A saltwater pool is one that uses a saltwater chlorination system instead of traditional chemical chlorine to disinfect and sanitize the water. The system works by converting salt in the water into chlorine using an electrolytic cell, which eliminates the need for manual chlorine addition and reduces the harsh chemical smell and irritation associated with traditional chlorine pools.
My first pool had an old style Lectranator salt chlorinator, a brand and company that no longer exists, having filed for bankruptcy in 2020. It was a basic model with few bells and whistles. Times have changed, though!
There are many salt chlorinator brands on the market, each with their own unique features and capabilities. The technology has been around for decades and has become more popular since the 1980s and 90s.
Here they are!
Salt Chlorinator Manufacturers Overview
Some of the most well-known and reputable brands include:
- Hayward: Hayward is the most popular and well-known brand of salt chlorinators and offers a range of models designed for both in-ground and above-ground pools. Hayward additionally produces heaters, pumps, filters, lighting, automation and other products for your pool.
- Pentair: Pentair is another leading brand of salt chlorinators that provides high-quality and durable products that are designed to work in a variety of pool sizes and types. Pentair manufacturers pool and spa equipment as well as water softening and filtration products.
- Zodiac: Zodiac is a well-established brand that offers a range of salt chlorinators designed to meet the needs of different types of pool owners. They also produce pool vacuums and other pool-related equipment.
- Jandy: Jandy is a leading brand of salt chlorinators that offers a range of products designed for in-ground and above-ground pools. They also offer a wide variety of pool and spa automation products in addition to water features, cleaning and lighting among others.
- CircuPool: CircuPool is a relatively new player in the salt chlorinator market, but it has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality and affordable products including pumps, filters and cleaners.
- Intex: Intex is a popular brand of above-ground pools that also offers a range of salt chlorinators designed specifically for their products. These tend to be smaller and more basic systems since they are aimed specifically at above-ground pools.
These are just a few of the major salt chlorinator brands available, and each brand has its own unique set of features and benefits that may make them more suitable for different types of pool owners.
Let’s take a closer look at each and what they offer you, the saltwater pool owner.
Salt Chlorinator Manufacturers and Brands Compared
| Brand | Chlorinator Models | Reputation | Pros | Cons | Size | Main Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayward | AquaRite | Excellent | – Widely recognized and trusted brand – Offers easy-to-install systems – Designed for both in-ground and above-ground pools | – Higher price point than some competitors – Some users report issues with display screens | Up to 40,000 gallons | – AquaRite model available for in-ground and above-ground pools – Easy-to-use digital control panel – Self-cleaning feature helps extend the life of the cell – Comes with a 3-year warranty |
| Pentair | IntelliChlor | Excellent | – Innovative products that use advanced technology – Offers easy-to-use and easy-to-install systems – Great for larger pools | – More expensive than some other brands – Some users report issues with cell life and durability | Up to 60,000 gallons | – IntelliChlor model available for in-ground and above-ground pools – Includes built-in diagnostics and automatic shut-off features – Self-cleaning feature helps extend the life of the cell – Comes with a 2-year warranty |
| Zodiac | Clearwater | Good | – Offers a wide range of products for different pool sizes and types – Provides great value for the price | – Some users report issues with durability and performance – Requires regular maintenance and cleaning | Up to 60,000 gallons | – Clearwater model available for in-ground and above-ground pools- Includes a self-cleaning feature and automatic shut-off feature for safety – Easy-to-read digital display and simple control panel – Comes with a 2-year warranty |
| Jandy | TruClear | Good | – Provides reliable and high-quality products – Easy-to-use systems that are great for both in-ground and above-ground pools | – More expensive than some other brands – Some users report issues with durability and cell life | Up to 35,000 gallons | – TruClear model available for in-ground and above-ground pools – Features a compact design and easy-to-use digital control panel – Includes self-cleaning feature for cell maintenance – Comes with a 3-year warranty |
| CircuPool | RJ | Good | – Affordable and reliable products – Comes with a generous warranty and responsive customer support team | – Some users report issues with cell life and durability – Not as well-known or established as some other brands | Up to 60,000 gallons | – RJ model available for in-ground and above-ground pools – Includes an easy-to-read digital display and simple control panel – Self-cleaning feature helps extend the life of the cell – Comes with a 5-year warranty |
| Intex | Krystal Clear | Fair | – Offers a range of products designed specifically for above-ground pools – Affordable and easy-to-use systems | – Limited range of products compared to other brands – Some users report issues with durability and reliability | Up to 15,000 gallons | – Krystal Clear model available for Intex above-ground pools- Simple and easy-to-use control panel- Includes self -cleaning feature for cell maintenance – Comes with a 2-year warranty |
Key Factors When Choosing A Salt Chlorinator Model
When choosing a salt chlorination system, some of the main features to consider include:
- Pool size: Consider the size of your pool to ensure that the salt chlorinator you choose is suitable for your pool’s volume. You want to choose a chlorinator that sells salt cells and systems that are large enough to support you pool size in gallons/Liters.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the salt chlorinator is compatible with your pool’s filtration system and other equipment.
- Control features: Look for a salt chlorinator that has user-friendly control features, such as digital displays and programmable timers. Automation features are very convenient and can save time and money i.e. setting your pump on multiple timers to turn on and off during the day as desired.
- Self-cleaning system: Consider a salt chlorinator with a self-cleaning system to help prolong the life of the cell and reduce maintenance needs. It’s usually referred to as Reverse Polarity or similar.
- Warranty and support: Check the warranty and support offered by the manufacturer to ensure that you are getting a quality product that is backed by good customer service. A chlorinator is expensive and when things go wrong they can be costly to repair.
- Installation: Consider the ease of installation and whether you will need professional installation or if it can be done by a DIY homeowner. Existing pools can be converted to saltwater ones but you will probably need a pro to do the install and possibly an electrician for hardwiring the control box. There will be a need for some work on the plumbing to fit the salt cell in and install the water flow valve if you’re switching brands or converting from a regular chlorine pool.
- Energy efficiency: Consider the energy usage and power draw of the chlorinator to ensure it aligns with your energy goals. They tend not to use much energy to actually operate but your total energy bill can certainly be lowered with the use of automation and timers for the pump and heater which is where the real savings are.