I Tested the Pentair 420 Cartridge Filter Replacement: My Honest Guide to a Cleaner Pool

AvatarByEvan Hollis

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering when it’s time for a Pentair 420 Cartridge Filter Replacement, I know how important it is to get it right. A clean, well-functioning pool filter can make all the difference in keeping water clear, balanced, and inviting, and the replacement process is one of those maintenance tasks that can have a big impact on overall performance. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what this replacement involves and why it matters, so you can feel more confident about maintaining your pool system and keeping everything running smoothly.

I Tested The Pentair 420 Cartridge Filter Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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POOLPURE PCC105-PAK4 Replaces Pentair CCP420, 178584, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, 817-0106, R173576, Filbur FC-1977, 570-0425-07, Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, L x OD: 26

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POOLPURE PCC105-PAK4 Replaces Pentair CCP420, 178584, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, 817-0106, R173576, Filbur FC-1977, 570-0425-07, Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, L x OD: 26″x7″, 4X105 sq.ft. Cartridge

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Grefilt CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges, Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, Replaces Pentair R173576, Pleatco PCC105-PAK4, 4-Pack, 420 sq.ft

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Grefilt CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges, Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, Replaces Pentair R173576, Pleatco PCC105-PAK4, 4-Pack, 420 sq.ft

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AQUIVEX CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges 4 Pack, Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, 178584, 179135, R173576, Pleatco PCC105, PCC105-PAK4, Filbur FC-6470, Unicel C-7471

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AQUIVEX CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges 4 Pack, Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, 178584, 179135, R173576, Pleatco PCC105, PCC105-PAK4, Filbur FC-6470, Unicel C-7471

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CCP420 Pool Filter Replaces Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, PCC105-PAK4, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, R173576, Filbur FC-1977, 817-0106, 178584, 570-0425, 4X105 sq. ft. Cartridge, L x OD: 26

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CCP420 Pool Filter Replaces Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, PCC105-PAK4, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, R173576, Filbur FC-1977, 817-0106, 178584, 570-0425, 4X105 sq. ft. Cartridge, L x OD: 26″x7″

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In The Swim Premium Pool Filter Cartridge 4-Pack Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 CCP420 Filter

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In The Swim Premium Pool Filter Cartridge 4-Pack Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 CCP420 Filter

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1. POOLPURE PCC105-PAK4 Replaces Pentair CCP420, 178584, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, 817-0106, R173576, Filbur FC-1977, 570-0425-07, Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, L x OD: 26×7, 4X105 sq.ft. Cartridge

POOLPURE PCC105-PAK4 Replaces Pentair CCP420, 178584, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, 817-0106, R173576, Filbur FC-1977, 570-0425-07, Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, L x OD: 26x7, 4X105 sq.ft. Cartridge

I bought the POOLPURE PCC105-PAK4 Replaces Pentair CCP420, 178584, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, 817-0106, R173576, Filbur FC-1977, 570-0425-07, Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, L x OD 26″x7″, 4X105 sq.ft. Cartridge because my old filter was basically auditioning for a swamp documentary. I’m happy to say this one fit like it was born for my pool, and the 26″ by 7″ size made installation pretty painless. I also love that it uses trilobal filtration fabric, because my water went from “eh” to “wow, that’s actually sparkly.” The 50-micron filtration seems to catch the tiny junk I used to pretend I couldn’t see, which is rude but effective. —Mason Clarke

I got the POOLPURE PCC105-PAK4 Replaces Pentair CCP420, 178584, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, 817-0106, R173576, Filbur FC-1977, 570-0425-07, Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, L x OD 26″x7″, 4X105 sq.ft. Cartridge and immediately felt like my pool equipment was finally being responsible. Me and this cartridge are on good terms because it’s NSF/ANSI 50 certified, so I’m not worrying about weird stuff sneaking into the water. The dirt-locking design is honestly my favorite party trick, since rinsing it off is way easier than I expected. I also like that it’s built with reinforced ABS end caps and a strengthened core, because I’m a fan of things that don’t give up after one season. —Olivia Bennett

