The 8 Best Salt water Chlorinator for Above Ground Pools in 2022

Pools can be hard to keep up with. You have to maintain the PH balance, chlorinate the water, keep it heated, keep it clean, time the pool pump, run the filter amongst many other trivial tasks. It’s just so much upkeep to do on your own.

To get a detailed breakdown of the best Salt Chlorination System available in the market and for a helpful buying guide, all you have to do is just keep on reading.

If you’ve been having trouble keeping up your pool and looking for a quick solution, you have come to the right place. Today we are discussing the best salt water chlorinator for above ground pools.

Best Salt water Chlorinator for Above Ground Pools in 2022

1. Hayward Goldline AQR3 AquaRite Electronic Salt Chlorination System

Switching from your regular chlorination cycle to a saltwater chlorination system is a big jump and one that is worth it. You don’t have to go through the hassle of doing a water test every few days and having to do the math behind the balance.

You just install the Hayward Goldline system and let it do the work. This saltwater system puts out smooth, luxurious water for you to enjoy a refreshing swim anytime you want.

Above-ground pools especially are a lot of work to maintain. The Hayward Goldline chlorination system can take away the stress of lugging, measuring, mixing chlorine every few days only to end up with red eyes when you go for a swim.

Install this system and say goodbye to your worries.

Pros

• Saves chlorine wastage
• It is very cost-effective
• It can be used as a long term solution

Cons

• Needs to be installed by an authorized dealer to protect warranty claim

2. Pentair Intellichlor IC40 Salt Chlorine Generator

The Pentair Intellichlor Salt Chlorine Generator in knows for its smart features and increased functionality. It is hard to install, maintain, and use. Everything is just controlled by the push of a button so adjustments and corrections are an absolute breeze to work on.

The cell has a tracking feature that tracks and records the lifetime in actuality and lets you know when the cell needs to be replaced for a new one. You’d always get a heads-up and be prepared with a new cell at the right time.

The cell also ensures maximum visibility meaning you can see for yourself the levels of chlorine, salt, calcium, and adjust accordingly. It also lets you know when the unit needs to be cleaned out so there won’t be any hassle of clogging.

It is truly a hassle free system that lets you enjoy a hassle free pool season.

Pros

• Has a UL 1081 safety standard certification
• Has an automatic shutoff feature for longevity
• Cycling prevents calcium and scale buildup

Cons

• The required 520556 Intellichlor Power Center Doesn’t come with the package

3. Hayward Goldline AquaPlus All-in-one Control and Salt Choliration System

The Hayward Goldline Aquaplus all-in-one system is clever automation that makes your pool maintenance ten times easier and hassle-free. This small electronic unit is easy to install and extremely user friendly.

It can pool up to the volume of 40000 gallons and its automated sensors work to detect the ORP and PH levels constantly. It uses its smart sensors to deliver fresh chlorine whenever needed to keep the pool water smooth and luxurious.  It is fully programmable to suit your requirements and has automatic control for every output like chlorine, sodium, calcium, etc. It is also extremely budget-friendly in the long run since it saves up chlorine by only supplying when needed.

Pros

• This unit is very cost-effective
• Convenient one-box solution for your pool
• Suitable for any backyard environment

Cons

• The user manual can be hard to understand

4. Autopilot DN2 Salt Chlorine Generator

The autopilot chlorine generator with its pool pilot nanotechnology is one of the most convenient and easy to use chlorination systems out there. It is the perfect fit for the pool maintenance beginner.

It has easy press button control for every possible output and patented temperature compensation with 24-72 hours boost cycles. The digital display reads out in English, Spanish, French, etc so there won’t be any issues with the usability of the product.

It has a slow reverse cleaning system for the cell so you wouldn’t have to worry about scaling. It also operates at all salt and temperature levels leaving you no worries whatsoever.

Pros

• Saves chlorine for optimum circulation
• It is environment friendly
• Comes with automatic self-cleaning features

Cons

• Must be used with high-quality salt

5. Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System

If you want to go green while still enjoying the best of your pool season, this one is definitely meant for you.

The Intex Krystal Saltwater system uses titanium electrolytic cells and natural sault to produce natural chlorine for your pool that is safe and better for the people using the pool and for the environment.

It produces soft clean water that is comfortable and luxurious for a swim at any time of the day without the potential harm of unnatural chemical additives.

This is the solution that would make your friends and guests appreciate your pool that much more because it wouldn’t cause the trivial issues of swimsuit fading, or red burning eyes or even hair discoloration.

