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Salt water chlorinators are in high demand and there’s a chance that you’re also among the people who require its services. There are several models available in the market today, which is why it’s important that you pick out the best models. Salt water chlorinators are required for performing maintenance on your swimming pool, as it ensures that the water in the pool is clear of all toxins.
If you’re in the market for salt water chlorinators you have come to the right place, as we are going to provide you with a buyer’s guide and then review the 9 best salt water chlorinators.
Best Salt Water Chlorinators
Here is the list of the 9 best salt water chlorinators to help you keep your salt water pool pristine and inviting.
1. Solaxx CLG20A Saltron Mini Drop-in Salt Chlorine Generator - Best for Hassle-Free Installation
Solaxx Water Treatment Solutions CLG20A-010 Saltron...
The Solaxx CLG20A Saltron Mini Drop-in Salt Chlorine Generator is our top pick for 2023 and with good reason as it provides great all-round performance. The model is easy to set up and use with no plumbing required or any installation to worry about. It’s a simple plug-and-play model, and all you need to do is add a little salt and drop the cell into the water, connect it to a power supply, and watch it work.
The Solaxx CLG20A is known for its versatility and can be used for inground pools, aboveground pools, spas, and tubs. It’s capable of reversing the polarity and that ensures the cell remains clean and isn’t affected by scaling. It comes with a cell holder for convenience when you’re using it.
Pros
- No plumbing needed
- No more storage of chlorine
- Works for various pools and spas
Cons
- None for the price
Dimensions: 3" x 2" x 4" | Weight: 0.6lbs | Can Be Used For: In-Ground & Above-Ground Pools, Spas, & Tubs | Warranty: N/A
2. ControlOMatic ChlorMaker Saltwater Chlorine Generation System - Best for Small Spas
The ControlOMatic ChlorMaker is easy to set up and install, and it’s guaranteed to provide you with superior performance. The design of the salt water chlorinator ensures you can use it for home or professional spas or swimming pools. The model offers you the chance to enjoy better water quality in your pool and will reduce your maintenance times as well.
ControlOMatic ChlorMaker Saltwater Chlorine Generation...
It can work around the clock and thanks to the 10 built-in power levels that come with the model, you won’t need to worry about the model. It also has a self-cleaning system and the plug-and-play system ensures you don’t need any plumbing to install it.
Pros
- Easy to install and use
- Fully programmable
- Self-cleaning
Cons
- Didn’t last long
Dimensions: 4" x 11" x 6" | Weight: 2.31lbs | Can Be Used For: Pools, Spas, & Hot Tubs Up to 2,000 Gallons | Warranty: 1 Year
3. Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System with ECO - Best for Algae Elimination
The Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System with ECO is another great model that is easy to set up and will leave your swimming pool sparkling clean. It comes from a top manufacturer ensuring that you get the best pool sanitation in this price range. The model comes with two-stage technology that is important for sanitizing the pool, with the first stage introducing natural salt into the pool water and then passing it through a filtration process to create fresh and soft water.
Intex 26669EG 120V Krystal Clear Saltwater System with...
This salt water chlorinator does an impeccable job of eliminating harsh pool chemicals, especially when dealing with contaminants. The water molecules splitting process allows it to destroy algae and bacteria in the water, so you don’t have to worry about algae growth in your pool.
Pros
- It is easy to setup
- Cleans your swimming pool water
- Eliminates algae
Cons
- Not durable
Dimensions: 18" x 18" x 18" | Weight: 17.11lbs | Can Be Used For: Intex Above-Ground Pools Up to 15,000 Gallons | Warranty: 1 Year
4. Hayward Goldline AQ-TROL-RJ AquaTrol System
The Hayward Goldline AQ-TROL-RJ AquaTrol Above Ground Swimming Pool Salt Chlorination System is one the best models you can get your hands on today. It guarantees to provide you with the best water quality and installing it is not going to give you any problems. The manufacturer claims that you can install and set it up in under 30 minutes.
Hayward Goldline AQ-TROL-RJ AquaTrol Above-Ground Swimming...
Your swimming pool water is going to be left silky and soft once this salt water chlorinator starts working, and you won’t need to worry about red eyes or skin irritation. It creates the perfect swimming environment and it comes with a microprocessor that automates all functions.
Pros
- Quick and easy installation
- Delivers on clear water for swimming
- Easily programmable
Cons
- Works only for above-ground pools
Dimensions: 19" x 15" x 9" | Weight: 23.8lbs | Can Be Used For: Above-Ground Pools Up to 18,000 Gallons | Warranty: 1 Year
5. AutoPilot DN2 Salt Chlorine Generator
The AutoPIlot DN2 Salt Chlorine Generator is a top-notch model and has been designed to generate a continuous supply of chlorine. The model is easy to use and simple thanks to its intuitive controls and features, so you won’t need to refer to the manual repeatedly. It has a display that reads several important information like salt level, diagnostics, water temperature, and amount of salt added.
AutoPilot DN2 Salt Chlorine Generator - Pool Pilot Digital...
The great thing about the AutoPilot DN2 is that once you buy it, you’ll never have to worry about skin irritation, red eyes, or faded swimwear again in your life. It’ll provide you with superior performance and is also energy efficient, so you’ll never worry about power consumption again.
Pros
- No more red eyes
- It’s energy efficient
- Provides important information on the display
Cons
- Lacks an automatic shutoff feature
Dimensions: 18" x 14.5" x 13" | Weight: 20.9lbs | Can Be Used For: Pools Up to 30,000 Gallons | Warranty: 3 Years
6. Pentair IntelliChlor IC40 Salt Chlorine Generator Cell
The Pentair IntelliChlor IC40 is a top-quality salt water chlorinator that is easy to use and comes with buttons to help you with adjustments. The model comes with an easy-to-view display so that you can quickly check the water flow, salt levels, sanitizer output, and cell cleanliness.
Pentair 520555 Salt Chlorine Generator Cell
You also get performance data, allowing you to learn more about hours of operation, production settings, and more. There’s also an automatic shutoff feature that protects the unit and prolongs its cell life when placed under low water temperature conditions.
Pros
- Ease of adjustment for the model
- Comes with auto shut off feature
- It gives you all the performance data
Cons
- Needs regular cleaning more often
Dimensions: 7" x 17" x 7" | Weight: 8lbs | Can Be Used For: Pools Up to 40,000 Gallons | Warranty: 60 Days (Parts) & 1 Year (Extended)
7. Hayward Goldline PL-PLUS AquaPlus All-in-One
Another top mode from Hayward is the Goldline PL-PLUS AquaPlus All-in-One Control and Salt Chlorination System. It comes with the best features for an electric pool chlorinator system and has user-friendly controls and great automation. It isn’t the cheapest model on the market, but if you’re looking for a chlorinator that can handle various needs, this is the one you want.
Hayward Goldline PL-PLUS AquaPlus All-in-One Control and...
The Goldline PL-PLUS AquaPlus chlorinator has been designed to automatically detect ORP and pH levels in the water. It will dispense a self-renewing supply of pure and fresh chlorine to adjust the levels in the water, so you get crystal-clear water to swim in.
Pros
- It is fully programmable
- Offers maintenance of pH
- It works for the large pools
Cons
- It is expensive
Dimensions: 28.7" x 19.6" x 10" | Weight: 40lbs | Can Be Used For: Pools Up to 40,000 Gallons | Warranty: 3 Years
8. Hayward Goldline AQR15 AquaRite
Another top salt water chlorinator from Hayward is the Hayward Goldline AQR15 AquaRite Electronic Salt Chlorination System. It’s one of the best-selling salt water chlorinators on the market and will provide you with consistent results. Its impressive functionality ensures that it delivers clean water that won’t irritate your eyes or cause rashes on your skin.
Hayward Goldline AQR15 AquaRite Electronic Salt Chlorination...
The GoldLine AQR15 AquaRite will not only eliminate harsh chlorine odors but the taste of chlorine as well, leaving you with fresh soft water in the swimming pool. This chlorinator automatically converts dissolved salt into chlorine, reducing its maintenance time and that eliminates the need for constantly mixing and measuring factory-produced liquids to set up in your pool.
Pros
- Eliminates harsh chlorine odors
- Impressive reputation
- Provides consistent sanitization
Cons
- Power center is sold separately
Dimensions: N/A | Weight: 24.2lbs | Can Be Used For: Pools Up to 40,000 Gallons | Warranty: 3 Years
9. Hayward T-CELL-3 TurbiCell Bundle
The Hayward brand is famous for its superior quality saltwater chlorinator and the Hayward T-CELL-3 TurbiCell is one of the best salt water chlorinators you’ll find in the market and can easily clean a swimming pool containing 15,000 gallons of water. It will not only leave your pool sanitized but will help you save money on chlorine. It’s a best seller on the market, with an estimated 1 million installations all over the world.
Hayward Goldline T-Cell-3 TurboCell Salt Chlorination Cell...
This salt water chlorinator is very effective in removing the harsh smell of chlorine from the swimming pool and gets rid of the harsh taste. That ensures your swimming pool is comfortable to swim in and it also converts table salt into chlorine, saving you maintenance time.