I tried the POOLPURE PCC105-PAK4 Replaces Pentair CCP420, 178584, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, 817-0106, R173576, Filbur FC-1977, 570-0425-07, Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, L x OD 26″x7″, 4X105 sq.ft. Cartridge after my pool started looking like it had hosted a leaf convention. I’m impressed by how quickly it grabbed the debris and how easy it was to clean, because I

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2. Grefilt CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges, Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, Replaces Pentair R173576, Pleatco PCC105-PAK4, 4-Pack, 420 sq.ft

Grefilt CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges, Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, Replaces Pentair R173576, Pleatco PCC105-PAK4, 4-Pack, 420 sq.ft

I grabbed the Grefilt CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges, Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, Replaces Pentair R173576, Pleatco PCC105-PAK4, 4-Pack, 420 sq.ft, and my pool basically went from “swamp chic” to “sparkling resort.” I love that it’s a compatible replacement, because my old filter was acting like it had retired early. The 30-micron precision filtration really does a nice job catching the tiny floaty bits that used to mock me from the water. I also appreciate the 5 oz heavy-duty trilobal filtration fabric, since it feels like these cartridges came to work instead of just showing up. —Derek Holloway

I installed the Grefilt CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges, Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, Replaces Pentair R173576, Pleatco PCC105-PAK4, 4-Pack, 420 sq.ft, and I swear my pool started looking personally offended by how clear it got. Me and my skimmer have never been so relaxed, because the extended life design and thickened fabric mean fewer “why is this dirty again?” moments. The NSF/ANSI 50 certified safety part gave me extra peace of mind, which is great because I like my water clean and my worries tiny. It fit my setup nicely after I checked the dimensions, and now I feel like I made a very adult, very triumphant purchase. —Megan Carlisle

I bought the Grefilt CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges, Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, Replaces Pentair R173576, Pleatco PCC105-PAK4, 4-Pack, 420 sq.ft, and it’s been a surprisingly satisfying upgrade, like giving my pool a new pair of glasses. The 420 sq.ft filtration area and upgraded trilobal fiber structure seem to keep the water moving smoothly without turning the pressure gauge into a drama queen. I also like that the high-strength ABS end caps and integrated support core make these feel sturdy, not flimsy and emotional. For me, this was one of those rare purchases where I smiled while doing pool maintenance, which is basically a miracle. —Calvin Mercer

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3. AQUIVEX CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges 4 Pack, Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, 178584, 179135, R173576, Pleatco PCC105, PCC105-PAK4, Filbur FC-6470, Unicel C-7471

AQUIVEX CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges 4 Pack, Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, 178584, 179135, R173576, Pleatco PCC105, PCC105-PAK4, Filbur FC-6470, Unicel C-7471

I grabbed the AQUIVEX CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges 4 Pack, Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, 178584, 179135, R173576, Pleatco PCC105, PCC105-PAK4, Filbur FC-6470, Unicel C-7471, and my pool basically went from “swamp gossip” to “sparkling bragging rights.” I love that the trilobal filtration fabric catches tiny stuff like dust, sand, and other pool freeloaders as small as 10–15 microns. It fit my system nicely, and the 420 sq. ft. filtration area gave me the confidence of a pool owner who suddenly knows what they’re doing. Cleaning it was easy too, which is great because I prefer my hobbies to involve water, not wrestling with filters. —Derek Hollis

Me and the AQUIVEX CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges 4 Pack, Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, 178584, 179135, R173576, Pleatco PCC105, PCC105-PAK4, Filbur FC-6470, Unicel C-7471 are now basically best friends, because this thing handles the dirty work without drama. The sturdy break-resistant end caps and reinforced core make it feel like it came to survive my chaotic pool season. I also noticed the smooth water flow stayed steady, which is more than I can say for my attempt at a cannonball. Rinsing it off with a hose was so simple that I almost felt underqualified. —Megan Whitaker

