10 Best Salt Water Pool Systems 2025 in the United States

The Hayward W3T-CELL-15 TurboCell Salt Chlorination Cell is designed for in-ground swimming pools up to 40,000 gallons, making it suitable for large pools. It offers the benefit of naturally sanitized water that is gentle on the skin and eyes and prevents fabric fading, which is a significant advantage for swimmers' comfort and pool maintenance. This product is also cost-effective, potentially cutting chlorine costs by up to 50%, leading to substantial savings over time.

Its certification by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) adds a layer of reliability and trust in its performance. Compatibility with various Hayward salt chlorination and automation systems, such as AquaRite, AquaRite Pro, SwimPure Plus, OmniLogic, OmniHub, ProLogic, and AquaPlus, makes it versatile and easy to integrate into existing pool systems. Weighing 4.11 pounds and with compact dimensions of 11.7 x 5.6 x 3.8 inches, the unit is relatively easy to handle and install.

Its benefits in maintaining clean water, preventing skin irritation, and reducing chlorine odor make it a valuable addition to any salt-water pool system. It’s essential to note that the effectiveness and longevity of the cell can vary based on usage and maintenance practices.

The Hayward W3AQR9 AquaRite Salt Chlorination System is designed for in-ground pools up to 25,000 gallons, making it well-suited for medium-sized pools. One of its major strengths is its ability to automatically convert salt into chlorine, which takes away the hassle of manually handling chlorine. This can be a significant time saver and also reduces the risk of handling potentially hazardous chemicals.

Additionally, it promises luxuriously soft water that is gentler on the eyes, skin, and hair compared to traditional chlorine pools. This can be a compelling feature for users who experience irritation from standard pool water. The product also boasts a good reputation, indicating general user satisfaction. However, there are some drawbacks. The initial cost of the system can be relatively high compared to traditional chlorine systems. While the product claims to prevent fabric fading, which is a nice touch, the effectiveness of this feature might vary based on individual pool conditions.

The Hayward W3AQR9 AquaRite is a strong choice for those looking for a more natural and less hands-on pool maintenance solution, particularly if they value soft water and reduced skin irritation. Potential buyers should consider the initial cost and investigate the cell lifespan to ensure it meets their long-term needs.

The Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System is designed for above-ground pools up to 15,000 gallons, making it a good fit for medium-sized pools. It features an advanced filtering system that, once connected to your pool's filter pump and with added salt, operates automatically. This can significantly reduce the maintenance effort required.

The control panel is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing for easy scheduling and cleaning, which is great for those new to managing a saltwater pool. The system uses HydroAeration Technology to improve water circulation, clarity, and freshness, which are essential for maintaining a clean swimming environment.

Weighing 17.11 pounds, it is relatively lightweight and compact (18 x 18 x 18 inches), making installation straightforward. While it promises to reduce chemical use and maintenance costs, the lack of detailed specs on chlorine output and cell lifespan could be a limitation for some users.