Hayward AquaRite S3 40K
#6 in Large PoolsFull review
Hayward’s flagship salt system for large in-ground pools, best bought and installed through a Hayward dealer; it can grow into Omni app control.
Amazon $2,489.99$2,489.99
The Hayward AquaRite S3 40K and the CircuPool Universal40 are evenly matched, rated 3.3 and 3.3. The Hayward AquaRite S3 40K leads on warranty, certification and features. The CircuPool Universal40 wins on cell cost and value. The CircuPool Universal40 costs $1,194.99 less ($1,295 vs $2,489.99).
CircuPool Universal40
#7 in Large PoolsFull review
For owners of an aging Hayward AquaRite or similar system who want a new control box and cell for about the price of a brand-name cell, on pools up to 40,000 gallons.
Amazon $1,295$1,295
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 Hayward AquaRite S3 40K for warranty (3-year cell, 3-year control center warranty vs 1-year cell, 1-year control center warranty), certification (Certified to NSF/ANSI 50 vs Not certified to NSF/ANSI 50) and features (Salt level readout, optional wi-fi module, works with hayward omni, cold-water shutoff, flow sensing, boost mode vs Salt level readout, cold-water shutoff, flow sensing, boost mode).
- Choose the CircuPool Universal40 for cell cost (Replacement cell $649 ($361 per lb/day) vs Replacement cell $1,800 ($1,224 per lb/day)) and value ($1,295 for 1.8 lb of chlorine a day ($719 per lb/day) vs $2,490 for 1.5 lb of chlorine a day ($1,694 per lb/day)).
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 | Hayward AquaRite S3 40K | CircuPool Universal40 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 28 $2,490 for 1.5 lb of chlorine a day ($1,694 per lb/day) | 71 $1,295 for 1.8 lb of chlorine a day ($719 per lb/day) |
| Cell cost 20% | 22 Replacement cell $1,800 ($1,224 per lb/day) | 90 Replacement cell $649 ($361 per lb/day) |
| Warranty 20% | 50 3-year cell, 3-year control center warranty | 0 1-year cell, 1-year control center warranty |
| Features 20% | 90 Salt level readout, optional wi-fi module, works with hayward omni, cold-water shutoff, flow sensing, boost mode | 55 Salt level readout, cold-water shutoff, flow sensing, boost mode |
| Certification 10% | 100 Certified to NSF/ANSI 50 | 0 Not certified to NSF/ANSI 50 |
Specifications
| Hayward AquaRite S3 40K | CircuPool Universal40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Pool type | In-ground | In-ground |
| Rated pool size (maker) | 40,000 gal | 40,000 gal |
| Chlorine output | 1.5 lb/day | 1.8 lb/day |
| Salt level | 1,200 to 8,000 ppm (ideal 3,200) | 3,000 to 4,000 ppm (ideal 3,500) |
| NSF/ANSI 50 certified | Yes | No |
| Cell | ||
| Replacement cell | TCELLS340 | UL40-2200-4A-1RC |
| Replacement cell price | $1,800 | $649 |
| Self-cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Plumbing size | 2 in | 2 in |
| Controls | ||
| Salt level readout | Yes | Yes |
| Flow sensing | Flow switch | Flow switch |
| Cold-water shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Boost mode | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Optional module | No |
| App | Hayward OmniLogic | - |
| Automation compatibility | Hayward Omni | - |
| Voltage | 115/230 V | 115/230 V |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 years |
| Warranty terms | Hayward's brochure gives AquaRite S3 a 3-year warranty, longer when sold and installed by a Totally Hayward partner; the product page lists 3 years parts and 1 year labor. Cells (TurboCell) carry 3 years. Accessories 1 year; commercial use 1 year. | 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. |
| Released | 2022-03 | - |