Why Cheap Generic Spa and Pool Filter Cartridges Aren’t Worth It
If you own a spa or pool, your filter cartridge is one of the most critical parts of the entire system. It keeps your water clean, protects your equipment, and saves you from constant chemical top-ups and unnecessary maintenance. But not all filters are created equal — and cheap generics often end up costing more.
Trusted Brands Use Trusted Filters
Here’s something most spa owners don’t realise: Leading spa and pool equipment manufacturers don’t use generic filters. Brands like AstralPool, Balboa, Davey, Halo Spas, Hurlcon, Oasis Spas, Sapphire Spas, Spa World, Vortex, SpaNet, Waterco, and Zodiac all rely on quality cartridges from trusted names like:
- Darlly®
- Magnum®
- Pleatco®
- Reemay® (filtration fabric)
These premium filter brands don’t just make great filters — they use NSF® certified materials that meet strict safety and performance standards. If the companies who build your spa won’t use untested or uncertified filters, why should you?
Why Cheap Generic Cartridges Are a Waste of Money
You’ll find plenty of “too good to be true” cartridges online — often unbranded or from unknown names. Some companies are even coming up with their own "brands" while just importing cheap Chinese filters! They look fine in photos, but performance tells a different story.
Low-grade generic filters often:
- Use low-quality plastic end caps that crack or deform
- Contain thin or untested media clogs fast, falls apart, sticks together, or lets debris pass
- Break down quickly under pressure
- Cause stress on your circulation pump, heater, and filter bodies
- Lack warranty or after-sales support
And most importantly, they’re not made with certified materials — which can be unsafe and may void your equipment warranty.
The NSF® Certification Difference
NSF® certification is an independent standard that ensures products are made from materials safe for use in water systems. It’s what separates a reliable filter from a risky knock-off. Quality brands like Darlly, Magnum, and Pleatco all use NSF® certified plastics, cores, and filtration fabric — so you get peace of mind along with proven performance.
Don’t Fall for the “Trilobal Fabric” Gimmick
Some sellers promote “trilobal” fabric as a revolutionary breakthrough. It sounds fancy — but it’s mostly marketing spin. A good filter is defined by:
- Efficiency – How well it captures debris without restricting flow
- Durability – Withstanding pressure, wear, and time
- Pressure Drop – Low restriction for better energy efficiency
- Full Flow Cores – ABS cores made with NSF® certified material
- Pleat Count – More pleats = more surface area for filtration
- End Cap Quality – Solid, bonded construction that won’t break down
The Race to the Bottom Hurts Everyone
When sellers race to the bottom on price, quality suffers. We see it all the time — someone replaces a reliable filter with a cheap one, only to end up with:
- Cloudy water
- Increased chemical usage
- Pump and heater strain
- Frequent replacements
One poor-quality filter can damage your system and void your warranty.
What You Should Do
Stick with trusted filter brands used by the spa and pool manufacturers themselves. At Heater and Spa Parts, we only stock:
- Darlly®
- Magnum®
- Pleatco®
- Reemay® Filtration Media
These are the same filters trusted by AstralPool, Sapphire Spas, Vortex, Halo Spas, Oasis, Spa World, Zodiac, Davey, Hurlcon, and more. They’re made to perform in real conditions, meet OEM specs, and use NSF® certified materials that actually protect your water, equipment, and investment.
Final Word: Don’t Risk It on Cheap Filters
Your spa or pool deserves quality parts. A good cartridge filter protects your water, your equipment, and your peace of mind.
- Say no to generics.
- Ignore marketing gimmicks.
- Stick with Darlly, Magnum, or Pleatco.
- Buy from suppliers who know what fits and why it matters.
