A heavy-duty fiberglass sand filter for an in-ground pool where the equipment pad needs a side-mount valve. It costs more than a top-mount and needs a valve bought separately.
Amazon $1,499The Pentair Triton II TR100 rates 3.2 among sand pool filters; the Hayward Perflex EC65A rates 3.1 among D.E. ones. The Hayward Perflex EC65A costs $350 less ($1,149 vs $1,499).

An extended-cycle D.E. filter for an in-ground pool, for owners who want D.E. clarity and long runs between cleanings.
Amazon $1,149Prices 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 Triton II TR100 | Hayward Perflex EC65A |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 35% | 0 $20.26 per gpm ($1,499, 74 gpm) | 46 $17.15 per gpm ($1,149, 67 gpm) |
| Filter area 30% | 97 4.9 sq ft of filter area | 13 27 sq ft of filter area |
| Valve 10% | 50 valve type not published (neutral score used) | 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 Triton II TR100 | Hayward Perflex EC65A | |
|---|---|---|
| Filtering | ||
| Filter type | Sand | D.E. |
| Filter area | 4.9 sq ft | 27 sq ft |
| Maximum flow | 74 gpm | 67 gpm |
| Largest pool | 35,520 gal | - |
| Pool type | In-ground | In-ground |
| Sand | 600 lb | - |
| Build | ||
| Tank diameter | 30 in | - |
| Valve | - | None needed |
| Maximum pressure | 50 psi | 50 psi |
| Ports | - | 1.5 in |
| Air relief | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |