Pentair Quad D.E. 100
#1 in D.E.Full review
A cartridge-style D.E. filter for a large in-ground pool, for owners who want D.E. clarity without wasting water on backwashes.
Amazon $1,999.99$1,999.99
The Pentair Quad D.E. 100 is the better pool filter overall, rated 4.3 to 3.0. The Pentair Quad D.E. 100 leads on filter area and pressure rating. The Hayward Perflex EC40AC costs $1,430.99 less ($569 vs $1,999.99).
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
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.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Pentair Quad D.E. 100 for filter area (100 sq ft of filter area vs 20 sq ft of filter area) and pressure rating (50 psi maximum working pressure vs 40 psi maximum working pressure).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every D.E. pool filter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Pentair Quad D.E. 100 | Hayward Perflex EC40AC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.3/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 35% | 67 $13.33 per gpm ($1,999.99, 150 gpm) | 62 $14.22 per gpm ($569, 40 gpm) |
| Filter area 30% | 100 100 sq ft of filter area | 0 20 sq ft of filter area |
| Valve 10% | 100 no backwash valve needed | 100 no backwash valve needed |
| Pressure rating 10% | 100 50 psi maximum working pressure | 50 40 psi maximum working pressure |
| Warranty 15% | 33 1-year warranty | 33 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Pentair Quad D.E. 100 | Hayward Perflex EC40AC | |
|---|---|---|
| Filtering | ||
| Filter type | D.E. | D.E. |
| Filter area | 100 sq ft | 20 sq ft |
| Maximum flow | 150 gpm | 40 gpm |
| Largest pool | 76,800 gal | 19,200 gal |
| Pool type | In-ground | In-ground or above-ground |
| Build | ||
| Tank diameter | 21.5 in | - |
| Valve | None needed | None needed |
| Maximum pressure | 50 psi | 40 psi |
| Ports | 2 in | 1.5 in |
| Air relief | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |