Best Salt Water Chlorinators with a Complete Buying Guide

A salt water chlorinator is something you should purchase as soon as you finish building your swimming pool. This simple device will help you keep your swimming pool safe from bacteria and other contaminants — and you don’t have to spend much money on chemical chlorine supply.

Chlorination is still considered one of the best ways to sanitize water and remove most of the impurities. Due to the same reason, it’s convenient to have a device that would produce chlorine from normal table salt. At the same time, the chlorine produced by the system would be eye-friendly and skin-friendly, unlike chemical chlorine solutions.

But, to make all this possible, you need to choose one of the best salt water chlorinators for your pool. Here, we are here to make the selection process simpler, by suggesting some of the best products available in the market.

Filtering the Best Salt Water Chlorinator

There is a wide variety of salt water chlorinator systems in the market according to aspects such as capacity, performance and recommended usage patterns. At the same time, you should also check how easy or tough it is to install the product into the pool water supply. While choosing the products, we have tried to prioritize safety first and then going for aspects like performance, chlorination capacity, etc. Long story short, you do not have to worry about big issues while picking a salt water chlorinator from the list.

Let’s jump to the products, then?

Best Salt Water Chlorinators for Swimming Pools

1. Circupool SJ-20 Complete Salt Water Chlorination System

Definitely one of the best saltwater chlorinators for bigger pools, we think Circupool SJ-20 Complete Salt Water Chlorination System is an amazing addition to every swimming pool. The maximum capacity of a pool it can handle would be 20,000 gallons and that bracket includes most of the household swimming pools in the United States. The pricing is also according to that notion.

One of the many reasons behind its popularity is the five-year limited warranty. This basically functions as a confirmation that the product would last a long period of time. When compared to other chlorinators in the same price bracket, installing the Circupool SJ-20 Complete Salt Water Chlorination System would be an easy task for most people.

Performance is also one of the strongest fortes of this saltwater chlorination system. In the ideal conditions, the device can produce up to 3.1lbs of chlorine per day. The cells are powered by reverse polarity, meaning that it would clean itself, saving you from a comparatively dirty job. Last but not least, there are also unlimited support options from the company.

Long story short, the Circupool SJ-20 Complete Salt Water Chlorination System is surely the best saltwater chlorinator if you have a bigger swimming pool. You can get started with the easy installation process and it would provide contamination-free water for your swimming pool, throughout the seasons. We also loved the amount of warranty and support you get from the manufacturer.

As per reviews, the Circupool SJ-20 Complete Salt Water Chlorination System seems to be the perfect choice for most swimming pools, with not many problems reported.

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2. Saltron Mini Salt System Drop-In Saltwater Chlorine Generator — Best Saltwater Chlorinator for Hot Tubs

Here is a product for almost every home that has a hot tub or a swim spa. When you are dealing with such a small size, you don’t need the extravagant chlorinators. What you need is something like Saltron Mini Salt System Drop-In Saltwater Chlorine Generator. As the name says, it’s a drop-in saltwater chlorinator and it has been made for hot tubs and swim spas with a capacity of up to 2000 gallons.

Installing the Saltron Mini Salt System Drop-In Saltwater Chlorine Generator won’t be a difficult task even if you have zero experience in plumbing. Once connected to the power supply, you can drop the chlorinator unit in and it would start working. It also comes with a few buttons and indicators to let you know how the chlorination is being done.

This is surely an awesome choice when you want to convert your spa into a saltwater system. The conversion process takes little time and the energy consumption is noticeably low. You can either use the built-in timer or do it manually; either way, Saltron Mini Salt System Drop-In Saltwater Chlorine Generator will control the levels in an amazing manner.

When compared to other products that we have listed in the article, this one is something almost all homes in the US would need. When your kids want to play in a hot tub or the spa, you can ensure the best quality water to them. The company does not mention the amount of chlorine it could produce per hour, but it has enough production rate to manage a pool of 2000 gallons.

Of course, the limitation here is that you can’t use the Saltron Mini Salt System Drop-In Saltwater Chlorine Generator for bigger pools. Apart from that, everything is cool.

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3. Pentair 520555 IntelliChlor IC40 Salt Chlorine Generator Cell — Best Overall Salt Water Chlorinator

It’s definitely one of the most popular saltwater chlorinators in the market when we consider the aspects of safety, convenience, and performance. According to the reviews, it also becomes an easy way to keep your swimming pool clean. This salt water chlorinator is suitable for larger pools of capacity up to 40,000 gallons. In the best performance scenario, it can produce up to 1.4lbs of chlorine per day.

On any day, the Pentair 520555 IntelliChlor IC40 Salt Chlorine Generator Cell is the easiest-to-control system in the market. It feels really easy to check on figures like salt levels, the output of sanitization and whether your generator cell is clean or not. The Settings panel helps you in controlling other aspects like cleaning cycles and the rate of production as well.

A similarly amazing feature would be cell tracking capability. This feature tells you the amount of time for which the generator cell would run for. So, you can replace the cell before waiting to see algae build-up in your pool. There are also some convenience-oriented features like Automatic Shut Off. This feature cuts power-supply to the cell during low-temperature scenarios, thereby increasing longevity.

It is also worth noting that the Pentair 520555 IntelliChlor IC40 Salt Chlorine Generator Cell has an on-time cycle for cleaning the calcium build-up. In addition to keeping the water cleaner, this would increase the working period of the cell. Needless to say, this is one of the well-built products in the market and it gets the job done for swimming pools in most American homes.

One drawback of the system is that it requires an adaptor for set-up. Also, many users wish if the installation process was somewhat simpler.

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4. BLUE WORKS Pool Chlorinator BLH30

BLUE WORKS Pool Chlorinator BLH30 seems to be worth a shot when you need advanced control and some level of automation without spending too much. The first thing you would notice in the package is the fully-fledged controller that you can use for enhanced management of the pool. The combination of Flow Switch and Salt Cell also makes things impressive in the long run.

First things first, this saltwater chlorination system has been made for pools with a capacity of up to 25,000 gallons. So, unless you have a bigger pool, you don’t need such an advanced option. Because of the group of users the product targets, the device can produce up to 1.59lbs of chlorine per day. Even during the toughest weather conditions, this should be enough to keep your pool sanitized.

The package requires a Do-It-Yourself installation procedure, but that is something you can hire a plumber for. Once that is done, the single control dashboard would be enough to know how much chlorine is being produced and the number of peripherals you need to add. You will have to maintain a salt level of 2500ppm to 4500ppm for smooth functioning.

Keeping the BLUE WORKS Pool Chlorinator BLH30 cleaner is also made easy. The system comes with a built-in cleaning system that changes polarity for getting rid of potential sedimentation. It is also worth noting that it comes with a smart chlorinator program and that the product is suited for hot weather areas as well. But, the smartness of the system is in how it maintains your pool like anything.

There aren’t many issues reported regarding the functioning of BLUE WORKS Pool Chlorinator BLH30. That said, many people wish the installation procedure was easier.

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5. Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System — Budget-friendly Salt Water Chlorinator

There are times when you don’t want to spend too much on a saltwater chlorinator. You would find Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System as an amazing option in those instances. The manufacturer has managed to offer top-of-the-class performance and convenient features without putting a heavy price tag. Although it is made for low-capacity pools, the overall experience is indeed awesome.

The first thing you would notice about the Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System is its sleek design itself. Even if you keep it on eyesight, the well-made chlorinator system would add charm to your pool’s outlook. It must be connected to a filter pump with a flow rate between 700GPH and 3000GPH. This won’t be a huge problem as a matter of fact when we are talking about swimming pools with 15,000 gallon capacity.

There are also features dedicated to providing you convenience. For instance, the auto-cleaning feature is a great addition for most users. Similarly, the water flow sensor helps you understand the various aspects of the chlorinator. Coming to the dashboard, it is well-designed and provides an overall view of how the system works.

You will be able to power on, power off, boost, lock and unlock the filtration system using the dashboard. It also has a number of indicators as to how the device is working. For instance, you will know when there is too much salt in the water or vice versa. There are also notifications when it’s time to service the device. On top of all these, it’s a hassle-free process to install the Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System.

Some people complain that the cleaning process for the device is tough and that the self-cleaning system is sometimes ineffective.

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6. Hayward Goldline PL-PLUS AquaPlus Salt Chlorination System — Best Automated Saltwater Chlorinator

While it’s true that a saltwater chlorination system keeps your swimming pool safer in general, you have to keep an eye on several aspects like pH value. If you don’t want this hassle and are ready to spend some more money, you should consider the Hayward Goldline PL-PLUS AquaPlus Salt Chlorination System. It’s perhaps the best automated way to control saltwater chlorination in your pool.

