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
The Hayward Perflex EC50AC rates 3.2 among D.E. pool filters; the Pentair Sand Dollar SD40 rates 2.7 among sand ones. The Pentair Sand Dollar SD40 costs $217 less ($512 vs $729).
Pentair Sand Dollar SD40
#12 in SandFull review
An affordable top-mount sand filter for a pool of up to about 19,200 gallons. It suits buyers who want a simple multiport filter from a major maker.
Amazon $512$512
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.
Scores side by side
These two sit in different type classes (D.E. and sand), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own type peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Hayward Perflex EC50AC | Pentair Sand Dollar SD40 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Value 35% | 60 $14.58 per gpm ($729, 50 gpm) | 37 $12.80 per gpm ($512, 40 gpm) |
| Filter area 30% | 10 25 sq ft of filter area | 9 1.8 sq ft of filter area |
| Valve 10% | 100 no backwash valve needed | 100 multiport valve |
| Pressure rating 10% | 100 50 psi maximum working pressure | 50 pressure rating not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 15% | 33 1-year warranty | 33 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Hayward Perflex EC50AC | Pentair Sand Dollar SD40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Filtering | ||
| Filter type | D.E. | Sand |
| Filter area | 25 sq ft | 1.8 sq ft |
| Maximum flow | 50 gpm | 40 gpm |
| Largest pool | 24,000 gal | 19,200 gal |
| Pool type | In-ground or above-ground | In-ground |
| Sand | - | 150 lb |
| Build | ||
| Tank diameter | - | 19.5 in |
| Valve | None needed | Multiport |
| Maximum pressure | 50 psi | - |
| Ports | 1.5 in | 1.5 in |
| Air relief | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |