Family Shot of Hayward Salt Chlorinators

Salt chlorination delivers the 3C's - Comfort and Convenience at a Cost you'll love.

Comfort. Traditional chlorine, when combined with swimmer waste and bacteria in the water, create what are called chloramines. Chloramines (also referred to as combined chlorines) are what cause common side effects associated with chlorine such as irritation to the eyes and skin, bleached bathing suits, green hair and that awful chlorine smell. Salt Chlorinators continuously oxidize, or eliminate chloramines, and create pure "Free Chlorine". With salt chlorination, you will have luxuriously soft, continuously sanitized water without the unpleasant side effects of traditional chlorine.

Convenience. Salt chlorinators continuously chlorinate your pool's water automatically. You will no longer have to buy, handle, mix or store chlorine, which saves time and money and keeps you from direct contact with a potentially harmful chemical.

Cost. Salt chlorination can save you 50% or more on chlorine costs. Because chlorine is converted back to salt after use, it can be used again to make chlorine. Salt does not wear out, degrade or evaporate. Your pool will have a constant supply of salt to continuously convert into fresh, pure chlorine.

After a salt system is installed and the proper amount of salt is added to the pool, water begins to flow through the salt cell when the pump is turned on. Power is then applied to the salt cell, and electrolytic plates within the cell convert chloride ions into chlorine gas. See our Salt Chlorination Infographic for a graphical representation of this process.

The 100% pure chlorine gas is distributed evenly throughout the water via your pool's plumbing. After the chlorine does its job fighting algae, killing bacteria, and oxidizing bather waste such as suntan lotions, body oils, etc., chlorine is converted back to salt and the process of turning salt into chlorine happens all over again. The only reason you might need to replenish salt is if you backwash or drain your pool, or after heavy splash out. Even then, replenishment usually is needed only once or twice per year.

Hayward has sold more salt systems in North America than the next two leading salt companies combined! We have been in the salt chlorination business for 20 years and have our salt systems installed on over 1,000,000 pools around the world-we know pools and we know salt. There are imitators, but none have proven to hold a salt shaker to our product. In fact, one offshore imitator that has claimed to be better was independently tested and shown to have only 25% of the operating life of Hayward's TurboCells. As always, buyers beware.

Hayward also has the best aftersales and technical support in the salt chlorination business. Furthermore, we make all of our own products in our large, US-based, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. To meet our quality standards, we inspect 100% of each salt system BEFORE it is ever shipped. And with the best warranty in the business, you can relax knowing that your investment is protected. At Hayward, we don't make pools-we simply make them more enjoyable.

Hayward offers salt water solutions for both inground and above ground pools of practically any size and to fit any budget. Depending on the pool size and features of a specific salt chlorinator, the cost of a salt system and installation can range from $1,200 to $2,000 or more. Including automation controls with a salt system installation could cost around $2,600. Salt water chlorination systems virtually eliminates the need to buy liquid or tablet chlorine which could save you hundreds of dollars per year.

Yes. Sanitizing with salt can save you 50% or more on chemical chlorine costs. Conventional factory-produced chlorine typically costs $2.00-$3.00/lb., and most and these chemical forms (tablets, powders, liquids) are not 100% pure chlorine. With many Hayward Salt Systems, the cost of chlorine made automatically by your salt cell is less than $1.00/lb. The savings add up fast on chlorine costs, plus with the added savings of additional chemicals needed, like algaecides.

See how much you can save on chlorine with our TurboCell® Savings Calculator.

Read about chlorine purity.

Hayward Salt Systems use, at most, the equivalent of a standard 150W light bulb, depending on model. Additionally, Salt Systems are typically operated for only a portion of the time that your pump is running, which oftentimes is much less than 24 hours per day. To learn more about saving up to 90% on energy costs with Hayward's efficient variable speed pumps, click here [link was not in doc].

Salt chlorinators only operate when there is water flowing so run times will vary depending on how long you operate your pump. Typical pool pump operation is 8 hours per day, although it is not uncommon to run longer in the summer months (or with low speed variable speed pumps) or shorter in the winter when bather loads are light. Your Hayward salt chlorinator has a chlorine output setting that allows you to increase or decrease the chlorine delivered to your pool to match up with how long you run your filtration pump. Larger pool volumes, warmer water, greater sunshine and higher bathing activity are all reasons to run your salt chlorinator longer.