First things first, installing the system is no easy task. You may have to hire a plumber if you don’t want to put a lot of effort. Once that’s done, however, the chlorinator will ensure that you have clean, virus-free and reliable water all the time. It has been made for bigger pools with a capacity of up to 40,000 gallons and you can justify the price you pay for the item when you have such a big pool.

Automatic control is the unique and uniform feature of the Hayward Goldline PL-PLUS AquaPlus Salt Chlorination System. Once installed, you can control how every component works. As though that’s not enough, it will be constantly monitoring the ORH and pH levels of the water. The chlorine supply is adjusted so that you always get the best-quality water.

It should be noted that the Hayward Goldline PL-PLUS AquaPlus Salt Chlorination System is not one of those simple saltwater chlorination systems. It manages to extend the purpose to become a full control panel for the pool. You can also connect the device with other products from Hayward, such as LED lights and other Pro logic products.

The tough installation process is one of the very few issues being raised about the product. We have a mixed opinion about that comment when we consider the availability of options though.

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7. Solaxx CLG10A Saltron Salt Chlorine Generator

Yet another budget-friendly chlorinator system in the list, we think that Solaxx CLG10A Saltron Salt Chlorine Generator is a great choice for small pools. Despite the lower capacity, Solaxx has included some features that make a great move towards convenience. And, unlike the big systems, we reviewed earlier, you will be able to install this system within a few minutes.

As said, the chlorination capacity of Solaxx CLG10A Saltron Salt Chlorine Generator is just okay. You have to maintain 3000ppm salt in the water and the pool capacity should be 20,000 gallons or less. If both of these conditions are met, you are getting one of the easiest methods to maintain constant sanitizing in the pool at any given time.

Coming to the generation of chlorine, this device would produce up to 0.4lbs of chlorine per day, which is near to 8 grams of chlorine per hour. If the feedwater is of standard quality, this amount will be enough to offer a thorough cleaning experience.  The manufacturers have also included well-built salt cells that last for an incredible amount of time, especially while considering the price.

Last but not least, there is a programmable control panel in Solaxx CLG10A Saltron Salt Chlorine Generator. Using this system, you can not only know but also manage how chlorination is happening in the pool. We’d also noted that the system looks very attractive and minimal. Even if you have an aboveground pool, it will not create a distraction, which is great.

There aren’t many issues reported regarding the reliability or performance of this saltwater chlorinator.

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8. Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump & Saltwater System

If you are looking for an even affordable option and have a small pool in the backyard, you should consider Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump & Saltwater System. It’s also an affordable choice and the best part is it comes with a sand filter pump. So, in a single purchase, you are getting a complete package. However, you can’t use it for bigger swimming pools.

The included tank has a motor of 0.5hp and can offer a flow rate of up to 1600 gallons per hour. At the same time, the system flow rate is 1500 gallons per hour. The system has been designed to work with above-ground pools with a capacity between 2600 gallons to 8500 gallons. However, even with these restrictions, the chlorine generation rates are impressive enough.

The system can produce up to 7 grams of chlorine per hour. This should be enough to give you proper, clean swimming pools, even during the toughest weather. Most customers of the Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump & Saltwater System praise it for the quality and the ease of maintenance. Of course, this makes your shift from normal chlorination to saltwater chlorination easier.

Talking about the sand filter being used, it’s wonderfully long-lasting. You don’t have to worry about the replacement costs often. The effort you need to put in for maintenance is very low as well. There is also a high-end version of the product you can go for if you are looking for higher flow rates. But, as it stands now, the combo is unbeatable in every sense.

We couldn’t find any bottlenecks with this saltwater chlorinator. Most users are happy that they made the shift to the product.

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9. Hayward Goldline AQ-TROL-RJ AquaTrol Salt Chlorination System

It’s very likely that you are looking for a medium-budget salt chlorinator with advanced options. In that case, the choices don’t get better than the Hayward Goldline AQ-TROL-RJ AquaTrol Salt Chlorination System. It comes from Hayward, a company that is known for its quality-rich and automation-friendly products. In this specific case, however, you are getting so much control.

