Sizing a cartridge tank strictly by the gallon rating on the box is the fastest way to choke an inground circulation system. Inground pumps move water with serious force, and when high flow rates meet an undersized pleat pack, fine debris packs solid in no time. Tank pressure spikes, skimmer suction slows to a crawl, and frequent, messy teardowns become a frustrating routine. Running too little surface area overworks the pump motor and forces owners to spend sunny afternoons wrestling with stubborn clamp bands and blasting mud out of pleats just to keep water moving.
A properly matched unit changes everything, keeping water crystal-clear across the entire swimming season with just one or two thorough rinses. Stepping up to ample square footage gives the filter enough dirt-holding capacity to swallow heavy bather loads and blowing debris without spiking system pressure. Ensuring the tank ports match your existing 1.5-inch or 2-inch plumbing protects flow efficiency, while a sturdy manual air relief valve keeps routine maintenance simple and safe. The selections below showcase durable, high-capacity models designed to keep your inground pool pristine while putting an end to endless cleaning cycles.
Includes filter tank and pressure gauge. Pump to filter fittings are not included.Max. Pool Size (gallons) 57,600Designed for In-ground pools.One year limited warranty.
Key specs
- Gallon capacity rating
- Up to 57,600 gallons
- Plumbing fitting requirement
- The tank includes a pressure gauge but does not include pump-to-filter union fittings, so verify your pipe diameter and pick up compatible unions prior to installation.
Pros:
- Large 320 sq ft filtration surface area handles pools up to 57,600 gallons with fewer rinse cycles
- High maximum flow rate of 120 GPM supports demanding inground pool circulation systems
- Integrated pressure gauge allows quick monitoring of internal operating pressure
- Dedicated inground design built to manage substantial water volume and debris
Cons:
- Pump-to-filter union fittings are not included and must be purchased separately
- Heavy 65.85 lb weight requires solid plumbing support on the equipment pad
- Limited one-year warranty offers less coverage than some competing three-year brands
✅REPLACEMENT FILTER - Get purer, cleaner water in your spa or hot tub with these replacement cartridge filters compatible with: Inner and Outer Set - Replaces Sta-Rite 25021-0200S & 25022-0201S System 3 S7M120 Set, Pentair✅DIMENSIONS - Inner Filter: Replaces 25021-0200S (S7M120) 25021-0200, Sta-Rite
Key specs
- Product type
- Replacement cartridge set only
- Cartridge dimensions
- Inner element: 24 inches long by 9 inches diameter (100 sq ft)
- Outer element: 18 inches long by 16 inches diameter (200 sq ft)
- Total combined filtration area: 300 sq ft
Pros:
- Dual-element set pairs a 100 sq ft inner filter with a 200 sq ft outer filter for 300 sq ft total filtration
- Direct replacement set compatible with Sta-Rite System 3 S7M120 and Pentair part numbers 25021-0200S and 25022-0201S
- Multi-pack options allow keeping a spare filter active while soaking dirty elements to prevent downtime
Cons:
- Cartridge replacement set only and does not include an outer filter tank or pressure gauge
- Requires maintaining two separate cylindrical elements with different dimensions during cleanings
- Only fits specific Sta-Rite and Pentair modular filter housings rather than standard single-core tanks
GREATER CAPACITY: The Hayward StarClear 50 sq. ft. pool filter offers extra cleaning capacity for crystal-clear waterROBUST DESIGN: Features an extra-large single-element cartridge for additional durability and maximum water flowWON'T CORRODE: Injection-molded filter tank provides reliable, corrosio
Key specs
- Filtration surface area
- 50 sq ft
- Tank access design
- The rotatable filter head allows positioning the pressure gauge and manual air relief valve where they are easiest to reach and read on compact equipment pads.
Pros:
- Compact 10.8-inch square footprint fits tight equipment pads where space is restricted
- Injection-molded housing provides corrosion-free durability against harsh pool chemicals
- Rotatable head design lets you easily position the pressure gauge and manual air relief valve
- Backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty for extended protection
Cons:
- Small 50 sq ft filtration area clogs quickly on high-debris or large inground pools
- Requires frequent cartridge teardowns and rinses when paired with larger gallon capacities
- Specific flow rate limits and plumbing port sizes are not detailed in the listing
ROBUST DESIGN: The Hayward StarClear Plus 120 sq. ft. pool filter features an extra-large single-element cartridge for additional durability and maximum water flowEASIER TO CLEAN: Single-knob design securely fastens filter head to tank without clamps or boltsWON'T CORRODE: Single-piece injection mol
Key specs
- Plumbing connection options
- Offers flexible plumbing choices with 1.5-inch or 2-inch FIP ports as well as 2-inch socket connections to adapt directly to existing PVC runs without custom adapters.
- Tank closure mechanism
- A single-locking knob fastens the head directly to the injection-molded tank body, eliminating external band clamps and loose bolts during seasonal maintenance.
