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 3.2. The Hayward AquaRite S3 15K leads on warranty and features.
Pentair IntelliChlor LT15
#5 in In-GroundFull review
A plug-in Pentair salt system for small in-ground pools up to 15,000 gallons, sold complete with its own power pack.
Amazon $1,159$1,159
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 warranty (3-year cell, 3-year control center warranty vs 2-year cell, 2-year control center warranty) and 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 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 LT15 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 50 no current price (neutral score used) | 26 $1,159 for 0.7 lb of chlorine a day ($1,783 per lb/day) |
| Cell cost 20% | 50 no current cell price (neutral score used) | 50 no current cell price (neutral score used) |
| 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 | 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% | 100 Certified to NSF/ANSI 50 | 100 Certified to NSF/ANSI 50 |
Specifications
| Hayward AquaRite S3 15K | Pentair IntelliChlor LT15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Pool type | In-ground | In-ground |
| Rated pool size (maker) | 15,000 gal | 15,000 gal |
| Chlorine output | 0.5 lb/day | 0.7 lb/day |
| Salt level | 1,200 to 8,000 ppm (ideal 3,200) | 3,000 to 4,500 ppm (ideal 3,600) |
| NSF/ANSI 50 certified | Yes | Yes |
| Electrical listing (UL/ETL) | - | Yes |
| Cell | ||
| Replacement cell | TCELLS315 | 523741 |
| 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 | Pentair Pool (via Pentair automation) |
| Automation compatibility | Hayward Omni | Pentair IntelliCenter, Pentair IntelliConnect, Pentair EasyTouch, Pentair IntelliTouch, Pentair SunTouch |
| 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. | TradeGrade product: 2 years or 6,000 operating hours, whichever comes first, when bought from and installed by a pool professional (LT 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 | 2022-03 | 2025 |