Maintaining a pristine inground pool no longer requires the constant handling and storage of harsh chlorine chemicals. Salt chlorination systems offer a revolutionary approach, automatically generating chlorine from dissolved salt to provide continuous, gentle sanitation. This method results in water that is noticeably softer and less irritating to the eyes and skin compared to traditional pools.
Choosing the right system for your pool’s size and your specific needs is crucial for achieving that perfect, crystal-clear swim environment all season long. To simplify your search, we have compiled a list of top-performing systems from trusted brands. This roundup will guide you through the key features and benefits of the best salt chlorination systems available for your inground pool.
Our Recommended Salt Chlorination Systems
- Hayward AquaRite Salt System for Pools up to 25,000 Gallons
- Hayward AquaRite Salt System for Pools up to 40,000 Gallons
- Hayward AquaTrol Salt System for Above-Ground Pools
- Hayward TurboCell Salt Chlorination Cell for 40,000 Gallon Pools
- Pureline Crystal Pure Salt System, Universal for 40,000 Gallons
- XtremepowerUS Salt System, Universal for 15,000 Gallon Pools
- CircuPool RJ30+ Complete Salt Water Chlorination System
- Westaho Salt Chlorination System for Inground Pools up to 40,000 Gallons
- Hayward W3AQR15 AquaRite 15,000 Gallon TurboCell System
Hayward AquaRite Salt System for Pools up to 25,000 Gallons
Ideal for medium-sized inground pools, the Hayward AquaRite system is designed to handle up to 25,000 gallons. It completely changes the pool maintenance routine by automatically converting salt into chlorine, providing continuous sanitization. This means you no longer need to handle, measure, or store liquid or tablet chlorine, making the process much safer and more convenient.
Beyond the practical benefits, this system enhances your swimming experience. The water it produces is luxuriously soft and gentle, significantly reducing eye and skin irritation commonly associated with traditional chlorine pools. The included Hayward TurboCell salt chlorination cell is a core component of this reliable and efficient system.
Hayward AquaRite Salt System for Pools up to 40,000 Gallons
For larger inground pools up to 40,000 gallons, this model from the best-selling AquaRite family delivers powerful and efficient sanitization. It offers all the renowned benefits of saltwater swimming, including silky soft water that is gentler on the eyes, skin, and even your swimwear, helping to prevent fading.
This system is not only about comfort but also about long-term savings. By generating chlorine from salt, it can reduce your chlorine costs by up to 50% each season. As part of the world’s number one salt system family, you are investing in a product with a proven track record of performance and durability.
Hayward AquaTrol Salt System for Above-Ground Pools
While designed for above-ground pools, the Hayward AquaTrol is a noteworthy option for its user-friendly design and efficient operation for pools up to 18,000 gallons. It delivers the same high-quality, naturally sanitized water that is a hallmark of the Hayward brand, making it gentle for swimmers.
This system is built for simplicity, featuring a quick and straightforward installation that can typically be completed in about 30 minutes. A significant feature is its integral 24-hour timer, which provides easy control over your pool’s filtration pump and allows for multiple pump cycles throughout the day to optimize energy use and water clarity.
Hayward TurboCell Salt Chlorination Cell for 40,000 Gallon Pools
This is a replacement TurboCell salt cell designed for use with compatible Hayward AquaRite systems for inground pools up to 40,000 gallons. It is the core component that performs the electrolysis, converting salt into chlorine to keep your pool water clean and clear.
By maintaining your system with a genuine Hayward replacement cell, you continue to benefit from major cost savings on chlorine and enjoy softer, more comfortable water. This cell is independently certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), assuring you of its reliable performance and adherence to strict standards.
Pureline Crystal Pure Salt System, Universal for 40,000 Gallons
The Pureline Crystal Pure system is a universal salt chlorinator capable of handling pools up to 40,000 gallons. It provides gentle sanitation by automatically generating chlorine from dissolved salt, resulting in water that is much less likely to cause irritation to eyes, skin, and hair compared to traditional chlorine pools.
This system uses electrolysis to provide a more natural way to purify your pool water. It features a durable design with an easy-to-read control panel that includes digital displays and LED indicators. You have full control with adjustable chlorine output, allowing you to fine-tune the sanitization level based on your pool’s specific conditions.
XtremepowerUS Salt System, Universal for 15,000 Gallon Pools
The XtremepowerUS salt system is designed for pools up to 15,000 gallons and offers user-friendly features for efficient operation. It includes an adjustable chlorine output and a reverse polarity function that automatically cleans the cell, reducing maintenance needs for the owner.
This system is built with protection in mind. A built-in temperature sensor will automatically shut the unit off in low-water-temperature conditions (below 50°F) to protect the equipment and prolong the cell’s life. The high-quality LCD display on the control box provides clear readings of salt levels and temperature, aiding in hassle-free monitoring and installation for DIY users.
CircuPool RJ30+ Complete Salt Water Chlorination System
The CircuPool RJ30+ is a complete salt chlorination system suitable for swimming pools up to 30,000 gallons. It is known for its straightforward installation and compatibility with any brand of pump and filter, offering flexibility for various pool setups with either 240 or 120-volt configurations.
This system is built with quality components, including a premium clear salt cell made from titanium. The user interface features a modern OLED digital display for clear visibility of system status and settings. A significant advantage is the strong manufacturer support, including a 7-year warranty and a no-penalty policy for DIY installation.
Westaho Salt Chlorination System for Inground Pools up to 40,000 Gallons
The Westaho salt chlorine generator offers advanced monitoring and protection for inground pools up to 40,000 gallons. Its intuitive control panel displays comprehensive information including salt levels, water temperature, cell usage, voltage, and current. A built-in pump timer adds convenience and saves costs by eliminating the need for an external timer.
