Pool Salt Calculator
Saltwater chlorine generators need the water salinity in a specific range — usually 2,700–3,400 ppm. Enter your pool volume and current salt level to see exactly how much salt to add.
Pool Salt Calculator
Why use the Pool Salt Calculator
When a salt system flashes “low salt,” it stops making chlorine — but dumping bags in blind can overshoot and force a drain-and-refill. This tells you the exact pounds to hit your target.
How to get your numbers
- Volume: use the Pool Volume Calculator if you don’t know it.
- Current salt: read it from the generator display or a salt test strip.
- Target: check your salt system’s manual — most want about 3,200 ppm.
Recommended for this job
How to use it
- Enter your pool volume in gallons (use the Pool Volume Calculator if unsure).
- Enter your current salinity from a test strip or the generator readout.
- Enter your target — check your salt system’s manual for the ideal number.
Frequently asked questions
How much salt do I add to my pool?
Pounds of salt = gallons × (target ppm − current ppm) × 8.34 ÷ 1,000,000. Add it gradually, brush to dissolve, and re-test after 24 hours.
What salinity should a saltwater pool be?
Most salt systems run best around 3,200 ppm, but the ideal range is set by your specific generator — check its manual, as some want 2,700 and others 3,400.
What kind of salt should I use in a pool?
Pure sodium chloride — food-grade or pool-grade, at least 99% pure, non-iodized and free of anti-caking agents. Water-softener salt pellets also work if they are pure.
What if my pool salt is too high?
You cannot remove salt chemically. Partially drain the pool and refill with fresh water to dilute it back into range.
How long does pool salt take to dissolve?
A few hours with the pump running and brushing to keep it off the floor. Wait 24 hours before testing again and adding more.
Why is my pool salt low after rain?
Rain and topping off with a hose add fresh water that dilutes the salt. Splash-out and backwashing lower it too, so you top up salt occasionally.
Does a saltwater pool still use chlorine?
Yes — the salt cell converts dissolved salt into chlorine as water passes through it. You are still sanitizing with chlorine, just generating it on site.