If the pump is running shorter run times per day, then increase the chlorine output percentage on your salt chlorinator to compensate for the chlorine needs. Note that each Hayward salt chlorinator has a means of adjusting the chlorine output of the system.

Yes. All components of Hayward salt systems are independently certified to rigorous standards set forth by the National Electric Code and Underwriters Laboratory. Look for the UL or ETL symbols on our packages.

UL ETL

Hayward Salt Chlorinators use the same active ingredient found in non-iodized table salt! It is recommended to buy salt from your pool professional. Pool salt is typically much finer and dissolves more easily. Many other salt mixtures (ionized salt, ice salt) contain other additives which are not good for salt chlorinators. It is also acceptable to use water conditioning salt pellets, however, it will take longer for them to dissolve.

You can purchase salt at most retail pool stores, and many home improvements stores. For more information, visit this link.

DO NOT USE rock salt, salt with yellow prussiate of soda, salt with anti-caking additives, or iodized salt.

Salt Systems work best with approximately 3200 parts per million (ppm) of salt, which is roughly the equivalent to a teaspoon of salt per gallon. However, all Hayward Salt Systems are designed to operate with salt levels anywhere from 2700 ppm to 3400 ppm. When salt levels are outside this range, our various salt systems provide a means (typically an LED light) to alert you to the need to adjust your salt level.

For any pool, salt water operated or not, a drop in pH can be the biggest culprit to equipment damage, particularly metals. As for salt, some metal damage can occur overtime if the system is not properly installed—proper installation means proper electrical grounding and bonding of the equipment. Your pool professional will know precisely what to do as many as 1,000,000 of our systems have been installed.

When our salt chlorinators were independently tested at the National Sanitation Foundation at 2900 ppm salt level, they had the following results:

TurboCell® Model
T-Cell-3
T-Cell-9
T-Cell-15
Chlorine output per day
0.53 lbs/day
0.98 lbs/day
1.47 lbs/day
Hayward recommended maximum pool size
15,000 gallons
25,000 gallons
40,000 gallons

How quickly a salt system can produce chlorine is determined the maximize size pool that it can comfortably handle (see table). But that is only part of the whole chlorine story. It is important to gauge how long the system will continue to produce chlorine. Again, based on independent testing, the following total chlorine production can be expected from each of Hayward's various salt cells.

TurboCell® Model
T-Cell-3
T-Cell-9
T-Cell-15
Total chlorine output*
210 lbs
385 lbs
580 lbs
Hayward recommended maximum pool size
15,000 gallons
25,000 gallons
40,000 gallons

*Equivalent pounds of Trichlor the cell can make over its lifetime with proper care of the water chemistry and the cell.

Typically not. The water in your pool (with the salt dissolved in it per our recommended levels) meets the definition of fresh water by the EPA. It is vastly different than ocean water-which can have salt levels over 30,000 ppm (or ten times the levels in your salt pool which should be maintained at around 3000 ppm). The salt in your pool is so low, it is highly unlikely you would notice any taste difference from a non-salt pool, however, some people with sensitive palates might detect a small amount. The low concentration of salt is generally below the taste level of most people. Usually individuals don't begin tasting salt until it is around 4000-5000ppm. Here is a list of typical salt levels in common.

Ocean water - 35,000 PPM
Human tear - 9,000 PPM
Hayward salt pools - 3,000 PPM

Yes. Hayward salt chlorinators produce 100% free available chlorine. The factory-produced chlorine you buy in a pool store will range between 10% to 90% purity, depending on what you purchase.

Chlorine Purity Comparison

Chlorine Type
Salt Chlorination
Trichlor
Calcium Hypochlorite
Dichlor
Lithium Hypochlorite
Liquid Chlorine
Percentage of Pure, Available Chlorine
100% free available Chlorine
90% free available Chlorine
65% free available Chlorine
60% free available Chlorine
35% free available Chlorine
10% free available Chlorine

Salt is not the chemical sanitizer in pools, chlorine is. Salt chlorinators produce chlorine automatically from salt. Yet the feeling of the water is different because the water is softer and it doesn't have that harsh chlorine smell. But we can assure you, salt chlorinators produce chlorine to sanitize your pool's water.

As with other chlorine-based pools, pH needs to be monitored closely and maintained. pH tends to rise on salt chlorinated pools. The safe operating range of pH is between 7.2 and 7.8 PPM.