This system features high-performance, USA-made titanium cells known for their reliability and efficient chlorine production. With an impressive lifespan of up to 10,000 hours (approximately 7 years), these cells are built to last. The unit is designed for ultimate ease of use with an integrated power supply and additional sockets for your pump, creating a neat and simple setup.
Hayward W3AQR15 AquaRite 15,000 Gallon TurboCell System
This Hayward AquaRite system is configured for inground pools up to 15,000 gallons, bringing the trusted performance of the brand to a smaller capacity. It automates the chlorine generation process, providing a consistent and reliable sanitizer level without the need to handle harsh chemicals.
Swimmers will appreciate the characteristically soft and comfortable water that this system produces, which is much gentler on the eyes and skin. As part of the AquaRite line, it is engineered for durability and efficiency, helping to reduce the ongoing cost and effort associated with traditional pool chlorine.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Salt Chlorination System for Your Inground Pool
So, you’re thinking about making the switch to a salt chlorination system for your inground pool? I don’t blame you. I made the change a few years back and it was a total game-changer for my pool maintenance routine. The water feels silkier, there’s less of that harsh chlorine smell, and I spend a lot less time messing with chemical bottles. But with so many options out there, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Let me walk you through what I’ve learned to look for.
First up, you need to get the sizing right. This is the most critical step. Every salt system is rated for a specific gallon capacity. You need to know your pool’s exact volume in gallons. Once you have that number, I always recommend buying a system rated for a pool size at least 20% larger than what you have. For example, if your pool holds 20,000 gallons, look for a system rated for 24,000 gallons or more. This “oversizing” gives the cell a much easier life, allows it to clean your pool faster, and extends its overall lifespan because it doesn’t have to work at 100% output all the time.
Next, consider the type of control unit. You’ll find basic models with simple dials and lights, and more advanced units with digital displays and self-diagnostic features. The digital models are fantastic because they give you precise control over the chlorine output percentage and can alert you to issues like low salt or a dirty cell. Some even connect to smart home systems, letting you adjust settings from your phone. Think about how much hands-on control you want versus a “set it and forget it” approach.
The cell itself is the heart of the system, and its construction matters. Look for cells made with durable materials like titanium plates with a ruthenium or iridium coating. This coating is what protects the plates from corrosion and ensures a long service life. Also, pay attention to the cell’s cleaning requirements. Some systems require you to manually clean the cell with a mild acid solution every few months, while others feature “self-cleaning” technology that reverses polarity to shed scale buildup, making maintenance a breeze.
Finally, don’t forget about the warranty. A longer warranty period, especially on the cell, is a good indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Look for a warranty of at least 3 years, with some top-tier models offering 5 to 7 years of coverage. This can save you from a costly replacement down the line. By focusing on these key areas—proper sizing, control type, cell construction, and warranty—you can confidently select one of the best salt chlorination systems for inground pools that will provide you with years of clean, comfortable swimming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much salt do I need to add to my pool?
The amount of salt you need depends entirely on your pool’s volume and the specific salt system you purchase. Every system has an ideal salt concentration range, usually measured in parts per million (PPM). This range is typically between 2,700 and 3,400 PPM. To put that in perspective, seawater is around 35,000 PPM, so your pool water will only have a very mild, barely noticeable salt taste. Your system’s manual will provide the exact PPM range, and you can use a simple salt test strip or a digital meter to check your levels. You’ll need to do an initial salt dump when you first install the system, and then only add small amounts periodically to replace what gets lost from splash-out or backwashing.
Is the water from a saltwater pool actually chlorine-free?
This is a really common misconception. The water is not chlorine-free. A salt chlorination system actually generates its own chlorine. It does this by using electrolysis to break down the salt (sodium chloride) in your pool water, producing pure chlorine (hypochlorous acid) that sanitizes the water. The major difference is that this chlorine is generated on-site and is much “softer” because it doesn’t include the stabilizers and additives found in traditional chlorine tablets or liquid. After the chlorine does its job sanitizing, it reverts back to salt, and the process starts all over again. It’s a closed-loop system.
Will a salt system damage my pool equipment or surfaces?
When properly maintained and with the salt levels kept within the manufacturer’s recommended range, a salt system will not damage modern pool equipment or surfaces like concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass. The salt concentration is simply too low to be corrosive. However, it’s always a good idea to ensure any metal ladder rungs, light rings, or heater components are specifically rated for use in saltwater pools. The main thing to watch for is the pH level. The chlorine generation process can cause your pool’s pH to rise more quickly, so you’ll need to test and adjust pH more often than with a traditional chlorine pool to prevent scale formation.
How long does a salt cell typically last?
The lifespan of a salt cell varies based on the model, how well you maintain it, and how many hours per year you run your pool pump. On average, you can expect a cell to last between 3 to 7 years. You can significantly extend its life by oversizing the system (so it doesn’t have to work as hard), keeping the water chemistry balanced (especially calcium hardness), and cleaning the cell regularly as instructed in your manual. Most control panels will give you a “cell life” percentage or an alert when the cell is nearing the end of its useful life. Investing in one of the best salt chlorination systems for inground pools with a robust warranty is a great way to protect your investment.
Do I still need to shock my saltwater pool?
Yes, you absolutely do. While a salt chlorinator does a fantastic job with day-to-day sanitation, it can’t always handle a heavy organic load, like after a big pool party or a severe storm. This is when “shocking” or super-chlorinating your pool becomes necessary. It’s a process of adding a large dose of an oxidizing shock treatment to quickly destroy contaminants, combined chloramines (that cause chlorine smell), and clear up cloudy water. Many modern salt systems even have a “super chlorinate” button that runs the cell at 100% for a 24-hour cycle, which can sometimes serve as a shock, but you may still need a supplemental oxidizer periodically.