Pros
- Dissolves salt automatically
- Best-seller out there
- Keeps the pool fresh and clean
Cons
- Very expensive
Dimensions: 13.5" x 7.5" x 5.75" | Weight: 3.54lbs | Can Be Used For: Pools Up to 15,000 Gallons | Warranty: 3 Years
Best Salt Water Chlorinator Comparison Table
| Product | Dimensions | Weight | Can Be Used For | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solaxx CLG20A | 3" x 2" x 4" | 0.6lbs | In-Ground & Above-Ground Pools, Spas, & Tubs | N/A |
| ControlOMatic ChlorMaker | 4" x 11" x 6" | 2.31lbs | Pools, Spas, & Hot Tubs Up to 2,000 Gallons | 1 Year |
| Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System | 18" x 18" x 18" | 17.11lbs | Intex Above-Ground Pools Up to 15,000 Gallons | 1 Year |
| Hayward Goldline AQ-TROL-RJ | 19" x 15" x 9" | 23.8lbs | Above-Ground Pools Up to 18,000 Gallons | 1 Year |
| AutoPilot DN2 | 18" x 14.5" x 13" | 20.9lbs | Pools Up to 30,000 Gallons | 3 Years |
| Pentair IntelliChlor IC40 | 7" x 17" x 7" | 8lbs | Pools Up to 40,000 Gallons | 60 Days (Parts) & 1 Year (Extended) |
| Hayward Goldline PL-PLUS | 28.7" x 19.6" x 10" | 40lbs | Pools Up to 40,000 Gallons | 3 Years |
| Hayward Goldline AQR15 | N/A | 24.2lbs | Pools Up to 40,000 Gallons | 3 Years |
| Hayward T-CELL-3 | 13.5" x 7.5" x 5.75" | 3.54lbs | Pools Up to 15,000 Gallons | 3 Years |
Buying Guide for the Best Salt Water Chlorinator
There are many types of salt water chlorinators in the market, but you ideally want to spend money on one that works well in cleaning your swimming. Therefore, we’ve come up with this buyer’s guide for the best salt water chlorinators to make it easier for you to buy the right one.
Swimming Pool Type
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a salt water chlorinator is the type of pool you have, as it determines what model you should pick. Some models may be made for above-ground pools, while others work well for indoor pools, and some are meant for spas or hot tubs. You need to ensure that you pick a salt water chlorinator that is designed to clean your pool.
Brand
Another thing to consider is the brand since it will affect the type of model you end up choosing. There’s no doubt that you’ll like various brands, but it’s important not to get swayed by emotions and choose the brand that best fits your needs. You should also do some research about the brand as that will make it easier for you to choose one that delivers the performance you want.
Warranty
Another key consideration is paying attention to the warranty information, and you need to ensure that you pick the model that comes with the best warranty, so that you can feel the product is worth buying.
Installation
The installation is going to be dependent on the design and accessories of the chlorinator. Therefore, you’ll want to buy a model that is easy to install and doesn’t cause too much trouble. The models will come in all shapes and sizes, so you must choose one that fits into the space allocated for installing it. You may require additional plumbing for some models and their additional accessories to work properly.
Price
There’s no doubt that price is going to be the crucial factor in determining whether you buy a chlorinator or not. It’s important that you do all your research and find a model that meets all your needs. Salt water chlorinators don’t come cheap, so you need to keep a flexible budget and remember that the cheapest price doesn’t mean you’ll get the best quality.
Saltwater chlorinators offer several benefits, such as gentler water for your skin, hair, and eyes, being environmentally friendly, cost-effective, requiring low maintenance, and providing automatically balanced chlorine levels. Yes, saltwater chlorinators are compatible with both heated pools and spas, but it is essential to keep the pool’s temperature within the recommended range to ensure optimal performance. Use high-quality, food-grade, non-iodized pool salt with at least 99.8% purity. This will ensure proper functioning and longevity of your chlorinator. Typically, you need to add salt to your pool once or twice a year, depending on factors such as the number of swimmers, rainfall, and water balance. To maintain your saltwater chlorinator, inspect and clean the electrolytic cell regularly, maintain proper water balance and salt levels, periodically test and monitor the water chemistry, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance. The chlorinator works to clean and sanitize the pool, and they do this by generating chlorine from table salt. All you need to do is load the generator with some table salt and it will generate chlorine depending on the requirements of the pool. The great thing is that you don’t need to buy chlorine because the chlorinator generates it from table salt. The best thing about the chlorinator is that you don’t need to use any chemicals to clean your swimming pool. The chlorine generated from the salt cell contains electrical plates, and when the cell is powered, an electric charge will be sent through the salt water and electric plates. That’s when chlorine is generated, which is then pumped back into the pool. The great thing about the generated chlorine is that it is a safe method for cleaning the pool. It doesn’t make the water in the pool smell weird and the chlorine content is low, so it only cleans the pool and doesn’t affect you.Salt Water Chlorinators FAQs
What are the benefits of using a saltwater chlorinator?Do saltwater chlorinators work with heated pools or spas?What type of salt should I use for my saltwater chlorinator?How often do I need to add salt to my pool?How do I maintain my saltwater chlorinator?What is the lifespan of a saltwater chlorinator?How do salt water pools work?
Conclusion
Saltwater chlorinators can make all the difference in maintaining a clean, healthy, and low-maintenance swimming pool or spa. From reducing the need for harsh chemicals to ensuring gentler water quality, these devices are practical solutions for any pool owner.
From the above nine best salt water chlorinators, here are the top three expert recommendations:
The Solaxx CLG20A Saltron Mini Drop-in Salt Chlorine Generator is an ideal option because of its easy setup and use, with no plumbing or installation required.
For those with smaller spas or pools, the ControlOMatic ChlorMaker Saltwater Chlorine Generation System is a good option because of its simple installation and fully programmable system.
If you're struggling with algae growth, the Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System with ECO is the right choice for providing efficient sanitation and algae elimination.
So, take control of your swimming pool or spa with these top-rated saltwater chlorinators and enjoy a low-maintenance, clean, and healthy environment for you and your family.
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