Replacement Salt Cells That Fit Pentair IntelliChlor Generators
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Pentair is one of the biggest names in pool equipment, and its IntelliChlor salt chlorine generators are a common sight on backyard pool pads. A salt generator turns ordinary dissolved pool salt into chlorine through a process called electrolysis: water flows through a “cell” containing metal plates, a small electric current passes between them, and chlorine forms right in the water. Over time those plates wear out, and the cell is the part owners most often need to replace.
An important point up front: none of the four cells below are made by Pentair. They are compatible replacements made by other companies (Kolasina, EverCrystal, Nestly and Aqualix) and sold as fitting Pentair IntelliChlor systems. Three are sized for the IC40 (pools up to 40,000 gallons) and one for the IC15 (pools up to 15,000 gallons), and they differ in controls, self-cleaning, and how closely they work with Pentair automation.
Pentair-Compatible Salt Cells Compared
Ever Crystal
Salt Cell for Pool – Fits for Pentair Salt Cell, up to 40,000 Gal Pool
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Salt Cell for Pool
Best for: IntelliChlor owners without Pentair automation
Pros
- Cleaning stand included
- 4 ft power cord
- Output levels 1 to 10
- Temp and salinity sensor
Cons
- Not for Pentair automation systems
- Made by EverCrystal, not Pentair
| Product | Made By | Replaces | Max Pool Size | Warranty Listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC-520555 Salt Chlorine Generator fits Pentair | Kolasina | IntelliChlor IC40 (520555) | 40,000 gal | 1 year |
| Salt Cell for Pool | EverCrystal | IntelliChlor (not with Pentair automation) | 40,000 gal | 1 year |
| IC15 EC-520888 Salt Cell Direct Replace | Nestly | IntelliChlor IC15/LT15 | 15,000 gal | 2 years |
| IC40 Salt Cell Chlorine Generator Replacement | Aqualix | IntelliChlor IC40 | 40,000 gal | Not listed |
EC-520555 Salt Chlorine Generator fits Pentair for IC40 Systems with Automation
Kolasina
Kolasina EC-520555 Salt Chlorine Generator fits Pentair IC40 40000 Gallon
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
EC-520555 Salt Chlorine Generator fits Pentair
Best for: IC40 owners wanting panel control and automation fit
Pros
- Listed for IC40 and its automation
- Output adjustable 2% to 100%
- 24-hour Boost mode
- Auto polarity self-clean
Cons
- Made by Kolasina, not Pentair
- One-year warranty
The EC-520555 Salt Chlorine Generator fits Pentair listing comes from Kolasina and is designed to replace the Pentair IntelliChlor IC40, part number 520555, for pools up to 40,000 gallons. The listing says it is fully compatible with the IC40 system and its automation devices, which matters if your pool is controlled by an automation panel rather than a standalone power center.
It has a control panel that shows chlorine production rate, salinity (how salty the water is), water temperature, operating hours and fault codes. You adjust chlorine output from 2% to 100% using the “More” and “Less” buttons, and pressing both together starts Boost mode, which runs at full power for 24 hours, useful after a pool party or heavy rain. Self-cleaning works by reversing polarity, meaning the electric current flips direction to shake off scale: every 2 hours for the first 30 days, then every 3 hours after that. The shell is PE plastic for impact resistance.
The listing recommends installing it in a cool, ventilated or shaded spot away from direct sun, and it includes a one-year warranty. This cell suits IC40 owners who use Pentair automation and want panel-level control. If you do not use automation and want a cleaning stand in the box, the EverCrystal cell below covers that.
Salt Cell for Pool for IntelliChlor Owners Without Automation
The Salt Cell for Pool is made by EverCrystal (model ECPSaltCell40) for in-ground pools up to 40,000 gallons. The listing is upfront about fit: it works with Pentair IntelliChlor but not with Pentair automation systems, and EverCrystal states it is not made, sold by or affiliated with Pentair.
It uses polarity reversal to limit calcium buildup and includes a cleaning stand, a holder that keeps the cell upright while you soak it in cleaning solution. An LCD screen shows key readings, with an error light and on-screen prompts when something is off. Output adjusts on a scale of 1 to 10. It fits standard 2-inch pipes, has a 14.4-foot power cord, weighs 8 pounds, and its highlight mentions an upgraded flow switch with temperature and salinity sensor. It carries a one-year warranty.
This cell suits IntelliChlor owners who run the chlorinator on its own power center and value an included cleaning stand. If your pool relies on Pentair automation, choose the Kolasina cell instead, since this one is listed as not compatible.
