Keeping your Pentair Clean & Clear Plus cartridge filter clean is one of the best ways to maintain strong water flow, clear pool water, and longer cartridge life. This guide applies to the Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 320, 420, and 520 cartridge filters, including CCP320, CCP420, and CCP520 models.
Pentair recommends cleaning the filter when the pressure gauge reads about 10 PSI higher than the clean starting pressure. For example, if your system normally runs at 14 PSI after a fresh cleaning, it is time to clean the cartridges when the pressure rises to around 24 PSI.
Before You Start
Always put safety first. Pool filters operate under pressure, and the system must be fully shut down and depressurized before opening the tank. Pentair’s Clean & Clear Plus cleaning guide states that users should follow the proper opening, cleaning, and reassembly procedure for safe service.
You will need a garden hose with a spray nozzle, clean work area, proper replacement O-ring lubricant if needed, and filter cartridge cleaner if the cartridges have oils, scale, or heavy buildup.
Do not use a pressure washer on cartridge elements. High-pressure cleaning can damage the pleats and reduce filtration performance.
Step 1: Turn Off the Pool Equipment
Turn off the pool pump at the control panel or breaker. Make sure the pump cannot restart while the filter is open.
This is especially important if your pool uses automation or a timer. The system should remain off during the entire cleaning process.
Step 2: Open the Air Relief Valve
Slowly open the manual air relief valve on top of the filter. This allows trapped air and pressure to escape from the tank.
Wait until the pressure gauge reads 0 PSI before attempting to open the filter. Never loosen the clamp or open the tank while the filter is pressurized.
Step 3: Remove the Drain Plug
Remove the drain plug at the bottom of the filter tank and allow the water to drain out.
This makes the filter easier to open and helps reduce mess around the equipment pad.
Step 4: Remove the Tank Clamp
Once the filter is fully depressurized, loosen and remove the tank clamp according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Carefully separate the top half of the filter tank from the bottom half. Set the lid aside in a safe location where it will not be scratched or damaged.
Step 5: Remove the Internal Manifold
Inside the Clean & Clear Plus filter, you will see the top manifold assembly over the cartridges.
Carefully lift off the manifold and set it aside. Be gentle with the internal air relief tube and screen assembly.
Step 6: Remove the Cartridges
Lift each cartridge straight up and out of the filter body.
The Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 320, 420, and 520 models each use four cartridge elements. The main difference between the models is the total filtration area: 320 sq. ft., 420 sq. ft., or 520 sq. ft.
Place the cartridges on a clean surface for rinsing.
Step 7: Rinse the Cartridges Thoroughly
Using a garden hose with a spray nozzle, rinse each cartridge from top to bottom.
Work carefully between the pleats to remove dirt, leaves, oils, and debris. Spray at an angle to push debris out of the pleats instead of deeper into the cartridge.
Take your time with this step. A proper rinse should clean the full length of every cartridge, including the spaces between the pleats.
Step 8: Deep Clean if Needed
If the cartridges still look dirty after rinsing, or if your filter pressure rises again soon after cleaning, the cartridges may need a deeper chemical cleaning.
Use a pool cartridge filter cleaning solution according to the cleaner manufacturer’s directions. This can help remove oils, sunscreen residue, body oils, scale, and fine debris that regular rinsing may not fully remove.
Do not acid wash cartridges unless oils and organic buildup have already been removed with a cartridge cleaner. Acid washing dirty or oily cartridges can set contaminants into the media and shorten cartridge life.
Step 9: Inspect the Cartridges
Before reinstalling, inspect each cartridge for damage.
Look for torn pleats, cracked end caps, collapsed media, broken bands, or cartridges that no longer clean properly. If the cartridges are damaged or the filter pressure rises quickly after cleaning, replacement may be needed.
Step 10: Clean and Inspect the Tank O-Ring
Check the large tank O-ring before reassembly.
Make sure it is clean, properly seated, and free of cracks, stretching, or flat spots. If needed, apply a pool-safe silicone lubricant approved for O-rings. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants.
A damaged or dry O-ring can cause leaks after the filter is reassembled.
Step 11: Reinstall the Cartridges
Place the four clean cartridges back into the filter body.
Make sure each cartridge is seated correctly on the lower manifold area. Reinstall the top manifold so it sits evenly over all four cartridges.