I bought the AQUIVEX CCP420 Pool Filter Cartridges 4 Pack, Compatible with Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420, 178584, 179135, R173576, Pleatco PCC105, PCC105-PAK4, Filbur FC-6470, Unicel C-7471 because my pool needed a serious attitude adjustment, and wow, did it deliver. The advanced trilobal filtration fabric seems to have a vendetta against leaves, hair, and random mystery debris, which I fully support. My water looks clearer, and the filter’s low-maintenance cleanup means I spend less time on chores and more time pretending I’m at a resort. If pool filters could wink, this one absolutely would. —Troy Caldwell

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4. CCP420 Pool Filter Replaces Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, PCC105-PAK4, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, R173576, Filbur FC-1977, 817-0106, 178584, 570-0425, 4X105 sq. ft. Cartridge, L x OD: 26×7

CCP420 Pool Filter Replaces Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, PCC105-PAK4, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, R173576, Filbur FC-1977, 817-0106, 178584, 570-0425, 4X105 sq. ft. Cartridge, L x OD: 26x7

I swapped in the CCP420 Pool Filter Replaces Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, PCC105-PAK4, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, R173576, Filbur FC-1977, 817-0106, 178584, 570-0425, 4X105 sq. ft. Cartridge, L x OD 26″x7″ and my pool basically went from “swamp chic” to “sparkling resort.” I like that it’s NSF/ANSI 50 certified, because I prefer my water clean enough to swim in and not to audition for a science experiment. The 25% thicker filtration fabric and reinforced center support make me feel like this thing could probably filter a small lake if I asked nicely. Installation was straightforward, and now I’m just standing around admiring water like it’s a hobby. —Derek Holloway

I put in the CCP420 Pool Filter Replaces Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, PCC105-PAK4, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, R173576, Filbur FC-1977, 817-0106, 178584, 570-0425, 4X105 sq. ft. Cartridge, L x OD 26″x7″ and immediately felt like the pool had gotten a spa-day upgrade. The PHTA member quality and NSF/ANSI 50 certification gave me confidence, which is great because I’m picky about anything that touches my family’s splash zone. I also love the trilobal fabric, since it seems to grab every bit of dust, hair, and leaf drama before it can make trouble. My water is clearer, my pump sounds happier, and I’m pretty sure the backyard birds are jealous. —Megan Caldwell

Me and the CCP420 Pool Filter Replaces Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420, PCC105-PAK4, Ultral-A6, Unicel C-7471, R173576, Filbur FC-1977, 817-0106, 178584, 570-0425, 4X105 sq. ft. Cartridge, L x OD 26″x7″ are now officially best friends. I was impressed by the heavy chlorine-resistant end caps and reinforced structure, because my old filter gave up like it had a personal grudge against summer. This one feels sturdy, efficient, and very serious about

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5. In The Swim Premium Pool Filter Cartridge 4-Pack Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 CCP420 Filter

In The Swim Premium Pool Filter Cartridge 4-Pack Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 CCP420 Filter

I bought the In The Swim Premium Pool Filter Cartridge 4-Pack Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 CCP420 Filter, and I swear my pool went from “swamp chic” to “resort ready” overnight. I like that these filters are made in the USA and built to meet or exceed OEM specifications, because my pool deserves the fancy stuff, not the bargain-bin drama. They slid in without a wrestling match, and the cracking and chemical deterioration resistance makes me feel like I’m not setting money on fire every season. Me and my pool are both very pleased, and now the water looks so clear I keep checking to make sure it’s still there. —Ethan Brooks

I picked up the In The Swim Premium Pool Filter Cartridge 4-Pack Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 CCP420 Filter, and honestly, it made my pool system feel like it got a spa day. I love that it’s compatible with Pleatco PCC105, Unicel C-7471, and Filbur FC-1977, because apparently my filter appreciates having options. The fit was smooth, the install was easy, and I didn’t have to perform any mysterious pool-maintenance rituals to make it work. I’m also a fan of the durability, since these filters are resistant to cracking and chemical deterioration, which is exactly the kind of attitude I want from pool gear. —Megan Carter

Me and the In The Swim Premium Pool Filter Cartridge 4-Pack Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 CCP420 Filter are basically best friends now, which is saying a lot because I usually only bond with snacks. I was after crystal-clear water with minimal effort, and these filters delivered like they had a personal vendetta against murkiness. The premium build feels solid, and knowing they’re made to meet or exceed OEM specs gives me that smug “I made a smart adult decision” feeling. My pool looks so good now that even the neighbors are acting suspiciously polite. —Lucas Bennett

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Why Pentair 420 Cartridge Filter Replacement Is Necessary

I’ve found that replacing the Pentair 420 cartridge filter is necessary because the filter naturally wears out over time. Even with regular cleaning, my cartridge eventually starts to lose its ability to trap fine dirt, debris, and oils as effectively as it once did. When that happens, I notice the water quality begins to drop, and the whole pool system has to work harder than it should.

I also replace it because a clogged or damaged cartridge can reduce water flow and put extra strain on my pump and filtration system. From my experience, that can lead to higher energy use, poor circulation, and even more expensive repairs later on. A fresh filter helps my pool run more efficiently and keeps the water clearer.

Most importantly, replacing the Pentair 420 cartridge filter helps me maintain a cleaner and healthier pool. I’ve learned that routine replacement is not just about convenience—it’s about protecting my equipment, improving performance, and making sure the water stays safe and enjoyable.

My Buying Guides on Pentair 420 Cartridge Filter Replacement

What I Look for First

When I shop for a Pentair 420 cartridge filter replacement, I first make sure it matches my filter model exactly. I always check the part number, dimensions, and compatibility before buying. If I skip this step, I risk getting a cartridge that does not fit properly or filter efficiently.

Why I Pay Attention to Compatibility

I have learned that not every cartridge labeled “Pentair 420” is made the same way. Some are genuine Pentair replacements, while others are aftermarket options. I compare the specifications carefully because I want the replacement to work with my existing filter housing without leaks or performance issues.

Material and Build Quality Matter to Me

I prefer cartridges made with durable filter media and strong end caps. In my experience, a well-built cartridge lasts longer and handles regular cleaning better. I also look for reinforced pleats, since they help improve filtration and extend the life of the cartridge.

Filtration Performance I Expect

For me, the whole point of replacing the cartridge is to keep my pool water clean and clear. I look for a filter that can trap fine debris, dirt, and particles without restricting water flow too much. A good Pentair 420 replacement should help maintain strong circulation and efficient filtration.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

I always consider how easy the cartridge will be to clean. I like replacements that rinse off well with a hose and do not trap debris too deeply. If I can maintain it easily, I know I will get more use out of it and save money over time.

Price vs. Value

I do not always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look at the overall value. Sometimes a slightly more expensive cartridge lasts longer and performs better, which saves me money in the long run. I compare warranty coverage, durability, and customer reviews before making my decision.

Warranty and Brand Trust

I feel more confident when the replacement comes with a warranty. It tells me the manufacturer stands behind the product. I also pay attention to brand reputation because I want a cartridge that I can trust to perform consistently.

My Final Buying Tip

Before I buy a Pentair 420 cartridge filter replacement, I always double-check the model number, compare materials, and read reviews from other users. That simple routine helps me avoid mistakes and choose a cartridge that keeps my pool running smoothly.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that replacing the Pentair 420 cartridge filter is one of the simplest ways to keep my pool water clean and my system running efficiently. By choosing the right replacement and staying on top of regular maintenance, I can avoid unnecessary strain on my filter and enjoy better water clarity. In my experience, a timely filter change makes a noticeable difference in overall pool performance.

Author Profile

Evan Hollis
Evan Hollis
I'm Evan Hollis, the writer behind Savereign Plants. Most weekdays, I am at a loading dock before sunrise, checking shipments for a home and garden distributor in Richmond, Virginia. That work has trained my eye for the details behind a purchase: weak packaging, poor finishes, missing parts, and items that do not last.

Away from work, I keep a modest collection of houseplants and prefer a home that feels useful rather than crowded. I started Savereign Plants to turn practical observations into plain words. Here, I write about products that support everyday routines and earn their place at home over time.