Introduction: Revolutionizing Saltwater Pool Maintenance
Maintaining a sparkling clean pool is an essential part of enjoying your backyard oasis, but traditional chlorine tablets or liquid chlorine can be harsh on skin, eyes, and swimsuits. Over-chlorination or inconsistent chemical dosing often leads to uncomfortable swimming experiences.
The Aqualix IC40 Salt Cell Saltwater Chlorine Generator is designed to replace the Pentair IntelliChlor IC40 and EC-520555 power center systems, providing automated, reliable chlorine generation for inground pools up to 40,000 gallons. This replacement salt cell ensures soft, enjoyable water, durable construction, and precise control, offering pool owners a low-maintenance solution for healthier, safer swimming.
In this detailed review, we explore every feature, benefit, installation process, and user experience of the Aqualix IC40 Salt Cell, providing an informed guide for anyone seeking to upgrade or replace their pool’s chlorination system.
Product Overview
The Aqualix IC40 Salt Cell is an aftermarket replacement designed to fit Pentair IntelliChlor IC40 systems. It converts dissolved salt in your pool into chlorine via electrolysis, maintaining sanitizer levels automatically. Its titanium blades with ruthenium coating, rugged housing, and upgraded flow sensor make it a reliable alternative to OEM salt cells.
Key Product Specifications Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Aqualix IC40 Salt Cell Saltwater Chlorine Generator |
| Compatible With | Pentair IntelliChlor IC40, EC-520555 / 520555 power center |
| Pool Capacity | Up to 40,000 gallons |
| Electrode Material | Titanium blades with ruthenium coating |
| Housing | UV, corrosion, and heat-resistant |
| Flow Sensor | Improved to reduce false “low salt” or “no flow” alerts |
| Connection Type | 2″ union connections |
| Chlorine Output | Adjustable via compatible EC-520555 power center |
| Display/Indicators | LED indicators for salt level, flow, chlorine output, and system status |
| Installation | Simple plug-in with included cord, no special IC40 cleaning kit needed |
| Warranty & Support | Manufacturer support available within 24 hours for installation or sizing queries |
This table demonstrates the robust design and user-friendly features that make the Aqualix IC40 a convenient and efficient choice for large inground pools.
Key Features and Benefits
1. IC40 Replacement & Compatibility
- Works as a drop-in replacement for Pentair IntelliChlor IC40 salt cells
- Fully compatible with EC-520555 / 520555 power center
- Designed for inground pools up to 40,000 gallons
- Eliminates the need for complicated plumbing or additional adapters
The perfect fit ensures pool owners can upgrade without costly professional services or extensive modifications.
2. Softer, More Enjoyable Water
- Converts dissolved salt into pure chlorine
- Gentle on skin, eyes, and swimsuits, unlike traditional chlorine tablets
- Maintains a sparkling pool with consistent sanitizer levels
- Ideal for families and frequent swimmers seeking comfort and low maintenance
By using a natural chemical conversion process, swimmers enjoy water that is healthier and more pleasant.
3. Upgraded Durability & Longer Cell Life
- Titanium blades with ruthenium coating enhance longevity and reduce corrosion
- Rugged housing resists UV damage, heat, and harsh pool chemicals
- Improved flow sensor minimizes false alarms like “low salt” or “no flow”
- Stable chlorine output ensures consistent performance over the life of the cell
Durability improvements help reduce replacement frequency, saving both time and money for pool owners.
4. Easy Monitoring & Control
- LED indicators provide real-time information on salt levels, chlorine output, water flow, and system health
- When paired with the EC-520555 power center, chlorine output can be adjusted easily via push-button controls
- Simplifies pool management and ensures optimal water quality without guesswork
5. Simple Installation & Ongoing Support
- Includes 2″ union connections and cord for plug-and-play setup
- No special IC40 cleaning kit required; follow standard cleaning procedures
- Manufacturer offers prompt support, responding within 24 hours to sizing or installation questions
This ensures a hassle-free replacement process, even for first-time users of saltwater chlorinators.
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How the Aqualix IC40 Salt Cell Works
The Aqualix IC40 system operates on the principle of electrolysis:
- Salt Dissolution: Pool water contains dissolved sodium chloride (salt).
- Electrolysis Reaction: Titanium blades convert salt into chlorine.
- Sanitization: The generated chlorine disinfects the pool water, killing bacteria and algae.
- Self-Monitoring: Flow sensors and LED indicators ensure consistent operation and alert users to any issues.
This process produces chemical-free chlorine, providing soft, comfortable water and reducing exposure to strong chlorine odors or residues.
Installation Guide
Step 1: Power Down
Turn off the pool pump and power to the existing salt cell.
Step 2: Disconnect Old Cell
Remove the existing IC40 or EC-520555 cell from the plumbing using standard union connections.
Step 3: Install Aqualix IC40 Cell
- Insert the replacement cell into the plumbing with the included 2″ unions
- Ensure the flow direction matches the markings on the housing
Step 4: Connect Power
Plug in the power cord to the EC-520555 power center.
Step 5: Verify Operation
- Turn the pump on and check LED indicators for proper function
- Adjust chlorine output on the power center if needed
Installation can typically be completed in under 30 minutes with minimal tools, making it ideal for DIY pool maintenance.
User Experience
Amazon reviews and verified users highlight several advantages:
- Reliable Chlorine Output: Maintains consistent chlorine levels without constant adjustments.
- Low Maintenance: Improved flow sensor and durable titanium blades reduce alerts and prevent frequent cleaning.
- Soft Water Experience: Less irritation to eyes, skin, and swimsuits compared to chemical tablets.
- Durable Construction: UV and heat-resistant housing ensures long service life.
- Hassle-Free Installation: Users praise the plug-and-play design with clear LED monitoring.
Many pool owners report greater swimming comfort and reduced chemical handling thanks to the Aqualix IC40 replacement.
Comparison with Traditional Pool Chlorination
| Feature | Chlorine Tablets / Liquid | Aqualix IC40 Salt Cell |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorine Generation | Manual, inconsistent | Automatic via electrolysis |
| Water Comfort | Harsh, chemical odor | Soft, gentle, odor-free |
| Maintenance | High, frequent testing | Low, LED monitoring, durable cell |
| Installation | Simple but involves chemicals | Plug-and-play, 2″ unions, no kit needed |
| Reliability | Dependent on user dosing | Stable output with flow sensor monitoring |
| Cost Efficiency | Ongoing chemical costs | Reduced chemical costs, long cell life |
The Aqualix IC40 Salt Cell offers a more convenient, reliable, and user-friendly method of chlorination compared to traditional chemical-based methods.
Final Verdict
The Aqualix IC40 Salt Cell Saltwater Chlorine Generator is an excellent replacement option for Pentair IntelliChlor IC40 and EC-520555 systems, providing reliable chlorine production for inground pools up to 40,000 gallons.
Its titanium salt cell with ruthenium coating, improved flow sensor, rugged housing, and LED monitoring make it durable, efficient, and user-friendly. Pool owners benefit from soft water, low maintenance, and consistent sanitizer output, enhancing the swimming experience while reducing operational costs.
Whether you are upgrading an old IC40 system or replacing a worn-out salt cell, the Aqualix IC40 offers long-term performance, convenience, and peace of mind for inground saltwater pool owners.