Product Overview

The Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 Cartridge Filter | 160301 is a high-capacity cartridge pool filter designed for powerful, low-maintenance filtration in residential pool and spa systems. With 420 square feet of filtration area, this filter captures more dirt and debris between cleanings, helping keep pool water clear while reducing maintenance frequency.

Built with a durable fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene tank, the Clean & Clear Plus 420 is engineered for strength, corrosion resistance, and long-lasting performance. Its four-cartridge design provides balanced flow and excellent dirt-holding capacity, while the 2-inch plumbing connections support efficient water movement through larger pool systems.

Unlike sand or D.E. filters, this cartridge filter does not require backwashing. Simply remove the cartridges, rinse them with a garden hose, and reinstall them for continued filtration.

Ideal For

The Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 is ideal for:

• Residential in-ground pools
• Larger pool systems requiring higher filtration capacity
• Pool owners who want fewer cleaning cycles
• Systems using 2-inch plumbing
• Customers looking for a cartridge filter with no backwashing required
• Pool owners upgrading from smaller cartridge, sand, or D.E. filters

Key Features

420 Sq. Ft. Filtration Area

Large cartridge surface area helps capture more dirt, debris, and fine particles before cleaning is required.

Four-Cartridge Design

Uses four internal cartridge elements to improve dirt-holding capacity and support balanced hydraulic flow.

No Backwashing Required

Cartridges can be removed and rinsed with a garden hose, helping reduce water waste compared to backwash-style filters.

Durable Reinforced Tank

The filter tank is made from fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene for strength, reliability, and corrosion resistance.

2-Inch Plumbing Connections

Designed for high-flow pool systems with 2-inch plumbing.

Easy Cartridge Access

A clamp ring allows access to the internal cartridges for cleaning and service.

Internal Air Relief

Continuous High Flow internal air relief helps reduce air buildup inside the filter during operation.

Easy Drain Clean-Out

The drain clean-out port helps simplify servicing, draining, and winterization.

Benefits

• Helps maintain clean, clear pool water
• Reduces how often the filter needs to be cleaned
• No backwashing means less water waste
• Great option for larger residential pools
• Durable tank construction for long-term use
• Simple cartridge maintenance
• Compatible with standard 2-inch pool plumbing
• Trusted Pentair quality and performance

Specifications

What’s Included

• Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 Cartridge Filter tank
• Internal cartridge assembly
• Pressure gauge / air relief assembly
• Four cartridge elements

Customer-Facing Q&A

Q: Does this filter require backwashing?
A: No. The Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 is a cartridge filter, so it does not require backwashing. The cartridges are removed and rinsed clean with a garden hose.

Q: How many cartridges does this filter use?
A: This filter uses four cartridge elements.

Q: What size plumbing does this filter use?
A: The Clean & Clear Plus 420 is designed for 2-inch plumbing.

Q: What is the maximum flow rate?
A: The maximum flow rate is 150 gallons per minute, depending on the overall pool plumbing and system setup.

Q: Is this a good filter for a larger pool?
A: Yes. With 420 sq. ft. of filtration area, this filter is well-suited for larger residential pools or systems where longer filter cycles are desired.

Q: What is the benefit of a cartridge filter over a sand filter?
A: Cartridge filters typically offer finer filtration and do not require backwashing, which can help save water and make routine maintenance easier.

Q: How do I know when to clean the cartridges?
A: A common guideline is to clean the cartridges when the filter pressure rises about 10 PSI above the clean starting pressure.