Cartridge filters have gained significant market share over the past decade, and for good reason: no backwash water loss, easy maintenance, and filtration quality approaching DE at 10–20 microns. The Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 320 (CCP320) is one of the most widely installed residential cartridge filters on the market. For service professionals, it's a filter you'll encounter constantly — and one worth understanding thoroughly.
| Spec | Clean and Clear Plus 320 |
|---|---|
| Model number | 160317 (with union) |
| Filtration area | 320 sq ft |
| Cartridge count | 4 |
| Max flow rate | 100 GPM |
| Pool size rating | Up to 40,000 gallons |
| Cartridge part number | 178584 (set of 4) |
| Tank material | High-strength polyurethane |
| Warranty | 3 years (tank), 1 year (cartridges) |
| Price (filter) | ~$500–$650 |
| Price (cartridge set) | ~$120–$180 |
Each filter type has a sweet spot. Cartridge filters hit a specific combination of advantages that makes them the most popular choice for new residential installations:
The CCP320 has four cartridges arranged in a cross pattern inside the tank. The lid is secured by a large clamp ring. Cleaning procedure:
For deep cleaning during spring opening or if cartridges are oily (sunscreen, body oils), soak in a diluted filter cleaner solution (such as Leisure Time Filter Clean or Natural Chemistry Filter Perfect) for several hours before rinsing. This removes oils and mineral deposits that hosing alone won't clear.
Log filter pressure at every visit in PoolLens. The clean baseline for a CCP320 is typically 8–12 PSI. A note showing pressure trending from 10 PSI to 20 PSI over three visits makes it simple to diagnose when cleaning is due — without guessing.
| Feature | Pentair CCP320 | Hayward Star-Clear Plus C1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration area | 320 sq ft | 300 sq ft |
| Cartridge count | 4 | 4 |
| Max flow | 100 GPM | 100 GPM |
| Tank material | Polyurethane | Reinforced thermoplastic |
| Automation integration | Pentair IntelliTouch/EasyTouch | Hayward OmniLogic/AquaConnect |
| Price (filter) | ~$500–$650 | ~$450–$600 |
| Cartridge cost (set) | ~$120–$180 | ~$100–$160 |
| Best for | Pentair automation pools | Hayward automation pools |
For most residential pools without existing automation, the filters perform nearly identically. The decision point becomes brand consistency: if the pool runs Pentair equipment, choose the CCP320 for better support and parts alignment. Hayward pool — choose the Star-Clear Plus C1200.
Pentair rates the CCP320 for pools up to 40,000 gallons, which covers the vast majority of residential applications. For very large pools (50,000+ gallons) or pools with high debris loads, the CCP520 (520 sq ft) provides more headroom between cleanings. Undersizing a cartridge filter is the most common spec mistake — a filter that's too small clogs quickly and requires frequent maintenance. When in doubt, go larger.
The other version to know: the Clean and Clear Plus 420 (CCP420) at 420 sq ft is the sweet spot for pools in the 30,000–50,000 gallon range. Pricing runs $600–$750 — a modest premium for meaningfully longer cleaning intervals.
Pentair CCP320 cartridges (part 178584) should be replaced when:
Aftermarket cartridge sets are available from $80–$130 for the full set of four. OEM Pentair cartridges run $120–$180. The quality difference between OEM and reputable aftermarket (Unicel, Filbur, Pleatco) is minimal for residential use — all three brands make acceptable replacement cartridges for the CCP320.
Log filter pressure, cartridge cleaning dates, and replacement history for every account in PoolLens. Know when each filter is due for service before clients call about cloudy water. Free for pool service professionals.
Open PoolLens Free →Clean the cartridges when pressure rises 8–10 PSI above the clean baseline, or approximately every 4–8 weeks depending on pool usage and debris load. A full season with light use may require only 2–3 cleanings. Heavy bather loads or pools under trees may require monthly cleaning.
Pentair CCP320 cartridges (Pentair part 178584) typically last 2–5 years depending on cleaning frequency, chemical exposure, and debris load. Cartridges exposed to high phosphate levels or improper pH degrade faster. Inspect annually for tears, crushed pleats, or end cap separation.
The CCP320 handles up to 100 GPM flow rate. This makes it compatible with virtually all residential variable speed pumps at their highest programmed speeds. The 320 square foot filtration area provides good pressure headroom before cleaning is required.
No. Cartridge filters do not backwash — this is one of their main advantages over sand and DE filters. Cleaning involves removing the cartridges and hosing them down with a garden hose. No water is wasted in a backwash cycle, making cartridge filters ideal for areas with water restrictions.
Both are 4-cartridge residential filters. The CCP320 offers 320 sq ft of filtration area versus the C1200's 300 sq ft. The Pentair unit integrates more cleanly with Pentair automation (IntelliChem, IntelliTouch). The Hayward Star-Clear Plus is slightly less expensive at retail. For Hayward automation pools, the C1200 is the better fit; for Pentair pools, CCP320 wins.