The Hayward Perflex W3EC50AC is a 25 sq ft extended-cycle D.E. pool filter for above-ground pools. Patented Flex-Tube bump-to-clean design, 5 lbs D.E. capacity, 50 GPM max flow, 2-micron filtration. Clamp assembly included. No backwash required. 1 year warranty.
Hayward Perflex W3EC50AC 25 Sq Ft Above-Ground D.E. Filter: More Capacity, Fewer Bump Cycles
The W3EC50AC steps up from the W3EC40AC with a 25 sq ft filter area, a 5 lb D.E. charge, and a 50 GPM flow ceiling. The additional filter area extends the interval between bump cycles and keeps operating pressure lower at equivalent pool sizes and debris loads. It is the right choice when your pump output approaches or exceeds 40 GPM, or when you want more filtration headroom for a larger above-ground pool.
Like all PerFlex models, the W3EC50AC cleans via the bump handle — no backwash valve, no drain line, and no fresh D.E. needed after most cleaning cycles. If you need the filter and a matched pump in one purchase, the W3EC50C93S (25 sq ft, 1.5 HP) is available.
Hayward W3EC50AC Perflex D.E. Filter Key Features
- 25 sq ft filter area – More filtration surface than the 20 sq ft W3EC40AC, extending bump cycles and supporting pumps up to 50 GPM.
- Patented Flex-Tube design – Bump-to-clean mechanism reuses the 5 lb D.E. charge rather than discharging it; no backwash valve or drain line required.
- 2-micron filtration – Removes particles significantly finer than sand or cartridge filters on the first pass through the media.
- Clamp assembly – Quick access to the filter interior for D.E. recharge and Flex-Tube inspection without tools.
- Self-venting design – Air is automatically expelled through the filtered water returning to the pool.
- Integral check valve – Prevents system backflow and protects D.E. coating on the Flex-Tubes whenever the pump is off.
- Heavy-duty glass-filled PPL tank – Corrosion-free construction rated for outdoor above-ground use.
Hayward W3EC50AC Perflex D.E. Filter Specifications
SKU / ModelW3EC50AC Filter TypeExtended-cycle D.E. (Flex-Tube) Filter Area25 sq ft D.E. Capacity5 lbs pool-grade D.E. powder Max Flow Rate50 GPM Filtration Range2 microns Backwash Valve RequiredNo Cleaning MethodBump handle; no backwashing Port Size1.5″ NPT inlet and outlet Internal ElementPatented Flex-Tube elements Check ValveIntegral; prevents backflow when pump is off Air ReliefSelf-venting; automatically expels air Tank MaterialHeavy-duty glass-filled PPL; corrosion-free ApplicationAbove-ground pools Warranty1 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 | 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 (this model) | 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 W3EC50AC Perflex D.E. Filter Frequently Asked Questions
The W3EC50AC has a 25 sq ft filter area (vs. 20 sq ft), a 5 lb D.E. charge (vs. 4 lbs), and a 50 GPM flow ceiling (vs. 40 GPM). Choose the W3EC50AC if your pump output approaches or exceeds 40 GPM, or if you want longer intervals between bump cycles and lower sustained operating pressure at larger above-ground pool volumes.
No. 5 lbs of pool-grade D.E. must be purchased separately and added through the skimmer with the pump running on initial startup.
No. The W3EC50AC is a filter-only purchase. If you need a factory-matched pump, the W3EC50C93S pairs this same filter with a 1.5 HP PowerFlo Matrix pump.
Hayward Perflex W3EC50AC D.E. Filter Manual and Warranty Info
- Hayward Perflex W3EC50AC – Owner’s Manual (PDF)
- Hayward Perflex W3EC50AC – Parts Diagram and Replacement Part Numbers (PDF)
