How to Add Salt to a Saltwater Pool

Adding salt to a saltwater pool is necessary to keep the salt chlorine generator or salt cell working properly and to keep the water clean and balanced. Starting fresh or adding more salt to your pool is simple, whether you’ve just converted a chlorine pool to salt, have a new saltwater pool that needs to be filled, or just need to add more salt to a pool you already have. However, it must be done correctly to avoid problems like scaling or low chlorine production. Here is a quick guide on how to add salt to a saltwater pool correctly, the different types of pool salt available, and saltwater pool maintenance tips to keep your saltwater pool running smoothly.

What is Pool Salt?

Pool salt is high-purity sodium chloride and is made especially for use in saltwater pool systems. It doesn’t contain the iodine or anti-caking agents found in regular table salt, which can cause issues with pool equipment. Pool salt is dissolved in the pool water, where it passes through a salt chlorine generator to produce chlorine. This device converts dissolved salt in the water into chlorine through electrolysis, which helps sanitize the pool and keep it free of harmful bacteria and algae.

Why Adding Salt to a Saltwater Pool is Important

Salt is the foundation of a saltwater pool. It helps to generate Chlorine, which keeps your pool free of harmful bacteria and algae. Unlike traditional chlorine pools, where Chlorine is added manually, a saltwater pool generates Chlorine from a salt chlorine generator, Which provides consistent chlorine production, reduces chemical usage, and offers cost-effective maintenance and also gentler on sensitive skin and eyes, providing a smoother, more comfortable water feel compared to traditional chlorinated pools, reducing the need for manual chlorine addition. You can read our blog on salt pool vs chlorine pool. It provides a detailed comparison of both types, covering aspects such as maintenance, costs, water quality, and overall benefits, helping you make an informed choice.

How to Add Salt to a Saltwater Pool

Adding salt to a saltwater pool requires careful steps to get the right salt levels for proper chlorine production. Be careful not to add too much or too little. Low salt levels in a saltwater pool can lead to issues such as low chlorine levels, cloudy water, increased chemical usage, skin irritation, pool equipment damage, and unbalanced water chemistry. On the other hand, High salt levels can speed up corrosion of metal components of pool equipment, damage salt cell, and cause unsightly calcium deposits on pool surfaces and plumbing. Excessive salt can mess up Pool chemical balance, leading to low chlorine production.

7 steps to add Salt in Pool

Step 1: Test Pool Salt Levels

Before adding any pool salt, the first step is to test your pool’s current salt levels. This can be done using a pool salt test kit or a digital salt meter. The ideal pool salt level range for most saltwater chlorinators is between 2700 and 3400 ppm (parts per million). If you are adding salt to the pool for the first time, it’s important to calculate your pool’s water volume accurately. Knowing the pool’s volume allows you to determine the exact amount of salt needed to reach the desired salt level, avoiding the risk of over or under-salting. Make sure your pool’s filtration system is running when you take your sample to get the most accurate reading.

Testing salt level with different kits

Salt Test Strips:

Dip a test strip in water for a few seconds, then remove and wait for 15-30 seconds. Match the strip’s color to the chart on the container or package, aiming for a salt concentration between 2,700 and 3,400 ppm. If below, add more salt or dilute water.

Tips for Accurate Reading: Avoid dipping the strip near return jets or skimmers, as this may give inaccurate readings. Use the strip immediately after opening, as exposure to air can impact accuracy.

Digital Salt Meter:

Submerge the Probe: Dip the probe end of the meter about 2 inches below the water surface, avoiding air bubbles and debris. Hold the meter in the water until the reading stabilizes on the display. The meter will show direct ppm reading of the salt level.

Tips for Accurate Results: Rinse the meter with distilled water after each use to prevent residue buildup. Store the meter in a dry place out of direct sunlight.

Step 2: Calculate How Much Salt Your Pool Needs

Always know how many bags of salt you’ll need to get the ideal pool salt level, which is usually between 2700 and 3400 ppm before you start using it. You can use a pool salt calculator or do a simple calculation to find out how much salt is needed to start a pool or change the salt level in an existing pool.

Using a Pool Salt Calculator: You can get a good idea of how much salt you need by entering the size of your pool, the level of salt that’s already in it, and the level of salt that you want it to have. This will help you a lot if this is your first time adding salt.

As an example, you would need about 100 pounds of pool salt if your pool has 15,000 gallons and you wish to reach a level of 3200 ppm. To maintain the proper range, always use pool-grade salt and test your pool’s salt levels on a regular basis.

By using a pool salt calculator or following the manual formula, you can ensure your pool stays balanced and operates smoothly.

Step 3: Choose the Right Type of Salt

When it comes to maintaining a saltwater pool, there are 3 types of pool salt to consider: pool grade mined salt, Solar Salt, and Mechanically Evaporated Salt. Choosing the right type of pool salt is essential for keeping your pool in optimal condition and preventing equipment damage.

Best Type of Pool Salt for Your Pool

Mined salt, also known as rock salt, is extracted from underground salt deposits, much like diamonds are mined from the earth. It’s the most commonly used type of salt for various applications, including saltwater pools.

With a purity level ranging from 96% to 99% sodium chloride, Mined salt is widely regarded as the ideal pool-grade salt for saltwater pools because it is naturally pure and has fewer impurities in it, which helps pool equipment work more smoothly.  This results in better water quality and less maintenance. This makes rock salt a useful and cost-effective choice for pool owners.

