Intex Krystal Clear QS500
#5 in Above-GroundFull review
A budget salt system for mid-size Intex and other above-ground pools up to 7,000 gallons.
Amazon $156.09$156.09
2.4/5
Hayward’s salt system for above-ground pools up to 18,000 gallons, easy to install yourself but costly for its size and short on warranty.
- 18,000 galRated pool size
- 0.8 lb/dayChlorine output
- $829Replacement cell
- 2,700 to 3,400 ppm (ideal 3,200)Salt level
- 1 yearsWarranty
Check price at Amazon$1,169
Price checked October 27, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pros
- Plugs into a 120 V outlet and runs the filter pump on its built-in timer, so no electrician is needed
- Shows the salt level and stops in cold water, protecting the cell
- Return-jet version mounts on the pool wall without cutting plumbing
Cons
- Only a 1-year warranty on the system
- Replacement cell costs about $830, a lot for an above-ground pool
- Not NSF/ANSI 50 certified, and no automation or app
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 | W3AQ-TROL-RJ, W3AQ-TROL-RJ-TL, W3AQ-TROL-HP, W3AQ-TROL-HP-TL |
|---|---|
| Output | |
| Pool type | Above-ground |
| Rated pool size (maker) | 18,000 gal |
| Chlorine output | 0.8 lb/day |
| Salt level | 2,700 to 3,400 ppm (ideal 3,200) |
| NSF/ANSI 50 certified | No |
| Cell | |
| Replacement cell | W3GLX-CELL-5 |
| Replacement cell price | $829 |
| Self-cleaning | Yes |
| Plumbing size | 1.5 in |
| Controls | |
| Salt level readout | Yes |
| Flow sensing | Flow switch |
| Cold-water shutoff | Yes |
| Boost mode | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Voltage | 120 V |
| Warranty and models | |
| Warranty | 1 years |
| Warranty terms | Manual (effective 03/01/12): AquaTrol 1 year, residential; Hayward's product page: 1 year parts, no labor. A replacement GLX-CELL-5 bought alone carries 3 years (TurboCell sell sheet). |
Alternatives in this pool type
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
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
Compare
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