Name: Hayward Perflex EC40AC
Brand: Hayward
Price: 569.00 USD

3.0/5#10 of 10 in D.E. pool filters
3.0

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.

Price checked November 2, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Pros

Bump handle knocks D.E. and dirt off the flex tubes, so no backwash between cleanings
Uses far less water than backwashing a sand or grid D.E. filter
Air vents automatically to the pool

Cons

One-year parts-only warranty on the online (W3) version
Small filter area means draining and recharging D.E. more often than a large grid filter
Only 40 psi rated

The Hayward Perflex extended cycle family

Every Hayward Perflex extended cycle model we rank, smallest first. Ratings compare each against its own type.

Model	Flow	Rating	Price
Hayward Perflex EC40AC (this one)	40 gpm	3.0/5	$569
Hayward Perflex EC50AC	50 gpm	3.2/5	$729
Hayward Perflex EC65A	67 gpm	3.1/5	$1,149
Hayward Perflex EC75A	100 gpm	3.7/5	$1,239

How it scores

The rating comes from 5 measured or published factors, each scored 0-100 against fixed reference points for its type. How we rank explains each one.

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.

$729

An extended-cycle D.E. filter for an in-ground pool, for owners who want D.E. clarity and long runs between cleanings.

$1,149

A vertical-grid D.E. filter for an in-ground pool owner who wants the clearest water and will add D.E. after each backwash.

$1,389