The Watts AICRO is a 10-inch inline polishing (post) filter specifically designed for the final stage of reverse osmosis (RO) systems and refrigerator/icemaker water lines. It uses premium GAC (granular activated carbon) to "polish" water after primary filtration, removing any residual tastes, odors, and chlorine before the water reaches your glass or ice maker. It's the perfect finishing filter to ensure your Watts RO system delivers crisp, great-tasting water.

The Watts AICRO features 1/4" quick-connect push-in fittings on both ends for tool-free installation, with dimensions of 10" in length and 2" in diameter. It has a flow rate of 0.5 GPM and operates at pressures between 20-125 psi with a temperature range of 40-100°F. The filter has a service life of up to 1,500 gallons or 12 months, whichever comes first, making it one of the longest-lasting polishing filters available for inline applications.

Yes, the Watts AICRO is manufactured to NSF/ANSI Standard 42 guidelines for aesthetic effects. Its GAC media is specifically engineered to reduce chlorine taste and odor, along with residual organic compounds that can affect water flavor. Because it's a polishing filter, it is designed to refine water that has already been through primary sediment and carbon block stages—not to remove sediment, lead, or heavy metals on its own.

Installation is simple thanks to the integrated 1/4" quick-connect fittings—no wrenches or extra tubing adapters required. Shut off the water supply, cut your 1/4" tubing where the filter will be installed, push the tubing firmly into each end of the AICRO filter until seated, and confirm the arrow on the housing points in the direction of water flow. Turn the water back on, then flush 2-3 gallons through the filter to rinse out carbon fines before use.

Replace the Watts AICRO every 12 months or after 1,500 gallons of use, whichever comes first. If you notice a return of chlorine taste, reduced flow, or off-odors in your water or ice, that's a sign the GAC media is exhausted and should be replaced sooner. Maintaining this annual replacement schedule protects the quality of your RO system's output and keeps your refrigerator's ice and water tasting fresh.