With summer right around the corner, you may be thinking about opening up your pool again. But before you jump in, you need to make sure your pool water is sparkling clean and sanitized.
The best way to keep your pool protected all season long is with a pool chlorinator. These handy devices automatically dispense chlorine into the water. This prevents algae growth and kills bacteria so you can enjoy a safe and refreshing swim.
Two of the most popular pool chlorinators on the market are the SwimPure Plus and AquaRite models. But how do you know which one is the best choice for your pool?
In this article, we’ll compare the key features and benefits of the SwimPure Plus vs AquaRite chlorinators. Read on to learn which system is right for you!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | SwimPure Plus | AquaRite |
| Max Chlorine Output | 0.70 lbs/day | 0.50 lbs/day |
| Purchase Cost | $$$ | $$ |
| Cell Life Expectancy | 3-5 years | 4-6 years |
| Diagnostics/Alerts | LED status lights | Digital error codes |
| Electrical Input | 110/220V | 220V only |
| Control Panel | Buttons on unit | Buttons on unit + optional wireless OneTouch |
| Super Chlorinate Mode | No | No |
| Chemistry Automation | No | Yes (chemistry senseTM) |
| Cell Self-Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 years (unit) <br> Pro-rated (cell) | 3 years (unit) <br> Pro-rated (cell) |
Overview of SwimPure Plus Pool Chlorinator
The SwimPure Plus chlorine generator by Hayward is a salt chlorination system designed for in-ground swimming pools. It uses a process called electrolysis to turn dissolved salt in the water into pure chlorine sanitizer.
The system is suitable for pools up to 40,000 gallons.
Some of the key features and benefits of the SwimPure Plus include:
- Fully automatic chlorine generation and dispensing. The system continually monitors chlorine levels and produces more when needed. This hands-off convenience keeps your pool water sparkling clean without constant monitoring.
- Adjustable chlorine output from 10% to 100%. Customize the chlorine production to suit your pool size and usage. Maximize efficiency by producing only the chlorine required.
- TurboCell electrolytic chlorine cell with self-cleaning operation. The cell plates are coated in ruthenium oxide for longevity and efficiency in the salt-to-chlorine conversion process. Self-cleaning reversal helps prevent scale buildup.
- Designed for saltwater pools. Uses common table salt to produce the chlorine, so no need to buy, transport, and store expensive chlorine compounds.
- Digital salt display and status lights for easy monitoring of salt levels and system operation. Alerts you when it’s time to add more salt to the pool.
- Weatherproof, corrosion-proof outdoor-rated enclosure. Built to last outside next to your pool equipment.
- Works with optional Hayward AquaRite controllers. Allows you to control pump speeds, pool lights, chlorine production and more all from one convenient unit.
The SwimPure Plus provides robust and reliable chlorine sanitization for low maintenance pool care. The automatic system does all the work so you can spend more time swimming and less time worrying about your pool.
Overview of AquaRite Pool Chlorinator
The AquaRite chlorinator by Hayward is also a salt chlorination system designed for in-ground swimming pools. It converts salt into chlorine right in your pool water for a continuous supply of sanitizer. The AquaRite can handle pools up to 40,000 gallons in size.
Some key features of the AquaRite include:
- Fully automatic chlorine generation with self-cleaning cell. Once installed, it continually monitors and dispenses chlorine as needed without supervision. The self-cleaning ruthenium oxide plates help prevent scale buildup for maximum efficiency.
- Adjustable sanitizer output from 1% to 100%. Customize the chorine production rate as needed for optimal water quality and efficiency.
- All-digital salt/system status display. Easy-to-read display lets you check salt levels, cell cleanliness, chlorine output and more at a glance.
- chemistry senseTM monitoring. Automatic water chemistry evaluation ensures ideal levels of salt, chlorine, and pH for water that’s clean and inviting.
- Pool chemistry quick check buttons. Test buttons let you instantly check the pool’s salt and chlorine levels right at the unit for convenience.
- All-weather resistant enclosure. Durable outdoor-rated construction stands up to sun, rain, and heat beside your pool equipment.
