How to Clean a Pentair Clean & Clear Plus Filter
The Pentair Clean & Clear Plus is a four-cartridge pool filter operating under pressure. Pentair says cleaning is due when the gauge reads about 10 psi above the recorded clean starting pressure, but opening the tank begins only after automation and pump power are disabled, the manual air-relief valve is opened, the gauge reads zero and all trapped pressure is gone. Clamp hardware differs between production versions, including designs made before and after August 2025, so torque, socket size and reassembly must come from the exact spring-clamp or cast-clamp manual. This guide explains the complete decision path without substituting generic clamp instructions.
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Primary reference: Pentair official Clean & Clear Plus cleaning and safety support. Always check the manual for your exact model.
Quick reference
- Cleaning trigger
- Approximately 10 psi above the recorded clean starting pressure.
- Before opening
- Service mode, breakers off, pump off, relief valve open and gauge at zero.
- Cartridges
- Garden-hose rinse top to bottom between pleats on a clean hard surface.
- Clamp
- Use the exact production-version manual for tools, alignment and torque.
- Restart
- Relief open until solid water flows; stop for leaks, abnormal pressure or absent flow.
What you will need
- The exact Pentair Clean & Clear Plus owner manual and safety video
- The model- and production-date-correct socket, ratchet and torque tools
- A clean garden hose with spray nozzle
- A clean hard surface for the four cartridges
- Soft nylon brush for tank surfaces
- Commercial cartridge-filter cleaner or TSP only when the Pentair procedure calls for oil removal
- Clean cloths and silicone lubricant only if specified for the tank O-ring
- A marker or record of the clean starting pressure
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Use pressure rise—not the calendar—as the trigger
Compare operating pressure with the value recorded immediately after the last correct cleaning. Pentair identifies roughly 10 psi above that clean baseline as the cleaning point. Reduced flow or unusual pressure also warrants checking skimmer and pump baskets. Do not loosen a clamp simply because the pump is switched off.
Step 2: Prevent automatic pump startup
Place pool automation in service mode when applicable, shut off the pump and turn off power to pool features at their breakers. Verify the pump cannot start from a timer, app or freeze-protection command. Move tools away from controls so power cannot be restored during open-tank service.
Step 3: Relieve every bit of pressure
Open the manual air-relief valve at the top as the exact manual shows and stand clear of the filter. Wait for air and water discharge to stop and confirm the pressure gauge reads zero. Open the drain if directed. Never loosen, strike or adjust the clamp while pressure remains or while the gauge response is uncertain.
Step 4: Identify the clamp version before removal
Check the production date and whether the unit uses the spring-clamp or cast-clamp arrangement. Pentair's support resources distinguish units around the August 2025 design change. Use the correct manual's tool size, loosening sequence and handling points. Support both clamp arms when lifting the band so it cannot drop.
Step 5: Remove the lid and cartridge assembly
Lift the released lid as shown without prying against tank sealing surfaces. Note the position of the manifold, air-bleed assembly and four cartridges, then remove components by their rigid supports. Do not pull pleated media, bend the air tube or lay cartridges in contaminated soil.
Step 6: Hose the cartridges from top to bottom
Place each cartridge upright on a clean hard surface. Use a garden-hose nozzle to work between pleats from top to bottom, rotating until runoff is clear. Avoid a pressure washer, wire brush and nozzle contact with fabric. Open pleats gently with the water stream rather than gouging packed debris.
Step 7: Treat oily buildup before any mineral treatment
Sunscreen and body oils may require a soak in the commercial cartridge cleaner or TSP method described by Pentair. Follow product concentration and rinse completely. Do not apply acid to an oily cartridge, mix chemicals or use household bleach. Replace media that remains torn, flattened, brittle or deformed after cleaning.
Step 8: Clean and reassemble the tank
Remove settled debris from the lower tank and drain, keeping material out of plumbing. Inspect the tank O-ring, sealing groove, manifold and air-relief parts. Clean and lubricate only as the exact manual permits. Seat cartridges and manifold without forcing, then install the lid and clamp using the model-specific alignment and torque procedure.
Step 9: Restart with the air-relief valve open
Keep the manual air-relief valve open, restore the hydraulic valves and power sequence, then start the pump while standing clear. When a steady stream of water—not air—comes from the relief valve, close it as directed. Pentair says to shut down immediately if solid water does not appear within about 30 seconds, pressure appears before outflow or water leaks between tank halves. Record the new clean pressure.
Specific cleaning questions
Open a question for a concise answer about stains, odors, safety, frequency, and troubleshooting.