All pool owners struggle while trying to keep their swimming pool clean and sanitized. The harsh chemicals certainly do the job but come with an array of health risks.
Is there a way to get a clean and sanitized pool minus the may health risk of chemicals? The solution is to get the best salt water chlorinator.
Salt water chlorinators are specially designed to make it easy, quick, and safe to clean and sanitize your facility.
They provide facility owners with cost-effective and simple ways to keep their pools clean and fresh.
Let us look at the best saltwater chlorinator generator systems to find out what they can offer pool owners.
Review of the Best Swimming Pool Salt Chlorination System: Top 7 Models
Check out some of the leading saltwater chlorinators you can find on the market today:
Pentair 520554 IntelliChlor IC20 Chlorine Generator Cell
Keep your pool sanitized with the IntelliChlor IC20 Cell, one of the best chlorine generators by Pentair.
It comes with an easy-to-view display to let you check the salt levels fast, always maintaining a sanitized pool.
The view also allows you to see the cell cleanliness and have the confidence of having the desired chlorine output and water flow.
Another great thing is the easy to press buttons for adjusting the level of chlorine production.
The two buttons control hours of operation, cell cleaning cycles, chlorine output, and production settings.
It also comes with a tracking feature for communicating the cell’s remaining duration to give you real-time updates.
One thing to note is the system requires the 520556 Intellichlor Power Centre to continue function effectively.
There is also an automatic shut-off that protects the chlorinator and prolongs the cell life under low temperatures.
The system also communicated with SunTouch, Easy Touch, and IntelliTouch automation systems.
It is recommended for a pool of up to 20,000 gallons of water and an inground one like IntelliChlor IC40
Pros
- NSF approved and UL 1081 certified
- On-time cycling for preventing scale and calcium build-up
- Powerful like the more expensive IntelliChlor IC40
Cons
- 520556 Intellichlor Power Centre sold separately
ControlOMatic SmarterSpa Saltwater Smart Chlorine Generation System
The ControlOMatic Chlorine Generation System is a product for every pool owner who wants a quality saltwater chlorine generator.
Its installation process is straightforward, making it the perfect model for professional and home spas and pools.
It was designed to increase the salinity level of a pool and reduce maintenance cost, effort, and time.
The unit comes with a chlorine detection system to ensure it generates only the desired salt level to keep the facility clean.
Another notable feature is the self-cleaning technology for reducing the time you spend worrying about the pool chlorine generator.
You also get easy to use and install model. It is a plug-and-play unit with no mechanical alternation or plumbing.
Its panel attaches to the outside of a swimming pool, and then the electrodes drop into the pool water.
The produced salt is friendly to the skin and eyes, resembling the chemicals used to soften the water in spas and pools.
Pros
- Ideal for a 1,000 gallons pool
- It comes with self-cleaning technology – reverse polarity
- Produces safe chlorine that is easy on eyes and skin
Cons
- Mainly for small pools and spas
Circupool CORE35 Salt Chlorinator System
Circupool CORE35 is an advanced, fourth-generation salt chlorinator system for swimming pools of up to 35,000 gallons of water.
It works with an existing sand filter pump and every filtration system to turn the table salt into chlorine.
The model provides this chemical around the clock, enabling you to sanitize your swimming pool all year.
One great feature of the device is low salt levels and providing silky smooth pool water.
You can rest assured of diving into a luxurious pool in-ground pool.
The CORE35 also comes with a built-in control system with LED displays and a touch keypad.
You can see the chosen percentage of the table salt-chlorine output from the display. The keypad lets you raise or lower the levels.
Besides, the advanced control system notifies you when to add the table salt to continue generating the desired chlorine levels.
Some other control system uses include checking the water flow and finding out when to change or clean the salt cell.
Pros
- It comes with a handy power supply cord
- You get an eight-year warranty for the model
- IP-66 rated of weatherproofing
Cons
- Expensive to buy and operate
Hayward W3AQR9 Pool Salt System
Hayward provides some of the best salt water chlorinators for keeping every pool type sanitized and clean.
Its one notable saltwater system model is the Hayward Goldline AQ TROL W3AQE9, the leading Hayward AquaRite Salt Chlorination System.
The product provides a luxurious pool for all swimmers by sanitizing the facility using table salt.
You get chlorine that does not affect the eyes, skin, or clothes. Besides, the Hayward Goldline model helps to reduce the sanitization cost by 50%.
That means you get a saltwater pool safe for diving while saving on maintenance costs.
Different users love this salt chlorine generator cell because it eliminates the need to mix other pool chemicals.
They also love it because it increases the chlorine levels without interfering with other pool chemicals.
You can also count on swimming in an odorless environment with relaxing water. It is easy to install the chlorinator – you do not need professional help.
The model has a long-lasting cell life to ensure you spend less money when maintaining the pool.