This is the perfect one-stop solution for any environment-friendly pool owner.

Pros

• Electrocatalytic oxidation splits water molecules into powerful oxidants
• Sleek, eye-catching design
• Smart panel for better control an adjustments

Cons

• Requires a pump with a flow rate between 700 and 3000 GPH

6. Circupool SJ-40 Salt Water Pool Chlorine Generator

The Circupool salt water pool chlorine generator is the industry winning pool chlorination system with the longest lasting cell lifespan. If you’re looking for a one and done solution for years, go for this one.

It monitors the performance of all of the inputs of your pool, focusing on salination and operates with the widest available range. It is also very compatible with just about any brand of filter and pump so all of the fittings and construction of your pool will work perfectly with this new system.

The design is sleek and compact for ease of installation and maximum usability. It is a good long-lasting solution for anyone on the lookout for the best saltwater chlorinator for above ground pools.

Pros

• Easy and low maintenance design
• Simple controls and plain panel for user-friendliness
• Comes with a cleaning tool

Cons

• The instruction manual is not very detailed.

7. Solaxx Saltron Retro Salt Chlorine Generator

This product does everything a good pool chlorinator should do and is also very hands-free with its built-in timer and cleaner. It is, as the company claims, one step ahead of the competition. If you’re someone that enjoys the utmost ease of access in their tools, try this one.

The self-contained purification system uses natural salts to create chlorine and maintain the supply constantly when needed. It uses even less than a teaspoon of salt per gallon which is extremely cost-effective and also energy efficient.

The digital switch-mode power supply is easy to use and control and it supplies the right power to the robust cells when necessary which helps with the long lifespan of the product.

Pros

• Easy installation on all kinds of pools, no plumbing required.
• Maintains constant sanitization
• Programmable built-in timer

Cons

• Won’t be suitable for bigger pools

8. ControlOMatic ChlorMaker Saltwater Chlorine Generation System for in-ground pools

ControloMatic is the perfect solution for small house pools with its controls and an expert take on the maintenance. It makes pool season a true luxury.

It has a built-in self-cleaning system to make it easier for you because you never have to worry about cleaning and scaling again.  It comes with 10 built-in power levels for the best circulation around the clock. It can also produce up to 30 grams of chlorine per day keeping your pool in perfect condition throughout the season.

It is also very mild on the skin and eyes since it doesn’t use any chemical additive. It produces natural chlorine to keep the water smooth and comfortable.

Pros

• The plug and play system doesn’t require any plumbing
• Has a natural water softening effect
• Features a self-cleaning unit

Cons

• Not suitable for bigger pools

Best Salt water Chlorinator for Above-Ground Pools – Buying Guide

Pools are something any house owner cherishes. An above-ground pool is a perfect compromise between an open backyard and a lovely in-ground pool. It is both more affordable and safer. It is also a lot easier to maintain than a big, wide in-ground pool. However, cleaning, maintaining, filtering a pool can be quiet a tedious task for anyone.

That’s why we suggest a chlorination system. Why waste your precious hours trying to check the water balance when there’s a tiny smart device that can do it for you and more.

But there are a ton of salt water chlorinators available in the market and you should be careful of what you choose. So, we have broken down the fundamentals in this buying guide to make the decision easier for you.

Volume:

Needless to say you need to order a pool chlorinator system that is compatible with the size and water volume of your foo. Otherwise, it won’t be able to produce enough chlorine needed for your pool and the balance won’t be right.

Control:

The controls are important. Some pool chlorinators have a smart control panel for you to customize the output as you desire. It helps keep the water solution the way you like. Some pool chlorinators don’t have that freedom and only have an on/off switch. Choose the variety that works best for you.

Cleaning:

Pool chlorinators can get dirt build-up and calcium scaling in them pretty quickly and need to be cleaned out every week or so. If you’d like to save some cash and wouldn’t mind cleaning it manually, you can choose something that doesn’t come with a self-cleaning feature. But, if you’d like to be stress-free and not worry about clogging then a self-cleaning system would be the best choice.

Installation:

You can get the plug and play kind that does not require any plumbing for ease. Or you can get something with mounting brackets and install it manually for more stability.

Keep these few things in mind as well as your budget and it should be an easy decision.

How do saltwater chlorinators work?

While dealing with salt chlorinators, you should keep in mind that they do not construct a chlorine-free pool; rather, dissolved salt is often used to generate chlorine to clean the pool.

