Best Salt Water Pool Chlorine Generators

Convert your pool to a saltwater system with a salt chlorine generator from Hayward, Solaxx, and CMP PowerClean. PST Pool Supplies stocks complete salt chlorine generator systems for both above-ground and inground pools — from Hayward's industry-leading AquaRite and AquaTrol platforms to Solaxx's Saltron Reliant series and CMP's PowerClean Salt Ultra 540.

Salt chlorine generators work by dissolving a low concentration of pool-grade salt (typically 2,700–3,400 ppm — about 1/10th the salinity of ocean water) into the pool, then passing the water through an electrolytic cell where a low-voltage DC current converts the dissolved salt into hypochlorous acid (chlorine) and sodium hydroxide — the same chemistry as adding liquid chlorine, but generated continuously and automatically from the salt already in the water. For above-ground pools, the Hayward AquaTrol RJ and AquaTrol HP are the definitive salt generators — compact units designed for above-ground pool plumbing configurations. The Hayward AquaTrol ABG (W3AQ-TROL-RJ-TL) provides a complete self-contained above-ground salt system. For inground pools, the Hayward AquaRite (available for 15K and 25K gallon pools with T-Cell) is the most widely installed residential inground salt generator — featuring automatic reverse polarity for self-cleaning, a digital display with salt level and output readings, and straightforward output adjustment via a single dial. The Hayward Salt & Swim 3C (30K gallon) provides a complete salt sanitation package with control unit. The Solaxx Saltron Reliant series (CLG220A inground, CLG225A 25K, CLG240A 40K) offers a reliable alternative salt generator platform with digital display controls and adjustable chlorine output. The CMP PowerClean Salt Ultra 540 (40,000 gallon capacity) is a high-output salt system for larger residential pools. For replacement cells and service parts for these systems, see our salt generator parts collection.

Converting an existing pool to saltwater requires: (1) selecting a generator sized for your pool's volume, (2) installing the electrolytic cell inline on the return plumbing after the filter and heater, (3) mounting the control unit at the equipment pad, (4) adding pool-grade salt (NaCl, not table salt or ice melt) to reach the target salt level, and (5) setting the chlorine output percentage. Most residential salt conversions can be completed in a single day. Ongoing salt maintenance is minimal — salt does not dissipate from evaporation (only from backwashing, splash-out, and overflow), so top-up additions are infrequent. The primary ongoing cost is the electrolytic cell replacement every 3–7 years. Utility rebates are not typically available for salt generators, but the reduction in packaged chlorine purchases typically pays back the system cost within 2–4 years for most residential pools.

Shop salt chlorine generators and convert your pool to softer, more comfortable saltwater sanitation.