- Compatible with additional controllers. Can connect with Hayward controllers like Pro Logic to control pumps, lights, chlorine output and more from one unit.
The AquaRite delivers simplified pool care with automation that handles chlorine sanitation for you. No more dealing with liquid/tablet chlorine. Just set it and forget it while the system keeps your water sparkling clean.
Pros of the SwimPure Plus Chlorinator
Now that we’ve covered the main features and benefits of each model, let’s compare their pros and cons in more detail. What are the best reasons to choose the SwimPure Plus over the AquaRite or other pool chlorinators?
- Higher chlorine output potential. The SwimPure Plus can generate chlorine at a rate of 0.70 lbs per 24 hours. This is a step above the AquaRite’s 0.5 lbs per 24 hours max rate. For larger pools or periods of heavy usage, the SwimPure Plus can produce more sanitizer to meet higher demand.
- More display info. The SwimPure Plus has a digital display that shows pool salt levels, cell cleanliness status, chlorine output percentage, and water flow detection. The AquaRite’s display only shows salt levels and system status info.
- Helpful status lights. LED lights on the SwimPure Plus quickly alert you when salt is low, water flow is disrupted, or attention is needed. Makes system monitoring easy from a distance.
- Dual-voltage compatible. This Hayward model can run on either 110V or 220V power input. Great for replacing an existing 110V system without re-wiring. The AquaRite requires 220V input only.
- Faster sanitation. With TurboCell technology and premium titanium plates, the SwimPure Plus can ramp up chlorine generation faster when demand spikes occur, like after heavy pool use. Keeps water clean and safe without interruption.
For pool owners who want maximum control and chlorine output, plus helpful status notifications, the SwimPure Plus offers excellent performance and convenience. The higher sanitization rate and broader voltage compatibility also give it added versatility.
Pros of the AquaRite Chlorinator
While the SwimPure Plus does have some advantages, the AquaRite chlorinator remains a top choice for many pool owners as well. What are some of the key benefits that make the AquaRite a frontrunner in pool chlorination?
- Lower purchase cost. On average, the AquaRite retails for 10-15% less than the SwimPure Plus. For shoppers on a tighter budget, the AquaRite offers similar salt chlorination benefits and automation at a more affordable upfront price point.
- Chemistry SenseTM monitoring. This patented feature provides an extra layer of automation by continually measuring pool water chemistry levels. It auto-adjusts chlorine production as needed to maintain proper pH and sanitization – no testing required by you.
- Helpful Diagnostic Codes. The AquaRite display uses handy diagnostic codes to alert you if anything interrupts normal operation, from low salt to clean cell needed. Takes the guesswork out of troubleshooting.
- Pool Chemistry Quick Check. Test buttons on the unit let you instantly check chlorine and salt levels at any time with just the touch of a button. Convenient for staying on top of water quality between full manual tests.
- Compatible With Onetouch Control. When paired with Hayward’s OneTouch wireless control panel, the AquaRite allows you to adjust pool settings from anywhere with your smartphone. Provides maximum automation control and convenience.
For many homeowners, the AquaRite hits the sweet spot between price and performance. It takes the work out of chlorine sanitization and gives you essential pool chemistry insights at your fingertips.
Cons of the SwimPure Plus
The SwimPure Plus does have a few downsides to consider as well before choosing it as your pool chlorinator. A few potential drawbacks include:
- Higher purchase cost. Expect to spend $200 more upfront on average compared to the AquaRite. The higher chlorine output does justify the increased cost for some buyers. But for budget-focused shoppers, it’s a bigger investment.
- Shorter cell life. While the TurboCell does allow for higher chlorine output, some pool owners report it wears out faster than AquaRite’s cells, especially in warmer climates. Replacing the SwimPure Plus cell costs around $250-$300.
- Occasional false alerts. The helpful status lights sometimes display false alarms about low salt or other issues. This can spur unnecessary troubleshooting and water testing when nothing is actually wrong.
- Lower chlorine production. Even at max settings, the 0.7 lbs of chlorine per day output falls short of larger pools’ needs during peak summer usage. May need to supplement with additional sanitizer.
