Hayward AquaRite S3 25K
#3 in In-GroundFull review
For mid-size in-ground pools where a pool pro installs the system; it controls a Hayward VS pump and heater without separate automation.
Amazon $2,199.95$2,199.95
The Hayward AquaRite S3 25K is the better salt chlorinator overall, rated 3.3 to 3.1. The Hayward AquaRite S3 25K leads on features. The Hayward AquaRite T-9 (W3AQR9) costs $200.95 less ($1,999 vs $2,199.95).
Hayward AquaRite T-9 (W3AQR9)
#6 in In-GroundFull review
Hayward’s online-sold salt system for mid-size in-ground pools: a proven design, but with only a 1-year warranty bought this way.
Amazon $1,999$1,999
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 25K 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 25K | Hayward AquaRite T-9 (W3AQR9) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 30% | 14 $2,200 for 1 lb of chlorine a day ($2,245 per lb/day) | 15 $1,999 for 0.9 lb of chlorine a day ($2,221 per lb/day) |
| Cell cost 20% | 50 no current cell price (neutral score used) | 33 Replacement cell $899 ($999 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 25K | Hayward AquaRite T-9 (W3AQR9) | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Pool type | In-ground | In-ground |
| Rated pool size (maker) | 25,000 gal | 25,000 gal |
| Chlorine output | 1 lb/day | 0.9 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 | TCELLS325 | W3T-CELL-9 |
| Replacement cell price | - | $899 |
| 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. |
| Released | 2022-03 | - |