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.
Pentair IntelliChlor IC20
#10 in In-GroundFull review
Pentair’s small IntelliChlor for pools up to 20,000 gallons, back in the US; the newer LT25 fits the same power center and shows salt in ppm.
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 Works with pentair intellicenter, pentair intelliconnect, pentair easytouch, pentair intellitouch, pentair suntouch, 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 | Pentair IntelliChlor IC20 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Value 30% | 50 no current price (neutral score used) | 50 no current price (neutral score used) |
| Cell cost 20% | 50 no current cell price (neutral score used) | 0 Replacement cell $1,249 ($1,784 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 | 50 Works with pentair intellicenter, pentair intelliconnect, pentair easytouch, pentair intellitouch, pentair suntouch, cold-water shutoff, flow sensing, boost mode |
| Certification 10% | 100 Certified to NSF/ANSI 50 | 50 certification not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Hayward AquaRite S3 15K | Pentair IntelliChlor IC20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Pool type | In-ground | In-ground |
| Rated pool size (maker) | 15,000 gal | 20,000 gal |
| Chlorine output | 0.5 lb/day | 0.7 lb/day |
| Salt level | 1,200 to 8,000 ppm (ideal 3,200) | 2,800 to 4,500 ppm (ideal 3,600) |
| NSF/ANSI 50 certified | Yes | - |
| Cell | ||
| Replacement cell | TCELLS315 | 520554 |
| Replacement cell price | - | $1,249 |
| 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 | Optional module | No |
| App | Hayward OmniLogic | Pentair Pool (via Pentair automation) |
| Automation compatibility | Hayward Omni | Pentair IntelliCenter, Pentair IntelliConnect, Pentair EasyTouch, Pentair IntelliTouch, Pentair SunTouch |
| Voltage | 115/230 V | 115/230 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. | 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 | 2022-03 | 2009-11 |