POOLPURE PLF137A Pool Filter Replaces PA137, Unicel C-7490,

The Verdict

Let’s be honest: pool filters aren’t exciting. But a bad one turns your backyard oasis into a green swamp within a week. The POOLPURE PLF137A is a third-party replacement for the ubiquitous Hayward PA137 (also cross-referenced as Unicel C-7490, Filbur FC-1297, and Pleatco PLE-137). It’s a cartridge filter, not a sand or DE filter, so it’s meant for above-ground pools and smaller in-ground systems. At 4.6 stars across 229 reviews, it’s clearly doing something right. Here’s the full breakdown.

What You Actually Get

The box contains a single filter cartridge. Dimensions are critical here: it’s 10 inches tall with a 7-inch diameter and a 2.5-inch center hole — the same specs as the OEM. The pleats are packed densely around a rigid center core, with reinforced plastic end caps. It’s a direct replacement, so you’re not buying a universal “cut-to-fit” filter. You pull the old one, slide this in, and you’re done.

Build Quality and Real-World Performance

The filtration media is the star. It’s a polyester blend with roughly 24 square feet of surface area. That’s generous for this size class — more pleats mean more dirt-holding capacity before pressure builds up. In practice, that translates to fewer cleanings per season. One reviewer noted, “I got three full weeks of heavy use before the pressure gauge climbed. The OEM filter needed cleaning every ten days.” That’s a meaningful difference for a $30-ish part.

The end caps are reinforced, which matters more than you’d think. Cheap filters flex under pressure and can warp, letting unfiltered water bypass the media. This one holds its shape. The center core is rigid, so it won’t collapse when you’re wrestling it out of the housing after a long season.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

The overwhelming theme in customer feedback is “it fits perfectly.” Over and over, buyers with Hayward pumps (the EC-40, EC-50, and PowerFlo Matrix series are the most common) report zero installation friction. One verified purchase put it plainly: “Ordered this because it was half the price of the Hayward brand. Same fit, same performance, no leaks.” Another praised the value: “I bought two to keep on hand. At this price, I’m not stressing about when to replace the next one.”

Where It Falls Short

This isn’t an OEM part, and that shows in a couple of minor ways. The cap color is a slightly different shade of blue than Hayward’s — purely cosmetic, but if you have a clear housing, you’ll notice it. A few buyers mentioned the filter arrives slightly compressed from shipping and needs a quick rinse before first use. One reviewer warned, “Don’t install it bone-dry. Spray it down with a hose first — it expands and seats better.” That’s a 30-second fix, not a dealbreaker.

The bigger caveat: this won’t fix a dirty pool. A filter only removes what flows through it. If your water is already green, you’ll still need to shock and vacuum first. This is a maintenance part, not a magic wand.

Who Should Buy This

• Above-ground pool owners with Hayward or compatible pumps — this is your exact match.
• Budget-conscious shoppers who don’t want to pay the OEM markup for identical performance.
• Deal-buyers who stock two filters and swap them mid-season instead of cleaning the same one repeatedly.

Skip it if you have a sand or DE filter system — this won’t fit those housings at all.

Three Questions Shoppers Ask

Q: Will this fit my Hayward PowerFlo Matrix pump? Yes. The PowerFlo Matrix uses the PA137 cartridge. This is a direct swap — no tools required beyond unscrewing the housing collar.

Q: How often should I replace it? With normal use (3-4 times per week, standard bather load), plan on replacing it every 2-3 months. If you clean it weekly with a hose, it’ll stretch further. If your pool sees heavy use, replace it sooner.

Q: Can I clean it with a pressure washer? You can, but don’t. A garden hose at moderate pressure is enough. A pressure washer will shred the pleats and ruin the media. Stick to the hose.

The Verdict

Buy it if you need a reliable, exact-fit replacement for a PA137-compatible pump and want to save 30-50% versus the OEM part. Skip it if you’re dealing with an algae bloom — fix the water chemistry first, then install this.

The POOLPURE PLF137A isn’t flashy, but it does exactly what it promises: filters your pool, fits perfectly, and costs less than the branded alternative. That’s a solid 4.6-star product in my book.

Rating: 4.6/5

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.