Pool cartridge filters: filtration with no backwashing from BWT, Hayward and Emaux
A cartridge filter traps dirt from the water in a pleated cartridge that you take out and rinse with a hose, with no backwashing, so it uses no backwash water. Four ranges from three manufacturers, from 5.7 to 30 m³/h.
How to choose a brand
Q-Tech has selected the brands in this collection on technical criteria. We suggest looking at BWT if you want an EcoClear filter with its replacement cartridges in this same shop; Hayward, if you need the widest range, from 5.7 m³/h with Star Clear for small pools and spas to 30 m³/h with SwimClear, which Hayward recommends for variable-speed pumps; Emaux, if you want a Galaxy single-cartridge filter of 22.7 or 27.2 m³/h that takes up little room in the plant room.
| Data | BWT | Hayward | Emaux |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flow rate | 30 m³/h | 5.7 to 30 m³/h | 22.7 and 27.2 m³/h |
| Connections | 2" / 63 mm | 1 ½" (Star Clear) and 50/63 mm (SwimClear) | 50/63 mm |
| Models in this collection | 2 | 5 | 2 |
Summary for information purposes only, prepared by Q-Tech in November 2026 from the technical data sheets each manufacturer publishes, to help you get your bearings among the brands we sell. It is general and indicative: manufacturers update their data and a summary may contain errors, so each product page and the manufacturer's documentation always prevail, without prejudice to your rights as a consumer (Legal Notice). It is common for customers to change their mind once they know each brand's strengths, or to find that a feature they liked is not essential in their case.
A pool filter runs for many years in your home, and a choice that does not fit your installation shows up in running costs and in wear on the unit. If you want to decide with the data of your own case, you can book our professional technical advice (a paid service): an Expert Technician reviews the features of your home and installation with you and guides you with Q-Tech's experience, under an obligation of means (Legal Notice).
Models in this collection
| Model | Flow rate | Connection | Cartridge |
|---|---|---|---|
| BWT EcoClear 225 and 270 | 30 m³/h | 2" / 63 mm | replacement in Filter media and spares |
| Hayward SwimClear C100SE, C150SE and C200SE | 20, 25 and 30 m³/h | 50/63 mm | one, 9.3 to 18.6 m² |
| Hayward Star Clear C250 and C500 | 5.7 and 11.3 m³/h | 1 ½" | one, 2.3 and 4.6 m² |
| Emaux Galaxy ICF 100 and 150 | 22.7 and 27.2 m³/h | 50/63 mm | one |
Data according to BWT, Hayward and Emaux.
How to choose a cartridge filter
- Flow rate: the filter's, equal to or above your pump.
- Water treatment: according to Hayward, quaternary ammonium algaecides, PHMB and flocculants are not compatible with the cartridge.
- Other options: Sand filters, AFM filtration and High-capacity pool filters; spares in Filter media and spares; Selector and automatic valves and Filtration accessories.
Applications
- Plant room with little space.
- Pool with a salt chlorinator.
- Spa or small pool, with Star Clear.
Why buy cartridge filters from Q-Tech?
- Your filter can be part of a pre-assembled plant room, tested in our workshop and ready to connect (Expert Technician workshop pre-assembly).
- To choose flow rate and connection, book a technical call.
- Orders and lead times, via WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How do I clean a cartridge filter?
With the pump off, take the cartridge out and hose between the pleats; if it no longer gets back to clean-filter pressure, replace it.
Which products should I not use with a cartridge filter?
According to Hayward, quaternary ammonium algaecides, PHMB and flocculants.
Does it work with a salt chlorinator?
Yes. With no backwashing, no salty water is lost, according to Hayward.
See the rest of the equipment in Pool filtration: with a cartridge, fine filtration with no backwash water.
FP54·261112