Pros:
- Single-locking knob fastens the head securely to the tank without dealing with separate clamps or bolts
- Versatile plumbing ports support 1.5-inch or 2-inch FIP as well as 2-inch socket connections
- Cartridge core features gasketed molded end caps for improved structural integrity under flow
- Generous 3-year warranty provides extended protection against manufacturing defects
Cons:
- Moderate 120 sq ft capacity requires more regular rinsing in heavily used inground pools
- Maximum flow rate in GPM is not specified on the primary listing
- Single large cartridge element can be cumbersome to hose down compared to modular splits
ECONOMICAL PERFORMANCE: The Hayward SwimClear 325 sq. ft. pool filter provides excellent filtration and hydraulic performance for reduced cost of operationNO BACKWASHING REQUIRED: Cleanable cartridge elements eliminate the need for backwashingDURABLE DESIGN: Filter tanks are made from the most durab
Key specs
- Filtration surface area
- 325 sq ft
- Tank clamp style
- Features a heavy-duty, tamper-proof single-piece flange clamp that secures the upper and lower tank sections together while maintaining quick access to internal cartridges.
Pros:
- Massive 325 sq ft filtration area dramatically extends operating time between required cleanings
- Heavy-duty single-piece flange clamp is tamper-proof and allows straightforward internal access
- Eliminates backwashing entirely to conserve chemically treated pool water
- Covered by a 3-year manufacturer warranty for lasting reliability
Cons:
- Bulky 74.8 lb tank requires substantial equipment pad space and careful positioning
- Maximum gallon capacity and flow rate limits are not stated in the listing specs
- Multiple internal elements require more time and care during seasonal teardowns
THE PERFECT MONEY SAVING REPLACEMENT FILTER for other, more expensive "bullett" shaped cartridge filters.THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK is approximately 14 in. wide - making it an easy swap-out for other bullett shaped cartridge filters! Doheny's Cartridge Filter width increases in size
Key specs
- Gallon capacity rating
- Up to 62,400 gallons
- Debris management
- An elevated filtered water collector and built-in debris sump stop loose dirt from dropping back into the pool lines whenever you pull the cartridge out to rinse it.
Pros:
- Rated for inground pools up to 62,400 gallons to handle substantial residential volumes
- Glass-reinforced copolymer tank expands toward the top to maximize flow and filtration area
- Debris sump and elevated collector prevent captured dirt from falling back into the pool during service
- Standard 2-inch female plumbing connection easily reduces to 1.5 inches for flexible plumbing
Cons:
- Tank clamp style and air relief specifications are not detailed in the listing
- Warranty duration is not stated and should be confirmed prior to installation
- Flow rate in GPM is not specified in the manufacturer documentation
HIGH POWERED - These high-powered, rugged filter systems are constructed of tough weather resistant and corrosion proof polymer. The systems are powered by high powered pumps that are energy efficient, allowing you to run your pump less while maintaining crystal clear water.FILTER CARTRIDGE INCLUDED
Key specs
- Pool volume limit
- Up to 35,000 gallons
- Housing material
- Constructed from weather-resistant, corrosion-proof polymer engineered to withstand sun exposure and harsh chemical sanitizers without cracking or rusting.
Pros:
- Sized for inground swimming pools up to 35,000 gallons for reliable residential turnover
- Weather-resistant and corrosion-proof polymer tank housing stands up to harsh outdoor elements
- Comes complete with a 150 sq ft replacement filter cartridge included in the box
- Large element design minimizes required cleaning intervals compared to sub-100 sq ft filters
Cons:
- Exact plumbing connection diameter and union fittings are not specified in the listing
- Maximum GPM flow rate rating is omitted from the product specifications
- Manufacturer warranty period is not listed and must be verified before purchase
THE PERFECT MONEY SAVING REPLACEMENT FILTER FOR OTHER, MORE EXPENSIVE "BULLET" SHAPED CARTRIDGE FILTERS!Crafted from extra-durable, glass reinforced, corrosion-resistant co-polymer material that meets the demands of even the toughest applications.Large filter area offers greater efficiency and dirt
Key specs
- Tank base measurement
- 14-inch bottom circumference
- Plumbing connection sizing
- Features a standard 2-inch female connection that reduces to 1.5 inches, simplifying retrofits on older inground plumbing lines.
Pros:
- Glass-reinforced copolymer construction resists chemical degradation and outdoor weathering
- Bullet-shaped tank with a 14-inch base circumference fits neatly into existing drop-in footprints
- Versatile 2-inch female plumbing connection easily reduces to 1.5 inches to match common pipe runs
- Tapered body widens at the top to increase dirt holding capacity and internal flow
Cons:
- Moderate 120 sq ft capacity may require frequent hose downs on larger inground installations
- Pressure gauge and air relief valve inclusions are not detailed in the product specs
- Flow rate limits in GPM and manufacturer warranty coverage are omitted
KEEP YOUR POOL CLEAN: Keep your pool or spa water crystal clear the easy way with this pool filter cartridge and assembly from PentairHIGH FLOW INTERNAL AIR RELIEF: Features integrated and continuous high flow internal air reliefDURABLE HOUSING: The durable, chemical resistant tank features a lock r
Key specs
- Safety certification
- NSF listed with unionized connections
- Internal air relief
- Continuous high-flow internal air relief prevents trapped air pockets from accumulating inside the tank, maintaining consistent flow and pump efficiency.
