Cryspool® 08046 Filter Compatible with Hayward C900, CX900R
✅ PROS
- Genuine 50 sq ft of filtration media at roughly half the price of the Hayward OEM cartridge
- Precisely molded end caps and gasket seats that align with C900/CX900R housings without forcing
- Fully assembled and ready to drop in — no soaking, no fuss, no separate parts
❌ CONS
- No brand markings on the cartridge itself, which may matter for warranty sticklers
- A few users report the pleats compress slightly after a month of heavy use, affecting water flow marginally
- Not a genuine Hayward part — if you demand OEM-only for resale value, look elsewhere
The Verdict
Let’s cut to the chase: if you own a Hayward C900 or CX900R filter system, you already know the OEM replacement cartridges cost an arm and a leg. The Cryspool 08046 is the aftermarket answer that’s been sitting in 235 Amazon carts with a 4.7-star average. Here’s the real story.
What’s in the box
You get one cartridge. That’s it. No gaskets, no O-rings, no manual. It measures 11.5 inches in diameter with a 7.5-inch overall height — dimensions that match the Hayward C-900 spec sheet to the millimeter. The unit is fully assembled and ready to slide into your filter housing. As shown in the product image, it’s a standard vertical pleated design with rigid end caps and a center core that holds its shape when you grip it.
Performance and build quality
The filtration media is the star here. Cryspool uses a 50-square-foot polyester fabric with pleats that are tightly packed — roughly 90 pleats per cartridge. In real-world use, that translates to catching everything from pollen to sand grains down to the 10-micron range that Hayward specifies. The end caps are injection-molded polypropylene, not the cheaper blow-molded stuff you see on bargain brands. They seat firmly against the C900 manifold without needing to force or wiggle the cartridge into position.
Water flow is where this thing earns its keep. Pool owners report pressure gauge readings dropping 2–3 PSI within 24 hours of swapping out a dirty OEM cartridge. One reviewer put it plainly: “Dropped right in and my pump pressure dropped from 18 to 13 PSI. Crystal clear water in two days.” That tracks with what you’d expect from a properly sized 50-sq-ft cartridge.
What buyers consistently praise
The value proposition is the headline. At roughly half the cost of the Hayward C-900 replacement, you’re paying for filtration performance that matches the OEM. Multiple reviewers mention buying two or three at a time to keep on hand — one noted, “I bought two and rotate them every 3 weeks. Best pool maintenance decision I’ve made.” Durability holds up too: several long-term users report getting 2–3 seasons out of a single cartridge with regular hosing.
Where it falls short
Nothing’s perfect, and this cartridge has a couple of quirks. First, the pleats are stiff when new. A few buyers noted the cartridge needs a 24-hour soak in water before first use to fully open the pleats and maximize flow. Skip that step and you might see slightly reduced flow for the first week. Second, there are no brand markings or serial numbers on the cartridge itself. If you’re the type who keeps meticulous pool records and demands OEM parts for warranty purposes, that’ll bug you. It won’t affect performance, but it’s worth knowing.
Who should buy this
- The value-conscious pool owner: You know the OEM price is inflated and you’re fine with an aftermarket part that does the job.
- The seasonal pool operator: If you’re opening and closing your pool each year, buy two and rotate them. This cartridge handles that abuse well.
- Anyone with a Hayward C900, CX900R, or compatible systems like the C-900 style filters — check your model number against the compatibility list before ordering.
Skip it if you demand OEM parts for a pool you’re selling, or if you’re running a commercial setup where filtration spec compliance is legally required.
FAQ
Q: Is this cartridge really compatible with my Hayward C900? A: Yes. The dimensions and gasket configuration match the C900 and CX900R housings exactly. It also fits the C-900 style filters from brands like Waterway and Pentair that use the same cartridge. Double-check your filter model before ordering, but this is a true drop-in replacement.
Q: How long does this filter last? A: With weekly hosing during swim season, expect 1–2 seasons. With monthly chemical soaks, you can stretch it to 3. Run it until the pressure gauge reads 8–10 PSI above clean baseline, then clean or replace.
Q: Can I clean this with a hose, or do I need chemicals? A: A garden hose with a spray nozzle handles most debris. For oily or sunscreen-heavy pools, use a filter cleaner spray and rinse thoroughly. Avoid pressure washers — they’ll blow out the pleats.
The Verdict
Buy it if you want OEM-equivalent filtration at a fraction of the price and don’t mind the lack of Hayward branding. Skip it if you’re a stickler for genuine parts or you’re not willing to give it a quick pre-soak before first use.
Rating: 4.6/5 — Solid performance, honest pricing, and one minor quirk that’s easy to work around. This is the smart buy for C900 owners.
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.