Pros
- Easy to install and use
- Provides safe chlorine
- Able to keep a 25,000 gallons pool sanitized
Cons
- Only a 12-month warranty
Hayward W3AQR15 Pool Slat System
The second salt chlorine generator by Hayward on this review is the Hayward Goldline AQ TROL Salt Chlorination System.
It is the best salt water chlorinator for a swimming pool of up to 40,000 gallons of water and ranks among the best sellers.
The model produces a luxurious pool that you can take a swim all day or night and have the confidence to be safe.
You can bet on getting safe salt water that does not irritate the skin, eyes or damage your clothes.
The saltwater chlorinator was designed to serve different types of pools. It can save you up to 50% of sanitization costs.
Besides, the product removes the need to mix dangerous pool chemicals that can lead to unbalanced water.
You also get a chlorinated pool without the irritating chlorine odor. The 40,000 gallons product quickly turns table salt into chlorine with a simple touch of a button.
Another notable benefit of the salt water pool chlorinator is the compatibility with the sand filter pump and a self-cleaning feature.
The model rival other models like Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System and is highly effective.
Pros
- Perfect for a large pool of up to 40,000 gallons
- Able to save pool cleaning costs by 50%
- Provides safe chlorine that does not affect the eyes
Cons
- You need to refill the salt regularly
Autopilot Pool Digital Chlorine Generator Replacement Cell – RC-52
It is a salt generator cell for above and in-ground pools that you can use to sanitize your facility and keep it clean.
The model comes with a clear blue housing to enable you to see the functionality with ease and know when to add salt or clean the cell.
One notable thing about the system is the budget salt water chlorinator model you get for turning your facility into a salt water swimming pool.
The unit is friendly to Total Control, Soft Touch, Nano, AG, and Digital salt water chlorine generators.
You can use this cell to turn your pool into ocean water in a collection of about 15,000 gallons or more.
The salt system also provides the self-cleaning ability of modern products and comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
It is advisable to note that the model meets the original specifications and has long-life titanium blades.
You do not need to re-plumb your pool system when installing the salt cell.
Pros
- It has clear housing for easy inspection
- Provides the reverse polarity cleaning
- Includes unio collars
Cons
- A chlorine generator cell for replacing cells
Blue Works Compatible with Autopilot Pool Digital Chlorine Generator RC
You get durable titanium cell plates when choosing the Blue Works BLRC35 salt cell for use with the Autopilot Chlorine Generator RC.
You should note that Autopilot does not make the saltwater system, just like the Blue Works BLH30 Saltwater Chlorinator.
It is compatible with Pool Pilot Digital and Pool Pilot Soft-touch systems. It serves pools of about 35,000 gallons of water.
Another feature of the salt chlorine generator is the 12-month replacement warranty that can give you peace of mind when purchasing it.
And the customer support team is available around the clock through live chat. You can always get help when the salt water chlorinator develops an issue.
The cell comes with three terminals, with the third one functioning through the built-in sensor. It always provides the ideal salt level for your above or in-ground pools.
The model comes with an installation manual to enable you to install it with ease and get your swimming pool clean.
You do not need to clean this product, just like the Blue Works BLH30 model.
Pros
- Made of quality materials
- Easy to alight and install the salt water system
- An affordable product
Cons
- It requires constant monitoring
What is the Best Salt Water Chlorinator on the Market?
It is easy to find the best salt water chlorinator for your swimming pool and install it if you know your facility’s ideal model.
Here are some of the features or qualities of the ideal salt water chlorinators:
- Durable and Reliable
It is critical for a table salt system to be durable and reliable. The best products are made of quality materials that do well under different climatic conditions.
Many people fail to release that the saltwater chlorinators are prone to damage. And any system that gets damaged became unreliable.
- Redox and pH Controller
Above ground pools or in-ground pools, salt water generators must be friendly to the pool’s regulation and control mechanism.
It is the best way to guarantee maximum flow and quality.
- Self-Cleaning Cell
You run the risk of destroying your facility’s saltwater chlorinator if you opt to clean it manually.
It is easy to end up with an adequate model, meaning that you must replace the system.
- Salt Level Control
You need to control the amount of chlorine getting to your salt water pool. The best way to achieve that is to get a saltwater chlorinator with an alert system.
Such saltwater chlorinators detect when there is a high level of chlorine in the pool water.
- Electrode Life
The electrode life determines the durability and capacity of your saltwater chlorinator.
How Do I Choose a Salt Chlorinator?
You need to know some things if you wish to purchase the best salt water chlorinators for your swimming pools.
We have several tips to help you learn how to pick the right saltwater system for your needs.
- Choose a Powerful System
The one point to remember is to choose a powerful chlorine generator. Power translates to a higher listed max capacity and a higher chlorine output.
The only way to know that is to figure out the following: your pool size, use, environment, compatibility, and maintenance.
- Swimming Pool Size
The pool size is perhaps the most critical aspect when choosing your salt water chlorinator. It is linked to the amount of chlorine or sanitization getting the water.
You should get a system that is powerful enough to keep the facility clean. The rule is to get a chlorinator with 1.5-2.0 times the capacity of your pool.
