Hayward AquaRite S3 15K
#2 in In-GroundFull review
Hayward’s current dealer-installed salt system for small in-ground pools, with a salt readout and pump control built in.
The Hayward AquaRite S3 15K is the better salt chlorinator overall, rated 3.7 to 2.9. The Hayward AquaRite S3 15K leads on features.
Hayward AquaRite T-3 (W3AQR3)
#11 in In-GroundFull review
The cheapest Hayward salt system you can buy online for small in-ground pools, best for owners who install it themselves and accept a 1-year warranty.
Amazon $1,799$1,799
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 15K for features (Salt level readout, optional wi-fi module, works with hayward omni, cold-water shutoff, flow sensing, boost mode vs Salt level readout, works with hayward pro logic, pentair intellitouch, polaris eos, 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 in-ground salt chlorinator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Hayward AquaRite S3 15K | Hayward AquaRite T-3 (W3AQR3) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Value 30% | 50 no current price (neutral score used) | 0 $1,799 for 0.6 lb of chlorine a day ($2,998 per lb/day) |
| Cell cost 20% | 50 no current cell price (neutral score used) | 24 Replacement cell $699 ($1,165 per lb/day) |
| Warranty 20% | 50 3-year cell, 3-year control center warranty | 50 3-year cell, 3-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 | 75 Salt level readout, works with hayward pro logic, pentair intellitouch, polaris eos, cold-water shutoff, flow sensing, boost mode |
| Certification 10% | 100 Certified to NSF/ANSI 50 | 100 Certified to NSF/ANSI 50 |
Specifications
| Hayward AquaRite S3 15K | Hayward AquaRite T-3 (W3AQR3) | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Pool type | In-ground | In-ground |
| Rated pool size (maker) | 15,000 gal | 15,000 gal |
| Chlorine output | 0.5 lb/day | 0.6 lb/day |
| Salt level | 1,200 to 8,000 ppm (ideal 3,200) | 2,700 to 3,400 ppm (ideal 3,200) |
| NSF/ANSI 50 certified | Yes | Yes |
| Cell | ||
| Replacement cell | TCELLS315 | W3T-CELL-3 |
| Replacement cell price | - | $699 |
| 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 | Hayward Pro Logic, Pentair IntelliTouch, Polaris Eos |
| Voltage | 115/230 V | 120/240 V |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 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. | 3 years on the dealer-sold versions (AQR3XLCUL and siblings) bought from and installed by a pool professional; the online-sold W3AQR versions carry 1 year (manual, effective 03/01/12; Hayward's W3AQR15 page: 1 year parts, no labor). A replacement W3T cell bought alone carries 3 years parts. |
| Also sold as | - | AQR3 (Hayward Expert Line, dealer-sold) |
| Released | 2022-03 | - |