10 Best Salt Water Pool Systems
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Salt water pool systems popularity have grown rapidly in recent years. This maybe because it is healthier than chlorine, in many ways, and is considerably less in upkeep.
With a salt water pool system, you no longer need chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine or shock because the salt water system will be creating all of your chlorine. The chlorine that it produces is of higher quality and reduces the negative effects of traditional chlorine like the strong smell, itchy skin and red eyes.
If you are researching your salt water pool system options, here is what we found for the best salt water systems along with their advantages and disadvantages.
Quick Look at Our Top Picks for Best Salt Water Pool Systems:
- Best Overall Salt Water System – Hayward Goldline T-Cell-15 TurboCell
- Best In-Ground Pool Salt Water System – Pentair IntelliChlor IC40 Salt Chlorine Generator Cell
- Best Affordable Above Ground Salt Water System –Intex Krystal Clear 1500 GPH Sand Filter Pump & Saltwater System with E.C.O.
- Best Above Ground Salt Water System – Hayward Goldline AQ-TROL-RJ AquaTrol Above-Ground Pool Salt Chlorination System
- Best Salt Water System for Intex Pools – Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System with E.C.O.
Why You Should Trust Us
For this review, we interviewed certified pool maintenance experts and technicians, as well as pool builders across the country. We also talked to pool parts suppliers, and spent several days in pool retail stores researching different pool systems and their features.
For many years, I myself have purchased and owned in ground and above ground pools. I currently own an in ground pool and maintain it myself.
Best Rated Salt Water Pool System Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
 | BEST OVERALL SALT WATER SYSTEM
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
 | BEST IN GROUND POOL SALT WATER SYSTEM
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
 | BEST AFFORDABLE ABOVE GROUND SALT WATER SYSTEM
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
 | BEST ABOVE GROUND SALT WATER SYSTEM
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
 | BEST SALT WATER SYSTEM FOR INTEX POOLS
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
The 10 Best Rated Salt Water Pool Systems
#1 Hayward Goldline T-Cell-15 TurboCell
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: 40,000 gallons
- Chlorine Output: 1.45 lbs per 24 hours
- Dimensions: 18.2 x 14.5 x 8.2 inches
- Pool Type: In ground
- Warranty: 3 years from date of purchase
Hayward is a well known brand when it comes to swimming pool products. The Hayward T-CELL-15 TurbiCell has the ability to convert table salt into chlorine automatically, to reduce maintenance time. It chlorinates up to 40,000 gallons of water and is perfect for in ground swimming pools. The digital display provides easy read outs of salt levels as well as 8 LED status indicators.
The Hayward cells come in three sizes; 40,000, 25,000 and 15,000-Gallon. These sizes allow you to right-size your pool for the most-efficient and cost-effective chlorination possible.
The Hayward W3T-Cell 15 comes equipped with a 15′ cord and is versatile enough to be installed vertically or horizontally to accommodate your existing equipment set up. This cell works with most other Hayward systems for in ground pools.
#2 Pentair IntelliChlor IC40 Salt Chlorine Generator Cell
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: 40,000 gallons
- Chlorine Output: Up to 2 pounds of chlorine every 24 hours depending on capacity
- Dimensions: 7 x 17 x 7 inches
- Pool Type: In ground
- Warranty: 1 year limited warranty on workmanship
The IntelliChlor Salt Chlorine Generator uses table salt to produce chlorine for your pool, safely and effectively. Unlike conventional chlorine systems that require you to add chemicals, the salt is recycled continuously to reduce pool maintenance. This system also keeps itself clean with an automatic reverse cycling feature that helps prevent scale build-up for longer cell life.
This system comes with an easy-to-view display that allows you to check the salt levels, water flow, sanitizer output, and cell cleanliness. It also comes with various settings that provide you with important performance data like, chlorine output, hours of operation, cell cleaning cycles, and production settings.
The IntelliChlor Salt Chlorine Generator has a feature that provides the remaining hours of cell life. It also has an automatic shut-off that protects the unit and prolongs the cell life when the water temperature is low. It does require the 520556 Intellichlor Power Center for operation, which is sold separately.
#3 Intex Krystal Clear 1500 GPH Sand Filter Pump & Saltwater System with E.C.O.
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: 2,600 to 8,500 gallons
- Chlorine Output: 1500 gallons of chlorine every hour
- Dimensions: 17.1 x 17.5 x 34.4 inches
- Pool Type: Above ground
- Warranty: 2 year warranty on sand filter pump and salt water system
Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System has electro catalytic oxidation which is known for the ability to keep pool water clean and safe, while eliminating the harshness of traditional chlorine. This system has a pump that accommodates pools that range from 2,600 to 8,500 gallons capacity.
This system uses sand filters which are one of the most desirable methods to keep your pool clean. Not only does the all-natural, inexpensive sand do a nice job of filtering the water, it only needs to be replaced once every five years.
