Unicel 6CH-960 | 52 sq ft Jacuzzi Spa Filter

By Unicel
SKU: 6CH-960
$64.99

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Check out the Filter Guide to see if this filter fits your hot tub model.

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Description

TheĀ Unicel 6CH-960Ā is aĀ top-loadĀ spa filter cartridge deliveringĀ 52 square feetĀ of filtration built onĀ ReemayĀ® 2033 polyester media, capturing debris down to an average ofĀ 20 microns. Built toĀ meet or exceed OEM specifications, it's the replacement forĀ JacuzziĀ® PremiumĀ spas, taking the place of partsĀ 6540-476Ā andĀ 6541-383.

Filtration is the quiet backbone of clean spa water. Every soak leaves behindĀ body oils, lotions, hair, and fine debris, and the cartridge is what removes all of it before it clouds the water, feeds bacteria, or coats your plumbing. When a filter is worn or clogged, the effects spread everywhere: dull water, higher chemical use, softer jets, and aĀ pump and heater strainingĀ against restricted flow.

This cartridge takes a different approach from most: atĀ 15-1/2 inches tallĀ withĀ 113 deep pleats, it reaches 52 square feet usingĀ fewer, more widely spaced foldsĀ rather than tightly packed ones. That spacing is a real advantage — wider gaps let water use theĀ full pleat surfaceĀ instead of pinching shut, and they make the filter farĀ easier to rinse clean. Unicel addsĀ pleat support bandsĀ to hold that spacing, aĀ single-piece coreĀ for structural integrity, and aĀ core supportĀ that keeps a filter this long from flexing under pressure. Made in the USA.

Pro Tip:Ā A 2-inch thread isn't always a 2-inch thread — check the standard. This cartridge uses aĀ 2 inch SAEĀ (buttress) thread, while other cartridges of the same nominal size use aĀ 2 inch MPTĀ pipe thread. They look similar and measure the same, but the thread forms are different andĀ will not interchange. If your current filter says SAE, stay with SAE — or simply read the part number off it before ordering.

Brand

UNICELĀ®

Key Features
  • 52 sq ft of filtration — full OEM-spec filtration area
  • Wide pleat spacing — deeper, better-spaced folds rinse cleaner than tightly packed pleats
  • Pleat support bands — hold spacing open for better filtration and easier cleaning
  • Core support — extra structural reinforcement for a 15-1/2 inch cartridge
  • 2 in SAE threaded bottom — with a semi-circular handle for easy removal
  • Made in the USA — built to meet or exceed OEM standards
How It Works

Water is drawn through the cartridge's pleated media as your spa circulates. Where many cartridges pack in as many pleats as possible, this one usesĀ 113 deeper pleatsĀ across aĀ 15-1/2 inchĀ body to reach its 52 square feet. The tradeoff is deliberate:Ā more space between pleatsĀ means water can reach the full depth of every fold rather than skimming past folds that have pinched together, so the entire surface actually does filtering work.Ā Pleat support bandsĀ are positioned to maintain that spacing over the life of the cartridge.

The media does the rest.Ā ReemayĀ fibers areĀ trilobal — three-lobed in cross-section rather than round — which delivers roughlyĀ 45% more surface areaĀ than standard rounded filter fibers, giving more places for dirt to be captured and a smooth surface that releases it readily when rinsed. Underneath, aĀ single-piece coreĀ with offset round openings optimizes both flow and strength, and aĀ core supportĀ maintains structural integrity in a cartridge this long.

Pro Tip: A clean filter protects your equipment, not just your water. As the pleats load up with body oils, your pump has to work harder against the restriction, and reduced flow across the heater can trigger flow-related errors. Regular rinsing and periodic deep cleaning is the cheapest protection there is for the expensive parts of your spa.

Directions for Use

Installation

  1. Turn off power to the spa at the breaker before servicing the filter compartment.
  2. Open the filter lid and clear any debris from the compartment.
  3. Lift the old cartridge out by its handle, unthreading it from the base connection.
  4. Lower the new cartridge in with theĀ threaded end facing downĀ and turn it until the 2-inch SAE thread is seated snugly.Ā Hand-tight is enough — over-tightening can crack the fitting.
  5. If your spa uses more than one cartridge,Ā replace them at the same timeĀ so they wear evenly and flow stays balanced.
  6. Close the lid, restore power, and run the circulation to confirm normal flow.

