Pool Salt Requirement Calculator
Calculate exactly how many pounds of salt your pool needs to reach the ideal PPM.
Total Salt Needed:
0 lbs
How to Calculate Pool Salt Requirements
Maintaining the correct salt concentration is vital for your salt chlorine generator (SWG) to function efficiently. Most salt systems require a concentration between 2,700 and 3,400 parts per million (PPM), with 3,200 PPM typically being the "sweet spot."
To calculate the amount of salt needed manually, you can use the following formula:
Salt Needed (lbs) = (Target PPM – Current PPM) * 0.00000834 * Pool Volume (Gallons)
Optimal Salt Levels by Brand
| Generator Brand | Ideal Range (PPM) |
|---|---|
| Hayward AquaRite | 2,700 – 3,400 |
| Pentair IntelliChlor | 3,000 – 4,500 |
| Zodiac/Jandy | 3,000 – 3,500 |
Steps to Adding Salt to Your Pool
- Test the Water: Never guess your current salt level. Use a reliable digital tester or liquid drop kit.
- Calculate: Use the calculator above to determine how many 40lb bags of pool-grade salt are required.
- Turn Off the Generator: Turn off your salt chlorine generator before adding salt, but keep the pool pump running.
- Distribute: Pour the salt around the perimeter of the deep end. Avoid dumping it all in one spot or in the skimmer.
- Brush: Use a pool brush to help the salt dissolve faster and prevent staining or scaling on the pool floor.
- Wait: Let the pump circulate for 24 hours before turning the salt generator back on and retesting.
Important Safety Tip
Always use Pool Grade Salt. This is 99.9% pure sodium chloride. Avoid using rock salt, water softener salt with additives, or table salt, as these contain impurities that can stain your pool finish or damage the expensive electrolytic cell in your chlorine generator.