Top 5 Best Saltwater Chlorinator for Above Ground Pools in 2022

Cleaning your pool occasionally won’t give you a hard time, when you get to see it remains tidy. But the con of using pool vacuum or other stuff is its regular usage. You need to put down the Vac every now or then. However, robotic one is less forgiving but they are expensive in another scenario.

Therefore, using a saltwater chlorinator would be the best trait as the salt transforms into chlorine. Turns out, you don’t have to put or add it again. This article will tell you about the best saltwater chlorinator for above ground pools. Besides, we will show you some of the buying tips and guidelines as well.

What is the Best Saltwater Chlorinator for Above Ground Pool?

• Best Overall: Hayward Goldline Chlorination
  “It will be the best saltwater chlorinator for above ground pools for its integrated timer. With the help of a timer, you can operate both pump and chlorinator to sanitize and filter the pool water effectively.”
• Easy to Install and Maintenance: Pentair Salt Chlorinator
  “It will be your best pick if you are looking for a unit that comes with an automatic shut-off feature to protect it from potential damage. However, this salt-water chlorinator is a bit of a complex machine. So, you need to hire someone if something gets wrong.”
• Best Value: Intex Krystal Clear with E.C.O.
  “It will be your go-to salt-water chlorinator for its Electrocatalytic oxidation. It kills the contaminants and produces safe and crystal clear water for swimming.”
• Best Budget: Solaxx CLG10A Saltron
  “It will be your ideal pick if you look for a salt-water chlorinator that requires no plumbing to install. As a result, you can save the installation cost.”
• Best for Durability: Circupool SJ-40 Salt Water Chlorine Generator
  “It will be your best bait if you are looking for a salt-water chlorinator that requires minimum labor to maintain. Its reliable salt-water chlorination reduces the cost and produces chlorine naturally.”

The Best Saltwater Chlorinator for Above Ground Pools in 2022

1. Best Overall: Hayward Goldline Chlorination

Getting a salt-water chlorinator that is easy to install but effective to sanitize pool water is challenging. But our editorial team found the best deal for you after thorough research: Hayward Goldline Chlorination.

The selectable super chlorinate function ensures to sanitize your pool water evenly and makes the water crystal clear. As a result, you can swim without the fear of getting your skin dry.

Besides, this salt-water chlorinator comes with a digital salt display and 7 diagnostic indicators. As a result, you can know the condition of your pool water. The easy to operate chlorinator comes with a manual on/off switch to run it.

Therefore, this Hayward Chlorinator comes with a self-cleaning function that prevents mineral build-up and cleans the cell plates.

The only issue we come across is it has no cleaning equipment like a brush. However, you can get one by buying it from your local market or on Amazon.

An integral time clock

The best feature that leads us to rank it at number 1 is its integral time clock. The timer is specially designed to use with your pool pump. You can easily plug the power cord into its control unit. In return, the timer will operate both the pump and chlorinator to filter and sanitize your pool effectively.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Improve the water quality to make your pool ready to swim
• Make the pool caring easy

Cons

• Would be best if it comes with cell care products

2. Easy to Install and Maintenance: Pentair Salt Chlorinator

Pentair Salt Chlorinator is our second pick for its self-cleaning cycle, LED indicators, and SCG. Its on-time self-cleaning cycle reverses the cell polarity and prevents calcium build-up, and prolongs cell life.

SCG, one of the best features of this unit, measures the water temperature and salt level to produce the right amount of chlorine. In return, you can get ideal water for a healthy swim.

With the help of LED indicators, the SCG measures the salt level and water temperature. The flow sensor assures whether the water is adequately flowing through the SCG or not. And the temperature sensor turns off the SCG if the water temperature is getting low. As a result, the unit gets protected from potential damage.

On the other hand, the salt sensor ensures the right amount of salt is in your pool water.

Automatic shut-off feature

The automatic shut-off feature is the best feature we spot out of this salt-water chlorinator. When the water temperature is getting low, its automatic shut-off system turns off the unit automatically. As a result, it protects the unit from potential damage and prolongs the cell’s life.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Durable
• Self-cleaning system
• Automatically shut the unit off to ensure its prolonged life

Cons

• A little bit complex electro-chemical unit

3. Best Value: Intex Krystal Clear with E.C.O.

If you have a 15000-gallon size pool, then Intex Krystal Clear with E.C.O. will be your best pick.

Its titanium electrolytic cell uses natural salt to produce chlorine that is environment-friendly. As a result, you will get natural freshwater in your pool for swimming without any side effects.

On top of that, the filter pump circulates the water. When the water passes through the saltwater system, it dissolves salt and converts it to sodium hypochlorite. In this way, the unit destroys bacteria and makes your pool water sanitized.

Therefore, Intext Krystal Clear with E.C.O. features a self-cleaning system to prevent calcium build-up and prolongs cell life.