Your saltwater chlorinator needs table salt or sodium chloride (NaCl) and electrolysis. When you use electrolysis, the dissolved water transfers into hypochlorous acid (HClO) and sodium hypochlorite. After applying the tablet, it will go through an electric current. It often produces chlorine gas (Cl2), but you’re also forming hydrogen gas (h2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). These sanitizing agents will help the water to fight dirt and bacteria.

How long does a saltwater chlorinator last?

3 to 7 years is an approximate time for lasting your saltwater chlorinator system if you maintain it well. Most of the time, the longevity of the product depends on your take care. It can face difficulties for both improper cleaning and too much cleaning. If the cells got damaged, it needs a replacement. Another part of the circuit board can survive many years like any other device. Or it can burn out if you do not make sure the proper coverage and switching off during electrical storms.

The cost is approximately $500 to $1,100 when you attempt to replace the cell or the board. The replacement cost depends on the process you choose.

Do I need a saltwater chlorinator?

Firstly, you have to keep in mind the necessity of a salt-chlorine generator in your pool. When you are trying to shift to a more eco-friendly approach and searching for a chlorine alternative, a salt-chlorine generator is the best option. It can help you lighten the pool maintenance load. But, if you compare it with traditional chemical-based systems, it will come with a slightly higher cost.

Still, the decision is yours to move for the best chlorine alternative or not; this is one of the best options out there. It can turn easier for your pool, your guests, your family, and friends.

How do I know if my saltwater chlorinator is working?

The easiest way to check if the chlorinator is working or not to make sure the cell is clean. You can check the needle or production lights on the chlorinator box. If they are on, it indicates that it is working. Secondly, check if there is enough salt in the pool or not. Thirdly, you have to test the chlorine reading of the water. It should possess significantly high chlorine reading. If you don’t find any chlorine reading, the chlorinator is not working.

How much does a saltwater chlorinator cost?

If we discuss the maintenance benefit, then undoubtedly, a salt chlorinator is much easier to maintain compared to other filtration systems. But along with other benefits, it has a cost value too. For installing the equipment and another initial setup for the salt chlorine generator, you have to pay more.

When installing a salt-chlorine generator, you can expect to pay more for the equipment and initial setup. Just for the generator, you have to pay between $800 and $1,000, depending on the brand. The salts will not cost that much. It completely depends on the length of your pool. Again, you have higher costs for the cell and the control board. As it will not last forever, and you have to replace it.

How can I tell if my salt cell is bad?

Finding out about the salt cell of your pool is bad or not is that hard. Firstly, there is a control panel for the salt cell of your pool. You have to observe the indicator light of that panel. If you notice light, then it can be a reason to worry. Observe your swimming pool closely. If it turns green or cloudy, the bad cell can be the reason. Again if the chlorine level of your pool drops down, then low salt can be the reason behind it.

How often do you put salt in a saltwater pool?

Once you add salt to your swimming pool, there is no set timeframe for the second time of adding salt as the salt will remain in your swimming pool unless you add some freshwater or your swimming pool faces heavy rain. So, if your swimming pool faces such issues, then you can add salt. Before adding the salt to the freshwater of your swimming pool, try to measure the salinity level. It will help you to fix the exact salt level. Once you find out the salt levels noted, you can observe your manual’s salt chart to determine how much salt you need.

Why is my chlorinator not making chlorine?

Look at 3 factors: Salt levels, Calcium Levels, and Chlorine levels, if your chlorinator does not make chlorine.

If you are finding difficulties with the salt water chlorinator, then check the salt level of your pool. For gathering information about the salt levels, you can take help from the manufacturer’s handbook. You can test the water by using kits available from the DIY store or pool shop or take a sample to your nearest pool shop for testing.

Again, if you find a high calcium level in your pool chemistry test, then you should be concerned about this in your chlorinator cell. If you find deposits on the electrodes, then it can affect the performance of your chlorinator. Clean the chlorinator right now.

Again in summer, due to the effects of the sun, free chlorine in your pool can drop by 90% in just a couple of hours dramatically. So during summer, you need to check the free chlorine levels in your swimming pool frequently, at least every week, and adjust your chlorinator accordingly.

Can I use salt in my pool without a saltwater system?

