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Salt Water Pool Cheat Sheet
Target levels, cell care and the weekly routine for a salt chlorine generator pool.
Updated · Reviewed by the Skimmer editorial team
Salt pool levels
| Reading | Target | If low | If high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt | 2,700 to 3,400 ppm (check your cell's label) | Pool salt | Dilute with fresh water |
| Free chlorine | About 5% of CYA (3 to 5 ppm at CYA 70) | Raise cell output | Lower output |
| CYA | 60 to 80 ppm | Stabilizer | Partial drain |
| pH | 7.4 to 7.6 (drifts up on salt pools) | Soda ash | Muriatic acid |
| Total alkalinity | 60 to 80 ppm (lower slows pH rise) | Baking soda | Acid and aerate |
| Calcium hardness | 200 to 400 ppm (over 400 scales the cell) | Calcium chloride | Partial drain |
Routine
- 2 to 3x a week: test FC and pH; adjust cell output and add acid
- Weekly: test TA, brush, empty baskets
- Monthly: test salt, CYA and calcium
- Every 3 months: inspect the cell; clean only if you see scale
- Below about 60°F: most cells stop producing; dose liquid chlorine
Note: Clean a scaled cell in a weak acid solution (follow the maker's ratio) and only as often as needed. Over-cleaning shortens cell life.
Sources
Figures and safety guidance on this page draw on the following public references.
- 1.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC)
- 2.The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (ANSI/APSP/ICC-11). American National Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools & Spas
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General reference for residential pools. Product labels and local guidance override any figure here. See our methodology and editorial policy. Skimmer · skimmer pool care.
Frequently asked
Salt water pool: questions
What salt level should a salt water pool be?
Most cells want 2,700 to 3,400 ppm, with about 3,200 ppm ideal. Your cell's label wins.
Why is CYA higher in a salt pool?
The cell makes chlorine slowly all day, and higher CYA (60 to 80 ppm) protects it from the sun so a lower cell output keeps up.
Why does pH keep rising in my salt pool?
The cell's process and the aeration it causes push pH up. Keeping TA around 60 to 80 ppm slows the rise.