Pool salt calculator
Updated:
Salt chlorine generators need the right salt level to make chlorine. Enter your current and target salt (ppm) and pool volume to get the exact number of bags to add.
How much salt to add to a saltwater pool?
Raising salt by 1,000 ppm in 10,000 gallons takes about 84 lb of pool salt, a little over two 40 lb bags. The target depends on your cell. Hayward’s AquaRite manual calls 2,700–3,400 ppm ideal with 3,200 optimal, while Pentair’s current IntelliChlor guide asks for 3,600–4,500 ppm with 3,600 ideal. Use the number in your own cell’s manual; the MAHC requires public pools to do exactly that (5.7.3.1.5.2).
Adding salt the right way
Hayward’s manual has you turn the pump on, pour the salt directly into the pool, and brush it around so it does not pile up on the floor. Run the filter for 24 hours with suction from the main drain, and expect the salt reading to take up to 24 hours to catch up. On a new plaster pool, wait 10–14 days before adding salt so the plaster can cure.
Salt is too high?
There is no way to remove salt chemically. You lower it by partially draining and refilling with fresh water, and the calculator works out the percentage. Too much salt matters: Hayward’s cell shuts down on high salt, and its manual notes that salt starts to taste at about 3,500–4,000 ppm.
How the dose is calculated
Salt uses the same ppm-to-grams constant as every other calculator.
Salt needed
grams = (0.00378541 ÷ 0.99) × (target − current ppm) × gallons
Divided by 0.99 because the calculator assumes 99% pure sodium chloride. For 1,000 ppm in 10,000 gallons that is 38.2 kg, or 84 lb.
Lowering salt
share of water to replace = 1 − target ÷ current
Salt only leaves with water. Going from 4,000 to 3,200 ppm means replacing 20% of it.
Ideal ranges
| Level | Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hayward AquaRite 900 | 2,700–3,400 ppm, 3,200 optimal | CHECK SALT flashes below 2,700 |
| Pentair IntelliChlor IC15–IC60 | 3,600–4,500 ppm, 3,600 ideal | Turns off below 2,600 |
| Other or not sure | Your cell’s manual | The app shows 2,700–4,500 until you pick your cell |
| Public pools | The manufacturer’s range | MAHC 5.7.3.1.5.2 |
Frequently asked questions
What kind of salt do I use?
Sodium chloride that is more than 99% pure, which Hayward notes is often sold as coarse solar salt or water softener salt. Avoid rock salt, iodized salt, and salt with anti-caking agents or yellow prussiate of soda. Public pools must use salt certified to NSF/ANSI 50 or 60 (MAHC 5.7.3.1.5.1).
How long until the generator works?
Run the filter for 24 hours after adding salt. Hayward’s manual says the salt display can take that long to respond, so trust the reading only after a full day of circulation.
Sources
- CDC, Model Aquatic Health Code, 5th edition (2024), Code Language. Sections 5.7.3.1.5.1 (pool-grade salt) and 5.7.3.1.5.2 (manufacturer’s range)
- Hayward, AquaRite 900 Series Electronic Chlorine Generator manual (092623 Rev D). Salt range, how to add salt, which salt to use, and high-salt shutdown
- Pentair, IntelliChlor IC15/IC20/IC40/IC60 Installation and User’s Guide (P/N 520589 Rev. R, 2023). Salt range and low-salt cutoff
- NIST Special Publication 811, Appendix B.8: conversion factors. Liters per US gallon
Related calculators & guides
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