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Pool Salt Calculator

268 words Calculator
Recommended: 3,200-3,400 ppm for most salt systems
Pool salt calculation illustration

Enter your pool details to calculate salt requirements

Accurate salt calculator for swimming pools. Determines salt requirements in pounds/kilograms based on pool volume and current/target salinity levels. Essential for saltwater pool maintenance.

Pool Salt Calculator Documentation

What is it?

A specialized tool that:

  • Calculates precise salt quantities needed for saltwater pools
  • Converts between measurement units (gallons/liters, lbs/kg)
  • Accounts for different salt purities
  • Prevents over/under-salination damage

Formulas

Basic Calculation (US Units):

Salt (lbs) = (Target ppm - Current ppm) × Pool Volume (gallons) ÷ 12,000

Metric Conversion:

Salt (kg) = (Target ppm - Current ppm) × Pool Volume (liters) ÷ 1,000,000

Where 12,000 is the conversion constant for US gallons (1 lb salt per 1 gallon ≈ 12,000 ppm)

How to Use

  1. Enter pool volume (gallons/liters)
  2. Input current salt level (ppm, optional if filling new pool)
  3. Set target salinity (default 3,200 ppm)
  4. Select salt type (pool/solar salt purity)
  5. View results with:
    • Exact salt quantity needed
    • Visual salt distribution chart
    • Application instructions

FAQs

Q: Why does salt type matter?
A: Purity affects quantity. Pool salt (99.8%) requires slightly less than solar salt (99.6%).

Q: How often should I test salinity?
A: Monthly during swim season, or after adding >500 gallons of fresh water.

Q: Can I use table salt?
A: Never. Must use additive-free pool salt to avoid equipment damage.

Terminology

  • ppm: Parts per million (salt concentration)
  • Salt Chlorinator: Device converting salt to chlorine
  • Brine Load: Total dissolved salt content
  • Cycling Time: 24-48 hours for salt to fully dissolve/distribute

Formula Sources

  • APSP-11 Standard for Saltwater Pools
  • NSF/ANSI 50 certification requirements
  • Water Quality Association (WQA) salinity guidelines
  • Manufacturer specs from Hayward, Pentair, Jandy systems

Critical Notes

  1. Safety Limits:

    • Never exceed 4,000 ppm (manufacturer max)
    • Maintain 2,800-3,400 ppm for optimal operation

  2. Application Protocol:

    • Broadcast salt evenly across pool floor
    • Brush immediately to prevent surface staining
    • Run pump continuously for 24h after adding

  3. Testing:

    • Use calibrated digital tester (not test strips)
    • Sample water 2ft below surface, away from returns
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