Best Salt Chlorinators Ranked

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.

The usual pick for larger Intex and other above-ground pools up to 15,000 gallons: cheap and simple, but with no salt readout.

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.

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.

A budget salt system for mid-size Intex and other above-ground pools up to 7,000 gallons.

A dealer-installed salt system for mid-size in-ground pools that want a longer warranty than the S3 and already have, or don’t need, automation.

Hayward’s current dealer-installed salt system for small in-ground pools, with a salt readout and pump control built in.

For mid-size in-ground pools where a pool pro installs the system; it controls a Hayward VS pump and heater without separate automation.

A mid-size Pentair Plus system for pools up to 30,000 gallons, best bought through a pool pro to keep the 3-year warranty.

A plug-in Pentair salt system for small in-ground pools up to 15,000 gallons, sold complete with its own power pack.

For large in-ground pools on Pro Logic, IntelliTouch or Eos automation, with a four-year warranty, bought through a pool pro.

Replaces an old AquaRite-style system on a large pool (up to 55,000 gallons) without replumbing, but with only a short, prorated warranty.

For large in-ground pools when you want to buy a Hayward salt system online and install it yourself; dealers sell the newer AquaRite S3 instead.

Jandy’s newest salt system for pools up to 45,000 gallons and a direct swap for an AquaPure cell, sold through pool pros.

For big pools (up to 60,000 gallons) whose owners want a DIY salt system with a salt readout; oversized and pricier than needed for a typical backyard pool.