{"product_id":"hayward-perflex-extended-cycle-d-e-pool-filter-6-lb-w3ec40ac","title":"Hayward PerFlex Extended-Cycle D.E. Pool Filter 6 lb","description":"\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .product-description {\n    color: inherit;\n    line-height: 1.75;\n    max-width: 860px;\n  }\n  .product-description h2 {\n    font-size: 1.2rem;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    margin: 2rem 0 0.6rem;\n    border-bottom: 2px solid #cce0ff;\n    padding-bottom: 0.3rem;\n  }\n  .product-description h3 {\n    font-size: 1rem;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    margin: 1.5rem 0 0.4rem;\n  }\n  .product-description p { margin: 0 0 1rem; }\n  .product-description ul { margin: 0 0 1rem 1.4rem; padding: 0; }\n  .product-description ul li { margin-bottom: 0.4rem; }\n  .product-description .spec-list {\n    margin: 1rem 0 1.5rem;\n    font-size: 0.95rem;\n    border: 1px solid #c4d9f0;\n    border-radius: 4px;\n    overflow: hidden;\n  }\n  .product-description .spec-row {\n    display: flex;\n    flex-wrap: wrap;\n    border-bottom: 1px solid #c4d9f0;\n  }\n  .product-description .spec-row:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n  .product-description .spec-key {\n    flex: 0 0 38%;\n    background-color: #e8f1fb;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    padding: 0.5rem 0.75rem;\n    box-sizing: border-box;\n  }\n  .product-description .spec-val {\n    flex: 1 1 62%;\n    padding: 0.5rem 0.75rem;\n    box-sizing: border-box;\n  }\n  .product-description .spec-row:nth-child(even) .spec-val { background-color: #f5f9ff; }\n  .product-description .spec-row:nth-child(even) .spec-key { background-color: #edf4fc; }\n  @media (max-width: 540px) {\n    .product-description .spec-key,\n    .product-description .spec-val { flex: 0 0 100%; }\n    .product-description .spec-key { padding-bottom: 0.2rem; }\n    .product-description .spec-val { padding-top: 0.2rem; }\n  }\n  .product-description .note {\n    background-color: #edf5fc;\n    border-left: 4px solid #0066cc;\n    padding: 0.75rem 1rem;\n    font-size: 0.93rem;\n    margin: 1rem 0;\n    border-radius: 0 4px 4px 0;\n  }\n  .product-description .doc-links {\n    background-color: #f0f6ff;\n    border-left: 4px solid #0066cc;\n    padding: 0.75rem 1rem;\n    margin: 1.5rem 0;\n    border-radius: 0 4px 4px 0;\n  }\n  .product-description .doc-links h2 {\n    border-bottom: none;\n    margin: 0 0 0.4rem;\n    font-size: 1rem;\n    padding-bottom: 0;\n  }\n  .product-description .doc-links ul { margin: 0 0 0 1.2rem; }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Product\" itemscope=\"\" class=\"product-description\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Hayward PerFlex Extended-Cycle D.E. Pool Filter 27 Sq Ft W3EC65A\"\u003e \u003cmeta itemprop=\"brand\" content=\"Hayward\"\u003e \u003cmeta itemprop=\"sku\" content=\"W3EC65A\"\u003e \u003cmeta itemprop=\"category\" content=\"Pool Filter\"\u003e\n\u003cp itemprop=\"description\"\u003eThe Hayward PerFlex W3EC65A is a 27 sq ft extended-cycle D.E. pool filter. Patented Flex-Tube design cleans without backwashing. 6 lbs D.E. capacity, 67 GPM max flow. Self-venting, integral check valve, easy-access clamp assembly. Professional installation required for warranty validation. 1 year warranty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSKU: W3EC65A\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 year warranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e27 sq ft extended-cycle D.E. pool filter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePatented Flex-Tube design cleans without backwashing; no backwash valve or drain line required\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 lbs D.E. capacity; 67 GPM max flow rate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemoves particles as small as 2 microns the first time through\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlex-Tubes instantly clean themselves via the bump handle; D.E. is reused rather than discharged\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSelf-venting design automatically expels air from the system\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntegral check valve prevents system backflow whenever pump is off\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCombination pressure gauge and threaded inspection\/service port\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy-access clamp assembly for service\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeavy-duty glass-filled PPL tank; corrosion-free\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor in-ground and above ground pools\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReplaces EC65A (direct replacement)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHayward PerFlex W3EC65A Extended-Cycle D.E. Pool Filter: No Backwash, No Grid Teardown\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe PerFlex W3EC65A delivers 2-micron D.E. filtration without the maintenance overhead of a conventional grid-based D.E. filter. Instead of rigid grid panels that need backwashing, fresh D.E. after every cleaning, and periodic acid washing, the PerFlex uses patented Flex-Tubes that clean themselves via a bump handle. When pressure rises, you stop the pump, stroke the bump handle, and restart. The Flex-Tubes compress and release, shedding the spent D.E. cake, which then redistributes and recoats the tubes. No valve, no drain line, no fresh D.E. needed after each cleaning. A single 6 lb charge lasts significantly longer than in a conventional D.E. filter because the powder is reused rather than flushed away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow the PerFlex Bump-to-Clean Cycle Works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen operating 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. The Flex-Tubes flex and compress, dislodging the loaded D.E. cake. Dirty and clean D.E. mix together and recoat the tube surfaces. Restart the pump. In most cases pressure returns near baseline and the existing D.E. charge continues filtering without any addition of fresh powder. This cycle