Routine Cleaning

  1. Every two to four weeks:Ā lift the cartridge out by the handle andĀ rinse gently with a garden hose, working between the pleats from top to bottom. A soft brush cleaning tool helps.
  2. Periodically:Ā soak or treat the cartridge with a dedicated filter cleaner to dissolve the body oils and buildup a rinse can't remove, then rinse it off.
  3. Let it dry fullyĀ before returning it to service whenever possible.

When to Replace

  • The cycle between cleanings gets noticeablyĀ shorter
  • Low water flowĀ or high differential pressure
  • The media has aĀ tear
  • TheĀ center core collapses

Cartridge life depends on routine maintenance and your spa's water chemistry.

Pro Tip: The wide pleat spacing is your friend at cleaning time — use it. Because this cartridge's folds sit farther apart than a tightly pleated filter's, a hose stream can actually reach the base of each pleat where debris collects. Take the extra minute to work the water all the way down every fold rather than spraying the outside, and you'll get noticeably more of the trapped gunk out and a longer run before the next cleaning.

Specifications
  • Brand:Ā Unicel (Meissner Mfg. Co., Inc.)
  • Part Number:Ā 6CH-960
  • Series:Ā Unicel CH Series (top load)
  • Product Type:Ā Top-load replacement spa filter cartridge
  • Filtration Area:Ā 52 sq ft
  • Pleat Count:Ā 113
  • Filtration Rating:Ā Captures debris to an average of 20 microns
  • Media:Ā Reemay 2033 spunbonded trilobal polyester, 3 oz basis weight
  • Outer Diameter:Ā 6-3/4 in
  • Length:Ā 15-1/2 in
  • Top:Ā Semi-circular handle
  • Bottom:Ā 2 in SAE (buttress) thread
  • Construction:Ā Pleat support bands, single-piece core with offset openings, plus core support for added rigidity
  • End Caps:Ā Durable plastic, chemical-resistant, exact OEM fit
  • Fits:Ā Jacuzzi Premium spas — J-300, J-400, and pre-2005 models
  • Replaces OEM:Ā Jacuzzi Premium 6540-476, 6541-383
  • Cross-References:Ā Pleatco PJW60TL-F2S, PJW60TL-2A, PJW60TL-2AW2, Filbur FC-2800, Baleen AK-90191, 303838, 6000-383A, 6000-383AJ, 15203
  • Thread Note:Ā 2 in SAE — will not interchange with 2 in MPT threaded cartridges
  • Cleaning:Ā Rinse gently with a garden hose every two to four weeks; deep clean periodically with filter cleaner. Do not pressure wash.
  • Origin:Ā Made in the USA
  • Shipping:Ā Standard ground; not classified as a hazardous material

  • Outer Diameter: 6-3/4"
  • Length: 15-1/2"
  • Top End Cap: semi-circular handle
  • Bottom End Cap: 2" SAE thread
  • Pleat Count: 113
  • Media: 3 oz.
  • Filtration Square Footage: 52 sq. ft
Compatibility

The 6CH-960 is built forĀ JacuzziĀ® PremiumĀ spas, includingĀ J-300Ā andĀ J-400Ā series and pre-2005 models. It serves as a direct replacement for:

  • Jacuzzi Premium:Ā 6540-476, 6541-383

It's also cross-referenced asĀ Pleatco PJW60TL-F2SĀ (also PJW60TL-2A and PJW60TL-2AW2),Ā Filbur FC-2800,Ā Baleen AK-90191, and numbersĀ 303838,Ā 6000-383A,Ā 6000-383AJ, andĀ 15203.

Before ordering, verify theĀ 2 inch SAE threadĀ on the bottom (not MPT), theĀ semi-circular handleĀ on top, and theĀ 6-3/4 inch diameter by 15-1/2 inch length. Also confirmĀ how many cartridges your spa takes. The surest method is toĀ pull your current cartridge and read the part number printed on it. For upkeep, pair it with a dedicatedĀ filter cleanerĀ for periodic deep cleaning.

