Why mess around with chlorine for your in-ground pool when you can have a Hayward Salt Cell, which is a component of a variety of Hayward salt chlorination systems? Seriously, the Hayward salt cell was designed to give pool owners the cleanest, softest and safest water possible. Essentially, the Hayward Salt Cell — also known as the TurboCell — turns ordinary salt into a self-regenerating supply of 100% pure chlorine for your pool and spa. And, it’s compatible with your existing pool pump setup, so don’t worry.
Whether you’re looking to replace your existing Hayward Salt Cell or you’re interested in replacing your current system then I think you’ll find what you’re looking for in this article packed with information.
Hayward has been around for over 80 years, and they’re focused on the swimming pool sector, with a strong commitment to the development and manufacturing technologically advanced pumps, filters, heaters, heat pumps, automatic pool cleaners, lighting, controls and salt chlorine generators. Hayward is one the biggest companies in the world providing pool technology. Hayward makes products that work as you’d expect based on their expertise in the pool industry.
These are the 3 Hayward Turbo Cells available. Choose based on your pool size:
- Hayward Salt Cell | T-CELL-3 | 15,000 Gallon (up to)
- Hayward Salt Cell | T-CELL-9 | 25,000 Gallon (up to)
- Hayward Salt Cell | T-CELL-15 | 40,000 Gallon (up to)
A Hayward Salt Cell, on average seems to last about 5 years, but that obviously depends on usage. It also comes with a 3 year warranty. It’s a far superior solution (and cheaper) to using chlorine, not to mention that the quality of water it produces is exceptional and far more natural for your family and friends.
The Hayward website states that over 1 million households worldwide use the Hayward Salt Chlorination System to sanitize their pools. It’s a proven system that benefits a lot of people. It may seem too good to be true for some people but it’s amazing what technology can do to make our lives better and easier.
Benefits:
- Silky soft water that won’t turn eyes red or hair green, or dry out skin. It’s a more natural form of chlorination which removes the harsh odor of chlorine. As a pool owner you’ll certainly notice the difference.
- You will no longer have to haul around heavy buckets and jugs of harsh chemical chlorine. No need to constantly test and adjust your chemical composition. When you use the Hayward Salt Cell everything is done automatically — the TurboCell converts ordinary dissolved salt into chlorine while you go about your life.
- Salt Chlorination will reduce your chlorine costs by at least 50% and likely more.
The AquaRite Salt Chlorination System
If you don’t already have a salt chlorination system then you’ll want the AquaRite package. It comes with everything you need, including the Hayward Salt Cell (TurboCell), which is just one component of the entire Hayward system.
Salt systems, including AquaRite, will work with all modern pool and spa equipment.
As with the TurboCell, you choose the appropriate AquaRite Pool Chlorination System that matches your pool size:
- Hayward AQR3 AquaRite (15,000 Gallon Cell)
- Hayward AQR9 AquaRite (25,000 Gallon Cell)
- Hayward AQR15 AquaRite (40,000 Gallon Cell)
Watch the video (below) to see how to setup your AquaRite system. It’s not as complicated as you think and thankfully Hayward does a great job of informing their customers on how to install and use their products.
Hayward Salt Cell Installation
Independently NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) tested and proven. Their are other replacement cells on the market, such as the: Solaxx Saltron Retro Salt Chlorine Generator (CLG10A) — but they offer significantly less life and produce less chlorine.
If you want the best then I do recommend you get the Hayward Salt Cell. At the end of the day it’s up to you on how you spend your money. My job is to recommend the best products available while providing you with the information you need to make the right decision.
Hayward Salt Cell Sizes
Hayward TurboCells are available in three sizes – 40,000, 25,000 and 15,000 gallons. By providing homeowners with three sizes it allows you to select the appropriate size for the most efficient, and affordable chlorination for your pool.
These patented Turbo Cells provide efficient, automated production of chlorine for in-ground pools only. Here are the 3 different Turbo Cells you can buy:
- Hayward Salt Cell | T-CELL-3 | 15,000 Gallon (up to)
- Hayward Salt Cell | T-CELL-9 | 25,000 Gallon (up to)
- Hayward Salt Cell | T-CELL-15 | 40,000 Gallon (up to)
If you want to know how money you’ll save with a Hayward Salt Cell visit the Hayward site and use their TurboCell calculator.