- Requires hardwired electrical connection. Unlike the AquaRite, the SwimPure Plus lacks a plug-in power cord option and must be permanently wired to a nearby 220V or 110V power source during installation. Less flexibility for cord placement.
While not dealbreakers, these drawbacks are worth considering if choosing a chlorinator for a very large pool or weighing cost vs longevity.
Cons of the AquaRite
The AquaRite isn’t perfect either, with a few potential limitations to note:
- Lower maximum chlorine output. At just 0.5 lbs per day, the AquaRite may not generate enough chlorine for pools over 30,000 gallons being used heavily during summer months. Supplementing with extra sanitizer tabs may be needed.
- Requires 220V electrical. Unlike the dual-voltage SwimPure Plus, the AquaRite needs a 220V outlet for installation. Requires a somewhat more complex wiring job if a nearby 220V source isn’t already present.
- No super chlorinate function. While it has pool chemistry automation, the AquaRite lacks a button for triggering super chlorination to combat contaminants or heavy bather loads. This manual boost in sanitizer may be needed at times.
- Less chlorine production control. Chlorine output settings max out at 100%, while the SwimPure Plus goes up to 102% production rate for maximum sanitization flexibiity.
- Shorter cell lifespan. The AquaRite’s electrolytic cells tend to wear out a bit faster than the SwimPure Plus cells in very warm climates or unusually salty water. Plan on cell replacement every 3-5 years.
For pools with higher chlorine demands or limited 220V electrical access nearby, these shortcomings may make the AquaRite less suitable. But for average residential pools, its output is usually sufficient.
Key Similarities Between the Units
Stepping back and comparing the big picture, the SwimPure Plus and AquaRite have a lot in common. After all, they were designed by the same manufacturer (Hayward) to provide the convenience of automatic chlorination. Some key similarities include:
- Fully automatic chlorine generation once installed – no daily dosing needed.
- Use salt to produce chlorine sanitizer with electrode cells.
- Self-cleaning cell plates help prevent scale buildup.
- Adjustable chlorine output percent to fine-tune sanitization levels.
- Digital displays show helpful pool chemistry data like salt concentration.
- All-weather resistant enclosures for outdoor installation.
- Modular designs allow pairing with additional Hayward control systems.
- Suitable for in-ground pools up to 40,000 gallons in size.
- Reduce or eliminate the need for traditional liquid/tablet chlorine.
- Come with Hayward’s limited 3-year warranty on the chlorinator itself, and pro-rated coverage on the replaceable electrolytic cell.
No matter which model you choose, you can count on getting the “set it and forget it” simplicity of saltwater chlorination from two trusted and established pool brands. It’s just a matter of selecting the specific features that best match your pool needs and budget.
Final Recommendation
When comparing the SwimPure Plus vs AquaRite, either chlorinator can be an excellent choice that outperforms old-fashioned manual chlorine dosing methods. However, for most residential pools up to 30,000 gallons, the AquaRite chlorinator ends up coming out slightly ahead for several reasons:
- More affordable upfront cost makes it accessible for a wider range of buyers.
- chemistry senseTM automation fine-tunes water chemistry without daily testing or adjustments on your part.
- Slightly simpler electrical installation for homes without existing 220V outlets nearby.
- Comparable chlorine production to satisfy most average-size pools’ needs.
- Helpful diagnostics codes and quick-check buttons provide at-a-glance water quality insights.
- Full chlorine output control despite slightly lower maximum production rate.
Unless you have an especially large pool or expect very heavy seasonal usage, the AquaRite offers reliable, fuss-free sanitization. It’s the easiest way to keep your pool water clean, clear and ready for summer fun without breaking the bank upfront or on an ongoing basis.
And spending less time testing and dosing chemicals means more time relaxing poolside with family and friends.
The SwimPure Plus does offer advantages like higher chlorine output potential that may appeal to some pool owners. But for most, the AquaRite hits the sweet spot of affordability and simplified maintenance – making it our top recommendation for a no-hassle pool chlorinator this swim season.