Hayward PowerFlo Matrix Pump Strainer Housing, SPX5500C

The Hayward SPX5500C is the strainer housing for the Power-Flo Matrix series pump, model SP1590. It is the genuine Hayward OEM part, molded in plastic.

What the housing does

The strainer housing is the front chamber of the pump. Water from the pool enters here first and passes through the strainer basket, which catches leaves and debris before they reach the impeller. Everything downstream of it depends on that chamber holding pressure and holding prime.

When to replace it

Housings fail from cracks, usually at a threaded fitting, from freeze damage, or from distortion after years of heat and sun. Those are not repairable on a part that has to seal under pressure. A leak at the lid or the drain, by contrast, is usually the seal rather than the housing itself, so look at the cheap parts before condemning the pot.

What is not included

This is the housing alone. The Matrix strainer basket, the housing o-ring and the drain plug with gasket are separate Hayward parts, and they are worth renewing while the pump is apart.