For instance, a 20,000-gallon facility will do well with a 30,000-gallon or 40,000-gallon table salt-chlorine convertor.
- Swimming Pool Use
You also need to consider how you use your facility and the people who swim. For instance, you might need a stronger salt water chlorinator if your home is a haven of pool parties.
It is also wise to get a robust chlorine system if your home has many people.
- Swimming Pool Environment
Another region that requires you to get a powerful salt water system is to stay in a hot area because of the high rate of evaporation.
You also need a robust model if the area is dusty or with lots of trees and leaves. The unit will release enough chlorine to compensate for the water wasted when cleaning.
A region that experiences heavy rainfall also requires a powerful chlorinator.
- Chlorine Generator Compatibility
Most pool systems are compatible with chlorinators, but there are some things you might need to change.
Hence, it is vital to double-check your pool model, equipment, and other things before buying your chlorinator.
For instance, an in-ground facility with old copper or iron pipes is not suitable for use with saltwater because the material will rust.
Luckily, most modern pools are made of stone, fiberglass, vinyl, tile, concrete, plaster, and other compatible materials.
- A Durable Chlorinator
We all want a model that can last for years to get value for our money. These products do last for years when used the right way.
The one thing to remember is the cell wears out over the years and needs to be replaced.
- Easy to Install
The last critical feature I need to mention is the ease of installation. You should always get pool equipment that you can do a DIY installation.
Are Salt Chlorinators Worth It?
The best salt water chlorinators can be expensive when buying and installing. You might find that a daunting task, but it is worth every penny.
Here are the benefits of adding a table salt chlorinator that turns common salt to chlorine in your pool.
- Zero Harsh Chemicals
The salt chlorinator system adds chlorine to pools using the typical table salt. You do not need to add other sanitizing chemicals to the water when you have this apparatus.
It eliminates the need to handle the harsh and toxic chemicals often added to different water bodies.
Caring for your pool using this system is also friendly to the environment compared to other options.
The water is also:
- Free of chlorine odor
- Friendly to the skin, eyes, and swimming gears
- Minimal Maintenance
Another benefit of a pool chlorine producer is the reduced maintenance you get to experience, giving you more time for swimming.
Saltwater pools clean themselves. You have more time for doing other activities and enjoying the facility.
The only thing you need to do is check the water hardness level, pH, and alkalinity regularly.
A chlorinator is highly likely to prevent algae from developing on the pool’s surface.
- Health Benefits
Salt chlorinators provide saltwater that is healthy for swimmers. It is like swimming in ocean water – no skin irritation, red eyes, hair loss, or other problems.
The water offers many benefits that you cannot get if you decided to add the typical chlorine.
- Cost-Effective
It is cheap to operate a salt water chlorinator than buying pool chemicals like chlorine in the long run.
The initial cost of the device pays itself in the long-run because salt is affordable compared to chlorine.
- Versatility
Another benefit of a chlorination system is installing it in different types of water bodies like spas, hot tubs, swimming pools, and others.
It is straightforward to install the chlorine generation device – you can DIY installation. That is true of all the products on the review and others like Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System.
How Long Does a Salt Water Chlorinator Last?
A well-maintained salt chlorinator can last for up to seven years. The models are mainly designed to provide you with chlorine for at least three years.
You can prolong the lifespans of your salt water chlorinator by setting a specific salt level, activating the reverse polarity feature, and cleaning the cell regularly.
Replacing the gadget’s control board can cost you about $500-$900, while the cell goes for about $700-$110.
What is a Salt Water Chlorinator?
A salt water chlorinator is a basic salt water cell or chlorine producer. It is a pool salt system that provides chlorine from table salt or sodium chloride.
Your pool water must contain 3,000 ppm when installing this device for it to function.
It is vital to understand how the product works to keep a swimming pool sanitized.
Here is how your salt chlorinator works when keeping your pool clean:
- Salt or sodium chloride is often added to the swimming pool by pouring at the bottom and then sweeping it using a brush to dissolve it.
- The salt water chlorinator is made up of a salt cell and a control box.
- The cell is made of parallel titanium plates covered with iridium and ruthenium.
- The control box transfers a small DC to these two metals.
- As the water passed via the cell, the salt turns or produces hypochlorous acid. The same chemical is released when you add a liquid, granular tablet, or stick chlorine in the water.
- The water will introduce hypochlorous acid in the pool as it returns, keeping it healthy and sanitized.
In Conclusion
Numerous swimming pool owners have benefited from the best salt water chlorinator. It is a device that helps to convert salt into proper pool chlorine to give you a sanitized and clean facility.
You find different types of salt chlorinator systems Hayward, Intex Krystal Clear, and Pentair on the market and other online platforms like Amazon.
That makes it vital to choose a salt chlorinator that meets your pool’s needs and one that can last for years.
Your salt water chlorinator can last for between 3-7 years when maintained properly and used correctly.