Intex Type B Filter Cartridge: Compatibility, Cleaning & Replacement
- AboveGroundSplash
- Aug 28
- 10 min read
Updated: Aug 29
If you're looking for a replacement cartridge for an Intex C2500 or older 2500 GPH cartridge filter pump, Type B is the larger Intex cartridge you're looking for.
The current individual replacement is Intex 29005E, although you'll also see 59905 or 59905E printed on older packaging and retailer listings.
That can make a simple replacement purchase look more confusing than it really is.
The important thing is the cartridge type:
Type B.
It's considerably larger than the Type A cartridge used by smaller systems such as the C1000 and C1500, measuring approximately 10 inches high and around 5.7 inches across.
And just like Type A, we'd treat Intex's recommended two-week replacement interval as a maintenance guideline rather than an automatic expiration date.
If the cartridge rinses clean, remains undamaged and normal water flow returns, we'd keep using it.
Quick Answer
If your 2500 GPH Intex cartridge pump specifies Type B, we'd buy a genuine Type B replacement rather than choosing a cartridge simply because the dimensions look similar.
The current individual Intex cartridge is 29005E, while older Type B cartridges may show 59905 / 59905E. The current Amazon listing also offers Type B cartridges in 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 8-, 9- and 12-pack quantities.
For most pool owners, we'd recommend keeping at least one clean spare available during pool season.
The larger your pool and the more debris you're filtering, the more useful that spare becomes because a Type B cartridge can load up quickly during heavy pollen, frequent swimming or cloudy-water cleanup.
Best for: Owners of compatible 2500 GPH Intex cartridge systems who need genuine replacement filter media.
Skip it if: Your pump uses Type A or another cartridge size. Type A and Type B are not interchangeable.
Intex Type B Specs at a Glance
Intex currently identifies 29005E as its individual Type B replacement cartridge. The company's own replacement records also reference the older 59905/29005 Type B naming, which explains why both numbers still appear online.
29005E vs 59905E: Are They Different Type B Cartridges?
This is one of the most useful things to clear up.
If you've found an older Intex Type B cartridge labelled 59905 or 59905E, don't immediately assume you've found a different filter size.
Intex's own replacement-parts records refer to older cartridges as:
59905 / 29005 — Type B
while the current individual replacement is sold as:
29005E — Type B
So for most buyers, the cartridge type matters more than getting worried about the older number printed on the packaging.
That said, we'd still check your actual filter-pump model before ordering rather than relying purely on an old part number.
What Size Is an Intex Type B Cartridge?
Type B is noticeably larger than Intex's common Type A cartridge.
The current listing gives dimensions of approximately:
10 inches high
5.7 inches outer diameter
1.9-inch center opening
Those measurements are useful if you're trying to identify an old cartridge you've removed from a filter.
But we'd still use the Type B designation and pump compatibility as the deciding factor.
Two cartridges can look very similar in a product photo while having enough difference in diameter or height to prevent a proper fit.
Which Pumps Use an Intex Type B Cartridge?
Type B is primarily associated with Intex's larger 2500 GPH cartridge-filter systems.
Intex's current Type B documentation specifically identifies its 2500 GPH cartridge pump, while older Intex documentation lists the 28633EG and related 2500 GPH systems as Type B users.
The current C2500 is also sold with Type B cartridge media.
For the current AGS cartridge range, the distinction is straightforward:
If you own the C1000 or C1500, don't buy Type B simply because it's the larger cartridge.
Those systems use Type A.
What About Bestway Type IV / Type B Filters?
Type B isn't limited to Intex equipment.
Bestway also uses a Type IV / Type B cartridge format with compatible 2,500 GPH Flowclear cartridge filter pumps. Bestway's own Type IV-B cartridge measures approximately 5.6 inches across and 10 inches high, which is very close to the dimensions of the Intex Type B cartridge. Bestway also specifically describes its Type IV cartridge as compatible with Type IV or Type B filter pumps.
That means a Bestway owner searching for Type IV-B is looking at the same general cartridge format discussed on this page.
We would still check the cartridge designation in your specific Bestway pump manual before using a cross-brand replacement, rather than relying on dimensions alone. If the filter calls for Type IV / Type B, you're looking for this cartridge class.
Intex Type B Pack Sizes: Which Should You Buy?
The current Amazon listing gives you several quantity options, including 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 8-, 9- and 12-packs.
They're all Type B replacement cartridges, so the main decision is simply how many clean spares you realistically want to keep on hand.
For most C2500 owners, we'd start with a 2- or 3-pack. That gives you one cartridge in the filter plus at least one clean spare ready to install while the dirty cartridge is being rinsed.
