Hayward Perflex EC40AC
#10 in D.E.Full review
An extended-cycle D.E. filter for an above-ground or small in-ground pool, for owners who want D.E. clarity without a backwash valve.
Amazon $569$569
The Hayward Perflex EC40AC rates 3.0 among D.E. pool filters; the Hayward ProSeries S180T rates 2.8 among sand ones. The Hayward ProSeries S180T costs $70 less ($499 vs $569).
Hayward ProSeries S180T
#10 in SandFull review
A simple multiport sand filter for an above-ground pool of up to about 16,800 gallons. Buy it for cheap media and one-lever backwashing, not for the clearest water.
Amazon $499$499
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Scores side by side
These two sit in different type classes (D.E. and sand), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own type peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Hayward Perflex EC40AC | Hayward ProSeries S180T |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.0/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 35% | 62 $14.22 per gpm ($569, 40 gpm) | 28 $14.26 per gpm ($499, 35 gpm) |
| Filter area 30% | 0 20 sq ft of filter area | 7 1.8 sq ft of filter area |
| Valve 10% | 100 no backwash valve needed | 100 multiport valve |
| Pressure rating 10% | 50 40 psi maximum working pressure | 100 50 psi maximum working pressure |
| Warranty 15% | 33 1-year warranty | 33 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Hayward Perflex EC40AC | Hayward ProSeries S180T | |
|---|---|---|
| Filtering | ||
| Filter type | D.E. | Sand |
| Filter area | 20 sq ft | 1.8 sq ft |
| Maximum flow | 40 gpm | 35 gpm |
| Largest pool | 19,200 gal | 16,800 gal |
| Pool type | In-ground or above-ground | Above-ground |
| Sand | - | 150 lb |
| Build | ||
| Valve | None needed | Multiport |
| Maximum pressure | 40 psi | 50 psi |
| Ports | 1.5 in | 1.5 in |
| Air relief | Yes | - |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |