Solaxx Saltron Retro
#7 in Above-GroundFull review
For above-ground pools up to 20,000 gallons whose owners want a salt system without cutting into the pump hoses; the short warranty is the catch.
Amazon $449$449
The Solaxx Saltron Retro and the Hayward AquaTrol are evenly matched, rated 2.4 and 2.4. The Solaxx Saltron Retro leads on cell cost and value. The Hayward AquaTrol wins on features. The Solaxx Saltron Retro costs $720 less ($449 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 Solaxx Saltron Retro for cell cost (Replacement cell $279 ($664 per lb/day) vs Replacement cell $829 ($1,105 per lb/day)) and value ($449 for 0.4 lb of chlorine a day ($1,069 per lb/day) vs $1,169 for 0.8 lb of chlorine a day ($1,559 per lb/day)).
- Choose the Hayward AquaTrol for features (Salt level readout, cold-water shutoff, flow sensing, boost mode vs No salt readout, wi-fi or automation link).
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 | Solaxx Saltron Retro | Hayward AquaTrol |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.4/5 | 2.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 51 $449 for 0.4 lb of chlorine a day ($1,069 per lb/day) | 32 $1,169 for 0.8 lb of chlorine a day ($1,559 per lb/day) |
| Cell cost 20% | 56 Replacement cell $279 ($664 per lb/day) | 27 Replacement cell $829 ($1,105 per lb/day) |
| Warranty 20% | 0 1-year cell, 1-year control center warranty | 0 1-year cell, 1-year control center warranty |
| Features 20% | 0 No salt readout, wi-fi or automation link | 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
| Solaxx Saltron Retro | Hayward AquaTrol | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Pool type | Above-ground | Above-ground |
| Rated pool size (maker) | 20,000 gal | 18,000 gal |
| Chlorine output | 0.4 lb/day | 0.8 lb/day |
| Salt level | 3,000 to 4,000 ppm (ideal 3,000) | 2,700 to 3,400 ppm (ideal 3,200) |
| NSF/ANSI 50 certified | No | No |
| Cell | ||
| Replacement cell | CLG10A-010 | W3GLX-CELL-5 |
| Replacement cell price | $279 | $829 |
| Rated cell life | 7,500 hours | - |
| Self-cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Plumbing size | - | 1.5 in |
| Controls | ||
| Salt level readout | No | Yes |
| Flow sensing | None | Flow switch |
| Cold-water shutoff | - | Yes |
| Boost mode | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Voltage | 120/230 V | 120 V |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 1 years | 1 years |
| Warranty terms | 1-year warranty (product page and brochure). The manual voids it for acid-cleaning damage, a power supply not mounted vertically, or a cell left in freezing water. | 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). |
| Released | 2013 | - |