A 4- or 6-pack starts making more sense if your pool gets heavy use, collects a lot of pollen or debris, or you simply want enough cartridges available for most of the pool season.
The 8-, 9- and 12-pack options are more of a bulk buy. They may offer a lower cost per cartridge, but that's only useful if you'll genuinely use them. If you're cleaning and reusing Type B cartridges properly, most single-pool owners probably don't need a dozen replacements sitting in storage.
We wouldn't choose the biggest pack solely because the cost per cartridge is lower. Buy enough to give yourself a sensible cleaning rotation and a couple of spares, then replace cartridges based on their condition and performance rather than assuming each one must be discarded after two weeks.
How Often Should You Replace an Intex Type B Cartridge?
Intex recommends replacing Type B cartridges approximately every two weeks for maximum efficiency.
We think that recommendation needs context.
The cartridge in an 18 ft pool being used every day by a family can have a very different workload from one in a lightly used covered pool.
Rather than treating Day 14 as an expiration date, we'd ask:
Does the cartridge rinse clean?
Are the pleats and end caps still in good condition?
Does normal water flow return after cleaning?
If the answer is yes, we'd continue using it.
If cleaning no longer restores good flow or the cartridge is visibly damaged, that's when we'd replace it.
The manufacturer's schedule is useful as a reminder to inspect and clean the cartridge.
It doesn't mean a perfectly serviceable filter suddenly stops working after two weeks.
Signs Your Type B Cartridge Actually Needs Replacing
We'd start looking for a new cartridge when you see things such as:
torn or damaged pleats;
distorted or cracked end caps;
collapsed filter media;
debris that remains deeply embedded after cleaning;
noticeably restricted return flow that doesn't recover after rinsing;
a cartridge that becomes clogged unusually quickly after a thorough clean.
The most useful test is often what happens after cleaning.
If the cartridge is structurally sound and normal flow returns, we'd keep using it.
How to Clean an Intex Type B Cartridge
The basic process is the same as with smaller Intex cartridge systems.
First, switch off and disconnect the pump according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Release pressure from the filter housing before opening it.
Remove the Type B cartridge and rinse between the pleats with a garden hose.
Work around the full circumference rather than just spraying the outside.
Debris can sit deep between those pleats, so a quick rinse across the surface may not be enough.
We would not use a pressure washer or an extremely aggressive jet, because damaging the filter media defeats the purpose of cleaning it.
Once you've finished, inspect the cartridge.
If it looks sound and flow returns normally after reinstalling it, there is little reason to discard it simply because it has already been used for two weeks.
If you're cleaning Type B cartridges regularly, a dedicated cartridge-cleaning tool can make it easier to direct water between the pleats. See our Aquatix Pro Pool Filter Cartridge Cleaner review for how it compares with using a standard garden hose.
Genuine Intex vs Aftermarket Type B Cartridges
There are many third-party Type B replacements online.
Some may work perfectly well.
But we'd pay attention to:
actual cartridge dimensions;
fit inside the housing;
pleat construction;
media density;
end-cap quality;
whether the seller clearly identifies C2500/Type B compatibility.
When genuine Intex Type B cartridges are reasonably priced, we'd generally choose the OEM filter because fit and compatibility are straightforward.
A cheaper aftermarket option isn't automatically poor quality.
We just wouldn't choose it simply because it says “replaces Type B” in a marketplace title.
The cartridge is doing the actual filtering. This isn't the part where we'd save a few dollars without checking what we're buying.
Type A vs Type B: What's the Difference?
The main difference for an Intex pool owner is size and filter-pump compatibility.
Type A is the smaller cartridge used by systems such as the C1000 and C1500.
Type B is substantially larger and is used by Intex's 2500 GPH cartridge systems, including the C2500.
They are not interchangeable.
If you're looking for the smaller replacement, see our Intex Type A Pool Filter Cartridge guide.
Using Type B With the Intex C2500
The current Intex C2500 is one of the most relevant Type B systems for above-ground pool owners.
The C2500 provides 1,900 GPH of actual system flow, which is why we've positioned it as our preferred Intex cartridge option for typical round above-ground pools up to around 18 ft, depending on wall height and actual gallon capacity.
With a larger pool comes a larger filtration workload.
That makes cartridge condition particularly important.
A badly clogged Type B cartridge can restrict flow regardless of how powerful the pump looks on paper.
So if your C2500 suddenly seems weaker than normal, checking and cleaning the cartridge should be one of your first troubleshooting steps.
For our full sizing and filtration assessment, see the Intex C2500 Cartridge Filter Pump review.
