CircuPool Universal55
#2 in Large PoolsFull review
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 $1,395$1,395
The CircuPool Universal55 is the better salt chlorinator overall, rated 3.5 to 3.2. The Pentair IntelliChlor IC60 wins on warranty.
Pentair IntelliChlor IC60
#8 in Large PoolsFull review
The big IntelliChlor for pools up to 60,000 gallons, back in the US through pool dealers; the Plus60 adds a ppm 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 Pentair IntelliChlor IC60 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 large pools salt chlorinator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | CircuPool Universal55 | Pentair IntelliChlor IC60 |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 50 no current price (neutral score used) |
| Cell cost 20% | 100 Replacement cell $749 ($300 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 | 50 Works with pentair intellicenter, pentair intelliconnect, pentair easytouch, pentair intellitouch, pentair suntouch, cold-water shutoff, flow sensing, boost mode |
| Certification 10% | 0 Not certified to NSF/ANSI 50 | 50 certification not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| CircuPool Universal55 | Pentair IntelliChlor IC60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Pool type | In-ground | In-ground |
| Rated pool size (maker) | 55,000 gal | 60,000 gal |
| Chlorine output | 2.5 lb/day | 2 lb/day |
| Salt level | 3,000 to 4,000 ppm (ideal 3,500) | 2,800 to 4,500 ppm (ideal 3,600) |
| NSF/ANSI 50 certified | No | - |
| Cell | ||
| Replacement cell | UL55-2200-4A-1RC | 521105 |
| Replacement cell price | $749 | - |
| Self-cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Plumbing size | 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 |
| App | - | Pentair Pool (via Pentair automation) |
| Automation compatibility | - | Pentair IntelliCenter, Pentair IntelliConnect, Pentair EasyTouch, Pentair IntelliTouch, Pentair SunTouch |
| Voltage | 115/230 V | 115/230 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. | Pentair's US relaunch page gives the reintroduced IC20/IC40/IC60 a 3-year warranty when bought through a pool professional. Pentair's warranty page gives TradeGrade products bought online a much shorter limited warranty (60 days on the product page; 1 year, parts only, on the warranty page). |
| Released | - | 2009-11 |