The saltwater chlorinator has been designed for above ground pools and weighs quite a bit. However, unlike the other products we mentioned, this one has an easy installation process. You can get started with it in no time, thanks to the intuitive guide. Given that the device is made for pools of up to 18,000 gallon capacity, you will be okay with big residential and small commercial pools.

Regardless of whether you are going commercial or not, the Hayward Goldline AQ-TROL-RJ AquaTrol Salt Chlorination System offers an awesome way to maintain the quality and hygiene of the pool. For instance, it comes with a 24-hour timer for controlling the filter pump. Similarly, there are enough indicators to know when and how the device is working as per the standards.

Another awesome feature in the package is the quality of output water itself. Even when compared to the other premium products, the device offers a superb level of quality and taste. There are also manual controls for instances that may require them. Included in the system is a self-cleaning system that changes polarity to keep the cells clean and make them last longer.

The lower lifespan of the cells is one of the concerns raised by the customers, but that is applicable when you’re making the most out of the cleaning package.

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Salt Water Chlorinator Buying Guide

Now that you have seen some of the best saltwater chlorinators in the market, shall we check out how you can choose the best one for your needs. We have also included some tips you may want to know in the due process.

Things to Look For While Buying a Salt Water Chlorinator

Make sure you pay attention to these factors before making the final purchase.

1. What type of pool do I own: Not every saltwater chlorinator is universal. So, you should consider the type of your pool — underground or aboveground. You may also be looking for a saltwater chlorine generator for hot tubs and spas in some cases.
2. What is the size of my pool: Saltwater chlorinators have maximum production capacities and they’re based on the size of the pool. Almost every machine would mention how many gallons of water it will be able to manage.
3. What kind of warranty do I want: You might be looking for a variety of warranty options when you need saltwater chlorination. There are some manufacturers that offer full warranty while most of the others stick onto limited warranty.
4. Do I need additional features: It is also possible that you are looking for additional features to make management easier. Some of these features include self-cleaning, easy control and a built-in timer for enhanced automation.
5. Do I need to redo my plumbing system: It’s more about whether you are ready to redo the plumbing system. Some advanced chlorinators may require advanced installation procedure, forcing you to make serious changes to the plumbing system. This should be a concern when you purchase.
6. What is my budget: Of course, you need to pay attention to your budget as well. The best part is that you can find many products online even when you narrow down to a specific price bracket.

Make sure you answer these questions as you go through our compilation of the best saltwater chlorinators in the market.

How Saltwater Chlorinators Work

In case you were wondering about the working process, here’s the oversimplified version of how a saltwater chlorinator produces chlorine from table salt.

A typical saltwater chlorinator would consist of a control box, power supply, salt cells, and flow sensors. While the control box acts as the main controller, the pool water would flow through the salt cells. There may also be other advanced options like flow sensors and self-cleaning systems.

Now, the process would be happening like this: Water from the pool and the table salt you put in the pool would be combined to produce Hypochlorous Acid. Hypochlorous Acid is the chemical name for chlorine. This chlorine would be used to maintain the hygiene of the pool. The by-product of this chemical reaction is Sodium Hydroxide and this is responsible for increasing the pH of the pool water.

As you can see, the process is very simple but it gets the job done of producing enough chlorine from normal table salt.

Types of Saltwater Chlorinator

Depending on the capability and other features, we can classify saltwater chlorinators into various types.

• Standard vs Self-Cleaning Saltwater Chlorinators

As the name says, standard saltwater chlorinators come with only the core elements. You will have to clean the filters manually if you want to remove potential sedimentation. While these models are quite affordable in nature, some may find the cleaning process to be very difficult.

On the other hand, self-cleaning saltwater chlorinators often use the technique of reverse polarization to clean the system. This type of chlorinator is likely to remove potential sedimentation on its own so that you don’t have to worry.

• Power Backup Timer Chlorinators

As you can guess, this type of chlorinator would be powered by a power backup timer. This would be used to control when and how the chlorinator functions. For users, such a device offers the convenience of control and automation.

• Built-in pH Control Chlorinators

Most of the saltwater chlorinators cause the problem of raised pH level of the pool water. This is due to the production of Sodium Hydroxide, which is a by-product of the core chemical reaction. However, there are a few saltwater chlorinators that sense this pH value change and control chlorine production accordingly. It’s a great way to increase the longevity of the cells and make your pool water less acidic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions you may have, answered!