Pros:
- High 150 GPM maximum flow rate prevents plumbing bottlenecks on high-performance inground pumps
- NSF listed construction includes unionized connections for secure plumbing alignment
- Continuous high-flow internal air relief helps prevent air pockets from compromising operation
- Tank locking ring with spring-loaded safety latches ensures safe, clamp-free opening
Cons:
- Limited to 150 sq ft, which requires more frequent cleaning than 300+ sq ft multi-cartridge setups
- Standard 1-year manufacturer warranty is shorter than the 3-year terms of some rivals
- Fixed 2-inch plumbing setup requires reducer bushings if adapting to older 1.5-inch pipe
Polyester Filter Cartridge: The high-density polyester filter cartridge with 24 m³/h maximum water flow, not easily deformed and convenient to backwash for reuse, can absorb grease, filter dust, block leaves, and hairs, and eliminate odors effectively. Note: Regular cleaning can extend the cartridge
Key specs
- Inlet and outlet layout
- Configured with two water inlets and one outlet, including two unions and a plug so you can orient your pump plumbing from either side of the tank.
- Pressure relief style
- Includes an automatic pressure relief valve paired with a top-mounted pressure gauge, venting trapped air automatically to prevent over-pressurization.
Pros:
- Glass fiber polypropylene housing with ring-lock cover enables quick lid removal without bolts
- Dual water inlets and included unions allow flexible pump plumbing layout options
- Automatic pressure relief valve automatically purges trapped air to maintain safe operating pressure
- High maximum flow rate of 24 m³/h handles active residential pool water circulation
Cons:
- Warranty duration is not stated in the listing specifications
- Recommended maximum pool gallon capacity is not explicitly stated
- Blue plastic housing design has a taller, narrower 43.3-inch profile requiring vertical clearance
Last update on 2026-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
What square footage cartridge filter fits my pool gallon capacity?
Your filter square footage must handle your pool volume without choking water flow, but gallon ratings vary significantly by model. For instance, the Pentair Clean and Clear 320 square foot filter covers pools up to 57,600 gallons, while the Doheny's 150 square foot model is rated for pools up to 62,400 gallons, and the Rx Clear Radiant 150 square foot unit lists a capacity of up to 35,000 gallons. If you want extra surface area to extend time between cleanings, checking out a 175 sq ft cartridge pool filter or moving up to a 325 square foot Hayward SwimClear tank gives you extra filtration area. Always check the manufacturer gallon rating against your pool size to avoid undersizing your setup.
How do I match the filter flow rate to my pool pump?
Check that the filter maximum gallons per minute rating meets or exceeds your pump output. A tank like the Pentair 160317 handles up to 150 gallons per minute, whereas the larger 320 square foot Pentair 160340 lists a maximum flow rate of 120 gallons per minute. Selecting a filter with a lower flow rating than your pump can create excessive tank pressure and reduce turnover efficiency. If your pump flow rate is unknown, check the pump model plate before choosing your filter.
Will a replacement cartridge filter tank fit my existing pool plumbing?
It depends on the model, as many filter assemblies do not ship with plumbing adapters. The Pentair 160340 includes the filter tank and pressure gauge, but pump-to-filter fittings are not included in the box. Other replacement tanks, such as the Doheny's Pool Pro, feature a bottom circumference of approximately 14 inches to facilitate easier swap-outs for existing bullet-shaped filters. Verify your pipe diameter and union thread types before ordering, and if you need to repair older pipe joints during the changeout, use the best adhesive for pool filter plumbing connections to keep lines leak-free.
Do inground cartridge filters require regular backwashing?
No, cartridge filters do not require backwashing. Systems like the Hayward SwimClear use cleanable cartridge elements that eliminate backwashing entirely. This keeps chemically balanced water inside your pool rather than wasting thousands of gallons out a waste line. When the filter collects dirt, you simply shut off the pump, remove the element, and rinse the polyester pleats with a garden hose.
How often will I need to disassemble and rinse the filter cartridge?
Cleaning frequency depends on your cartridge surface area and pool volume, but properly sized inground tanks generally require cleaning only once or twice a season. You can track when it is time for a rinse by monitoring the tank pressure gauge, which comes included on units like the Pentair 160340. Once internal pressure climbs noticeably above your clean operating baseline, open the air relief valve, remove the lid, and wash off the trapped debris.
What tank features prevent leaks and high pressure buildup?
Look for durable tank materials paired with integrated pressure relief systems and secure lid closures. The Hayward StarClear Plus uses a single-locking knob that fastens the filter head to the tank securely without traditional clamps or bolts. Models like the Pentair Clean and Clear feature integrated and continuous high flow internal air relief to prevent trapped air pockets from stressing the housing. Tanks crafted from glass-reinforced co-polymer or glass fiber polypropylene also resist corrosion and endure regular filtration cycles without cracking.