IC15 EC-520888 Salt Cell Direct Replace for Smaller Pools
Nestly
IC15 EC-520888 Salt Cell Direct Replace for Pentair IntelliChlor, 15000 Gal
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
IC15 EC-520888 Salt Cell Direct Replace
Best for: Pools up to 15,000 gallons, IC15 owners
Pros
- WiFi app control
- 65 lb chlorine daily at 100%
- 4/8/12 hour self-cleaning
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Made by Nestly, not Pentair
- Needs its own included adapter
The IC15 EC-520888 Salt Cell Direct Replace unit comes from Nestly and is the only cell here sized for smaller pools. It replaces the Pentair IntelliChlor IC15 and LT15 and lists compatibility with the 520888 and 523744 power centers. It produces 0.65 pounds of chlorine per day at 100% output, for pools up to 15,000 gallons, and the listing says it works for above-ground and in-ground pools.
It has a 2-inch connector, and the listing suggests a 1.5-to-2-inch reducer bushing for 1.5-inch pipes. The listing stresses using the power adapter provided in the box. Its standout feature is a 2.4GHz WiFi module with an app for remote monitoring and adjusting salinity, chlorine output and running time, plus over-the-air firmware updates. The titanium plates support polarity reversal every 4, 8 or 12 hours, and the display shows fault codes. It weighs 4.3 pounds and has a 2-year warranty, the longest here.
This Pentair IC15 replacement cell suits owners of smaller pools who like checking things from a phone. It is not sized for larger pools, so IC40 owners should choose one of the other three.
IC40 Salt Cell Chlorine Generator Replacement for Fewer False Alerts
Aqualix
IC40 Salt Cell Chlorine Generator Replacement Fit for Pentair IntelliChlor
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
IC40 Salt Cell Chlorine Generator Replacement
Best for: IC40 owners fed up with false alerts
Pros
- Ruthenium-coated titanium blades
- Improved flow sensor
- 2-inch unions, cord included
Cons
- Made by Aqualix, not Pentair
- Warranty not listed
The IC40 Salt Cell Chlorine Generator Replacement is made by Aqualix for in-ground pools up to 40,000 gallons and the Pentair IntelliChlor power center system. Its plates are titanium with a ruthenium coating, a common coating on salt cell blades that helps them resist wear, and the listing says an improved flow sensor reduces false “low salt” or “no flow” alerts.
LED indicators and a display show salt level, chlorine output, water flow and system status. The listing says output can be fine-tuned when used with the EC-520555 power center for IC40 systems. It uses 2-inch union connections, includes a cord, and needs no special cleaning kit. The housing is described as resisting UV, corrosion and heat. It weighs 6.5 pounds. The listing does not specify a warranty length or say whether it works with Pentair automation.
This suits IC40 owners on the standard power center who were bothered by nuisance alerts. If automation compatibility is a must, the Kolasina listing states it directly.
How to Choose the Right Salt Cell for a Pentair System
Match the pool size. Check your pool’s volume in gallons. Up to 15,000 gallons points to the IC15-style Nestly cell; larger pools up to 40,000 gallons need one of the three IC40-sized cells. A cell that is too small will struggle to keep up in summer.
Check your control setup. Look at whether your IntelliChlor runs from its own power center or through a Pentair automation panel. Kolasina lists automation compatibility; EverCrystal says it does not work with automation; Aqualix and Nestly focus on the power center.
Plumbing size. All four mention 2-inch connections. The Nestly listing notes a reducer bushing for 1.5-inch pipe.
Maintenance and extras. Every cell here self-cleans by polarity reversal. EverCrystal adds a cleaning stand, Nestly adds WiFi, and Aqualix focuses on fewer false alerts. Pool pumps and chlorinators stop during power cuts, so some owners also keep an expandable portable power station for outages.
Warranty. Nestly lists 2 years, Kolasina and EverCrystal 1 year, and Aqualix does not say.
FAQ
Are these salt cells made by Pentair?
No. They are compatible replacements made by Kolasina, EverCrystal, Nestly and Aqualix, sold as fitting Pentair IntelliChlor systems.
What is the difference between an IC15 and an IC40 cell?
The number roughly reflects pool size: the IC15 replacement here is rated for pools up to 15,000 gallons, and the IC40 replacements for up to 40,000 gallons.
Which replacement works with Pentair automation?
The Kolasina EC-520555 listing says it is compatible with the IC40 system and its automation. The EverCrystal cell states it does not fit Pentair automation systems.
How does self-cleaning on a salt cell work?
The cell periodically reverses the direction of its electric current, which loosens scale from the plates. Kolasina, EverCrystal, Nestly and Aqualix all describe this polarity reversal.
Can I install a salt cell on 1.5-inch pipe?
The Nestly IC15 listing suggests a 1.5-to-2-inch reducer bushing. The others describe 2-inch connections.
How do I know my current Pentair model?
Check the label on your existing cell or power center for IC15, IC40, LT15 or a part number such as 520555 or 520888, then match it to the listings above. For backup power ideas for pool equipment, our portable generator guide is a starting point.
