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When Should I Replace My

Filter Cartridge Element?

Pool & Spa filter cartridge elements clog up over time due to oils, dirt, bacteria, algae, and other micro-organisms that adhere to the cartridge elements. Pool and Spa filter cartridges do not have a specific life span and can vary widely depending on bather loads, natural elements, chemical balances and proper cleaning methodology. Each time you clean the cartridge you need to inspect it carefully for remaining dirt or debris.

Reasons that may indicate the need for a new filter cartridge:

1. Filter cartridges are made of a fibrous material, generally reinforced polyester, which gradually wears and loosens becoming more porous over time.  Look for small tears in the media material. If small tears or holes are present, this allows larger particles to pass through the filter and back into the pool or spa water. This lessens the effectiveness of pool or spa sanitizers which will cause more chemical expense to maintain proper sanitation.  If tears or holes are present, discard the filter and replace it with a new one.

2. The ends caps have become brittle, cracked or discoloured.

3. You notice that you have to clean the filter cartridge more often than normal or you seem to be spending more money than normal on chemicals. This is a major indicator that it may be time to replace the cartridge element.

4. The water flow rate has been reduced due to built-up debris in the element that cannot be cleaned, or if the water flow rate is still low after cleaning your cartridge.

5. If the pressure on your pool filter remains or climbs back up quickly (within two or three days) over normal operating pressure after you have cleaned the cartridge then it is time for a new cartridge.

6. The centre core (if applicable) of the cartridge is misshaped, collapsed, separated from the media or any combination of these, then it is time to replace your cartridge filter.

If any of the above are present, it is highly recommended that you discard your old or damaged filter cartridge and replace it with a new one.

 

NOTE: It is always a good idea to keep a backup filter hand. Then, while you are cleaning your current cartridge you can put the backup cartridge in the pool or spa. This can be very beneficial! If you detect a problem with your filter cartridge you have a backup available immediately. 

 

How To Identify Your

Cartridge Filter Element

Measure the length and outside diameter in millimetres, and identify the top and bottom endcap style. Certain styles of endcap (i.e. open, female thread etc.) may require an inside diameter measurement as well.

Find the length measurement in column 2 of the chart below. Then find the length with the matching outside diameter and endcaps. Once you have found the element you require, click on model name in column 1 to go to that product page.

You may get multiple elements with the same measurements - the difference will be the amount of pleats in the element. More pleats increase the surface area giving increased filtering capacity. Most cartridge filters have a number in the model name which signifies the surface are in square feet i.e. 'Waterco Opal 90' has a surface area of 90 square feet.

 

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MODEL

LENGTH (MM)

