Intex Krystal Clear QS1200
#2 in Above-GroundFull review
The usual pick for larger Intex and other above-ground pools up to 15,000 gallons: cheap and simple, but with no salt readout.
Amazon $198.96$198.96
The Intex Krystal Clear QS1200 rates 3.5 among above-ground salt chlorinators; the Hayward AquaRite T-3 (W3AQR3) rates 2.9 among in-ground ones. The Intex Krystal Clear QS1200 costs $1,600.04 less ($198.96 vs $1,799).
Hayward AquaRite T-3 (W3AQR3)
#11 in In-GroundFull review
The cheapest Hayward salt system you can buy online for small in-ground pools, best for owners who install it themselves and accept a 1-year warranty.
Amazon $1,799$1,799
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.
Scores side by side
These two sit in different pool type classes (above-ground and in-ground), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own pool type peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Intex Krystal Clear QS1200 | Hayward AquaRite T-3 (W3AQR3) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Value 30% | 100 $199 for 0.6 lb of chlorine a day ($316 per lb/day) | 0 $1,799 for 0.6 lb of chlorine a day ($2,998 per lb/day) |
| Cell cost 20% | 96 Replacement cell $202 ($321 per lb/day) | 24 Replacement cell $699 ($1,165 per lb/day) |
| Warranty 20% | 25 2-year cell, 2-year control center warranty | 50 3-year cell, 3-year control center warranty |
| Features 20% | 20 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% | 0 Not certified to NSF/ANSI 50 | 100 Certified to NSF/ANSI 50 |
Specifications
| Intex Krystal Clear QS1200 | Hayward AquaRite T-3 (W3AQR3) | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Pool type | Above-ground | In-ground |
| Rated pool size (maker) | 15,000 gal | 15,000 gal |
| Chlorine output | 0.6 lb/day | 0.6 lb/day |
| Salt level | 2,500 to 3,500 ppm (ideal 3,000) | 2,700 to 3,400 ppm (ideal 3,200) |
| NSF/ANSI 50 certified | No | Yes |
| Cell | ||
| Replacement cell | 11904 | W3T-CELL-3 |
| Replacement cell price | $202 | $699 |
| Self-cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Plumbing size | 1.5 in | 2 in |
| Controls | ||
| Salt level readout | No | Yes |
| Flow sensing | Flow switch | Flow switch |
| Cold-water shutoff | No | Yes |
| Boost mode | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Automation compatibility | - | Hayward Pro Logic, Pentair IntelliTouch, Polaris Eos |
| Voltage | 115 V | 120/240 V |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years |
| Warranty terms | Intex 2-year limited warranty on the control unit and the electrode(s), 180 days on hoses and fittings; original purchaser only, the same for every buyer since Intex sells direct and through retailers. Repair or replacement after an Intex service center accepts the claim. | 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. |
| Also sold as | - | AQR3 (Hayward Expert Line, dealer-sold) |
| Released | 2018 | - |