Product Overview

The Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 sq ft Cartridge Filter | EC-160301 is a premium, high-capacity cartridge filtration system designed for residential in-ground pools that need strong water clarity, dependable flow, and easier maintenance. With 420 sq. ft. of filtration area and a four-cartridge internal design, this filter captures fine debris while allowing high-volume circulation for larger pool systems.

Unlike sand or D.E. filters, the Clean & Clear Plus 420 does not require backwashing. Simply remove the cartridges, rinse them with a garden hose, and return the filter to service. Its fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene tank is built for strength, corrosion resistance, and long-term performance in demanding pool environments.

Ideal For

Residential in-ground pools that require a large-capacity filter with longer cleaning intervals, strong debris-holding capacity, and simple cartridge maintenance. This model is especially well suited for medium to large pools, higher-flow equipment pads, variable-speed pump systems, and pool owners who want excellent water clarity without routine backwashing.

Key Features

420 Sq. Ft. Filtration Area: The large cartridge surface area provides excellent dirt-holding capacity, helping the filter capture debris efficiently while reducing how often the cartridges need to be cleaned.

Four-Cartridge Internal Design: The Clean & Clear Plus 420 uses four internal cartridges to distribute water flow across a larger media area. This helps improve filtration performance and supports longer service cycles between cleanings.

High Flow Performance: Designed with a listed flow rate of 150 GPM, the CCP420 supports strong circulation for larger residential pool systems when properly matched with the pump and plumbing setup. Pentair notes that actual system flow will vary based on plumbing size and other system components.

No Backwashing Required: Cartridge filtration eliminates the need for backwashing. This helps reduce water waste and makes routine maintenance easier compared with traditional sand or D.E. filter systems.

Durable Reinforced Tank Construction: The corrosion-resistant, fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene tank is built for strength, reliability, and long-term outdoor equipment-pad use.

Easy Cartridge Access: The filter is designed for straightforward service. Open the tank, remove the cartridges, rinse them clean, and reinstall them after proper inspection and reassembly.

Benefits

The Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 delivers powerful filtration with less routine maintenance, making it a strong upgrade for pool owners who want cleaner water and fewer service interruptions. Its large 420 sq. ft. filter area helps extend the time between cartridge cleanings, while the high-flow design supports efficient circulation on properly sized pool systems.

Because there is no backwashing, pool owners can save water and avoid the extra plumbing requirements associated with backwash lines. The four-cartridge design also provides excellent debris capture for everyday pool use, helping maintain clear, sparkling water throughout the swimming season.

Specifications

Customer-Facing Q&A

Q: Is the Pentair EC-160301 the same as the Clean & Clear Plus 420?
A: Yes. EC-160301 is the e-commerce SKU for the Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 sq. ft. cartridge filter. The standard Pentair SKU is commonly listed as 160301.

Q: How many cartridges does this filter use?
A: The Clean & Clear Plus 420 uses four internal filter cartridges.

Q: Does this filter require backwashing?
A: No. This is a cartridge filter, so it does not require backwashing. The cartridges are removed and rinsed clean during routine maintenance.

Q: What size pool is this filter good for?
A: The CCP420 is commonly used on medium to large residential in-ground pools. Pentair lists 420 sq. ft. of filter area and a 150 GPM flow rate, with turnover capacities up to 54,000 gallons in 6 hours, 72,000 gallons in 8 hours, and 108,000 gallons in 12 hours, depending on actual system flow.

Q: Is this filter compatible with variable-speed pumps?
A: Yes, it can be used with properly sized variable-speed pump systems. Final compatibility depends on plumbing size, pump performance, and the pool system’s flow requirements.

Q: What makes this better than a smaller cartridge filter?
A: The larger 420 sq. ft. filtration area provides more debris-holding capacity, which can mean longer time between cleanings and better flow performance when matched to the right pool system.