Pool salt chart
| Pool size | From 0 | From 1,000 | From 2,000 | From 2,500 | From 3,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5,000 gal | 133 lb (4 bags) | 92 lb (3 bags) | 50 lb (2 bags) | 29 lb (1 bags) | 8 lb (1 bags) |
| 10,000 gal | 267 lb (7 bags) | 183 lb (5 bags) | 100 lb (3 bags) | 58 lb (2 bags) | 17 lb (1 bags) |
| 15,000 gal | 400 lb (11 bags) | 275 lb (7 bags) | 150 lb (4 bags) | 88 lb (3 bags) | 25 lb (1 bags) |
| 20,000 gal | 534 lb (14 bags) | 367 lb (10 bags) | 200 lb (6 bags) | 117 lb (3 bags) | 33 lb (1 bags) |
| 25,000 gal | 667 lb (17 bags) | 459 lb (12 bags) | 250 lb (7 bags) | 146 lb (4 bags) | 42 lb (2 bags) |
| 30,000 gal | 801 lb (21 bags) | 550 lb (14 bags) | 300 lb (8 bags) | 175 lb (5 bags) | 50 lb (2 bags) |
| 40,000 gal | 1068 lb (27 bags) | 734 lb (19 bags) | 400 lb (11 bags) | 234 lb (6 bags) | 67 lb (2 bags) |
Bags are 40 lb, rounded up. Print this page for a copy by the equipment pad.
The formula
lb of salt = gallons x ppm rise x 8.34 / 1,000,000
Worked example: a 15,000 gallon pool at 2,400 ppm with a 3,200 target needs 800 ppm. 15,000 x 800 x 8.34 / 1,000,000 = about 100 lb, or 2.5 bags of 40 lb (buy 3).
Salt targets by chlorinator
| Chlorinator | Range | Ideal |
|---|---|---|
| Hayward AquaRite | 2,700 to 3,400 ppm | 3,200 ppm |
| Pentair IntelliChlor | 3,000 to 3,500 ppm | 3,200 ppm |
| Jandy AquaPure | 3,000 to 3,500 ppm | 3,200 ppm |
| CircuPool | 3,000 to 3,500 ppm | 3,200 ppm |
| Intex Krystal Clear | 2,500 to 3,500 ppm | 3,000 ppm |
Typical published ranges. Your cell's manual is the final word.
How to add salt to a pool
- Turn the salt cell off (leave the pump running).
- Pour the salt around the shallow end and steps, away from the skimmer and main drain.
- Brush it toward the deep end until it dissolves. Undissolved salt can stain plaster.
- Run the pump for 24 hours with the cell off.
- Retest, then turn the cell back on.
Which salt to buy
Buy pool salt labeled at least 99% sodium chloride, with no iodine, anti-caking agents (yellow prussiate of soda can stain) or added minerals. Fine crystals dissolve fastest. Solar or mechanically evaporated salt is fine; rock salt often has dirt and minerals in it.
Why the cell reading and test strips disagree
Cells estimate salt from how easily current flows between their plates. Scale on the plates, a dirty sensor or cold water all make the reading drift, often 200 to 500 ppm low. Test strips and drop tests measure chloride directly. If they disagree, trust a fresh strip or drop test, then clean the cell. See the salt cell cleaning guide and how a salt chlorinator works.
When to test again
Wait 24 hours after adding salt with the pump running so it mixes fully. After that, test monthly, after heavy rain and after every backwash or drain.
Signs salt is low or high
- Low: a low-salt light, chlorine dropping even with the cell at 100%, faster cell wear.
- High: a high-salt warning or cell shutdown, a salty taste, white crust on coping and stone, corrosion on metal.
Salt pools need more stabilizer (60 to 80 ppm CYA, see the cyanuric acid calculator) and drift high in pH (see the pool pH calculator). New to salt? Read converting a chlorine pool to saltwater and saltwater pool chemistry basics.