Included with it, for easy installation, is an easy to follow DVD. This system also uses a 110-120 volt power supply, which is standard in most states.
#4 Hayward Goldline AQ-TROL-RJ AquaTrol Above-Ground Pool Salt Chlorination System
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: Up to 18,000 gallons
- Chlorine Output: Adjustable
- Dimensions: 19 x 15 x 9 inches
- Pool Type: Above ground
- Warranty: 1 year warranty on workmanship
The Goldline AQ-TROL-RJ, AquaTrol Above-Ground Chlorinator system is specially designed for above ground pools up to 18,000 gallons. The Aqua Trol also has an integral time clock on the pool filtration pump giving you the power to select the chlorine output as well as a digital salt display and 7 diagnostic indicators.
Because many above ground pools have a single electrical outlet for the filter pump, the Aqua Trol is designed with an outlet that is timer controlled, for the filter pump to plug into. This model can also be used with hot tubs and spas to provide luxuriously soft, clean, and clear water.
The Aqua Trol system is easy to install, and is very easy to operate. This model is equipped with a return jet fitting, featuring a straight blade line cord and outlet.
#5 Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System with E.C.O.
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: 7,000 to 150,00 gallons
- Chlorine Output: 700 to 3000 gallons per hour
- Dimensions: 13.7 x 16.8 x 11.5 inches
- Pool Type: Above ground
- Warranty: 1 year against manufacturing defects
This Intex Krystal Clear Salt Water System uses titanium electrolytic cells making it an environmentally friendly natural salt creating chlorine for your pool. This systems exclusive technology allows you to sanitize your swimming pool with electro catalytic oxidation that splits water molecules into highly powerful oxidants that destroy organic contaminants, such as bacteria and algae.
The digital control panel is on this system is compact and easy to use. This system is for use in above ground pools and can be used in hot tubs as well.
Installation is simple and quick. It does require a pump with a flow rate between 700 and 3000 gallons per hour.
Other Salt Water Pool Systems We Reviewed
#6 Circupool SJ-20 Complete Salt Water Chlorination System
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: 20,000 gallons
- Chlorine Output: .87 pounds a day
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 20.5 x 11 inches
- Pool Type: In ground
- Warranty: 5 year limited warranty with pro-rated terms
The Circupool SJ-20 Complete Saltwater Chlorination System is made for pools with up to 20,000 gallons of water. Since it is made in the USA, you can be sure that it’s a durable product that will offer the required service. This system has a self-cleaning feature that ensures that you need not worry about maintaining it.
The cell on this system is made of a high-quality titanium material which is clear allowing you to see through it. The manufacturer states that this systems cell life will last 25% longer than other brands.
The installation of this system is easy enough to do it yourself and self installation will not effect the 5 year limited warranty.
#7 Circupool SJ-40 Salt Water Pool Chlorine Generator
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: 40,000 gallons
- Chlorine Output: 1.6 pounds per day
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 20.5 x 10.5 inches
- Pool Type: In ground
- Warranty: 5 year limited warranty with pro-rated terms
The CircuPool SJ-Series Electronic Chlorine Generator automatically keeps your pool clean while completely eliminating the need for chlorine, shock, and algaecide. It is able to monitor the salinity level and the performance to ensure that the table salt provides the required chlorine as well as kill bacteria, algae, and other contaminants in your pool.
The manufacturer guarantees this system will out-perform and out-last systems that cost much more. It also is able to clean itself, thanks to the self-cleaning feature that reverses polarity.
This system works on both 110 and 220 volt power outlets. You can get an easy do-it-yourself Hayward or Pentair Adapter kit for simple conversion if needed.
#8 Saltron Mini Salt System Drop-In Saltwater Chlorine Generator
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: 2,000 gallons
- Chlorine Output: Adjustable
- Dimensions: 12 x 8.5 x 3 inches
- Pool Type: Above ground
- Warranty: 1 year warranty on workmanship
The Saltron Mini Salt System Drop-In Saltwater Chlorine Generator is a multi purpose model and works for above ground pools, spas, and hot tubs. It also features reverse polarity that works to cleans the system. This system needs no plumbing to get it up and running.
This system produces a pure form of chlorine sanitizer by electrolysis of natural salt which is converted to chlorine and kills bacteria. The chlorine then recycles back to salt. The concentration of salt needed is so small that it is equal to tears.
Set up is so simple that all you need to do is plug and activate the model, then add salt. It connects to the standard power outlet and generates user-friendly chlorine.
#9 Solaxx CLG10A Saltron Retro Self Cleaning Salt Chlorine Generator
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: Up to 20,000 gallons
- Chlorine Output: 8 grams of chlorine every hour
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 9 x 23.2 inches
- Pool Type: Above and in ground
- Warranty: 1 year warranty on workmanship
This is a salt chlorinator for above ground and in-ground swimming pools of up to 20,000 gallons. The model doesn’t require electrical or plumbing contracting when installing it.
