Pool Salt Calculator
Calculate exactly how many bags of salt your pool needs
Calculation Results
Total Salt Needed: 0 lbs
Number of Bags: 0 bags
*Always add salt gradually and retest after 24 hours of circulation.
How to Use the Pool Salt Calculator
Maintaining the correct salinity is crucial for your saltwater chlorine generator (SWG) to function efficiently. If your salt levels are too low, your generator won't produce enough chlorine, leading to algae growth. If levels are too high, it can lead to corrosion or a salty taste.
Why Salt Levels Matter
Most saltwater systems operate optimally between 2,700 and 3,400 ppm (parts per million), with 3,200 ppm being the industry standard "sweet spot." Our calculator helps you determine exactly how many pounds of high-purity pool salt you need to reach your target concentration based on your pool's total volume.
The Formula We Use
The math behind salt adjustment involves the weight of water and the ratio of salt to water. We use the standard conversion factor:
Salt Needed (lbs) = (Target PPM – Current PPM) * (Pool Gallons / 1,000,000) * 8.34
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Salt
- Test Current Levels: Use a digital salinity tester or salt test strips to find your current ppm. Don't rely on the SWG control panel alone as it can sometimes be uncalibrated.
- Determine Volume: If you don't know your pool's gallonage, calculate it based on dimensions (Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.5).
- Add Salt: Pour the salt around the perimeter of the deep end of the pool.
- Circulate: Turn on your pool pump and let it run for 24 hours. Do not turn on the salt cell generator until the salt is fully dissolved.
- Retest: After 24 hours of circulation, test the level again before adding more.
Example Calculation
If you have a 20,000-gallon pool with a current salt level of 500 ppm and a target of 3,200 ppm:
- Difference: 2,700 ppm
- Calculation: 2,700 * 0.00000834 * 20,000
- Result: ~450 lbs of salt
- Bags: 11.25 bags (assuming 40lb bags)