Salt (PPM)
Calculate salt additions for your Salt Water Generator (SWG).
Target Range
Why Salt Levels Matter
For proper chlorine production, salt must be within your system's recommended range (usually 3000-3500 ppm). If salt is too low, the conductivity decreases, and the cell cannot produce sanitizer. If it's too high, it can over-amp the system and trip safety sensors or damage the control board.
How to Add Salt
Never dump salt directly into the skimmer. Instead, turn on your pump and pour the salt extensively around the pool perimeter. Brush the salt immediately until it is completely dissolved to prevent it from settling and staining the pool floor. Wait 24 hours before re-testing.
Pool Water Test Kit
Professional test kit.
Benefits of Salt Water
- Stable Chlorine: The generator trickles chlorine constantly, avoiding highs and lows.
- Softer Water: The salt makes water feel silkier and less irritating to skin and eyes.
- Less Maintenance: No more lugging heavy jugs of liquid chlorine every week.
The Biggest Misconception
A "Salt Water Pool" is NOT a chlorine-free pool. The salt generator (SWG) uses electrolysis to convert dissolved salt (NaCl) into hypochlorous acid (Chlorine). You are simply generating your own fresh chlorine on-site rather than buying it at the store.
Low Salt Effects
When salt is low, your cell has to work much harder to bridge the gap between plates, wearing out the expensive ruthenium coating faster. This significantly shortens the lifespan of your salt cell, which can cost $500-$900 to replace.
Maintenance Tip
Salt does not evaporate. The only way salt leaves your pool is through splash-out, backwashing, or leaks. You generally only need to add salt at the beginning of the season or after heavy rains dilute the water.
pH Down
Lower pool pH effectively (Dry Acid).
Go Pro with Mobile
Manage your Salt Water Generator perfectly. Track salinity levels and get alerts when it's time to add salt.
