Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 320 vs 420 vs 520
Compare the three most common Clean & Clear Plus cartridge filter sizes by filter area, flow rate, vertical clearance, cartridge set and real-world pool use.
```Choose the Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 320 for smaller to mid-size residential pools where space and budget matter. Choose the 420 when you want more dirt-holding capacity and longer cleaning intervals. Choose the 520 when you want the most cartridge area in the Clean & Clear Plus lineup, especially for larger pools, heavier debris loads, longer pump runtimes or customers who want to clean cartridges less often.
The Pentair Clean & Clear Plus line is one of the most common cartridge-filter families used on residential inground pools. The 320, 420 and 520 all use a four-cartridge design, do not require backwashing and are built around a corrosion-resistant reinforced tank.
The mistake many homeowners make is choosing only by gallons. Gallons matter, but the better filter choice also depends on pump flow, pool surface debris, trees, pollen, pets, swimmer load, pool cover use and how often the owner wants to clean cartridges.
Clean & Clear Plus 320, 420 and 520 Specs
```| Specification | CCP320 | CCP420 | CCP520 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common item numbers | 160340 / EC-160340 | 160301 / EC-160301 | 160332 / EC-160332 |
| Filter area | 320 sq. ft. | 420 sq. ft. | 520 sq. ft. |
| Rated flow rate | 120 GPM | 150 GPM | 150 GPM |
| 8-hour turnover capacity | 57,600 gallons | 72,000 gallons | 72,000 gallons |
| 12-hour turnover capacity | 86,400 gallons | 108,000 gallons | 108,000 gallons |
| Required vertical clearance | 62 inches | 68 inches | 74 inches |
| Replacement cartridge size | PCC80 / R173573 | PCC105 / R173576 | PCC130 / R173578 |
| Number of cartridges | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Which Model Should You Buy?
```- 320 sq. ft. of filter area
- Lower vertical clearance requirement
- Good replacement for smaller cartridge systems
- Best when budget and pad space matter
- 420 sq. ft. of filter area
- 150 GPM rated flow
- More forgiving than the 320
- Strong choice for larger residential pools
- 520 sq. ft. of filter area
- Largest dirt-holding capacity in this group
- Best for longer cleaning intervals
- Needs the most vertical clearance
Why Bigger Is Often Better With Cartridge Filters
```A larger cartridge filter does not force more water through the system. The pump and plumbing determine actual flow. What the larger filter gives you is more media area to spread the debris load across.
More cartridge area usually means the filter can hold more debris before pressure rises.
A larger filter may stay less restrictive as it loads with debris.
Leaves, pollen, storms and algae cleanup are easier on a larger filter.
Replacement Cartridge Matching
```Clean & Clear Plus filters use four cartridges. Match cartridges by filter model, not by guessing from the pool size or tank height.
| Filter | Single Cartridge Reference | Quantity Needed | When to Replace |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCP320 | PCC80 / R173573 | 4 cartridges | When pleats are damaged, bands break or cleaning no longer restores flow. |
| CCP420 | PCC105 / R173576 | 4 cartridges | When pressure rises quickly after cleaning or the media is worn. |
| CCP520 | PCC130 / R173578 | 4 cartridges | When the cartridge is torn, collapsed, oil-loaded or no longer cleans well. |
Final Recommendation
```For most shoppers deciding between these three filters, the CCP420 is the safest middle-ground option. It offers more capacity than the 320 without requiring as much overhead clearance as the 520.
Choose the CCP320 when space and budget matter most. Choose the CCP520 when the pool is larger, debris load is heavier, or the customer wants the longest cleaning interval possible.
Pentair Clean & Clear Plus FAQ
```What is the difference between CCP320, CCP420 and CCP520?
Is the CCP520 always better than the CCP420?
How many cartridges does a Clean & Clear Plus use?
Which cartridge fits the CCP320?
Which cartridge fits the CCP420?
Which cartridge fits the CCP520?
Need Help Choosing a Clean & Clear Plus Filter?
Send Aqua Terra Backyard your current filter model, pump model, pool size, equipment-pad photos and available vertical clearance. We can help narrow down the correct replacement.
Shop Pool Filters Shop Filter CartridgesAlways verify the current Pentair manual and product label before ordering. Filters are pressurized vessels and must be depressurized before opening or servicing.