Replaces an old AquaRite-style system on a large pool (up to 55,000 gallons) without replumbing, but with only a short, prorated warranty.
Amazon $1,595 CircuPool $1,395The CircuPool Universal55 is the better salt chlorinator overall, rated 3.5 to 3.2. The CircuPool Universal55 leads on features. The CircuPool SJ55 costs $40 less ($1,355 vs $1,395).
A basic, budget-minded salt system for large pools whose owners want to avoid acid cell cleaning; the short warranty and high salt level are the trade-offs.
Amazon $1,495 CircuPool $1,355Prices were last checked October 27, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the CircuPool Universal55 for features (Salt level readout, cold-water shutoff, flow sensing, boost mode vs Cold-water shutoff, flow sensing, boost mode).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every large pools salt chlorinator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | CircuPool Universal55 | CircuPool SJ55 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 83 $1,395 for 2.5 lb of chlorine a day ($558 per lb/day) | 81 $1,355 for 2.3 lb of chlorine a day ($589 per lb/day) |
| Cell cost 20% | 100 Replacement cell $749 ($300 per lb/day) | 96 Replacement cell $745 ($324 per lb/day) |
| Warranty 20% | 0 1-year cell, 1-year control center warranty | 0 1-year cell, 1-year control center warranty |
| Features 20% | 55 Salt level readout, cold-water shutoff, flow sensing, boost mode | 30 Cold-water shutoff, flow sensing, boost mode |
| Certification 10% | 0 Not certified to NSF/ANSI 50 | 0 Not certified to NSF/ANSI 50 |
Specifications
| CircuPool Universal55 | CircuPool SJ55 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Pool type | In-ground | In-ground |
| Rated pool size (maker) | 55,000 gal | 55,000 gal |
| Chlorine output | 2.5 lb/day | 2.3 lb/day |
| Salt level | 3,000 to 4,000 ppm (ideal 3,500) | 3,500 to 5,000 ppm (ideal 4,250) |
| NSF/ANSI 50 certified | No | No |
| Cell | ||
| Replacement cell | UL55-2200-4A-1RC | SJ55A-2100-3A-1RC |
| Replacement cell price | $749 | $745 |
| Self-cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Plumbing size | 2 in | 2 in |
| Controls | ||
| Salt level readout | Yes | No |
| Flow sensing | Flow switch | Flow switch |
| Cold-water shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Boost mode | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Voltage | 115/230 V | 115/230 V |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 1 years | 1 years |
| Warranty terms | Sold as a 4-year limited warranty, prorated: parts free in year 1, then supplied at 25% (year 2), 50% (year 3) and 70% (year 4) of base price. No labor or shipping. DIY installation keeps the warranty. Commercial use: 1 year. | 3-year limited warranty, prorated: parts free in year 1, then supplied at 40% (year 2) and 60% (year 3) of base price. No labor or shipping. DIY installation keeps the warranty. Commercial use: 1 year. |
