This system is an extremely affordable and easy way to convert your above ground swimming pool to salt water. Read on to learn more about the finer details of this popular chlorine generator.

Forget about packaged pool chemicals and adding chlorine, messing around with measurements etc. – this unit will deliver consistent clean water without potential harsh side effects. It is capable of delivering 12 gph (gallons per hour) of chlorine and is super simple and easy to install.

This Intex saltwater chlorinator is one of the best selling salt water chlorinators on the market for above ground pools. This unit from Intex is available in 2 models – 7,000 and 15,000 gallon units. The unit is designed specifically for above ground swimming pools and requires a filter pump with a flow rate between 700 – 3,200 gph.

Features “E.C.O. electrocatalytic oxidation Technology

This system uses a unique two stage method to sanitize pool water. First stage is the typical generation of chlorine using the electrolysis method. The second stage, which is unique to Intex, is called E.C.O. electrocatalytic oxidation1.

This process takes water molecules and splits them into oxidants which destroy contaminants such as algae and bacteria. This second stage is so effective that the amount of chlorine needed is reduced by up to 60%. The level of chlorine required is so low that it goes undetected in the water.

Installation is a breeze – simply connect the hose (1 1/2″ hose & connection fittings) from the output of your pump to the unit and then run a hose from the output of the chlorinator returning to the pool.

Due to the electrocatalytic oxidation process, the level of chlorine required in the water is very low comparatively and cannot be detected whilst swimming making for a very pleasant bathing experience.

Maintenance

Intex Pool Chlorinator

The Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System is fitted with a cell self-cleaning function helping to keep maintenance of this unit low. Somewhat unique to this system is the ability to set the self-cleaning cycle time.

There are 3 settings, 6, 10 and 14 hours. The hour values refer to the time intervals that the system switches polarity on the plates. It is worth noting that the life of the electrolytic cell can be lengthened by utilizing less switching of polarity. In addition, the calcium hardness of the water plays a part in how often you should set the reverse polarity to occur. The manual contains a table providing the recommendations of the settings based on calcium hardness.

Intex’s manual also recommends manual cleaning and maintenance of the cell will increase it’s lifespan. 

Continuous operation can sometimes result in calcium build up on the cell plates but by switching polarity in the cell unit the build up is mostly prevented.

The chlorinator cell housing is clear allowing you to quickly assess the condition of the cell. Manual cleaning is facilitated by removing the cell plates and submersion in either an acid solution or a pre-made solution available from your pool store.

For more information on cleaning cell plates, please read our article – How to Clean Chlorinator Plates.

Featuring a programmable self-cleaning cycle, this chlorinator system can be setup according to the water condition in your above ground swimming pool.

Operation

Intex Saltwater System keypad and display image

The system is simple to use – set how many hours per day you wish to run the chlorinator for and that’s it. The user manual contains a comprehensive table providing recommendations for how long the system should run for based on the above ground swimming pool type and/or pool capacity you have. The table also gives run time recommendations based on different ambient temperatures.

Note that you will need to set your pump timer to start 5 minutes before and 15 minutes after the scheduled run time of the chlorinator. The flow sensor will prevent the chlorinator from working if the pump is not running. This is to protect the cell from damage.

It also features a boost setting which can super chlorinate the pool in times of heavy use. Intex also recommends using the boost cycle for the first use.

The boost feature will run the chlorinator for 8 times the amount of time the system has been set to run for. Once completed, the system reverts back to normal operating mode. It’s important to ensure the pump timer has been set correctly for this procedure or alternatively switch the pump on manually until the boost cycle has been completed and then switch the pump back to timer mode.

Simple, easy to use control panel with plenty of LED status indicators to give you a complete status of operation in one glance. Also features a lockable keypad to prevent accidental changes to the settings.

Warranty

This saltwater chlorinator comes with a respectable 2 year warranty from date of purchase. Your receipt will be required to prove purchase date.

For the price of this unit, and the great warranty coverage, it’s no wonder this is one of Amazon’s best selling chlorinators. Head on over to Amazon and check out the reviews left by many happy customers for this unit.

Normally you would find cheaper units can be a bit unreliable but the number of positive reviews seems to contradict this.

Intex Saltwater Generator Product Features


(Model: Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System 26669EG)

  • Available in 7,000 or 15,000 gallon water capacity models (designed for above ground swimming pools)
  • Capable of producing 12 gallons of chlorine per hour
  • Easy installation
  • Simple operation
  • Lockable keypad
  • Boost functionality to super chlorinate the pool water
  • Programmable self cleaning cell to lower maintenance
  • Status LED indicators gives a quick overview of system status
  • Note: System requires pool filter pump to operate with and must have a minimum flow rate of 700 GPH