Pentair EC-520555 IC40 IntelliChlor Salt Chlorine Generator

I hope this review is helpful! Like some reviews have mentioned - I thought I was ordering the old IC40 version as indicated in the Amazon posting, but I was sent the new model, Intellichlor Plus, instead. I had read some bad reviews about the new model. DO NOT believe them. I just received the new model and I'm so glad! (April, 2026) It works perfectly. It connected in the exact same place as my old, failed IC40, no modifications needed, just connect it, plug in the power/automation cord, and that's it! Works excellent, generating more chlorine than my original unit ever did. My Intellitouch automation mobile app recognizes and fully controls the device immediately. No special setup required. It is somewhat LARGER than the old unit, but connections are identical. It seems heavier and more solidly built than the old model. It arrived brand new in unopened Pentair packaging. Yes, it's totally too expensive, but if you have Intellitouch and an all-Pentair system, it's WORTH it. My only complaint is the new unit's internal salt-level measuring accuracy seems to be off...indicating about 800 ppm more than what I'm actually measuring in the water using a Taylor K-1766 Sodium Chloride test kit (also purchased on Amazon). But seems consistent, so no big deal. I'll always know that minor conversion, and verify anyway with my more-accurate Tayler test. Get the new model!

Works great - as soon as it is installed have water tested to set the chlorinator- make adjustments due to weather temperature.

Received the first one in Sept 2025. It failed in December. Got a warranty replacement and now it has failed in Aug 2026. Two failures within one year. There appears to be a design flaw (or 2). There is a space behind the interface electrodes where calcium deposits build up even when the plates have no visible deposit. On top of that the plastic on the plate that the contacts to the control module becomes very brittle by the time the calcium deposits cause a failure that the plate cracks around the electrodes, causing leaks when it is reassembled. Although Pentair sells replacement parts for other pool sanitation products, they do not list any parts for the Intellichlor, even though it appears to be quite modular. Do not bother using the email form to ask for help. Pentair does not respond.

I actually ordered the IC40 on accident, I had a IC20 which I originally was going to replace after a 4 year life which was within the stated 3 - 5 year life span. When I received the IC40 I did a bit of research and decided to keep it as the larger capacity could extend its life into the 8 - 10 year span. It was an easy swap as the piping and power supply accommodated the IC40 without any changes necessary. The IC40 has several additional features that make it an improvement over what I had. I would say this was a lucky mistake on my part that turned into a better option for my pool.

I bought this last May 2024 and was installed by Grecian pool guys when we opened the pool last year. I wanted to test this pentair ic40 last summer and this year before writing the review. It’s an easy installation but since I don’t want to void extra years of warranty I had the pool guys installed it, honestly it’s easy even for a 67 years old 100lbs lady. Our pool was installed 2015 and everything they use is from pentair although they only installed pentair ic20 since our pool is no more than 12000 gallon and it last around 7years when it started to fail and trouble shooting it first by changing the flow switch which gave me another 3years of service. So before you replace this expensive salt cell check first if it is the flow switch or maybe just need to clean it by mixture of water and muriatic acid. I bought ic40 instead of ic20 hoping it’s better than the ic20, this I have to wait and see but for now it’s working great for about 2 summer season and I noticed that I used less chemicals, my pool is crystal clear, salt and ph are all good. I highly recommend this, the only thing is it’s expensive but what’s not expensive nowadays.

This was our first time to purchase the newly designed cell. We have had several of the older model. We did have a hiccup, but the seller went above and beyond to help make it right for us. For that we r so grateful. The new cell works like a charm!

After a full year of using the Pentair IntelliChlor IC40 Salt Chlorine Generator, I can confidently say this was one of the smartest decisions I’ve made for my pool. My setup includes a pool with just over 12,400 gallons, and this unit — rated for up to 40,000 gallons — has consistently kept the water perfectly balanced without breaking a sweat. Over the past year, I’ve enjoyed clear, clean, and soft-feeling water with zero chlorine odor or irritation. Maintenance has been minimal, and I haven’t had to manually add chlorine once. The IC40 has handled Puerto Rico’s heat, heavy rainfall, and near-daily use like a champ. It’s paired with a Pentair SuperFlo VST pump, a Clean & Clear Plus 320 filter, and runs on a dedicated timer with surge protection. I also replaced all the plumbing with 1.5-inch lines and added check valves and high-quality shutoffs. The system runs flawlessly — flow is great, the salt cell self-cleans, and the control panel makes it easy to monitor and adjust output as needed. After a year of use, there’s no corrosion, no buildup, and the water quality is as good as day one. If you’re considering switching to a salt system, don’t hesitate. The IntelliChlor IC40 is worth every penny.

It’s not the same product. Don’t let all the photos fool you it’s the plus model that has multiple issues. It still has all the reviews of the old model that works but that is not longer available and the plus is a different size along with known defects. I got a defective model that starts producing chlorine for 30 minutes then turns off. I have tried every level of flow and it needs more flow than the previous model so keep that in mind for energy bills. It’s not the same size. Yes it’s the same length but if you have pipes close together it may not fit. I had to rework lots of pvc in a tight spot to allow it to have extra clearance on the sides. It recalculates often and then turns off. It will not tell you why. Salt is good. Flow is good. No chlorine. Slowly moving away from pentair as a whole pool system provider as each iteration seems to be more finicky and less reliable than the last.