary and first ensure that you degrease the element first. Apply a few drops of acid on the cartridge and if bubbling occurs, you can now soak it in acid since there are mineral build-ups.
Q: Some filter cartridges features one soft end cap and one hard cap. Why is this?
A: There is no reason for this but it only shows the change in how filter cartridges have occurred over the years.
Q: When is the right time to replace the element in my filter cartridge?
A: The factors will be determined by:
- Low water flow rate.
- A short cycle of cleaning.
Complete failure.
Conclusion
Buying the best pool filter cartridge is a cost-effective and sensitive choice, and when looking for one, go through the different features of every unit. Additionally, know which cartridge will suit your swimming pool filter before you settle for you.