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 3.4. The Intex Krystal Clear QS1600 Plus leads on features. The Intex Krystal Clear QS1600 Plus costs $23.76 less ($246.23 vs $269.99).
Intex Krystal Clear QZ1100
#3 in Above-GroundFull review
For 6,000-15,000 gallon above-ground pools with a big pump, if you want ozone added to salt chlorination; otherwise the QS1200 does the chlorine job for less.
Intex $269.99$269.99
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 features (Salt level readout, built-in wi-fi, flow sensing, boost mode vs Flow sensing, boost mode).
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 | Intex Krystal Clear QZ1100 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 100 $246 for 0.8 lb of chlorine a day ($290 per lb/day) | 92 $270 for 0.6 lb of chlorine a day ($466 per lb/day) |
| Cell cost 20% | 92 Replacement cell $295 ($347 per lb/day) | 94 Replacement cell $194 ($334 per lb/day) |
| Warranty 20% | 25 2-year cell, 2-year control center warranty | 25 2-year cell, 2-year control center warranty |
| Features 20% | 70 Salt level readout, built-in wi-fi, flow sensing, boost mode | 20 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 | Intex Krystal Clear QZ1100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Pool type | Above-ground | Above-ground |
| Rated pool size (maker) | 18,000 gal | 15,000 gal |
| Chlorine output | 0.8 lb/day | 0.6 lb/day |
| Salt level | 800 to 1,800 ppm (ideal 950) | 2,500 to 3,500 ppm (ideal 3,000) |
| NSF/ANSI 50 certified | No | No |
| Cell | ||
| Replacement cell | 13429 | 11374 |
| Replacement cell price | $295 | $194 |
| Self-cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Plumbing size | 1.5 in | 1.5 in |
| Controls | ||
| Salt level readout | Yes | No |
| Flow sensing | Flow switch | Flow switch |
| Cold-water shutoff | - | No |
| Boost mode | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Built in | No |
| App | Intex Link | - |
| Voltage | 115 V | 115 V |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 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. | 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. |