Quick answer
Saltwater pools run at 3,000 to 4,000 ppm salt. Use pure pool-grade sodium chloride without additives. The salt cell makes chlorine through electrolysis.
Key takeaways
- Saltwater pools run at 3,000 to 4,000 ppm salt. Use pure pool-grade sodium chloride without additives. The salt cell makes chlorine through electrolysis.
- Most salt chlorine generators need 3,000 to 4,000 parts per million salt.
- Use salt sold for pools or pure food-grade sodium chloride.
- With the pump running, broadcast salt across the deep end.
- Inspect and clean the cell per your manual, often every 3 to 6 months.
Target Salt Level
Most salt chlorine generators need 3,000 to 4,000 parts per million salt. Too low and the cell cannot make enough chlorine. Too high and you risk corrosion and a salty taste. Test with a salt meter or strip kit monthly.
Which Salt to Buy
Use salt sold for pools or pure food-grade sodium chloride. Avoid iodized table salt, yellow prussiate of soda, and anti-caking agents. They can stain finishes and foul the generator cell.
How to Add Salt
With the pump running, broadcast salt across the deep end. Brush the floor to dissolve piles. Run circulation 24 hours, then retest. Add in stages. Overshooting the target means partial drain and refill.
Generator Cell Care
Inspect and clean the cell per your manual, often every 3 to 6 months. Calcium scale reduces output. Balance pH, alkalinity, and stabilizer so the system chlorinates efficiently.
Step-by-Step
- Test current salt
Measure ppm with a meter. New pools start at zero. Conversions from chlorine pools may already have some salt.
- Calculate amount
Use your pool volume and product chart. Typical startup needs hundreds of pounds for a medium pool.
- Add salt slowly
Pour half the calculated amount, circulate 24 hours, then retest before adding more.
- Balance water
Set pH, alkalinity, and stabilizer in range so the cell works efficiently.
- Monitor chlorine
Check free chlorine weekly. Adjust generator output instead of dumping extra salt.