can be repeated many times before a full sump drain is needed, and a full D.E. recharge is only required when bumping and draining no longer restore acceptable pressure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHayward PerFlex W3EC65A D.E. Filter Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-list\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-key\"\u003eSKU \/ Model\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-val\"\u003eW3EC65A (replaces EC65A)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-key\"\u003eFilter Type\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-val\"\u003eExtended-cycle D.E. (Flex-Tube)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-key\"\u003eFilter Area\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-val\"\u003e27 sq ft\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-key\"\u003eD.E. Capacity\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-val\"\u003e6 lbs pool-grade D.E. powder\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-key\"\u003eMax Flow Rate\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-val\"\u003e67 GPM\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-key\"\u003eFiltration Range\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-val\"\u003e2 microns\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-key\"\u003eBackwash Valve Required\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-val\"\u003eNo\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-key\"\u003eCleaning Method\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-val\"\u003eBump handle; no backwashing\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-key\"\u003ePort Size\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-val\"\u003e1.5\" NPT inlet and outlet\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-key\"\u003eInternal Element\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-val\"\u003ePatented Flex-Tube elements\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-key\"\u003eCheck Valve\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-val\"\u003eIntegral; prevents backflow when pump is off\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-key\"\u003eAir Relief\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-val\"\u003eSelf-venting; automatically expels air\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-key\"\u003eTank Material\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-val\"\u003eHeavy-duty glass-filled PPL; corrosion-free\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-key\"\u003eApplication\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-val\"\u003eIn-ground and above ground pools\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-key\"\u003eWarranty\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-val\"\u003e1 year\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHayward PerFlex W3EC65A D.E. Pool Filter Frequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow is the PerFlex different from a conventional D.E. filter?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConventional D.E. filters coat rigid grid panels that must be backwashed to clean, require fresh D.E. after each backwash, need a multiport valve and dedicated drain line, and require periodic grid acid washing. The PerFlex uses Flex-Tubes that self-clean through the bump mechanism. Spent D.E. is redistributed and reused rather than flushed away, so no backwash valve, drain line, or grid acid washing is needed. Water clarity is the same; the maintenance difference is significant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow long does a D.E. charge last?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSignificantly longer than in a conventional D.E. filter. Because D.E. is reused through the bump cycle rather than discharged and replaced, a single 6 lb charge can run for several months depending on pool size, bather load, and debris conditions. Most PerFlex owners add a full D.E. recharge only one to three times per season rather than after every cleaning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat D.E. powder do I use?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStandard pool-grade diatomaceous earth. Do not use food-grade, pest-control, or industrial D.E. products; those are formulated differently and are not appropriate for pool water contact. Perlite is also compatible with the Flex-Tube design as a silica-free alternative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eD.E. is appearing in my pool. What does that mean?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eD.E. returning to the pool through the return fittings means one or more Flex-Tube elements has a hole or seam failure allowing powder to bypass the filter media. Stop the pump immediately, drain the tank, remove the tube assembly, and inspect each element individually. Replace any tube showing a breach before restarting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eIs this a direct replacement for the EC65A?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. W3EC65A is the direct replacement for EC65A with the same specifications and Flex-Tube element design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdiv aria-label=\"Hayward PerFlex W3EC65A D.E. Pool Filter Manual and Warranty Info\" role=\"complementary\" class=\"doc-links\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHayward PerFlex W3EC65A D.E. Pool Filter Manual and Warranty Info\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"\/docs\/hayward-perflex-ec40ac-owners-manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHayward PerFlex W3EC65A - Owner's Manual (PDF)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"\/docs\/hayward-perflex-ec40ac-parts-diagram.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHayward PerFlex W3EC65A - Parts Diagram and Replacement Part Numbers (PDF)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n  {\n    \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/\",\n    \"@type\": \"Product\",\n    \"name\": \"Hayward PerFlex Extended-Cycle D.E. 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