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 rates 3.7 among in-ground salt chlorinators; the Intex Krystal Clear QS500 rates 3.3 among above-ground ones.
Intex Krystal Clear QS500
#5 in Above-GroundFull review
A budget salt system for mid-size Intex and other above-ground pools up to 7,000 gallons.
Amazon $156.09$156.09
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.
Scores side by side
These two sit in different pool type classes (in-ground and above-ground), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own pool type peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Hayward AquaRite S3 15K | Intex Krystal Clear QS500 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 50 no current price (neutral score used) | 80 $156 for 0.3 lb of chlorine a day ($600 per lb/day) |
| Cell cost 20% | 50 no current cell price (neutral score used) | 87 Replacement cell $98 ($377 per lb/day) |
| Warranty 20% | 50 3-year cell, 3-year control center warranty | 25 2-year cell, 2-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 | 20 Flow sensing, boost mode |
| Certification 10% | 100 Certified to NSF/ANSI 50 | 0 Not certified to NSF/ANSI 50 |
Specifications
| Hayward AquaRite S3 15K | Intex Krystal Clear QS500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Pool type | In-ground | Above-ground |
| Rated pool size (maker) | 15,000 gal | 7,000 gal |
| Chlorine output | 0.5 lb/day | 0.3 lb/day |
| Salt level | 1,200 to 8,000 ppm (ideal 3,200) | 2,500 to 3,500 ppm (ideal 3,000) |
| NSF/ANSI 50 certified | Yes | No |
| Cell | ||
| Replacement cell | TCELLS315 | 11899 |
| Replacement cell price | - | $98 |
| Self-cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Plumbing size | 2 in | 1.5 in |
| Controls | ||
| Salt level readout | Yes | No |
| Flow sensing | Flow switch | Flow switch |
| Cold-water shutoff | Yes | No |
| Boost mode | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Optional module | No |
| App | Hayward OmniLogic | - |
| Automation compatibility | Hayward Omni | - |
| Voltage | 115/230 V | 115 V |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 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. | Intex 2-year limited warranty on the control unit and the electrode(s), 180 days on hoses and fittings; original purchaser only, the same for every buyer since Intex sells direct and through retailers. Repair or replacement after an Intex service center accepts the claim. |
| Released | 2022-03 | 2018 |