Most products purchased from our online shop within the last 30 days are eligible for return. Please review our return policy to see the list of items that cannot be returned.

Some major items that are non-returnable:

  • Gift cards
  • Electronics
  • Pumps / Motors
  • Hot Tubs
  • Closeouts
  • Fireplaces
  • Electric Fireplaces
  • Massage Chairs
  • See return policy below for full list of non-returnables.

UNICELĀ® Brand FAQs

Who makes Unicel filters?

Unicel filters are made byMeissner Mfg. Co., Inc., a family business that began as a small contract sewing operation in thelate 1950sand moved into pool filtration through the 1970s. By the end of that decade the company was producing cartridge filters for the industry'soriginal equipment manufacturers, and in1985it introduced the Unicel brand as aftermarket replacements. It's still owned and operated by the Meissner family today.

Are Unicel filters as good as the original manufacturer's filter?

Unicel builds its cartridges tomeet or exceed original equipment specifications— and that's a meaningful distinction here, because the company produced cartridges for the industry's OEMs before it ever launched its own brand. Unicel cartridges usedurable, chemical-resistant end capswith an exact fit,high-capacity media,uniform pleatsfor optimal flow, and asolid corethat resists collapsing under pressure.

Where are Unicel filters made?

Unicel filters are manufactured inCalifornia, with components sourcedexclusively in the United States. The line comprisesnearly 500 products, covering replacement cartridges, D.E. grids, filter discs, and related parts.

How do I find the right Unicel filter for my spa?

Unicel cartridges areinterchangeable with all major filter brands, and each one cross-references to a list of original equipment part numbers. The most reliable method is topull your current cartridge and read the part number printed on it, then match it to the Unicel cross-reference. If the number has worn off,measure your old cartridge— diameter, length, and the size and style of the openings at each end — and match those instead. Also confirmhow many cartridgesyour spa uses.

How long does a Unicel filter last?

Cartridge life depends on how heavily the spa is used, yourwater chemistry, and how consistently you clean the filter. Many Unicel cartridges useReemayĀ® polyester media, whosetrilobal fibersprovide considerably more surface area than standard rounded fibers — which increases dirt-holding capacity and extends the time between cleanings. With regular rinsing and periodic deep cleaning, a well-maintained cartridge commonly serves a year or more.

When should I replace my filter instead of cleaning it?

Replace the cartridge when thecycle between cleanings becomes noticeably shorter, when you seelow water flowor high differential pressure, when the media has atear, or if thecenter core collapses. Pleats that stay permanently flattened or discolored after a proper cleaning are another sign the cartridge has reached the end of its service life.

About UNICELĀ®

UnicelĀ is the nation's leading manufacturer of replacement filter cartridges for pools and spas — and the story behind it is a genuinely American one. In the late 1950s,Ā Richard T. MeissnerĀ started a small part-time contract sewing operation. Through the 1970s, Meissner Mfg. Co., Inc. moved into swimming pool filter bags, then D.E. grid element covering, and by the end of that decade the company was producingĀ cartridge filters for the industry's original equipment manufacturers.

That's the detail that matters most: Unicel wasĀ building the filters that went into new spas long before it sold a replacement. InĀ 1985, the company introduced the UNICEL brand so dealers and technicians could source elements built to O.E.M. specifications from a single place — even for equipment brands they didn't carry. Today the line spansĀ nearly 500 products, all manufactured inĀ California with components sourced exclusively in the USA.

By staying focused on one thing — filtration — Unicel has built deep expertise in a critical corner of the industry, from media development to cartridge design. Every cartridge is built withĀ chemical-resistant end capsĀ for an exact fit,Ā high-capacity filter media,Ā uniform pleatsĀ for optimal flow, and aĀ solid coreĀ that holds its shape under pressure. Meissner Mfg. Co., Inc. remainsĀ owned and operated by the Meissner family, still recognized for quality and service. American-made products, world-class service.