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 3.2. The Pentair Quad D.E. 100 leads on filter area. The Hayward Perflex EC50AC costs $1,270.99 less ($729 vs $1,999.99).
Hayward Perflex EC50AC
#7 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 $729$729
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 25 sq ft of filter area).
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 EC50AC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.3/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 35% | 67 $13.33 per gpm ($1,999.99, 150 gpm) | 60 $14.58 per gpm ($729, 50 gpm) |
| Filter area 30% | 100 100 sq ft of filter area | 10 25 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 | 100 50 psi maximum working pressure |
| Warranty 15% | 33 1-year warranty | 33 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Pentair Quad D.E. 100 | Hayward Perflex EC50AC | |
|---|---|---|
| Filtering | ||
| Filter type | D.E. | D.E. |
| Filter area | 100 sq ft | 25 sq ft |
| Maximum flow | 150 gpm | 50 gpm |
| Largest pool | 76,800 gal | 24,000 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 | 50 psi |
| Ports | 2 in | 1.5 in |
| Air relief | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |