Intex Filter Cartridge Sizes (A, B, C, H, S1)
Intex sells three cartridge types for its pool pumps: Type H for the 330 gal/h pump, Type A for the 530, 1,000 and 1,500 gal/h pumps, and Type B for the 2,500 gal/h pump. Intex says to replace the cartridge at least every two weeks and to check it every week.
Always follow your product’s label directions. Pool and spa chlorine, bromine, shock and algaecides are EPA-registered pesticides: use products labeled for pool or spa use, and don’t swim or soak until levels are within the limit on your product’s label. If this page and a label disagree, the label wins.
On this page (9 sections)
The letter is printed on the old cartridge and on the pump's label. If you can't read either one, match the pump's flow rating (in gallons per hour, gal/h) to the first table below.
Which cartridge fits your Intex pump
This table comes from Intex's own product pages (read on 2026-10-06). Intex lists the pump models and cartridge item numbers, but not the cartridge size, so the size column shows what we could confirm and where it came from.
| Cartridge | Item number | Fits this pump | Weight | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type H | 29007E | C330, 330 gal/h (28601EG) | 0.22 lb | We could not confirm |
| Type A | 29000E | C530, 530 gal/h (28603EG); C1000, 1,000 gal/h (28637EG); C1500, 1,500 gal/h (28635EG) | 0.48 lb | 4.25 in across × 8 in long (retailer listings) |
| Type B | 29005E | C2500, 2,500 gal/h (28633EG) | 1.11 lb | We could not confirm |
Newer Intex pages show the same pumps under 26-series numbers (for example 26603EG for the C530). The 28-series numbers above are the ones printed on the older cartridge pages. Intex states every one of these cartridges as "replace every two weeks."
Two things stand out. First, Types A and B are different sizes, so a Type A cartridge will not work in a C2500 and the other way around. Second, three pumps share one cartridge, so you can keep a single pack of Type A cartridges on hand for any of them.
Type C and Type S1: what we could not confirm
You will see "Type A or C" on many third-party packages. We could not find a Type C cartridge on Intex's current US pages, so we can't say what Intex means by it. Bestway also labels one of its cartridges "Type A/C" (see the Bestway Flowclear filter guide), and its page gives the same 4.2 in × 8 in size as the Type A listings. We did not test fit across brands. Check your pump's manual before you buy a cartridge from another maker.
Type S1 (item 29001E) is sold for Intex PureSpa inflatable hot tubs, not for pool pumps. We found that only on retailer pages, not on an Intex page, so treat it as unconfirmed. Hot tub filters have their own care routine in hot tub filter cleaning.
How often to clean and replace
Intex support gives two rules: replace the cartridge at least every two weeks, and look at its condition every week. How fast it clogs depends on swimmers, sunscreen, leaves, and how green or cloudy the water is. Intex also says you can prolong a cartridge's life by rinsing it with a hose, but "if the cartridge is still dirty, replace it immediately."
A cartridge that is not cleaned or replaced can cut the flow a lot, and the filter then does much less. That is why a weak return jet is the first thing to check when the water goes cloudy. The cloudy pool guide covers the chemistry side, but a clogged cartridge makes every chemistry problem worse.
How to clean a cartridge
These steps follow Intex's owner's manual for the Krystal Clear Model 637R filter pump (the older name of the C1000). Your pump's manual may differ in small ways, so read it first.
- Unplug the pump.
- Stop water from leaving the pool: remove the inlet nozzle and strainer grid from the pool connections, then push the plugs that came with the pump into the pool connectors. If your pool has plunger valves, your manual says how to use them.
- Unscrew the filter housing collar, turning it counterclockwise, and lift off the threaded cover. Keep the cover seal where you can find it.
- Take out the cartridge and spray it clean with a garden hose, working between the pleats.
- Look at it. Use your judgment: if it is torn, has holes, or stays gray after rinsing, replace it.
- Put the cartridge back, set the seal and cover in place, and screw the collar on clockwise.
- Open the air release valve, remove the plugs, and let air escape until water comes out of the valve. Tighten the valve again and refit the nozzle and strainer grid.
Skipping the last step is the most common reason a pump runs loud or pushes weak flow after a cleaning. The steps to clear trapped air are in the Intex pool pump guide.
Keep a spare, and rotate
A cartridge needs time to dry before you reuse it. The simplest routine for a small pool is two cartridges: one in the pump, one drying. Swap them every week, rinse the dirty one, and replace both about every two weeks of use or when they stay discolored. Whatever the schedule, check the cartridge every week, as Intex advises.
The order for start-up chemicals on a fresh fill is in Intex pool chemicals: first fill.
Signs it is time for a new cartridge
- The return jet is weak, or the water is cloudy even though chlorine and pH are in range.
- The cartridge stays gray, brown, or green after rinsing.
- The paper is torn, flattened, or has holes.
- The pump is noisy or runs hot. Intex's troubleshooting guide lists a dirty cartridge and a cartridge with scale or buildup among the causes of slow flow.
Never put pool chemicals into the pump housing. Intex's manual warns that this can damage the pump and void the warranty. Add chemicals to the pool water instead, with the pump running.
Which pool uses which pump
Pool sets come with a pump chosen by Intex, and the cartridge type follows from that pump. Intex's pages list the C330 (Type H) with 6, 8 and 10 ft Easy Set pools and the 10 ft Frame pool, and the C530 (Type A) with 12, 13 and 15 ft Easy Set pools and the 12 ft Frame pool. Your set may ship with a different pump than these lists, so go by the pump's label. Pool capacities by model are in Intex pool gallons by model.
FAQ
What is the difference between Intex Type A and Type B filters?
Size and pump. Type A (29000E) is the smaller cartridge, used in the C530, C1000 and C1500 pumps. Type B (29005E) is larger and fits the C2500 pump. They are not interchangeable.
How often should I change an Intex filter cartridge?
At least every two weeks, according to Intex, and check it weekly. Replace it sooner if it stays dirty after rinsing.
Can I wash and reuse an Intex cartridge?
Yes, for a while. Intex says rinsing with a hose can extend its life. Replace it when it is torn, stays dirty, or the flow stays weak after cleaning.
Do sand filter pumps use these cartridges?
No. Intex sand filter pumps use #20 silica sand instead. Their sizes and sand amounts are in the pump guide.
Which cartridge does an Intex Easy Set 12 ft pool use?
Intex's page lists the C530 pump, which uses Type A, for 12 ft Easy Set pools. Check the label on your own pump, because a pool set can ship with a different pump.
Sources
- Intex, Type A pool filter cartridge (29000E): intexcorp.com
- Intex, Type B pool filter cartridge (29005E): intexcorp.com
- Intex, Type H pool filter cartridge (29007E): intexcorp.com
- Intex, C330 and C530 cartridge filter pump pages: C330, C530
- Intex Support, How often do I need to change the filter cartridge: intexsupport.com
- Intex owner's manual, Krystal Clear Model 637R filter pump (cleaning steps, troubleshooting): PDF
- Type A size (4.25 in × 8 in), retailer listing, not an Intex page: lesliespool.com
- Bestway USA, Flowclear Type III cartridge (4.2 in × 8.0 in, Type A/C label): bestwayusa.com