Step 12: Reinstall the Filter Lid and Clamp
Place the top half of the tank back onto the bottom half.
Reinstall the clamp according to Pentair’s instructions. Make sure the clamp is properly positioned around both tank halves before tightening.
This step is critical. An improperly installed clamp can create a serious safety hazard when the system is restarted.
Step 13: Replace the Drain Plug
Reinstall the drain plug at the bottom of the filter.
Make sure the plug and O-ring are properly seated to prevent leaks.
Step 14: Restart the System
With the air relief valve still open, turn the pump back on.
Allow air to purge from the filter. Once a steady stream of water comes out of the air relief valve, close the valve.
Check the filter tank, clamp, drain plug, and plumbing connections for leaks.
Step 15: Record the Clean Starting Pressure
After cleaning, note the pressure reading on the gauge while the system is running normally.
This is your clean starting pressure. The next cleaning should be done when the pressure rises about 10 PSI above this baseline, which is the cleaning trigger Pentair highlights for Clean & Clear Plus filters.
How Often Should You Clean a Pentair Clean & Clear Plus Filter?
Cleaning frequency depends on pool size, debris load, pump run time, bather load, nearby trees, and water chemistry.
Most residential pools should check filter pressure weekly. The cartridges should be cleaned when the pressure rises about 10 PSI above the clean starting pressure, or anytime water flow becomes noticeably reduced.
During heavy pool use, spring cleanup, algae recovery, or after storms, the filter may need to be cleaned more often.
Signs Your Cartridges Need Cleaning
Clean the cartridges if you notice reduced return flow, weak skimmer suction, cloudy water, higher-than-normal filter pressure, short cycling between cleanings, or pressure rising quickly after the last cleaning.
If cleaning no longer restores normal pressure and flow, the cartridges may be worn out and ready for replacement.
Important Safety Tips
Never open the filter while it is under pressure.
Always shut off the pump and confirm the pressure gauge reads 0 PSI before loosening the clamp.
Always open the manual air relief valve before opening the tank.
Do not stand over the filter while starting the system.
Do not operate the system if the clamp, O-ring, air relief valve, or tank components are damaged.
Follow the official Pentair Clean & Clear Plus installation and user guide for complete safety instructions.
Customer-Facing Q&A
Q: Do Pentair Clean & Clear Plus cartridge filters need to be backwashed?
A: No. Cartridge filters do not require backwashing. The cartridges are removed from the filter tank and rinsed clean with a garden hose.
Q: How do I know when to clean my Clean & Clear Plus filter?
A: Clean the cartridges when the filter pressure rises about 10 PSI above the clean starting pressure.
Q: How many cartridges are inside the Pentair CCP320, CCP420, and CCP520?
A: Each of these Clean & Clear Plus models uses four cartridge elements.
Q: Can I pressure wash my pool filter cartridges?
A: No. A pressure washer can damage the cartridge media. Use a standard garden hose with a spray nozzle.
Q: Why does my filter pressure rise quickly after cleaning?
A: The cartridges may still have oils or scale buildup, the pool may have algae or heavy debris, or the cartridges may be worn and need replacement.
Q: Can I use household cleaners on pool cartridges?
A: It is best to use a cleaner specifically designed for pool filter cartridges. Household cleaners may foam, damage the media, or create pool water problems
Replacement Cartridge Links
When your cartridges are torn, cracked, collapsed, or no longer return the filter to normal pressure after cleaning, it may be time to replace the full 4-cartridge set.
| Filter Model | Replacement Cartridge Kit | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 320 / CCP320 | Pentair 179134 OEM Cartridge Filter Replacement Kit, 4-Pack | Shop 179134 Replacement Cartridges |
| Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 / CCP420 | Pentair 179135 OEM/Original Cartridge Filter Replacement Kit, 4-Pack | Shop 179135 Replacement Cartridges |
| Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 520 / CCP520 | Pentair 179136 OEM Cartridge Filter Replacement Kit, 4-Pack | Shop 179136 Replacement Cartridges |
Tip: Always confirm your filter model number before ordering replacement cartridges. The Clean & Clear Plus 320, 420, and 520 all use four cartridges, but the cartridge sizes are different for each model.
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