Besides, the Digital control panel makes it easy to operate the unit. The only con is this unit stop working when the PPM reaches over 2800.

Electrocatalytic oxidation

The noteworthy feature we spot out of this salt-water chlorinator is its Electrocatalytic oxidation. It splits the molecules of the water and destroys organic contaminants like algae and bacteria. As a result, you will get fresh and healthy water for swimming.

Pros

• Digital Control Panel makes it easy to operate
• Offer crystal clear water
• Kill bacteria to make the water safe
• Easy to install

Cons

• The unit stops working when the PPM goes above 2800

4. Best Budget: Solaxx CLG10A Saltron

If you are looking for an easy to install chlorinator that requires no plumbing, then Solaxx CLG10A Saltron Retro will be your best bait.

This self-cleaning salt generator is designed in a way that makes it ideal both for in-ground and above ground pool.

The sweet part is- it is integrated with a self-contained purification system. As a result, it uses a natural method to generate pure chlorine. Besides, the electrolytic process requires a low concentration of salt and produces free chlorine.

As it produces chlorine naturally, the water of your pool will be fresh and healthy. Therefore, the switch-mode power supply provides a smooth current to the cell. In return, it prolongs cell life.

Moreover, you can adjust the chlorination time using the digital timer. The only issue we come across is you need to hassle to clean the inside of the piece.

Robust Salt Cell

The professional-grade titanium cell plates are coated with refined metals. Its reverse polarity prevents the cell from scaling and keeps it cleans. And you can inspect clear cells effectively for scaling.

Pros

• No plumbing required for installation
• Easy to inspect for scaling
• Comes with a longer lifetime
• Convenient to use

Cons

• Need to clean inside the piece

5. Best for Durability: Circupool SJ-40 Salt Water Chlorine Generator

At number 5, we bring Circupool SJ-40 Salt Water Chlorine Generator for its simplicity and convenience.

The salt-water chlorinator works with your existing pool pump and produces natural blue water. You don’t require to buy any chlorine or chemicals. It simply keeps your pool water fresh by generating chlorine from salt.

Remarkably, the advanced technology of this chlorine generator requires minimum salt to provide pool sanitizer.

Afterward, its titanium salt cell ensures the lifespan of this unit. On top of that, a low-maintenance design and simple controlling system make it easy to use.

The only cons we found is it doesn’t include a display to read the PH of water and the salt-level.

Reliable Saltwater Chlorination

The SJ series salt system and user-friendly control let you use the salt to produce chlorine naturally. In return, you will get a bacteria-free beautiful pool for swimming. Besides, it makes the pool caring easier and cost-effective than traditional chlorination.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Naturally produces chlorine
• Purify pool water killing bacteria
• Low maintenance cost

Cons

• Would be best if it comes with a digital display to read PH or salt level

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Buying Guide for the best salt water chlorinator for above ground pools

Not all salt-water chlorinators are designed to fulfill the same purpose. Also, the system of it in all chlorine generators is not the same. Besides, what chlorinator will work for one person may not work for you. So, you should consider the following things before picking a pool water sanitizer.

Will the salt-water chlorinator be designed to fit with your pool type?

The first thing you should consider is the compatibility of the salt-water chlorinator. Depending on your pool type (in-ground & above ground pools), choose the chlorinator that works for you. However, some of them are designed to work with both types.

Fortunately, all the salt-water chlorinators we included are designed to fit with above ground pools. Among them, Solaxx CLG10A Saltron is compatible with both in-ground and above ground pools.

Pool Size

Next thing you should take into account after pool type is its size. How efficiently a chlorinator generator works also depends on your pool size. Of course, a chlorinator that is designed for a 15000-gallon pool will not be best for a pond that can hold 20000-gallon water.

Most of the salt-water chlorinators we listed compatible with the pool size that ranges between 15,000-20,000 gallons.

Automatic Shut-Off feature

Whether the chlorinator you are going to pick includes auto shut-off mode or not is also important. It ensures to prolong the life of your salt-water chlorinator.

A chlorinator that comes with an auto shut-off feature turns off the device when the water temperature goes low. In return, it protects your unit from potential damages.

Regarding this, you can choose either Hayward Goldline Chlorination or Pentair Salt Chlorinator as both of them have automatic shut-off features.

Digital Control Panel

A chlorinator that comes with a digital control panel offers you extra facilities. You can read the salinity level of the water, water temperature, PH, and also control them with the help of a digital control panel.

Indeed, the key benefit of a digital control panel is to let you use the chlorinator with ease.

In this case, both Hayward Goldline Chlorination and Intex Krystal Clear with E.C.O. will be your ideal choice.

Self-cleaning system

The self-cleaning system is another feature you should take into account. A salt-water chlorinator with a self-cleaning cycle prevents mineral or calcium build-up and prolongs cell life.

In terms of this, you can pick either Hayward Goldline Chlorination or Pentair Salt Chlorinator as both of them offer this feature.

