Hayward AquaRite 100
#9 in In-GroundFull review
A basic dealer-installed salt system for in-ground pools up to 30,000 gallons, for owners who don’t want automation or a salt display.
2.9/5
The cheapest Hayward salt system you can buy online for small in-ground pools, best for owners who install it themselves and accept a 1-year warranty.
- 15,000 galRated pool size
- 0.6 lb/dayChlorine output
- $699Replacement cell
- 2,700 to 3,400 ppm (ideal 3,200)Salt level
- 3 yearsWarranty
Check price at Amazon$1,799
Price checked October 27, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pros
- Sold online at a fixed price, so you don’t need a dealer quote
- Shows the salt level and stops in cold water, protecting the cell
- Runs under Hayward Pro Logic, Pentair IntelliTouch or Polaris Eos automation
- Replacement cell costs about $700, among the cheapest Hayward cells
Cons
- Only a 1-year warranty bought online, against 3 years from a dealer
- No Wi-Fi or app without separate automation
- Narrow salt range (2,700 to 3,400 ppm) to keep in check
The Hayward AquaRite family
Every Hayward AquaRite model we rank, smallest first. Ratings compare each against its own pool type.
| Model | Rated pool size | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hayward AquaRite T-3 (W3AQR3) (this one) | 15,000 gal | 2.9/5 | $1,799 |
| Hayward AquaRite T-9 (W3AQR9) | 25,000 gal | 3.1/5 | $1,999 |
| Hayward AquaRite T-15 (W3AQR15) | 40,000 gal | 3.4/5 | $2,099 |
How it scores
The rating comes from 5 measured or published factors, each scored 0-100 against fixed reference points for its pool type. How we rank explains each one.
Specifications
| Model number | W3AQR3, AQR3 |
|---|---|
| Output | |
| Pool type | In-ground |
| Rated pool size (maker) | 15,000 gal |
| Chlorine output | 0.6 lb/day |
| Salt level | 2,700 to 3,400 ppm (ideal 3,200) |
| NSF/ANSI 50 certified | Yes |
| Cell | |
| Replacement cell | W3T-CELL-3 |
| Replacement cell price | $699 |
| Self-cleaning | Yes |
| Plumbing size | 2 in |
| Controls | |
| Salt level readout | Yes |
| Flow sensing | Flow switch |
| Cold-water shutoff | Yes |
| Boost mode | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Automation compatibility | Hayward Pro Logic, Pentair IntelliTouch, Polaris Eos |
| Voltage | 120/240 V |
| Warranty and models | |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Warranty terms | 3 years on the dealer-sold versions (AQR3XLCUL and siblings) bought from and installed by a pool professional; the online-sold W3AQR versions carry 1 year (manual, effective 03/01/12; Hayward's W3AQR15 page: 1 year parts, no labor). A replacement W3T cell bought alone carries 3 years parts. |
| Also sold as | AQR3 (Hayward Expert Line, dealer-sold) |
Alternatives in this pool type
Pentair IntelliChlor IC20
#10 in In-GroundFull review
Pentair’s small IntelliChlor for pools up to 20,000 gallons, back in the US; the newer LT25 fits the same power center and shows salt in ppm.
Jandy AquaPure 700
#12 in In-GroundFull review
The small AquaPure for pools or spas up to 12,000 gallons; worth it mainly for homes already on Jandy AquaLink.
$2,298.99
Compare
Compare the Hayward AquaRite T-3 (W3AQR3) with any other salt chlorinator →
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