Intex Krystal Clear QS400
#6 in Above-GroundFull review
A low-cost salt system for small Intex and similar frame pools up to 4,500 gallons with a small filter pump.
Amazon $122.99$122.99
The Intex Krystal Clear QS400 is the better salt chlorinator overall, rated 3.1 to 2.4. The Intex Krystal Clear QS400 leads on value, warranty and cell cost. The Intex Krystal Clear QS400 costs $326.01 less ($122.99 vs $449).
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
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 QS400 for value ($123 for 0.2 lb of chlorine a day ($586 per lb/day) vs $449 for 0.4 lb of chlorine a day ($1,069 per lb/day)), warranty (2-year cell, 2-year control center warranty vs 1-year cell, 1-year control center warranty) and cell cost (Replacement cell $115 ($548 per lb/day) vs Replacement cell $279 ($664 per lb/day)).
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 QS400 | Solaxx Saltron Retro |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 2.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 81 $123 for 0.2 lb of chlorine a day ($586 per lb/day) | 51 $449 for 0.4 lb of chlorine a day ($1,069 per lb/day) |
| Cell cost 20% | 66 Replacement cell $115 ($548 per lb/day) | 56 Replacement cell $279 ($664 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% | 10 Boost mode | 0 No salt readout, wi-fi or automation link |
| Certification 10% | 0 Not certified to NSF/ANSI 50 | 0 Not certified to NSF/ANSI 50 |
Specifications
| Intex Krystal Clear QS400 | Solaxx Saltron Retro | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Pool type | Above-ground | Above-ground |
| Rated pool size (maker) | 4,500 gal | 20,000 gal |
| Chlorine output | 0.2 lb/day | 0.4 lb/day |
| Salt level | 2,500 to 3,500 ppm (ideal 3,000) | 3,000 to 4,000 ppm (ideal 3,000) |
| NSF/ANSI 50 certified | No | No |
| Cell | ||
| Replacement cell | 12946 | CLG10A-010 |
| Replacement cell price | $115 | $279 |
| Rated cell life | - | 7,500 hours |
| Self-cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Plumbing size | 1.2 in | - |
| Controls | ||
| Salt level readout | No | No |
| Flow sensing | - | None |
| Cold-water shutoff | No | - |
| Boost mode | Yes | No |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Voltage | 115 V | 120/230 V |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 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. | 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. |
| Released | - | 2013 |