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 CircuPool Universal55 leads on cell cost and value. The Pentair IntelliChlor Plus60 wins on warranty, certification and features. The CircuPool Universal55 costs $1,556.50 less ($1,395 vs $2,951.50).
Pentair IntelliChlor Plus60
#10 in Large PoolsFull review
Pentair’s big-pool salt system for up to 60,000 gallons, bought and installed through a pool pro.
$2,951.50
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 Universal55 for cell cost (Replacement cell $749 ($300 per lb/day) vs Replacement cell $2,500 ($1,250 per lb/day)) and value ($1,395 for 2.5 lb of chlorine a day ($558 per lb/day) vs $2,952 for 2 lb of chlorine a day ($1,476 per lb/day)).
- Choose the Pentair IntelliChlor Plus60 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, works with pentair intellicenter, pentair intelliconnect, pentair easytouch, pentair intellitouch, pentair suntouch, cold-water shutoff, flow sensing, boost mode vs Salt level readout, 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 | Pentair IntelliChlor Plus60 |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 35 $2,952 for 2 lb of chlorine a day ($1,476 per lb/day) |
| Cell cost 20% | 100 Replacement cell $749 ($300 per lb/day) | 20 Replacement cell $2,500 ($1,250 per lb/day) |
| 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 | 75 Salt level readout, 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 | 100 Certified to NSF/ANSI 50 |
Specifications
| CircuPool Universal55 | Pentair IntelliChlor Plus60 | |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 3,000 to 4,500 ppm (ideal 3,600) |
| NSF/ANSI 50 certified | No | Yes |
| Electrical listing (UL/ETL) | - | Yes |
| Cell | ||
| Replacement cell | UL55-2200-4A-1RC | 523738 |
| Replacement cell price | $749 | $2,500 |
| 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 | 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. | TradeGrade product: 3 years or 10,000 operating hours, whichever comes first, when bought from and installed by a pool professional (Plus cells). 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), so DIY online buyers get far less cover. |
| Released | - | 2025 |