 OUTSIDE DIAMETER (MM) TOP ENDCAP BOTTOM ENDCAP COMMENTS
Bestway 2  85 70 28mm hole 27mm hole Original is 77mm diameter
Intex E   85   70 27mm hole 27mm hole Original is 77mm diameter
Krystal Clear 4 / Sand n Sun   95   110   50mm hole   50mm hole  
Intex D Small 95 108 52mm hole 52mm hole Note: There are two types of Intex D
cartridges, please verify
Waterway 10 102 108 53mm hole 53mm hole  
Arctic Spas 12 110 127 Semicircle
handle		 SAE internal
thread		  
Waterway DSF35 117 125 54mm hole 54mm hole Set of 2. Combined height of 234mm
Rainbow RDC10 117 125 54mm hole 54mm hole  
Sunflow SF1500 117 145 Closed 38mm hole  
Stern Flow 10sq ft 117 145 Closed 40mm hole  
Stern Flow 15sq ft 117 145 Closed 40mm hole  
Top Load 12 118 118 Moulded cone
handle		 46mm MPT
thread		  
Finsbury Splasher 800 119 135 Closed 55mm hole  
Spa n a Box 123 70 27mm hole 27mm hole  
Sundance Microclean 127 195 120mm hole 120mm hole  
Jacuzzi 13 127 120 Closed 49mm hole Replaces hourglass polyspun
cartridge
Bestway 5 130 115 50mm hole 50mm hole  
Spaquip Series 1000 C40 135 143 53mm hole 53mm hole  
Lay Z Spa 6 140 110 50mm hole 50mm hole  
Splash Tub 16 140 125 Closed 48mm hole  
Master Spas 32 140 127 SAE internal
thread		 SAE internal
thread		 Normally in Microban
Soft Tub Top Load C25 140 143 Semicircle
handle		 46mm MPT
thread		 Original is 152mm dia
Sunrise Spas 25 140 152 Semicircle
handle		 46mm MPT
thread		  
Sunrise Spas 24 140 152 Semicircle
handle		 49mm SAE
thread		  
Soft Tub Top Load 140 178 Semicircle
handle		 59mm MPT
thread		  
Bullfrog 25 (Hi Flo) 146 200 Open(with lugs) 59mm SAE
thread		 Fits Nature2 stick.
For Spa Industries Spas
Bullfrog 50 146 200 Semicircle
handle		 59mm SAE
thread		  
Sovereign Spas 35 149 143 Closed 46mm MPT
thread		  
Saratoga Spas 13.5 151 118 Moulded cone
handle		 46mm MPT
thread		 Saratoga Spas
Icon Spas 3.7 Skim 152 70 27mm hole 27mm hole  
Sunrise 26 152 152 Semicircle
handle		 46mm MPT
thread		  
Canadian Spas 160 143 Semicircle
handle		 46mm SAE
thread		 Usually antimicrobial
Waterway DSF50 167 125 54mm hole 54mm hole Set of 2. Combined height of 334mm
Freeflow Spas TLX, RLX 25 168 125 54mm hole 46mm MPT
thread		  
Rainbow RDC30 168 125 54mm hole 54mm hole  
Freeflow Spas CLX 25 168 125 Closed 46mm MPT
thread		  
Soft Tub 20 171 118 Moulded cone
handle		 46mm MPT
thread		  
Vita Spas 15 171 117 Moulded cone
handle		 48mm hole
with slots		  
Vita Spas 302 (AB5-300) 171 216 Semicircle
handle		 59mm MPT
thread		 Normally antimicrobial
Strong Industries 20 172 118 Moulded cone
handle		 49mm SAE
thread		 Futura Spas
Master Spas Eco-pur 45 175 205 103mm hole 103mm hole Outer Cartridge Normally in
Microban
Emaux CF25 176 185 77mm hole 77mm hole  
Aqueous Spa 176 143 Closed 46mm MPT
Thread		  
Blue Label Gemini 25 / Jazzi 1 176 143 Closed 49mm SAE
thread		  
Blue Label Hydrus 25 / Jazzi 2 176 143 Closed 58mm MPT
thread		  
Wellis Spas 25 176 143 Semicircle
handle		 46mm MPT
Thread		  
Artesian 40 178 152 48mm hole 59mm MPT
thread		 Replaces Purple Artesian QUALIFLO cartridge
Artesian 26 178 152 Semicircle
handle		 46mm MPT
Thread		  
Vita Spas 30 181 216 48mm hole with
raised ring		 60mm hole  
Master Spas Eco-pur 10 181 98 54mm hole 54mm hole Normally in Microban
Master Spas 40 182 178 Semicircle
handle		 59mm MPT
thread		 Legacy and Freedom models
Master Spas 30 184 177 103mm hole 103mm hole Micro filter 2002-2005
Vita Spas 50 184 216 48mm hole 60mm hole
with slots		  
Vita Spas 502 184 216 Semicircle
handle		 59mm MPT
thread		  
MAGNUM 25 185 185 77mm hole 77mm hole  
Universal - 4sq ft 191 70 27mm hole 27mm hole  
Vita Spas 25 191 118 Closed 46mm MPT
thread		 Original is 108mm OD
Soft Tub 36 New (large ring) 191 151 Closed 51mm hole w/
141mm raised push
fit ring		 Large off centre push fit ring. New type
(post 2010)
