Salt (pool-grade, bulk)
Bulk powder or pellets; 3-4 tons typical for saltwater pool; annual top-up 300-500 lbs; DIY application direct to pool or via feeder
Installed price$100–$300LA-area, parts and labor
Typical lifespan~0.5 yrswith regular care
Who usually installs it100% DIY · 0% pro
Most installs involve plumbing or electrical work. When wiring or gas lines are involved, call a licensed pro.
Common brandsCargillMortonDiamond Crystal
Repair or replace?
A common rule: if a repair costs more than half the price of new, or the unit is in its last year or two of a ~0.5-year life, replacing is often the better value. Try the repair-or-replace calculator with your own quote. Ranges are LA-area estimates; see How We Estimate.
Models and variants
- Hayward AquaRite Pro SWGHayward · about $1800 · 3-yr warranty
- Pentair IntelliChlor IC40 SWGPentair · about $1950 · 3-yr warranty
- Zodiac Nature2 Express SWGZodiac · about $1400 · 2-yr warranty
- Pentair IntelliChlor Battery BackupPentair · about $900 · 2-yr warranty
- Hayward AquaRite Cell ReplacementHayward · about $700 · 1-yr warranty
Related repairs
Maintenance that protects it
Costs and calculators
- Pool ownership costs by pool type
- Salt (annual top-up): $100–$300
- Salt Cell Replacement: $400–$1,200
- Annual Maintenance Cost Calculator
- Pool Running Cost Calculator
- Equipment Lifespan Calculator