How Much Salt to Add to Your Pool

After purchasing a salt chlorine generator it is important to know how much salt to add to your pool, the correct salt levels (ppm) needed for your above ground pool will help you get the best results. The target salt level is 3200 – 3400ppm (parts per million). Depending on the size of the above ground pool, the number of pounds of salt will vary to reach this ideal range. The way in which salt is added to the pool though stays the same, no matter what type of salt system or above ground pool you have.

Remember to first test the pool water to see the current levels of salt. One should either bring their pool water to a local professional, or if they should purchase their own tester the staff at The Pool Factory recommends the Solaxx Digital SafeDip Tester. The source for your pool water may contain some salt levels already and it is a good idea to find out the level in which you are starting prior to figuring out how much salt to add to your pool.

It is important to always use salt made for swimming pools. Salt available at local pool and spa vendors will be the best for salt chlorine generators. Any high purity Sodium Chloride Salt will work. Purity greater than 99% is recommended. It is usually available in 40-80lb bags and is the same product as food quality salt or water softener salt.

How To Add Salt To Your Pool

Follow these easy steps when adding salt to your above ground pool.

1

Salt can be added directly into the pool by broadcasting it across the surface.

2

Make sure the filter is running to create good circulation and speed up the dilution of the salt.

3

After distributing the salt evenly around the pool, use a pool brush to brush any piles of salt that may have built up.

4

Continue to run the filter for 24-48 hours or until all of the added salt is dissolved.

Pool Water Circulation Hack

Most above ground pools do not have a main drain and are limited to only the thru-wall skimmer. In order to have the benefit of the water leaving the pool through the floor, here is a good trick:

1

Plug in you vacuum hose to the skimmer and leave a vacuum head on the floor of the pool UPSIDE DOWN.

2

Now when you start the filter, all the water is being pulled from the bottom of the pool. This will also help speed up the process of dissolving the salt.

If the salt generator system has a built in salt level display, the salt needs to be fully diluted in order to give a proper reading. Be sure to wait at least 24-48 hours after adding salt to rely on the display.

A Few Fact’s about Saltwater Pools