Salt is an active ingredient that can do both good and bad. For a saltwater system, undoubtedly, salt is an essential ingredient. But it is a corrosive chemical compound. It will directly attack the aluminum and other steel elements if salt exceeds 6,000 parts per million in your pool regularly. It will be the cause behind pump failure, depending on the makeup of the internal part. So adding salt to your swimming pool without a saltwater system can turn into a risky decision for your swimming pool

What causes a salt cell to fail?

The prime reason behind the failure of water cells of your swimming pool is the lack of proper maintenance. You have to look after the cell regularly for excessive buildup. So that you can notice the excess calcium does not cake on the metallic plates, again, due to improper water balance, the water cells can also be hampered. You can check the water balance by using a kit. You have to follow the instructions of the given kit to check the amount of the error.

How long does it take for a chlorinator to work?

You have to use either tablets or sticks for your swimming pool chlorinators to sanitize your water. Typically, for 7,500 to 10,000 gallons of water, a 3-inch swimming pool chlorine tablet needs a minimum of seven days to completely dissolve. If you have a 30,000-gallon pool, then you need to place three 3-inch swimming pool chlorine tablets in a chlorinator or floater. The continuous flow of water over chlorine tablets will help them to dissolve more quickly in a chlorinator. Again, there are other tablets that you can place in the skimmer. Choose the tablets according to the need of your pool.

How do you clear a cloudy saltwater pool fast?

At first, you can use a swimming pool clarifier to gather the tiny particles which are making your pool water cloudy. Secondly, if you want an overnight solution, then you can use a chemical named Floc (Flocculant). It will also collect all the particles and send them to the bottom of your pool. Then you can vacuum the swimming pool manually. While vacuuming, if you are applying a DE filter or Cartridge Filter, then remove the drain plug. Make sure your filter setting is on the “waste” or “backwash” option. It will collect the existing debris of your swimming pool.

Why does my salt chlorinator say no flow?

If the light ‘no flow’ is written on your salt chlorinator, then it may indicate less flow of water passing. When the water flow is not sufficient enough, then the light of no flow gets on. Again, dirty water is another reason behind the no flow sign. To fix the error, at first, clean the cell or the filter of the pool. Then replace the flow sensor. Check the instructions of the manual, if you find any difficulties.

At what temperature does a Salt Cell stop working?

With the upgrading of technology, everything is getting a new and easy touch. The Salt Cell of your swimming pool is also a part of it. Being a pretty smart piece of equipment, your swimming pool salt cell automatically notifies itself when the temperature gets below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Then it most likely shuts off itself automatically.

Can above ground pools be saltwater?

You must focus on making materials while making a saltwater swimming pool. Most of the above-ground pools commonly construct from one of three types of materials: steel, aluminum, and resin. Among these three, the only resin that is compatible with above-ground pool saltwater, steel, and aluminum are not. Steel and aluminum are always vulnerable to corrosion and oxidation, even having many protective coatings. Only those which are made from the resin can be appropriate for saltwater, yet resin pools also contain components like nuts and bolts. As these items can get rust easily, you have to make sure how to keep them rust-free.

How much salt do I add to my above ground pool?

You need a salt-chlorine generator for your pool. But the question arises about knowing the correct amount of salt to add to your pool. For the pool water, the target salt level is 3200 – 3400ppm (parts per million). Now, the adding amount of salt depends on the size of the above-ground pool. Any way you apply to add salt to the swimming pool, it stays the same, regardless of the above ground pool or saltwater pool you have. It is better to test the salt level at first, then fulfill the target level 3200 – 3400ppm (parts per million).

How many bags of salt do I need for a 50000 Liter pool?

Your swimming pool needs salt for a salt chlorinator to produce sufficient chlorine varies. It depends on the type of chlorinator you own for your swimming pool. Generally, you need to add 0.5 bags of salt to 10000 liters of water for every 1000 ppm increase in salinity level. If your swimming pool contains 20,000 liters of water, then you need to add one full salt bag. Continuing these, for 50000-liter pool water, you have to add approximately 2.5 bags of salt. It will be enough to sanitize your swimming pool.

Bottom Line

If you have read this far, we do realize how badly you might need a chlorination system. So here’s a quick breakdown for you-

If you want a fully automated, self-cleaning smart system, go for the Pentair Intellichlor.

If you want a budget-friendly, fuss-free solution fo the season, go for the ControlOMatic ChlorMaker.

If you want a more green-friendly option while still enjoying your pool, try the Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System.

And, with that, we hope you have found the best saltwater chlorinator for above ground pools from our recommendations and our buying guide. Thank you for reading.