When cleaning your pool, pure chlorine is released from the normal table salt to sanitize your swimming pool. It uses less salt to kill algae and bacteria and leave the water feeling silky.
The model also has a programmable digital timer that allows you to set when the chlorine will be produced. You will not want to use this system on an above ground pool with top air rings.
#10 ControlOMatic ChlorMaker Saltwater Chlorine Generation System
Product Specifications:
- Capacity: up to 1000 gallons
- Chlorine Output: 30 grams per day
- Dimensions: 4 x 11 x 6 inches
- Pool Type: Above ground
- Warranty: 1 year limited warranty on workmanship
The ControlOMatic features 10 built-in power levels and no external timers are needed. It has a self-cleaning system to reduce the time you spend worrying about maintenance. The control panel has 3 buttons for adjusting the chlorine production and 4 indicator lights to let you know when it is making chlorine or if you need to check the cell.
The ControlOMatic doesn’t have a timed cycle and will automatically start making chlorine when needed. After it has finished a chlorine production cycle, it may be hours or even days until it turns on again.
This plug-and-play system does not require plumbing or mechanical alternations. Simply attach the panel to the outside of your pool and lower the electrode into the water. Once it’s in, add salt. This system can be used in above ground pools and hot tubs.
What to Consider When Buying a Salt Water Pool System
- Pool Size – Salt systems can range from pools 10,000 gallons to 100,000 gallons and smaller for hot tub and above ground systems. You will want to choose the best system based on your pool or hot tub size. A larger system in a small pool will work too. This allows you to run the salt system for shorter periods of time and give you salt cell more life.
- Price – Choose a system that is both priced within your budget, but of the best quality you can afford. They can range from a few hundred up to a thousand dollars. A less expensive system doesn’t necessarily mean poor quality, but consider the lifespan and future replacement costs.
- Features – Salt water systems offer many different features. Some features to consider include: salt readout, self cleaning, self diagnostics, digital readout, warranty terms, above ground or in ground and the ability to control pool equipment.
- Replacement Cost – This is the part many people overlook. Your salt cell will need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years. Replacement salt cells range from $200 to $700.
- Installation – Many salt water systems are plug in and go type installation. For those systems that are not, you may need a few tools or may consider hiring a pool company to install the system. If you go the pool company route, it may cost you $300 to $500 for an installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are salt water pools better than chlorine systems?
A salt water pool is not better or worse than a chlorine pool because it is a chlorine pool. A salt water pool system is basically the same thing but uses a salt water chlorinator rather than adding traditional chlorine. Salt water pool systems electrically convert the pool salt into chlorine. It’s the chlorine that keeps the pool water clean just like the chlorine you buy in buckets
What is a salt water pool system?
Salt water pool systems generate chlorine by drawing on dissolved salt in the water. The salt cell or generator applies a process called electrolysis to break down or separate the salt (sodium chloride) in the water.
The chemical reaction created by electrolysis produces chlorine in the form of sodium hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid. These agents are the same as traditional chlorine used in swimming pools in solid and powdered form. A saltwater pool is not actually chlorine free but utilizes a chlorine generator instead of being dependent on chlorine added manually.
How much does a salt water pool system cost?
Converting your existing pool to a salt water pool system can cost between $700 and $2,000. If you are installing a new salt water pool, it may cost between $25,000 and $80,000. Although long-term maintenance costs will differ, you will spend the same amount for a salt water pool as on a traditional chlorine pool.
How do I install salt water system for a pool?
First you need to decide if you are going to hire a pool company to install the salt water system or do it yourself. If you choose a pool company, then you are looking at $300 to $500 for installation. Many pool owners decide to try this DIY project themselves and it's usually a 3-6 hour job depending on the type of system you buy. Above ground pool systems are a little easier to install yourself.
You will be working with water and electricity, so proceed with caution. If you’re not confident working with electrical wires, basic hand tools, and cutting and gluing PVC pipes, you may want to hire a pool company.
How does a salt water pool system work?
Salt water pool systems use a chlorination system that creates chlorine from sodium chloride (salt). Before a salt chlorine generator can operate, the swimming pool water must have a salt concentration of 3,000 parts per million.
As salt water travels through the swimming pool’s circulation system, it enters the salt chlorine generator and passes through a salt cell. As the salt water flows through the cell, a low-voltage direct current is applied to flat, rectangular plates inside the cell, initiating electrolysis.
Through electrolysis, salt and water break up into hydrogen gas and hypochlorous acid. The hydrogen gas leaves the swimming pool water in the form of small bubbles. The hypochlorous acid sanitizes the swimming pool water and ultimately reverts back into salt, and the process repeats.