This calculator helps you determine how many pounds of pool salt (sodium chloride) to add in order to raise the salt level (salinity) in your pool water. Keeping the right salt level — typically between 2,700–3,400 ppm — ensures your saltwater chlorine generator can work efficiently. Most people target an ideal level of 3,200 ppm.
The industry rule of thumb is 100 lbs of salt raises salinity by 1,200 ppm in 10,000 gallons.
Salt Application Tips:
- Always add salt gradually, with your pool pump running.
- Brush the pool floor to help dissolve the salt completely.
- Retest before adding more, especially after rainfall or dilution.
- Check your salt generator manual to find the recommended target range for your generator.
- If you add too much salt and need to remove water to make room for dilution, use your vacuum to remove water in the deep end from the bottom. Salt water is denser than fresh water.
The best way to know your pool’s volume is to refer to the original documentation from your pool’s manufacturer or construction plans. Otherwise, you can use our pool volume calculator.