Pentair Sand Dollar SD80
#4 in SandFull review
An affordable top-mount sand filter for a pool of up to about 36,000 gallons. It suits buyers who want a simple multiport filter from a major maker.
Amazon $689$689
The Pentair Sand Dollar SD80 rates 3.6 among sand pool filters; the Hayward Perflex EC65A rates 3.1 among D.E. ones. The Pentair Sand Dollar SD80 costs $460 less ($689 vs $1,149).
Hayward Perflex EC65A
#8 in D.E.Full review
An extended-cycle D.E. filter for an in-ground pool, for owners who want D.E. clarity and long runs between cleanings.
Amazon $1,149$1,149
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 (sand and D.E.), 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 | Pentair Sand Dollar SD80 | Hayward Perflex EC65A |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 35% | 65 $9.19 per gpm ($689, 75 gpm) | 46 $17.15 per gpm ($1,149, 67 gpm) |
| Filter area 30% | 57 3.5 sq ft of filter area | 13 27 sq ft of filter area |
| Valve 10% | 100 multiport valve | 100 no backwash valve needed |
| Pressure rating 10% | 50 pressure rating not published (neutral score used) | 100 50 psi maximum working pressure |
| Warranty 15% | 33 1-year warranty | 33 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Pentair Sand Dollar SD80 | Hayward Perflex EC65A | |
|---|---|---|
| Filtering | ||
| Filter type | Sand | D.E. |
| Filter area | 3.5 sq ft | 27 sq ft |
| Maximum flow | 75 gpm | 67 gpm |
| Largest pool | 36,000 gal | - |
| Pool type | In-ground | In-ground |
| Sand | 350 lb | - |
| Build | ||
| Tank diameter | 26 in | - |
| Valve | Multiport | None needed |
| Maximum pressure | - | 50 psi |
| Ports | - | 1.5 in |
| Air relief | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |