Calculate exactly how many pounds of salt to add to your pool
Standard target is typically between 3000 and 3400 PPM.
Calculation Result
How to Use the Pool Salt Calculator
Maintaining the correct salinity is crucial for the operation of your Salt Water Chlorine Generator (SWCG). If your salt levels are too low, the generator cannot produce enough chlorine, leading to algae growth. If levels are too high, it can lead to corrosion or system shutdown.
The Calculation Formula
Our calculator uses the industry-standard formula to determine the precise amount of salt required:
Salt Needed (lbs) = (Target PPM – Current PPM) * 0.00000834 * Pool Volume (Gallons)
Steps for Adding Salt to Your Pool
Test your water: Use a digital salt meter or salt test strips to find your current level.
Determine Pool Volume: If you don't know your volume, a standard rectangular pool is Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.5.
Calculate: Enter your numbers above to get the required pounds of salt.
Add Salt: Pour the salt around the perimeter of the deep end of the pool.
Circulate: Turn on the pool pump and let it run for 24 hours to ensure the salt is fully dissolved before turning the salt cell back on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal salt level? Most saltwater systems require a range between 2700 and 3400 PPM, with 3200 PPM being the "sweet spot."
What kind of salt should I use? Use only evaporated, granulated, non-iodized pool salt. Do not use rock salt or salt with anti-caking agents, as these can stain your pool liner or plaster.
function calculatePoolSalt() {
var volume = parseFloat(document.getElementById('poolVolume').value);
var target = parseFloat(document.getElementById('targetSalt').value);
var current = parseFloat(document.getElementById('currentSalt').value);
var resultBox = document.getElementById('saltResultBox');
var resultValue = document.getElementById('saltResultValue');
var bagEstimate = document.getElementById('bagEstimate');
if (isNaN(volume) || isNaN(target) || isNaN(current)) {
alert('Please enter valid numbers for all fields.');
return;
}
if (current >= target) {
resultBox.style.display = 'block';
resultBox.style.backgroundColor = '#fff4f4';
resultBox.style.borderLeftColor = '#dc3232';
resultValue.innerHTML = '0 lbs of salt needed.';
bagEstimate.innerHTML = 'Your current salt level is already at or above your target level.';
return;
}
// Formula: (Target – Current) * (8.34 / 1,000,000) * Volume
// Simplified: (Target – Current) * 0.00000834 * Volume
var ppmDifference = target – current;
var lbsNeeded = ppmDifference * 0.00000834 * volume;
var roundedLbs = Math.ceil(lbsNeeded);
// Calculate 40lb bags
var bags = (roundedLbs / 40).toFixed(1);
resultBox.style.display = 'block';
resultBox.style.backgroundColor = '#f0f8ff';
resultBox.style.borderLeftColor = '#0073aa';
resultValue.innerHTML = 'Add ' + roundedLbs.toLocaleString() + ' lbs of salt';
bagEstimate.innerHTML = 'That is approximately ' + bags + ' bags (based on standard 40lb bags).';
}