The best salt chlorine generators at a checked price under $500.
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.
Best Salt Chlorinators Under $500: Above-Ground
- Intex Krystal Clear QS1600 Plus#1 of 7Full review
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.
Amazon $246.23$246.2318,000 gal0.8 lb/day$2952 years - Intex Krystal Clear QS1200#2 of 7Full review
The usual pick for larger Intex and other above-ground pools up to 15,000 gallons: cheap and simple, but with no salt readout.
Amazon $198.96$198.9615,000 gal0.6 lb/day$2022 years - Intex Krystal Clear QZ1100#3 of 7Full review
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.
Intex $269.99$269.9915,000 gal0.6 lb/day$1942 years - Intex Krystal Clear QS700 Plus#4 of 7Full review
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 $215.99$215.998,500 gal0.4 lb/day$2232 years - Intex Krystal Clear QS500#5 of 7Full review
A budget salt system for mid-size Intex and other above-ground pools up to 7,000 gallons.
Amazon $156.09$156.097,000 gal0.3 lb/day$982 years - Intex Krystal Clear QS400#6 of 7Full 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$122.994,500 gal0.2 lb/day$1152 years - Solaxx Saltron Retro#7 of 7Full 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$44920,000 gal0.4 lb/day$2791 years
