Most “my salt system stopped making chlorine” calls we take end the same way: the cell is worn out and needs replacing. The confusing part is which cell. Every brand sizes its cells by gallons, the part numbers look alike, and buying one size too small means it runs at 100% all season and dies early. This guide lists the replacement cell for each common system by pool size, with the rules we use when we swap them on service accounts around Jupiter.
First, find your pool volume
Rectangle: length x width x average depth x 7.5. Oval or kidney: length x width x average depth x 6.7 (kidney) or 5.9 (round). Most South Florida residential pools land between 12,000 and 25,000 gallons; a pool with an attached spa adds about 500 to 1,000 gallons but runs the cell harder because the spa is heated. If you are near the top of a cell’s rating, go up one size. A cell rated for 40,000 gallons on a 20,000-gallon pool runs at roughly 50% output and lasts years longer than a 25,000-gallon cell on the same pool running at 90%.
Hayward AquaRite and TurboCell
The AquaRite power center accepts three cell sizes. The cell plugs into the same cord, so you can move up a size without changing the control box; just set the cell type in the menu after installing.
- Hayward W3T-CELL-3: pools up to 15,000 gallons
- Hayward W3T-CELL-9: pools up to 25,000 gallons
- Hayward W3T-CELL-15: pools up to 40,000 gallons
The “W3” prefix is Hayward’s current packaging for the same cells; a T-CELL-15 and a W3T-CELL-15 are interchangeable. Check the model on the cell body or the salt reading screen before ordering.
Pentair IntelliChlor
IntelliChlor cells are sized IC20 (20,000 gallons), IC40 (40,000 gallons) and IC60 (60,000 gallons), and all three run on the same IntelliChlor power center. The IC40 is the right answer for almost every in-ground pool in Palm Beach County; the IC20 is for small pools and spas only, and it is close enough in price that we rarely recommend it.
- Pentair IntelliChlor IC40 cell (EC-520555): pools up to 40,000 gallons
If your system is an iChlor (the smaller unit with the cell and controller in one housing), the cell is a different part; it has been hard to get this season, and we can match a cross-fit replacement by phone.
Jandy AquaPure and TruClear
Jandy’s AquaPure cell kits come in two sizes and include the three-port cell, flow sensor and unions.
- Jandy AquaPure PLC700 cell kit: pools up to 12,000 gallons
- Jandy AquaPure PLC1400 cell kit: pools up to 40,000 gallons
Jandy equipment is sold through authorized dealers; we stock both kits at the Jupiter showroom for pickup or local delivery and can install them with the rest of your Jandy equipment.
AutoPilot (Pool Pilot)
AutoPilot cells are numbered by their output, not by gallons, and the right one depends on which Pool Pilot controller you have. The two we stock most:
- AutoPilot RC-42 cell with unions: pools up to about 50,000 gallons, the standard residential cell for Digital and Nano systems
- AutoPilot RC-52 cell with unions (PPC4): the larger cell for big pools and commercial-style loads
AutoPilot is made by Team Horner right here in Florida, so replacement cells are usually in stock within a day.
How to tell the cell is really the problem
- Check salt with a test strip or take a sample to us, not the system display. A low salt reading with correct actual salt means the cell is scaled or worn.
- Inspect the plates. White scale between the plates means it needs an acid clean; see our salt cell cleaning and replacement guide. Plates that look thin, rounded at the edges or missing coating are done.
- Check flow. A dirty filter or a closed valve trips the flow switch and the system shuts off chlorine production with no cell fault at all.
- Age. Cells last about 3 to 5 years in Florida. If yours is in that window and the pool will not hold chlorine at 100% output, replace it.
Not sure which one you have?
Send a photo of the cell and the control box through our Find My Replacement page or call 1-877-650-POOLS. A technician will match the part number, confirm the size for your pool and tell you whether a cleaning will buy you another season first. Browse everything in saltwater chlorination, including complete systems if your power center is also at the end of its life.
