Guide
CCP320 vs CCP420
The Clean & Clear Plus 320 and 420 differ in filtration area and cartridge size. Here is how they compare and why the cartridges do not cross over.
The Clean & Clear Plus 320 and 420 are two sizes of the same filter line. If you are choosing between them, or wondering whether a larger filter is worth it, the difference comes down to filtration area and what that buys you. This is a comparison of the two systems, not the cartridges, since they take different cartridges and are not interchangeable.
The core difference
| CCP320 | CCP420 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total filtration area | 320 sq ft | 420 sq ft |
| Cartridges | Four, 80 sq ft each | Four, 105 sq ft each |
| Cartridge length | 20 1/16 in | 26 1/16 in |
| Cartridge diameter | 7 in | 7 in |
Both take four cartridges of the same 7 inch diameter. The 420's cartridges are longer, giving it more filtration area in total.
What more area actually does
A larger filter area means more surface to catch debris before it clogs, which translates to longer runs between cleanings and, generally, the ability to keep up with a larger or dirtier pool. It does not make the water cleaner in a way you would see at a given moment; both filters clean to the same particle level. The advantage of the larger filter is capacity and interval, not a different quality of filtration.
Which one you need
In most cases you do not choose; your equipment already has one or the other, sized to the pool by whoever installed it. This comparison matters in two situations. If you are replacing the whole filter and your pool has grown its demand (an addition, more use, more debris), stepping up can lengthen cleaning intervals. And if you are simply identifying what you have to buy the right cartridge, the key point is that they are not interchangeable: a 320 cartridge does not fit a 420 housing and the reverse does not seal. Match the cartridge to the housing you actually own.
The cartridges do not cross over
Worth stating plainly because it causes wrong orders: the CCP320 and CCP420 use different cartridges. The 320 takes the 20 inch, 80 square foot cartridge (C-7470 / PCC80 / FC-1976). The 420 takes the 26 inch, 105 square foot cartridge (C-7471 / PCC105 / FC-1977). Ordering by filter model or by measuring the length keeps them straight.
If you already know which cartridge you need, our part-number pages have specs and cross-references for the CCP320, CCP420, and CCP520.
Ready to replace?
We stock both sizes as sets of four, shipped free. Order the one that matches your housing.
Shop CCP320 → Shop CCP420 →Meridian Filtration publishes complete dimensions and cross-reference data for every cartridge we carry. Enter your email and we'll send one message when we launch.