Cleaning your Hayward Salt Cell
Cleaning your Hayward Salt Cell is essential and will extend the life of your TurboCell, which will save you money in the long run. Watch this video by Hayward on how to clean your Hayward Salt Cell.
Use the interactive Hayward Water Chemistry Calculator to make the correct adjustments to the following: Salt, pH, Total Alkalinity, Cyanuric Acid, and Hardness.
What Type of Salt do you Use?
Only use sodium chloride (NaCl) salt that is greater than 99% pure. This is common food quality or water softener salt and is usually available in 40-80 lb. bags labeled “Coarse Solar Salt”. It is also acceptable to use water conditioning salt pellets, however, it will take longer for them to dissolve. Do not use rock salt, salt with yellow prussiate of soda, salt with anti-caking additives, or iodized 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. Here’s an example of the correct pool salt: AQUASALT SALT40 (40lb bag)
View or download the Hayward document for salt quantity required for your pool.
Manuals for the Hayward Salt Cell Models:
- View or download the manual for the T-CELL-3.
- View or download the manual for the T-CELL-9.
- View or download the manual for the T-CELL-15.
Features:
- For in-ground pools up to 15,000, 25,000, and 40,000 gallons.
- Global #1 Salt Chlorination Cell.
- Dependable & consistent performance thanks to the genuine Hayward TurboCell.
- Independently tested. Guaranteed to deliver longer life.
- Weight: 4.4 lbs.
- Comes with 15 foot Cable,
- 3 year warranty.
Clean Your Hayward Salt Cell with the GLX-CellStand
This is a simple device but very practical. It’s essentially a cleaning stand for the Hayward Turbo Cells. The cell stand screws onto either side of the turbo cell which allows you to add your cleaning solution to remove buildup on your cell.
Watch this video (below) to see the proper cleaning procedure. It’s easier to understand via video.
Common Questions & Answers:
Hayward has an exhaustive FAQ to answer your questions but I decided to extract some of the most common questions that pool owners likely want to know. You can visit the Hayward FAQ page directly to learn more.
How do Hayward Salt Chlorination Systems work?
Power applied to the salt cell, and electrolytic plates within the cell convert chloride ions into chlorine gas.
The 100% pure chlorine gas is distributed evenly throughout the water via your pool’s plumbing. After the chlorine finishes removing 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.
How much electricity does a salt chlorinator use?
Hayward Salt Systems use no more than the energy of a standard 150W light bulb, depending on the model you buy.
How long should I run my salt chlorinator for?
Salt chlorinators only operate when there is water flowing so run times will vary depending on how long you operate your pump.
Will the water taste salty?
Probably not. The water in your pool (with salt dissolved based on our recommended levels) adheres to the definition of fresh water by the EPA. It distinctly different from ocean water, which has salt levels over 30,000 ppm (or 10x the levels in your salt pool). The salt in your pool is quite low comparatively and you probably won’t notice any taste difference from a non-salt pool. People don’t usually begin tasting salt until it’s around 4000 to 5000 ppm.
Here are some typical salt levels:
- Ocean water – 35,000 ppm
- Human tear – 9,000 ppm
- Hayward salt pools – 3,000 ppm
Do you still need to maintain pH in a salt pool system?
As with all chlorine 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.
What is the warranty and how do I get warranty service?
The warranty period can is a minimum of 3 years or more for more expensive systems. For service call the Hayward technical service department at 908-355-7995 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm, EST).
Will Hayward Salt Systems work with my existing pool?
Absolutely! Many pool owners think that you need to drain your pool in order to switch to salt. This is incorrect. 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 ready to go. 
Wait another 24 hours before taking your next salt reading to ensure that your salt level is in proper range.
Save money and do the salt testing yourself with the Taylor technologies k-1766 drop test chloride salt water kit.
Hayward salt systems are compatible with all pool finishes, including: vinyl, plaster, fiberglass or pebble. Another misconception is that existing pool equipment will need to be altered or replaced. This is also incorrect. Salt systems work with all modern pool and spa equipment.