Guide

How to replace CCP320 cartridges

Replacing the four cartridges in a Clean & Clear Plus 320 is a straightforward job. Here is the full walkthrough, including the safety steps.

Replacing the cartridges in a Clean & Clear Plus 320 is a straightforward job that takes most of the difficulty out of pool maintenance once you have done it once. The system holds four cartridges in a single tank. This walkthrough covers the replacement from start to finish. Always follow the safety steps; the filter is under pressure in normal operation.

Before you start

Have the new set of four cartridges on hand and confirmed as the correct part for your filter. The CCP320 uses the 80 square foot cartridge (Unicel C-7470, Pleatco PCC80, Filbur FC-1976, or equivalent). If you are not certain, confirm the fit before you open the filter.

Step by step

1. Turn off the pump. Shut down the pump at the equipment pad and at the breaker. The filter must not be running while it is open.

2. Release the pressure. Open the air relief valve on top of the filter to release internal pressure. Wait until the gauge reads zero and air stops hissing out. This step is not optional; opening a pressurized filter is dangerous.

3. Open the tank. Remove the clamp band or lock ring that holds the filter halves together, following the design of your specific unit. Lift off the top half of the housing.

4. Remove the old cartridges. Lift out all four cartridges. Note how they seat on the bottom manifold so you can set the new ones the same way.

5. Inspect and rinse the interior. Check the manifold and the tank interior for debris. Rinse out any sediment. Check the o-ring or gasket on the tank seal; if it is cracked or flattened, replace it, and lubricate it with a silicone-based pool lubricant.

6. Seat the new cartridges. Place all four new cartridges onto the manifold, seating each one fully so it sits square. They should sit at the same height.

7. Close the tank. Reseat the top half, making sure the seal is seated correctly, and secure the clamp band or lock ring. Do not overtighten past the manufacturer's spec.

8. Restart and check. Leave the air relief valve open, turn the pump back on, and let the tank fill until a steady stream of water comes out of the relief valve, then close it. Watch for leaks and note the starting pressure on a clean set, which is your baseline for knowing when they next need cleaning.

Why all four at once

The CCP320 is designed around four cartridges sharing the load evenly. Replacing all four together keeps them the same age so they wear evenly. A single new cartridge among three worn ones takes uneven load and wears early.

If you already know which cartridge you need, our part-number pages have specs and cross-references for the CCP320, CCP420, and CCP520.