Mix together softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar.
Add Cool Whip and pineapple. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
Candied Pretzel Topping
Mix together melted butter, pretzels and remaining sugar in a microwave safe bowl with room to stir.
Microwave for 3 minutes, stirring after each minute.
Allow to cool and stir occasionally as it cools so it won't stick together.
Mix with first mixture just before serving.
Notes
Well-drained pineapple will help the pineapple pretzel salad set-up properly
To make this pretzel salad ahead of time mix up each of the two components, but keep them separate until serving time & know that candied pretzels may stick together and need broken up again
The candied pretzels can be mixed in, sprinkled on top or used as a crust on the bottom layer