Intex Krystal Clear QS1600 Plus
#1 in Above-GroundFull review
The pick for big above-ground pools up to 18,000 gallons when you want app control and a salt readout; buy it on sale, since Intex lists it at $460.
Amazon $246.23$246.23
The Intex Krystal Clear QS1600 Plus is the better salt chlorinator overall, rated 3.9 to 2.4. The Intex Krystal Clear QS1600 Plus leads on value, cell cost and warranty. The Intex Krystal Clear QS1600 Plus costs $922.77 less ($246.23 vs $1,169).
Hayward AquaTrol
#8 in Above-GroundFull review
Hayward’s salt system for above-ground pools up to 18,000 gallons, easy to install yourself but costly for its size and short on warranty.
Amazon $1,169$1,169
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 Intex Krystal Clear QS1600 Plus for value ($246 for 0.8 lb of chlorine a day ($290 per lb/day) vs $1,169 for 0.8 lb of chlorine a day ($1,559 per lb/day)), cell cost (Replacement cell $295 ($347 per lb/day) vs Replacement cell $829 ($1,105 per lb/day)) and warranty (2-year cell, 2-year control center warranty vs 1-year cell, 1-year control center warranty).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every above-ground salt chlorinator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Intex Krystal Clear QS1600 Plus | Hayward AquaTrol |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 2.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 100 $246 for 0.8 lb of chlorine a day ($290 per lb/day) | 32 $1,169 for 0.8 lb of chlorine a day ($1,559 per lb/day) |
| Cell cost 20% | 92 Replacement cell $295 ($347 per lb/day) | 27 Replacement cell $829 ($1,105 per lb/day) |
| Warranty 20% | 25 2-year cell, 2-year control center warranty | 0 1-year cell, 1-year control center warranty |
| Features 20% | 70 Salt level readout, built-in wi-fi, flow sensing, boost mode | 55 Salt level readout, cold-water shutoff, flow sensing, boost mode |
| Certification 10% | 0 Not certified to NSF/ANSI 50 | 0 Not certified to NSF/ANSI 50 |
Specifications
| Intex Krystal Clear QS1600 Plus | Hayward AquaTrol | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Pool type | Above-ground | Above-ground |
| Rated pool size (maker) | 18,000 gal | 18,000 gal |
| Chlorine output | 0.8 lb/day | 0.8 lb/day |
| Salt level | 800 to 1,800 ppm (ideal 950) | 2,700 to 3,400 ppm (ideal 3,200) |
| NSF/ANSI 50 certified | No | No |
| Cell | ||
| Replacement cell | 13429 | W3GLX-CELL-5 |
| Replacement cell price | $295 | $829 |
| Self-cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Plumbing size | 1.5 in | 1.5 in |
| Controls | ||
| Salt level readout | Yes | Yes |
| Flow sensing | Flow switch | Flow switch |
| Cold-water shutoff | - | Yes |
| Boost mode | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Built in | No |
| App | Intex Link | - |
| Voltage | 115 V | 120 V |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 years |
| Warranty terms | Intex 2-year limited warranty on the control unit and the chlorine electrode and salt/temperature sensor, 180 days on hoses; 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. | Manual (effective 03/01/12): AquaTrol 1 year, residential; Hayward's product page: 1 year parts, no labor. A replacement GLX-CELL-5 bought alone carries 3 years (TurboCell sell sheet). |