Hayward Perflex D.E. Above Ground Pool Filter with Clamp 4 lb

The Hayward Perflex W3EC40AC is a 20 sq ft extended-cycle D.E. pool filter for above-ground pools. Patented Flex-Tube design cleans without backwashing. 4 lbs D.E. capacity, 40 GPM max flow, 2-micron filtration. Clamp assembly included. 1 year warranty. Hayward Perflex W3EC40AC 20 Sq Ft Above-Ground D.E. Filter: Extended-Cycle Filtration Without Backwashing The Perflex W3EC40AC is the entry-level above-ground PerFlex model, providing 2-micron D.E. filtration for above-ground pools without a backwash valve, drain line, or grid teardown. The patented Flex-Tube design cleans through a bump handle instead of backwashing — stop the pump, stroke the handle eight times, and restart. The existing 4 lb D.E. charge redistributes and recoats the Flex-Tubes, restoring filtration without discharging media or wasting treated pool water. The clamp assembly allows quick access to the filter interior without tools. If you also need a pump, the W3EC40C92S bundles this same filter with a 1 HP PowerFlo Matrix pump. For more filter area at the same above-ground scale, the W3EC50AC (25 sq ft, 50 GPM) is the step up. Hayward W3EC40AC Perflex D.E. Filter Key Features Patented Flex-Tube design - Bump-to-clean mechanism reuses D.E. powder rather than flushing it, extending filter cycles and eliminating the need for a backwash valve or drain line. 2-micron filtration - Removes particles significantly finer than sand or cartridge filters, capturing dust, pollen, and algae spores on the first pass. Clamp assembly - Tool-free access to the filter interior for inspection, D.E. recharge, and Flex-Tube servicing. Self-venting design - Automatically expels air from the system through the filtered water returning to the pool. Integral check valve - Prevents system backflow whenever the pump is off, protecting D.E. coating on the Flex-Tubes. Combination pressure gauge and service port - Easy to read, easy to remove when the filter needs servicing. Heavy-duty glass-filled PPL tank - Corrosion-free construction for outdoor above-ground pool installations. Hayward W3EC40AC Perflex D.E. Filter Specifications SKU / Model W3EC40AC Filter Type Extended-cycle D.E. (Flex-Tube) Filter Area 20 sq ft D.E. Capacity 4 lbs pool-grade D.E. powder Max Flow Rate 40 GPM Filtration Range 2 microns Backwash Valve Required No Cleaning Method Bump handle; no backwashing Port Size 1.5" NPT inlet and outlet Internal Element Patented Flex-Tube elements Check Valve Integral; prevents backflow when pump is off Air Relief Self-venting; automatically expels air Tank Material Heavy-duty glass-filled PPL; corrosion-free Application Above-ground pools Warranty 1 year Hayward Perflex D.E. Filter Lineup Above-Ground Perflex D.E. Filters Product Filter Area D.E. Charge Flow Rate Pump Hayward Perflex D.E. Filter with Clamp 4 lb (this model) 20 sq ft 4 lbs 40 GPM Filter only Hayward Perflex D.E. Filter System 4 lb 1 HP Pump 20 sq ft 4 lbs 40 GPM 1 HP PowerFlo Matrix Hayward Perflex D.E. Filter with Clamp 5 lb 25 sq ft 5 lbs 50 GPM Filter only Hayward Perflex D.E. Filter System 5 lb 1.5 HP Pump 25 sq ft 5 lbs 50 GPM 1.5 HP PowerFlo Matrix In-Ground Perflex D.E. Filters Product Filter Area D.E. Charge Flow Rate Hayward PerFlex 27 Sq Ft D.E. Filter 27 sq ft 6 lbs 67 GPM Hayward PerFlex 40 Sq Ft D.E. Filter 40 sq ft 7 lbs 80 GPM Hayward W3EC40AC Perflex D.E. Filter Frequently Asked Questions Does the W3EC40AC include D.E. powder? No. 4 lbs of pool-grade diatomaceous earth must be purchased separately. Add D.E. through the skimmer with the pump running after initial setup. Do not use food-grade, pest-control, or industrial D.E. Perlite is a compatible silica-free alternative. What is the bump-to-clean process? When pressure rises 10 to 12 PSI above the clean baseline, stop the pump, push the bump handle down slowly then up briskly, repeat 8 times, and restart. The Flex-Tubes compress and release, redistributing the D.E. cake so it recoats the tube surfaces. No water is discharged and no fresh D.E. is needed in most cases. Is this filter-only, or does it include a pump? Filter only. If you need a matched pump, the W3EC40C92S pairs this same filter with a 1 HP PowerFlo Matrix pump. How does D.E. filtration compare to sand or cartridge? D.E. filters to 2 microns — significantly finer than sand (20-40 microns) or most cartridge filters (10-15 microns). The tradeoff is that D.E. requires periodic recharging and the Flex-Tubes need occasional inspection and eventual replacement. The PerFlex bump design substantially reduces the frequency of full D.E. recharges compared to a conventional D.E. filter. Hayward Perflex W3EC40AC D.E. Filter Manual and Warranty Info Hayward Perflex W3EC40AC - Owner's Manual (PDF) Hayward Perflex W3EC40AC - Parts Diagram and Replacement Part Numbers (PDF)