A low-salt system for above-ground pools up to 8,500 gallons, for owners who want a real salt readout and less salt in the water.
Amazon $215.99The Intex Krystal Clear QS700 Plus and the Intex Krystal Clear QS500 are evenly matched, rated 3.3 and 3.3. The Intex Krystal Clear QS700 Plus leads on features. The Intex Krystal Clear QS500 wins on cell cost. The Intex Krystal Clear QS500 costs $59.90 less ($156.09 vs $215.99).
A budget salt system for mid-size Intex and other above-ground pools up to 7,000 gallons.
Amazon $156.09Prices 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 QS700 Plus for features (Salt level readout, flow sensing, boost mode vs Flow sensing, boost mode).
- Choose the Intex Krystal Clear QS500 for cell cost (Replacement cell $98 ($377 per lb/day) vs Replacement cell $223 ($603 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 QS700 Plus | Intex Krystal Clear QS500 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 81 $216 for 0.4 lb of chlorine a day ($584 per lb/day) | 80 $156 for 0.3 lb of chlorine a day ($600 per lb/day) |
| Cell cost 20% | 61 Replacement cell $223 ($603 per lb/day) | 87 Replacement cell $98 ($377 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% | 45 Salt level readout, 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 QS700 Plus | Intex Krystal Clear QS500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Pool type | Above-ground | Above-ground |
| Rated pool size (maker) | 8,500 gal | 7,000 gal |
| Chlorine output | 0.4 lb/day | 0.3 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 | 12995 | 11899 |
| Replacement cell price | $223 | $98 |
| 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 | No | No |
| 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. |
| Released | - | 2018 |