Warranty

Almost every chlorinator on this list comes with a warranty. It means if any damage occurs, you will get free replacements for a limited time. Therefore, some chlorinators like Hayward Goldline Chlorination come with an extended warranty.

Budget

This is the most crucial thing that directly impacts your buying decision. A chlorinator is not an affordable device. So, before buying one, think about your budget. Buy the pool water sanitizer you can afford.

What is a Salt Water Chlorinator?

A Salt Water Chlorinator is a typical electric device that uses table salt as its main element of generating chlorine naturally. Then, the chlorine is used to sanitize and clean your pool water for making the water ideal for swimming.

In this case, the chlorine helps to kill the bacteria in your pool water and keeps the water healthy.

How to install above ground pool chlorinator?

Here are the following key processes or phases during above ground pool chlorinator installation.

Step: 1

The first thing you should keep in mind before installation is to know the water flow rate (25+/-) gallons per minute up to 100 GPM. Therefore, you need to bring such a pipe that comes with the required flow rates.

Step: 2

Since the flow rate is a bit higher than regular (above 80gpm) so you need to fix the bypass loop. It ensures the best chlorine production. Also, the flow rates over 80gpm come with the booster pumps. Do not forget about the flow control valve as well and to fix it with the IntelliChlor SCG.

Step 3:

Make sure you are going to install the IntelliChlor SCG just after the heater/filter. It is because of ensuring the proper chlorination for both pool and spa. Again, it avoids the trapped gas inside the pool plumbing.

How Does A Salt Chlorinator Work?

A salt-water chlorinator uses table salt and electrolysis to make hypochlorous acid.

When the saline water passes through the electric current, it creates chlorine. Besides, it also forms hydrogen gas and sodium hydroxide.

Using electrolysis, the liquefied salt converts into a sanitizing agent. In simple words, the salt converts to hypochlorous acid (HClO) and sodium hypochlorite.

And this sanitizing agent helps to kill the bacteria in your pool water and clean the water.

Keep in mind; a water-salt chlorinator never keeps your water pool free from chlorine. Rather, it uses table salt to produce chlorine naturally to clean your pool water.

Salt water chlorinator Maintenance Tips

Before cleaning your salt-water chlorinator, make sure you unplug the power cord. Besides, you should also close the plunger valves.

Now, let’s see how you need to take care of your salt-water chlorinator.

Clean the flow sensor

Firstly, unscrew the flow sensor and remove it from the electrolytic cell conduit. If there is any dust and debris, use a garden hose to wash them out.

For stubborn dirt, use a plastic brush to eliminate them.

Finally, screw the flow sensor and set it back to its position after cleaning it.

Inspect the self-cleaning system

Though you aren’t required to clean the self-cleaning cycle, the manufacturer suggests to inspect it after every 3-4 months.

Long term storage tips

• Disconnect the power cord from the electric outlet
• Once the pool is completely emptied, disconnect the saltwater system from the hose.
• Dry the unit before storing
• Keep the unit and other accessories in a dry place

FAQs of Above Ground Pool Saltwater Chlorinator

Do Chlorinators Require a Lot of Maintenance?

To ensure the prolonged life of your chlorinator, experts recommend cleaning the device every 2-3 months. However, you should take care of the salt cell frequently to maintain the effectiveness of it.

What Type of Salt Does a Chlorinator Use?

You must use table salt or sodium chloride that is 99% pure. You can easily find this in your local store. However, we recommend you not to use rock salt.

Will I need additional liquid chlorine?

Generally, it depends on the device you are going to use. However, we recommend you to use Circupool SJ-40 Salt Water Chlorine Generator. It requires you to add minimum salt to generate chlorine naturally. As a result, you don’t need to buy additional chlorine or chemicals.

What ppm should my saltwater pool be?

The salt level of your pool water should be around 2700-3400 ppm (as it is ideal). However, experts recommend inspecting the salt level of your pool before adding salt to it. If the salt level is low, add salt according to your pool water and follow manufacturer instructions.

Are salt chlorinators worth it?

Though the primary installation cost of a chlorinator takes a lot of buck, it saves your money in the long run.

You don’t need to buy additional chlorine or chemicals often. Besides, it takes minimum maintenance cost. So, investing in a salt-water chlorinator is worth 100 times.

Final Words

So, which is the best salt water chlorinator for above ground pools?

All of the salt-water chlorinators we enlisted above are easy to install, offer optimum water sanitization, and take the low cost to maintain.

But, we recommend the Hayward Goldline Chlorination most. It is simple to install and needs no professionals to hire.

The chlorinator comes with a selectable super chlorinate function. With it, this chlorinator sanitizes the pool water thoroughly and offers crystal clear water for swimming.

Most importantly, the time of it lets you operate both the pump and chlorinator to ensure ultimate water sanitization.

However, you can pick any other chlorinators from the list based on your personal preferences.