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 3.0. The Hayward AquaRite S3 25K leads on warranty and features. The Pentair IntelliChlor LT25 wins on value. The Pentair IntelliChlor LT25 costs $599.44 less ($1,600.51 vs $2,199.95).
Pentair IntelliChlor LT25
#8 in In-GroundFull review
Pentair’s budget cell for pools up to 25,000 gallons; the easiest upgrade for anyone with an old IC20 and its power center.
$1,600.51
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 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).
- Choose the Pentair IntelliChlor LT25 for value ($1,601 for 0.9 lb of chlorine a day ($1,778 per lb/day) vs $2,200 for 1 lb of chlorine a day ($2,245 per lb/day)).
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 | Pentair IntelliChlor LT25 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 30% | 14 $2,200 for 1 lb of chlorine a day ($2,245 per lb/day) | 26 $1,601 for 0.9 lb of chlorine a day ($1,778 per lb/day) |
| Cell cost 20% | 50 no current cell price (neutral score used) | 19 Replacement cell $1,149 ($1,277 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 | 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 25K | Pentair IntelliChlor LT25 | |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 3,000 to 4,500 ppm (ideal 3,600) |
| NSF/ANSI 50 certified | Yes | Yes |
| Electrical listing (UL/ETL) | - | Yes |
| Cell | ||
| Replacement cell | TCELLS325 | 523747 |
| Replacement cell price | - | $1,149 |
| 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 | 115/230 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 |