Unicel vs Pleatco vs Filbur cross-references
Updated 2026-07-29
Unicel, Pleatco and Filbur use different part-number systems for replacement filter cartridges. A cross-reference joins those systems; it does not erase differences in the source charts.
How the numbering systems appear in our data
Pool Filter Lab keys every cartridge record by its Unicel number. Examples include C-4326 and 4CH-20. Pleatco values such as PRB25-IN, PHC25 and PA106 sit in the pleatco alias list. Filbur values such as FC-2375, FC-0125 and FC-1226 sit in the filbur alias list.
| System | How it appears in this dataset | Record role |
|---|---|---|
| Unicel | Hyphenated families such as C-4326 and 4CH-20 |
Canonical join key |
| Pleatco | Varied letter-and-number forms such as PRB25-IN, PHC25P4 and PA106 |
Alias |
| Filbur | FC- forms such as FC-2375, FC-0185 and FC-1226 |
Alias |
The punctuation and suffixes are part of the identifier. Search the complete printed value before trying a shortened form.
These observed patterns help with transcription, but they are not a conversion formula. The source charts provide the cross-reference.
Catalog coverage in this build
The generated dataset contains 528 Unicel-keyed cartridge records:
| Coverage | Cartridge records |
|---|---|
| Unicel canonical number | 528 |
| At least one Pleatco alias | 388 |
| At least one Filbur alias | 363 |
| Unicel number plus both Pleatco and Filbur aliases | 363 |
| Unicel, Pleatco, Filbur and OnCore numbers | 199 |
These are database coverage counts, not claims about either manufacturer’s full current product line. Filbur aliases in this build come through the Pleatco and OnCore cross-reference sources; we did not parse a separate Filbur catalog.
What a conflict flag means
After a Pleatco row is joined to a Unicel-keyed record, the pipeline compares outside diameter, length and square footage. It flags a diameter or length difference greater than 1/16 inch, and a square-foot difference of 2 sq ft or more.
The current validation report contains 236 field-level conflicts across 164 cartridge records: 74 outside-diameter conflicts, 124 length conflicts and 38 square-foot conflicts.
A flag says “the sources disagree beyond the reporting rule.” It does not declare a winner. The primary display stays Unicel-based, while both source values remain visible.
Case study: 4CH-20 disagrees on all compared fields
The record joins Unicel 4CH-20 to Pleatco PHC25, PHC25P4 and PSG25P4, and to Filbur FC-0125 and FC-0185.
| Field | Unicel | Pleatco |
|---|---|---|
| Outside diameter | 4-5/8“ | 5“ |
| Length | 6-3/4“ | 6-5/8“ |
| Area | 20 sq ft | 25 sq ft |
The report records a 0.375-inch diameter difference and a 0.125-inch length difference. Because all compared fields conflict, verify the housing model, end caps and old part marking before treating any alias as the ordering answer.
Case study: C-7488 agrees on size but not area
The record joins Unicel C-7488 to Pleatco PA106 and Filbur FC-1226. Both sources report a 7" outside diameter and 25-1/2" length. Unicel reports 106 sq ft while Pleatco reports 425 sq ft.
That pattern shows why an area conflict is not automatically a dimensional conflict. It also shows why Pool Filter Lab preserves the source value instead of averaging it. Confirm the equipment and source listing; do not manufacture a compromise number.
Case study: C-7491 has multiple aliases and a length conflict
The record joins Unicel C-7491 to Pleatco PFAB75 and PFAB100SH, and to Filbur FC-2190 and FC-2192.
| Field | Unicel | Pleatco |
|---|---|---|
| Outside diameter | 7“ | 7“ |
| Length | 18-7/16“ | 24-7/16“ |
| Area | 75 sq ft | 100 sq ft |
The validation report records a 6-inch length difference. The matching diameter does not overcome that gap. Multiple aliases on the same joined record are a prompt to identify the exact housing and original part, not to assume the names are interchangeable in every context.
How to use a cross-reference safely
- Search the complete printed part number in the lookup.
- Compare outside diameter and centerline length.
- Compare both end-cap strings and any open-end inside diameter.
- Confirm the OEM brand, model and part number.
- Read source values behind every conflict flag.
If the old number cannot be read, follow the measurement guide and use the size finder. The methodology explains parsing, source priority and limitations.