CircuPool Universal25
#7 in In-GroundFull review
A low-cost way to replace a worn-out AquaRite-style system on a smaller pool (up to 25,000 gallons) without replumbing.
Amazon $1,095$1,095
The CircuPool Universal25 is the better salt chlorinator overall, rated 3.0 to 2.9. The CircuPool Universal25 leads on features. The Hayward AquaRite 100 wins on warranty.
Hayward AquaRite 100
#9 in In-GroundFull review
A basic dealer-installed salt system for in-ground pools up to 30,000 gallons, for owners who don’t want automation or a salt display.
Prices 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 Universal25 for features (Salt level readout, cold-water shutoff, flow sensing, boost mode vs Cold-water shutoff, flow sensing, boost mode).
- Choose the Hayward AquaRite 100 for warranty (3-year cell, 3-year control center warranty vs 1-year cell, 1-year control center warranty).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every in-ground salt chlorinator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | CircuPool Universal25 | Hayward AquaRite 100 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.0/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Value 30% | 59 $1,095 for 1.2 lb of chlorine a day ($912 per lb/day) | 50 no current price (neutral score used) |
| Cell cost 20% | 76 Replacement cell $549 ($458 per lb/day) | 50 no current cell price (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 20% | 0 1-year cell, 1-year control center warranty | 50 3-year cell, 3-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 Universal25 | Hayward AquaRite 100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Pool type | In-ground | In-ground |
| Rated pool size (maker) | 25,000 gal | 30,000 gal |
| Chlorine output | 1.2 lb/day | 1.1 lb/day |
| Salt level | 3,000 to 4,000 ppm (ideal 3,500) | 1,500 to 4,500 ppm (ideal 3,200) |
| NSF/ANSI 50 certified | No | No |
| Cell | ||
| Replacement cell | UL25-2200-4A-1RC | CCELL |
| Replacement cell price | $549 | - |
| 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 | 120/240 V |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 1 years | 3 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. | Manual (effective 03/01/12): control box 3 years, parts only; cell 3 years; accessories 1 year. Sell sheet: 3 years for the system and the CCELL. The product page lists 3 years parts and 1 year labor. |
| Released | - | 2019 |