Tier1 Clearwater 30 Pool Filter Cartridge — 10-1/2" x 6" High-Flow, Trilobal Dirt-Lock Media

The Tier1 Replacement Waterway Clearwater 30 is a 10-1/2" x 6" high-flow pool filter cartridge that uses trilobal dirt-lock media to capture more debris while maintaining steady water circulation.

This replacement filter cartridge is built to fit a wide range of Waterway- and OEM-style housings and offers an engineered core and advanced fiber shape to balance filtration efficiency with pump-friendly flow. It’s compatible with many Watkins, Filbur, Unicel, Pleatco and other part numbers, making it a convenient swap when you need to restore filtration performance without modifying plumbing or equipment.

How does this cartridge improve debris capture compared with a standard filter?

The Clearwater 30 uses trilobal fibers which provide a higher surface area and mechanical interlock compared to round fibers, collecting more fine particles and common pool contaminants. That design helps trap hair, leaves, sand and other solids while keeping pores open longer between cleanings.

• Trilobal dirt-lock media captures up to 40% more debris than conventional round-fiber cartridges.
• Pleated surface increases overall filtration area for finer particle retention.
• Works across a range of particle sizes for consistent clarity without chemical changes.

Will this filter fit my existing Waterway or equivalent housing?

The cartridge measures 10-1/2" tall by 6" diameter and is made as a drop-in replacement for multiple OEM part numbers. It’s sized to seat securely in compatible housings and maintain a seal that prevents bypass and leak paths when installed correctly.

• Compatible with Watkins 31489, Filbur FC-3915, Unicel C-6330/C-6430/C-6430RA and others.
• Direct replacement for Pleatco PWK30 series and similar pool cartridges.
• Designed to fit standard Clearwater 30 housings without adapters.

How does the internal core affect pump and heater performance?

The Clearwater 30 includes a high-flow internal core engineered to support steady water movement through the pleats, minimizing pressure spikes that can strain pumps or affect heaters. The structure aims to preserve flow while still maintaining effective filtration.

• Internal high-flow core prevents collapse under pressure and supports continuous circulation.
• Engineered pleat spacing maintains flow as the cartridge loads with debris.
• Stable flow characteristics reduce risk of pump cavitation or heater restriction seen with some low-flow media.

What standards and durability can I expect from this replacement cartridge?

The Tier1 Clearwater 30 has been tested to NSF 50 protocols for performance and durability, indicating it meets recognized industry benchmarks for safety and operational consistency. It’s constructed to withstand repeated cleanings and seasonal use when maintained according to guidelines.

• Independently tested to NSF 50 standards for filtration performance and durability.
• Robust pleat construction resists deformation during cleaning cycles.
• Materials selected to tolerate typical pool chemical exposure when rinsed and dried between seasons.

Who this is for: The Tier1 Waterway Clearwater 30 is intended for pool owners and service technicians looking for a reliable, higher-efficiency replacement cartridge that fits common Waterway and OEM housings. Choose this filter if you want improved debris capture, a drop-in fit for many Watkins/Filbur/Unicel/Pleatco part numbers, and a design that supports consistent pump and heater flow without major system changes.