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 and the Pentair IntelliChlor Plus30 are evenly matched, rated 3.3 and 3.3. The Hayward AquaRite S3 25K leads on features. The Pentair IntelliChlor Plus30 wins on value. The Pentair IntelliChlor Plus30 costs $524.45 less ($1,675.50 vs $2,199.95).
Pentair IntelliChlor Plus30
#4 in In-GroundFull review
A mid-size Pentair Plus system for pools up to 30,000 gallons, best bought through a pool pro to keep the 3-year warranty.
$1,675.50
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 pentair intellicenter, pentair intelliconnect, pentair easytouch, pentair intellitouch, pentair suntouch, cold-water shutoff, flow sensing, boost mode).
- Choose the Pentair IntelliChlor Plus30 for value ($1,676 for 1.1 lb of chlorine a day ($1,523 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 Plus30 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 14 $2,200 for 1 lb of chlorine a day ($2,245 per lb/day) | 34 $1,676 for 1.1 lb of chlorine a day ($1,523 per lb/day) |
| Cell cost 20% | 50 no current cell price (neutral score used) | 27 Replacement cell $1,224 ($1,113 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 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 Plus30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Pool type | In-ground | In-ground |
| Rated pool size (maker) | 25,000 gal | 30,000 gal |
| Chlorine output | 1 lb/day | 1.1 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 | 523730 |
| Replacement cell price | - | $1,224 |
| 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 | 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. | TradeGrade product: 3 years or 10,000 operating hours, whichever comes first, when bought from and installed by a pool professional (Plus 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 |