Pool Salt Calculator – How Much Salt To Add?
A Pool Salt Calculator helps determine the exact amount of salt needed to reach the ideal salinity level for a saltwater pool. It factors in pool size, current salt level, and target ppm (parts per million) to calculate precise salt additions. Proper salinity ensures efficient chlorine generation and balanced water chemistry.
Pool Salt Calculator
Total length of the pool
Total width of the pool
Total diameter of the pool
The longest length of the oval pool
The widest width of the oval pool
The longest length of the kidney pool
The widest width of the kidney pool
The longest length of the irregular pool
The widest width of the irregular pool
The average depth of the entire pool
Your current salt reading in parts per million
The desired salt level (ideal range is 3200-3400 ppm)
Add approximately:
lbs. of Salt
Welcome to the Pool Salinity Calculator
Hot summer days practically beg for a swim, and there’s nothing quite like slipping into a clean, refreshing saltwater pool. Whether you’re floating lazily or swimming laps, what keeps that water feeling smooth and skin-friendly is the right salt balance.
But too much or too little salt? That can mess with your comfort and your pool equipment. That’s where this calculator comes in. It helps you quickly figure out exactly how much pool salt to add based on your current salt level and pool size.
No guesswork. No confusion. Just clear, reliable guidance so your water stays perfectly balanced and ready whenever you are.
How to Use Pool Salt Calculator
Step 1: Enter your Pool Size
Type in your pool’s volume in gallons or liters. This pool volume calculator can help you to get the most accurate number based on your pool’s shape and dimensions.
Step 2: Measure your Current Salt Level
Use your salt chlorine generator or a reliable digital salt tester to find the current salt concentration, shown in ppm (parts per million). Most pools should aim for a level between 2700 and 3400 ppm, with 3200 ppm being ideal for many systems.
Step 3: Set your Desired Salt Level
Enter the ppm you’re aiming for. If you’re following your salt system’s manual, 3200 ppm is a safe and effective target for most pool owners.
Step 4: Select your Salt Type
Choose the kind of salt you plan to use from these options:
- Pool Salt (high purity, designed specifically for pools)
- Water Softener Salt (can work if it’s 99% pure and additive-free)
- Solar Salt (evaporated sea salt—check purity)
- Rock Salt (not recommended due to slow dissolving and impurities)
Your results will reflect the differences in how each type behaves in water.
Step 5: View your Results
- If your current salt level is too low, the calculator will show you how many pounds or kilograms of salt to add.
- If it’s too high, it will tell you how much water to drain and replace with fresh water to bring your salt level back into range.
Step 6: Apply and Retest
Add the recommended salt slowly, letting it dissolve evenly. Run your pump to circulate the water for 24 hours. Then retest your salt level to confirm it’s within the ideal range.
How Many Bags Of Salt Do I Need For Pool Startup?
For a new saltwater pool startup, you’ll typically need between 6 to 16 bags of salt (at 40 pounds or 18 kilograms per bag), depending on your pool size. Here’s a quick reference based on the standard target of 3200 ppm salinity and no existing salt in the water:
| Pool Size | Liters | Salt Needed (lbs) | Salt Needed (kg) | Target Salinity (ppm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10,800 gallons | 40,000 | 290 | 130 | 3200 | Assumes no existing salt. |
| 12,000 gallons | 45,400 | 325 | 147 | 3200 | Stir water for even dissolving. |
| 15,000 gallons | 56,800 | 400 | 180 | 3200 | Add gradually into clean, fresh water. |
| 20,000 gallons | 75,700 | 535 | 243 | 3200 | Test salinity after full dissolving before running salt cell. |
| 25,000 gallons | 94,600 | 670 | 304 | 3200 | Confirm level with a salt test before activating system. |