A D.E. filter coats fabric grids with diatomaceous earth powder, which traps the finest dirt of any pool filter. You backwash it like sand and add fresh D.E. each time, and take it apart to clean the grids once or twice a year. Some towns limit backwashing D.E. to the sewer, so check before you buy.
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.
Full ranking 10
- Pentair Quad D.E. 100#1 of 10Full 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$1,999.99150 gpm100 sq ft76,800 gal - Pentair FNS Plus 60#2 of 10Full review
A grid D.E. filter for an in-ground pool of up to about 57,600 gallons, for owners who want the clearest water and will handle D.E.
Amazon $1,458.99$1,458.99120 gpm60 sq ft57,600 gal - Hayward ProGrid DE6020#3 of 10Full review
A vertical-grid D.E. filter for an in-ground pool owner who wants the clearest water and will add D.E. after each backwash.
Amazon $1,709$1,709120 gpm60 sq ft- - Hayward Perflex EC75A#4 of 10Full 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 $1,239$1,239100 gpm40 sq ft- - Pentair FNS Plus 48#5 of 10Full review
A grid D.E. filter for an in-ground pool of up to about 46,080 gallons, for owners who want the clearest water and will handle D.E.
Amazon $1,379$1,37996 gpm48 sq ft46,080 gal - Hayward ProGrid DE4820#6 of 10Full review
A vertical-grid D.E. filter for an in-ground pool owner who wants the clearest water and will add D.E. after each backwash.
Amazon $1,559$1,55996 gpm48 sq ft- - Hayward Perflex EC50AC#7 of 10Full 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$72950 gpm25 sq ft24,000 gal - Hayward Perflex EC65A#8 of 10Full 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$1,14967 gpm27 sq ft- - Hayward ProGrid DE3620#9 of 10Full review
A vertical-grid D.E. filter for an in-ground pool owner who wants the clearest water and will add D.E. after each backwash.
Amazon $1,389$1,38972 gpm36 sq ft- - Hayward Perflex EC40AC#10 of 10Full 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$56940 gpm20 sq ft19,200 gal