Soft Tub 35 Old (small ring) 191 191 Closed 51mm hole w/
105mm raised push
fit ring		 Small off centre push fit ring. Old type
(pre 2010)
Waterway Skim 40 194 150 Handle 46mm MPT
thread		  
Waterco Multi Cyclone C40 197 160 53mm hole 53mm hole  
Spa 2 Go 197 115 54mm hole 54mm hole  
Artesian 41 D-Spa 197 152 Semicircle
handle		 59mm MPT
thread		 D-Spa
Jazzi Spa 3 200 170 Semicircle
handle		 58mm MPT
thread		  
LA Spa 45 with 85mm MPT thread 200 127 Semicircle
handle		 85mm MPT
thread		 retro fit for bag filter
Master Spas 25 203 165 103mm raised
ring		 103mm
rebated ring		 Outer Cartridge Normally in
Microban
General Foam Plastics 7 203 121 45mm hole 45mm hole  
General Foam Plastics 10 203 121 45mm hole 45mm hole  
Muskin 8 203 203 56mm hole 56mm hole No center core
O2 Spas C24 203 125 Closed 46mm MPT
thread		  
Muskin 9 203 109 Closed 46mm MPT
thread		  
Top Load 19 203 118 Moulded cone
handle		 46mm MPT
thread		  
Top Load 24 203 118 Moulded cone
handle		 46mm MPT
thread		 Dream Maker Spas
Top Load 241 203 118 Moulded cone
handle		 48mm keyed
hole		 Dream Maker Spas
Sunrise Spas 36 203 152 Semicircle
handle		 46mm MPT
thread		  
Coleman Spas 32 203 178 Semicircle
handle		 46mm MPT
thread		  
Artesian 35 203 152 Semicircle
handle		 59mm MPT
thread		 Resort Line Spas
Intex A 204 110 50mm hole 50mm hole  
Monarch Spas Skim 204 143 Closed 46mm MPT
thread		  
Sovereign Spas Skim 204 143 Closed 46mm MPT
thread		  
Waterway Top Load 50 Skim 204 150 Handle 49mm SAE
thread		  
Leisurerite C100 - Bottom 204 143 Open 49mm SAE
thread		 combined with top makes 2 per set.
421mm overall.
Elite Spas 35 204 143 Semicircle
handle		 46mm MPT
thread		 Elite Spas by Maax
Maax Spas 35 (Canada) 204 143 Semicircle
handle		 49mm SAE
thread		  
Sensation Spas Skim 204 143 Semicircle
handle		 54mm
extended SAE
thread		  
Leisurerite C100 -Top 204 143 Semicircle
handle		 Male slip fitting combined with bottom makes 2 per set.
421mm overall
Magnum 49 205 143 53mm hole 53mm hole  
Waterway 25 Skim 205 152 Semicircle
handle		 49mm SAE
thread		  
Artesian 50 205 171 Semicircle
handle		 59mm MPT
thread		  
Artesian 32 205 178 Semicircle
handle		 59mm MPT
thread		  
Waterco Opal 90 212 255 75mm hole 75mm hole Pre 2006 OD was 262
MAGNUM 45 215 143 Closed 49mm SAE
thread		  
Master Spas 35 216 127 Semicircle
handle		 SAE internal
thread		 Normally in Microban
Polyline C13 218 115 50mm hole 50mm hole  
Pentair Predator/Clean & Clear 50 219 255 152mm 152mm No center core
Signature C100 / Swim Spa -
Bottom		 223 143 54mm hole with
raised section		 49mm SAE
thread		 combined with top makes 2 per set.
460mm overall
Filtermaster C25 223 185 75mm hole 75mm hole  
Signature 25 Skim 223 143 Open w/lugs 49mm SAE
thread		 To fit with Nature2 stick
Spa International External 223 127 Semicircle
handle		 49mm SAE
thread		  
Signature 50 Skim 223 143 Semicircle
handle		 49mm SAE
thread		  
Signature C100 / Swim Spa - Top 223 143 Semicircle
handle		 Male slip fitting
with lugs		 combined with bottom makes 2 per set.
460mm overall
LA Spa 50 225 152 Semicircle
handle		 46mm MPT
thread		  
Spaquip SQ50 227 143 53mm hole 53mm hole 2 x SQ50 combines to make SQ100
Joined with metal clip
Master Spas 31 227 127 SAE internal
thread		 SAE internal
thread		 Normally in Microban
Hot Springs C33 229 150 50mm hole 50mm  
Waterco Fulflo 90 230 305 78mm hole 78mm hole  
Orbit 25 233 124 55mm hole 55mm hole Arcadia
Nally Mono 25 234 173 Moulded knob
handle		 62 ID, 74 OD
Male slip fitting		  
Rainbow / Waterway 35 235 125 54mm hole 54mm hole  
Master Spas 60 235 203 Semicircle
handle		 59mm MPT
thread		  
Master Spas Twilight 40 235 152 Semicircle
handle		 59mm SAE
thread		  
Snug Tub 235 94 Semicircle
handle		 Male slip fitting  
Pampa 25 240 155 44mm hole 50mm hole  
MAGNUM 35 240 135 54mm hole 54mm hole  
Freeflow 50 240 135 Semicircle
handle		 46mm MPT
thread		 Original has string handle
MAGNUM 47 241 190 67mm hole 67mm hole  
MAGNUM 10" Jumbo Pleated 243 113 25mm hole 25mm hole 1,5,20 and 50 micron
Para / Universal 6sq ft 244 70 27mm hole 27mm hole  
FPI C25 244 185 75mm hole 75mm hole  
Waterco Trimline C25 244 185 77mm hole 77mm hole  
Harmsco BF55 244 195 89mm FTC
Thread		 67mm hole w/
lipseal		 Height is to top of thread
MAGNUM 10" Standard Pleated 247 70 27mm hole 27mm hole 1,5,20 and 50 micron
Top Load 25 247 118 Moulded cone
handle		 46mm MPT
thread		  
Coleman Spas Top Load 40 247 178 Semicircle
handle		 46mm MPT
thread		  
Vita Spas Top Load 40 247 178 Semicircle
handle		 46mm MPT
thread		  
Vita Spas 40 247 178 Semicircle
handle		 48mm hole  
Aqua Spa 25 247 152 Semicircle
handle		 48mm hole
with slots		  
Four Seasons 25 247 152 Semicircle
handle		 48mm hole
with slots		  
Gatsby Spas 25 248 177 Moulded cone
handle		 48mm hole  
Aqua Spa 20 248 117 Moulded cone
handle		 48mm hole
with slots		  
Coleman Spas 402 248 178 Semicircle
handle		 59mm MPT
thread		  
CMP50/Rainbow/Waterway 45 249 135 54mm hole 54mm hole  
Spa International Slip Fit (old style) 249 127 Semicircle
handle		 54mm hole  
Intex B 250 147 48mm hole 48mm hole  
Freeflow Spas 45 Legend 250 135 54mm hole 46mm MPT
thread		  
Rainbow 37 250 125 54mm hole 54mm hole  
Santanna 25 250 125 54mm hole 54mm hole  
Waterway 37 250 125 54mm hole 54mm hole  
American Products 25 250 177 76mm hole 76mm hole  
Hayward Star-Clear C250 250 177 76mm hole 76mm hole  
Onga C25 250 177 76mm hole 76mm hole  
Baker Hydro HM25 250 173 Moulded knob
handle		 Moulded cone  
Diamond Back Spas 35 250 152 Semicircle
handle		 46mm MPT
thread		  
Magnum 20 252 125 55mm hole 55mm hole  
Polyspun Pre-filter 5 micron 253 65 Closed Female hose
thread		  
AAIM / Spa International Internal 254 127 Semicircle
handle		 45mm female
thread		  
Hot Springs C31 260 130 49mm hole 49mm hole  
Hot Springs C30 260 150 50mm hole 50mm hole  
Astral Terra CE 2505 260 228 95mm hole 95mm hole  
Master Spas 49 260 127 Semicircle
handle		 SAE internal
thread		  
Spa Systems C50 263 152 50mm hole 50mm hole  
Lifestyle 30 263 125 54mm hole 54mm hole  
Nemco 30 263 125 54mm hole 54mm hole  
Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath 26 264 144 Closed with
string loop		 54mm hole String loop inserted on side of cartridge.
100 pleats
Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath 50 264 144 Closed with
string loop		 54mm hole String loop inserted on side of cartridge
Poolrite CL30 266 185 74 OD Male slip
fitting		 75mm hole  
Poolrite CL50LP 266 185 74 OD Male slip
fitting		 75mm hole  
Dimension One C75 TY 267 182 6mm hole with
Y stands		 50mm hole
with twist lock		  
Hotsprings C65 267 215 76mm hole 76mm hole  
Dimension One 52 49mm 267 178 Semicircle
handle		 49mm SAE
thread		  
Dimension One 52 59mm 267 178 Semicircle
handle		 59mm MPT
thread		  
Sunflow SF3000 272 145 Closed 38mm hole  
Sunflow SF5000 272 145 Closed 38mm hole  
Hayward 400RE Skim Filter 273 216 Semicircle
handle		 103mm hole  
Del Sol Spas 40 273 132 Semicircle
handle		 59mm MPT
moulded thread		 Original may be 140mm diameter
Spaquip Series 3000 CF750 274 230 102mm hole 102mm hole  
Caldera 50 (Old style) 274 178 Semicircle
handle		 51mm OD slip
fitting		  
Caldera 50 274 178 Semicircle
handle		 67mm hole  
Davey Series 3000 CF500 275 208 102mm hole 102mm hole  
Davey Series 3000 CF750 275 230 102mm hole 102mm hole  
Spaquip Series 3000 CF500 280 208 102mm hole 102mm hole  
Paradise C50 280 253 140mm hole 140mm hole  
Pentair Purex 40 282 177 76mm hole 76mm hole 3 per set
Waterway 40 286 125 54mm hole 54mm hole  
Hurlcon ZX50 288 230 75mm hole 75mm hole  
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