Hayward Perflex D.E. Pool Filter System 4 lb 1 HP Pump

The Hayward Perflex W3EC40C92S is a 6 lb D.E. pool filter system that pairs the extended-cycle EC40AC flex-tube D.E. filter with a pre-matched 1.5 HP in-ground pool pump for residential in-ground pools up to 20,000 gallons. Patented Flex-Tube bump-to-clean design requires no backwash valve and no grid teardown. 6 lbs D.E. capacity, 40 GPM max flow, easy-access clamp assembly, 1.5" plumbing. 1 year warranty.

• SKU: W3EC40C92S
• 1 year warranty
• 6 lb extended-cycle D.E. pool filter system; 40 GPM max flow
• Pre-matched 1.5 HP single-speed in-ground pool pump included
• Patented Flex-Tube bump-to-clean design; no backwashing required
• Removes particles as small as 2–5 microns
• Bump handle causes Flex-Tubes to instantly purge dirt and powder; D.E. is reused rather than discharged
• Self-venting design automatically expels air from the system
• Easy-access clamp assembly for service; tool-free housing access
• Combination pressure gauge and manual air relief valve
• Corrosion-resistant UV-stable thermoplastic tank
• 1.5" NPT plumbing connections
• For residential in-ground pools up to 20,000 gallons
• D.E. powder not included; 6 lb pool-grade D.E. required for initial charge

Hayward Perflex W3EC40C92S D.E. Pool Filter System – Pre-Matched Extended-Cycle D.E. Filter and 1.5 HP Pump

The Hayward Perflex W3EC40C92S is a 6 lb D.E. pool filter system that pairs the extended-cycle EC40AC flex-tube D.E. filter with a 1.5 HP in-ground pool pump in a single, factory-tested combination. Designed for residential in-ground pools up to 20,000 gallons, the W3EC40C92S delivers the finest residential filtration available — D.E. filtration at 2–5 microns — without the compatibility guesswork of selecting a filter and pump separately. The extended-cycle flex-tube design requires no backwash valve, no dedicated drain line, and no seasonal grid acid-wash teardown; the pump is sized to produce the flow rate the EC40AC filter is rated to handle within the target pool volume range.

For pool owners replacing an aging filter-and-pump combination, setting up a new in-ground pool, or upgrading from sand or cartridge filtration to D.E., the W3EC40C92S provides a complete solution in one purchase. Both components are factory-tested together, and the plumbing interface between the pump outlet and filter inlet is pre-configured to the correct port sizing, reducing the number of additional fittings required at installation.

What Comes with the Hayward Perflex W3EC40C92S D.E. Pool Filter System

The W3EC40C92S ships as a complete package. Confirming the included components helps identify whether any additional parts are needed before installation.

• EC40AC extended-cycle flex-tube D.E. filter – The 6 lb capacity extended-cycle filter housing with clamp-band closure, bump handle, sump collection chamber, manual air relief valve, and pressure gauge port. Flex-tube elements are pre-installed at shipment.
• 1.5 HP in-ground pool pump – A single-speed in-ground pool pump pre-matched to the EC40AC filter's flow requirements for pools up to 20,000 gallons, with strainer basket, union connections, and drain plugs included.
• Pre-configured pump-to-filter connection – The connection between the pump outlet and filter inlet is sized and configured at the factory to eliminate port-sizing mismatches that can occur when assembling components independently.
• Pressure gauge – Installed on the filter housing for operating pressure monitoring and service interval guidance.
• Manual air relief valve – Installed on the filter housing to purge air during startup and after D.E. recharge events.

Hayward Perflex W3EC40C92S D.E. Filter System Specifications

Why the Hayward Perflex W3EC40C92S Eliminates Pump-to-Filter Compatibility Guesswork

Pairing a D.E. filter and pump independently requires confirming that the pump's GPM output at the system's total dynamic head falls within the filter's rated flow range. Too little flow and the pool does not turn over adequately; too much flow and the filter runs above its rated pressure ceiling, which accelerates D.E. cake loading, shortens service intervals, and puts stress on the flex-tube elements and housing seals. For pool owners without experience in pump curve analysis and hydraulic system design, this is the most common source of equipment performance problems after installation.

