Diatomaceous earth filters deliver the finest filtration of any pool filter type — capturing particles down to 2–5 microns. The Hayward PerFlex is a unique DE filter that uses a "bump" system to extend maintenance intervals. For service professionals, understanding the difference between bump-style and traditional grid DE filters changes how you maintain accounts that have them.
| Feature | PerFlex (Bump) | Traditional Grid DE |
|---|---|---|
| Backwash method | Bump handle then add DE | Backwash valve then add DE |
| Full teardown frequency | 1–2x per season | 2–4x per season |
| Filtration quality | Equal (both DE) | Equal |
| Water loss per cleaning | Very low (minimal) | Higher (backwash cycle) |
| Maintenance complexity | Moderate (bump + add DE) | Standard (backwash + add DE) |
| Best for | Low-water-loss situations | Standard installations |
Inside the PerFlex, DE powder coats a series of flexible polymer "fingers" (tubes). As pressure rises, instead of backwashing and losing water, you turn off the pump, push the bump handle down 5–7 times, and turn the pump back on. This motion redistributes the DE on the fingers, opening up fresh filtration surface and dropping the pressure back toward normal operating range. You then add a small amount of fresh DE through the skimmer to compensate for what was dislodged.
This process loses almost no water, takes under 3 minutes, and extends the full cleaning interval to once or twice per season. For clients in drought-affected areas or municipalities with water restrictions, this is a meaningful advantage.
| Model | Filter Area | Pool Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC40C (PerFlex) | 40 sq ft | Up to 20,000 gal | ~$350–$450 |
| EC50 (PerFlex) | 50 sq ft | Up to 25,000 gal | ~$400–$500 |
| EC65 (PerFlex) | 65 sq ft | Up to 30,000 gal | ~$500–$650 |
On every service visit, check the pressure gauge. Document the starting pressure from when the filter is clean — this is your baseline. When pressure rises 8–10 PSI above baseline:
If bumping no longer drops the pressure significantly, it's time for a full teardown cleaning. The fingers should be removed, soaked in a filter cleaner solution, rinsed, and reinstalled.
Log filter pressure at every service visit in SplashLens. Tracking pressure trends shows you when filter performance is degrading — before the client calls about cloudy water. A pressure trending 5+ PSI higher than your clean baseline despite recent bumping indicates it's time for a full teardown.
Recommend the PerFlex for clients who want DE filtration quality with minimal water loss between full cleanings. Recommend a standard grid DE filter (Hayward Pro-Grid, Pentair FNS Plus) when the client wants a more familiar backwash-based maintenance routine and water availability isn't a concern.
Log filter pressure at every visit and trend it over time in SplashLens. Know when a full cleaning is due before clients notice performance drops. Free for pool service professionals.
Open SplashLens Free →A bump filter (like the Hayward PerFlex) uses a spring mechanism to 'bump' DE powder off the filter tubes, recoating them with fresh DE and extending the time between full backwash cycles. The bump handle is pushed down repeatedly to redistribute the DE. This allows more filtration cycles before a full teardown is required.
Bump the PerFlex when pressure rises 8–10 PSI above the clean starting pressure, or approximately every 4–8 weeks depending on pool usage and debris load. After bumping, add a small amount of fresh DE to compensate for DE lost during bumping.
DE filters remove particles down to 2–5 microns — finer than sand (20–40 microns) or cartridge (10–20 microns). This makes DE the superior choice for water clarity, particularly for pools with fine debris, algae issues, or very high bather loads.
The PerFlex requires a full teardown cleaning (removing and washing the filter tubes) once or twice per season depending on usage and water chemistry. This is less frequent than a traditional grid DE filter, which typically requires full cleaning every 3–6 months.
Food-grade DE (diatomaceous earth) used in pool filters is not significantly hazardous in normal handling. However, the fine powder is an irritant if inhaled — wear a dust mask when adding DE to the pool skimmer after backwashing. Avoid breathing the powder during any manipulation.