Yes. One of the biggest misconceptions about a salt pool is that pool owners think you need to drain your pool in order to switch to salt. This is not true. If you currently use chemical chlorine, all you need to do after installing a salt system is have your pool professional test your water and tell you how much salt to add, and then you are good to go. Wait 24 hours before taking your next salt reading to confirm your salt level is in proper range. And because Hayward offers a salt chlorination solution for any existing residential swimming up to 125,000 gallons (and multiple systems can be used if a pool is above this size), we have a system that covers virtually every pool imaginable. Our salt systems are compatible with all pool finishes-vinyl, plaster, fiberglass or pebble. Please consult with a pool professional on your specific needs. Another misconception is that existing pool equipment will need to be altered or replaced. This is false. Salt systems work with any and all modern pool and spa equipment.

Yes, but only one minor difference. You should never turn on your salt chlorinator until you have balanced your pool's water and all levels are within range.

It is important to maintain salt and chlorine stabilizer levels in order to prevent scaling and to maximize system effectiveness and life. Test your water periodically and use standard pool industry procedures to adjust levels.

As always, Hayward recommends bringing in a Pool Pro to open your pool each season. The small investment you make can save you trouble and money down the road.

Salt System
AquaTrol®
Salt & Swim® ABG
Salt & Swim® 3C
AquaRite®, AquaRite® 120, AquaRite® Pro
AquaPlus® and AquaPlus® 16V
Saline C® 6.0
Pool Type
Above-ground
Above-ground
In-ground
In-ground
In-ground
In-ground
Pool Size
Up to 18,000 gallons
Up to 23,000 gallons
Up to 30,000 gallons
15,000, 25,000, and 40,000 gallons models
15,000, 25,000, and 40,000 gallons models
Up to 125,000 gallons

Hayward Salt Chlorinators can be used on in-ground pools that have an attached spa, but they should not be outfitted on portable spas or hot tubs due to their high chlorine output. Hayward salt systems can be used with pool only or pool/spa combinations-consult with your pool professional for the correct installation procedure.

As with any pool, you need to check pH, alkalinity, hardness and chlorine levels on a regular basis. Most pool retail stores will perform this test for you at no charge. Salt, which does not vary much, should be checked regularly also-but this may be every other month or so. Again, many stores will perform this test at no charge. If you are a Do-it-Yourself type, many types of test kits are available for at home use.

Depending on the use of your pool, you may need to adjust your salt chlorinator's chlorine production to a higher or lower output level to keep the chlorine level where it needs to be. If there have been a large number of swimmers in the pool, if you have had heavy rain or if the pool water is cloudy, you can put the chlorinator into "Super Chlorinate" mode where it will automatically generate the maximum amount of chlorine for the next 24 hour period.

Salt Cells should be inspected for calcium build up about every 500 hours of use (our systems have a "Check Cell" LED light will illuminate every 500 hours to be used as a reminder) and cleaned if necessary. The most convenient time to clean your cell is prior to turning on your salt system at the beginning of the pool season (for people who close their pools).

After nearly 80 years in the pool equipment business, Hayward has thousands of Authorized Pool Builders and Dealers across the U.S. We strongly recommend purchasing from a pool professional to ensure safe and proper installation. Some systems come with extended warranties with professional installation. You can find the closest Hayward Salt Chlorination Dealer to you here.

Hayward highly recommends that you purchase our product through your local Hayward Authorized Pool Builder or Dealer. Improper installations can void warranties and Hayward cannot guarantee that products purchased over the internet are, in fact, genuine factory fresh, products. Genuine Hayward products and parts sold your local authorized Hayward dealer is the best value and assurance for you. You can find the closest Hayward Salt Chlorination Dealer to you here. If you cannot find an Authorized Builder or Dealer in your area please contact a Hayward Representative at 1-800-424-3805, and they will be able to assist you.

If you are a handy person and local electrical codes permit it, then certainly a homeowner can choose to install a system themselves. We find this is a rare occurrence because every swimming pool equipment pad and its associated plumbing are different. Your pool professional has the knowledge and experience necessary to understand the best installation process to create synergy with your entire pool equipment layout.

All owners' manuals are available on our website at www.hayward.com. Maintenance tutorial videos are found on our Youtube Salt Chlorination and How to Channels at: http://www.youtube.com/user/HaywardPoolProducts

All Hayward Salt Chlorination Systems are backed by an industry best warranty. The warranty period can be 3 years or more in many of our systems. To register your salt chlorinator for warranty, follow this link. For service simply call the Hayward technical service department at 908-355-7995 (Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, EST).