The W3EC40C92S eliminates that risk. The 1.5 HP pump included in this system is factory-tested with the EC40AC filter to confirm that flow, pressure, and D.E. service interval all fall within appropriate ranges for pools up to 20,000 gallons. The pre-configured pump-to-filter connection also eliminates the port-sizing adapter issues that commonly arise when combining separately sourced components.

Pool owners who already have a functioning in-ground pump and need only the filter can purchase the standalone EC40AC filter separately and pair it with their existing pump — provided the pump's output at operating head does not exceed the filter's 40 GPM rating.

How the Perflex EC40AC Filter in the W3EC40C92S Maintains Itself Between Full Recharges

The 1.5 HP pump in the W3EC40C92S draws pool water through the skimmer and main drain and delivers it to the EC40AC filter. Inside the filter, pool water passes through the D.E.-coated flex-tube elements, which capture particles down to 2–5 microns. Filtered water exits through the outlet and returns to the pool. Over time, the D.E. cake on the tubes accumulates debris and operating pressure rises on the gauge.

When pressure climbs 8–10 PSI above the clean baseline, turn off the pump and stroke the bump handle 8 times — down slowly, up briskly. The flex tubes compress and flex, dislodging the loaded D.E. cake into the sump at the base of the filter. The tubes immediately recoat from D.E. still suspended in the water, and restarting the pump typically restores pressure near the clean baseline without adding any new D.E. powder. This bump cycle can be repeated multiple times before the sump needs draining.

When bumping no longer restores pressure, drain the sump by opening the drain at the base of the filter, allowing the spent D.E. slurry to discharge fully, and closing it again. If pressure returns near baseline after draining, the existing D.E. charge is still active. Only when both bumping and sump draining fail to restore acceptable pressure is a full 6 lb recharge required.

Installing the Hayward Perflex W3EC40C92S – System Placement and Startup Checklist

Position the filter and pump on a stable, level equipment pad with clear access to the bump handle on the filter exterior, the sump drain at the filter base, and the pump strainer basket on the front of the pump body. The system connects to the pool's return and suction plumbing through 1-1/2 in. NPT fittings at the pump inlet and filter outlet. Route the suction line from the pool's skimmer and main drain to the pump inlet, and route the return line from the filter outlet back to the pool's return fittings.

Before adding D.E., fill the pump strainer basket with water to assist priming. With the pump running, open the manual air relief valve on the filter and hold it open until water flows steadily from the port, confirming the system is fully primed. Then, with the pump still running, slowly add the 6 lb initial D.E. charge as a pre-mixed slurry through the filter inlet. Allow 3–5 minutes of circulation before checking the gauge and recording the clean baseline pressure. The pump must be connected to a dedicated GFCI-protected electrical circuit — do not operate pool pump equipment without GFCI protection regardless of circuit voltage.

Seasonal Maintenance and Winterization for the Hayward Perflex W3EC40C92S D.E. Filter System

At the end of each swim season, drain the filter sump completely and flush it with clean water. In mild climates where temperatures do not reach hard freeze levels, drain the filter housing fully through the sump drain and air relief valve, drain the pump through its designated drain plugs, and leave all drains open through the off-season to prevent water from collecting in either component.

In freeze climates, full winterization requires draining both the pump and filter of all water before temperatures drop. Open the clamp housing on the EC40AC filter, remove the flex-tube assembly, rinse it thoroughly, and store it indoors in a dry location to protect the knitted tube material from freeze-thaw damage. Remove the pump drain plugs and any water from the pump pot and volute, and store the pump in a protected, non-freezing location if possible. Water left in either component through a hard freeze cycle can cause cracking that voids the warranty and requires full component replacement.

In spring, reinstall the pump drain plugs, reinstall the flex-tube assembly in the filter housing, secure the clamp band, and perform a full 6 lb D.E. recharge before opening the pool. Record a new clean baseline pressure before the season begins.

Hayward Perflex W3EC40C92S D.E. Pool Filter System Frequently Asked Questions