Does a New Type B Cartridge Fix Low C2500 Flow?
Sometimes — but don't automatically assume the cartridge is the problem.
A heavily clogged cartridge can definitely restrict water flow.
If rinsing or replacing it restores normal return flow, you've found the issue.
But low flow can also come from:
blocked strainers,
air in the system,
restricted hoses,
incorrect valve positions,
debris around the pump,
or another filtration-system problem.
We'd start by cleaning the cartridge because it's one of the easiest things to check.
If that doesn't restore normal circulation, continue troubleshooting the rest of the system rather than repeatedly buying new filters.
Who Should Buy the Intex Type B Cartridge?
This is the straightforward choice for someone with a compatible Intex 2500 GPH cartridge system who wants genuine replacement filter media.
It's particularly relevant if you own the C2500 and want a spare cartridge ready before the existing one needs attention.
We'd prefer having at least two cartridges available during the pool season so one can remain in service while the other is being cleaned and inspected.
Who Should Skip It?
Don't buy Type B simply because you own a larger Intex pool.
The replacement cartridge is determined by the filter pump, not the pool diameter.
If your pump specifies Type A, use Type A.
Likewise, don't assume that because an aftermarket cartridge has roughly similar dimensions it will fit correctly.
Check the stated cartridge type and pump compatibility first.
Our Verdict
If you own an Intex C2500 or another compatible 2500 GPH cartridge pump, the genuine Type B cartridge is the replacement we'd start with.
The buying decision itself is simple once you've sorted out the confusing model numbers.
Current 29005E and the older 59905 / 59905E references all lead back to the Type B cartridge family, while the various pack options simply determine how many replacements you're buying.
For most pool owners, we'd keep at least two Type B cartridges available.
And just as with Type A, we wouldn't automatically throw one away every two weeks if it's still in good condition and cleaning restores normal flow.
Replace the cartridge because it is worn, damaged or no longer performing properly — not simply because the calendar reached Day 14.
Related Filtration Guides
If you're using Type B cartridges, these are the most relevant pages to read next.
👉 For the filter pump itself, see our Intex C2500 Cartridge Filter Pump review.
👉 If you're looking for the smaller cartridge used by the C1000 and C1500, see our Intex Type A Pool Filter Cartridge guide.
👉 For more pump reviews, cartridge maintenance and filtration advice, visit our Filtration & Pumps section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current Intex Type B filter cartridge part number?
The current individual Intex Type B replacement cartridge is 29005E. Older packaging and Intex records may also reference 59905 or 59905E for Type B cartridges.
Is Intex 59905E the same type as 29005E?
Both numbers are associated with Intex Type B filter cartridges. Intex's own replacement records reference older 59905/29005 Type B naming, while the current individual replacement is 29005E. Always check your pump's required cartridge type before ordering.
What size is an Intex Type B filter cartridge?
A Type B cartridge is approximately 10 inches high and around 5.7 inches in outside diameter, with an approximately 1.9-inch center opening.
Does the Intex C2500 use a Type B cartridge?
Yes. The C2500 uses the larger Type B cartridge rather than the Type A cartridge used by smaller C-series systems.
Do Bestway 2,500 GPH filter pumps use Type B cartridges?
Many compatible Bestway 2,500 GPH cartridge filter pumps use the Type IV / Type B cartridge format. Bestway's own Type IV-B cartridge measures approximately 5.6 × 10 inches. Check the cartridge designation for your particular Bestway filter pump before using an Intex-branded replacement.
What pack sizes do Intex Type B cartridges come in?
The current Amazon listing offers Type B cartridges in 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, 8-, 9- and 12-pack quantities. Available bundle sizes can change, so we'd choose based on how many clean spares you realistically need rather than automatically buying the largest pack.
How often should you replace an Intex Type B cartridge?
Intex recommends replacement approximately every two weeks for maximum efficiency. We would also judge the cartridge by condition and performance. If it rinses clean, remains undamaged and normal water flow returns after cleaning, we'd continue using it.
Can an Intex Type B filter cartridge be cleaned and reused?
Yes. Type B cartridges can be removed and rinsed during routine maintenance. Replace one when cleaning no longer restores normal flow or the cartridge becomes damaged, distorted or permanently clogged.
Are Type A and Type B Intex cartridges interchangeable?
No. Type A and Type B cartridges are different sizes and are intended for different filter pumps. The C1000 and C1500 use Type A, while the C2500 uses Type B.
Should I keep a spare Type B cartridge?
We would. Having a clean spare lets you restart filtration immediately while the dirty cartridge is being properly cleaned and inspected, which is especially useful during heavy pool use or cloudy-water recovery.
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