Step 4: Add Salt to the Pool

Once you’ve calculated how much salt you need, it’s time to add it to the pool. To add salt to your pool, Run the pool pump to circulate the water, which helps dissolve the salt more efficiently. Spread the salt evenly around the pool’s perimeter, focusing on the pool’s deep end for faster dissolution. Walk around the pool and pour salt in small amounts; avoid concentrated dumping near skimmers or equipment. Continue running the filter until the salt fully dissolves.

Step 5: Check the Salt Levels Again

Allow the salt to dissolve for at least 24 hours. After the salt has had time to dissolve, use The first method. If it falls within the ideal range (2700-3400 ppm), you’re ready to move on. If the levels are still low, you may need to Add small amounts (10-15 pounds) at a time to avoid over-salting. Test the salt level again. Regularly monitor the salt level, especially after events like rain or backwashing, to maintain balanced water for safe swimming.

Step 6: Turn On the Salt Chlorinator

Activate the chlorinator and adjust chlorine output. After heavy use or intense sunlight, some systems have a “Boost” or “Super Chlorinate” mode to quickly raise chlorine levels. The timer should run during daylight to maintain chlorine levels. Check the display or indicator lights to keep an eye on chlorine production.

Step 7: Monitor Pool Chlorine Level

After turning on the system, it’s good to keep an eye on the chlorine levels in your pool to make sure it’s making the right amount of chlorine to keep the water clean and balanced. Regular maintenance includes salt cell inspection, system alerts, pool circulation, and salt level retests. Read The manufacturer’s manual  which will provide specific instructions for installing, cleaning, and optimizing performance, which vary by model.

Different Types of Pool salt 

When buying salt for a saltwater pool, it’s important to choose high-purity pool salt to keep the water clean and the pool surfaces safe. Here is a quick list of the main kinds of pool salt:

1. Mined Salt: Mined salt is an ideal choice for saltwater pools simply because of its high purity (which is usually 99% sodium chloride) and is free of additives that could stain pool surfaces or impact the clarity of the water. It is which leads to the best salt for your pool.

2. Solar Salt: Solar salt is produced by evaporating seawater. It is not as refined and frequently has other minerals and impurities that are naturally present. While it’s usually a cheaper option, these additional minerals can cause scaling or staining in pools. That is why it’s a worse choice for saltwater systems.

3. Mechanically Evaporated Salt: This type of salt is a little purer than solar salt, but it can still have some impurities because it is made by heating brine to make the water evaporate. Still, it’s not as pure as pool-grade mined salt, so there is a risk of mineral buildup that can stain the water and equipment.

No matter what, always use the highest purity salt available, as lower-grade salts like solar and mechanically evaporated options may introduce impurities that require extra cleaning and lead to expensive repair.

Saltwater Pool Maintenance Tips

Saltwater pools are generally easier to maintain than traditional chlorine pools, but they still require regular upkeep to prevent issues and keep the water balanced.

Clean the Salt Cell Regularly

The salt cell is a critical component of the chlorinator, and over time, it can develop calcium buildup or scale. Clean the salt cell every 3-6 months to keep it functioning efficiently.

• Tip: Use a salt cell cleaning solution or a mild acid wash, following the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Monitor pH Levels

Saltwater pools tend to have higher pH levels, which can reduce chlorine efficiency and lead to cloudy water. Aim to keep your pool’s pH between 7.4-7.6 for optimal conditions.

• Tip: Check pH levels weekly and adjust with pH reducers or increasers as needed.

Check Salt Levels Periodically

Even after adding salt, you’ll need to monitor the salt levels in your pool every few months. Evaporation, splash-out, and rain can affect the salt concentration.

Tip: Test your salt levels at least once every 3 months to ensure they stay within the ideal range.

Common Issues While Adding Pool Salt

Cloudy pool water

• Cloudy saltwater pools often indicate imbalances in water chemistry, such as pH, calcium hardness, or chlorine levels. To restore water clarity, test water chemistry, adjust pH, calcium hardness, and chlorine levels. If pH is too high, add a pH reducer, adjust calcium hardness, or use a shock treatment. If cloudiness persists, add a pool clarifier to bind particles into larger clumps. Check the filter for inefficiency or dirty, and consider using a filter enhancer or filter aid. Avoid adding large amounts of salt at once and regularly test and balance water chemistry, especially after heavy rain or chemical additions.

Free Chlorine Low in Saltwater Pool

• Low free chlorine levels in a saltwater pool can indicate issues with the chlorinator or other water chemistry imbalances. To troubleshoot, inspect the salt chlorinator, check for blockages, and clean the salt cell every 3-6 months. The ideal salt concentration is between 2,700 and 3,400 ppm. Test and adjust salt levels using a digital salt meter or test strips. Test water chemistry for pH levels, Cyanuric Acid (CYA), alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Run the chlorinator on Boost Mode if available to temporarily increase chlorine production. Regular maintenance and monitoring include checking the salt cell for calcium buildup or corrosion, testing chlorine levels weekly, and adjusting the output if necessary. Regular inspection and cleaning can prevent calcium buildup or corrosion, ensuring optimal chlorine levels in the pool.

Scaling in Saltwater Pool

• Scaling in saltwater pools is a common issue caused by high calcium levels or elevated pH levels. Calcium deposits form on pool surfaces, equipment, and the salt cell, causing unsightly appearances and reducing pool system efficiency. To prevent scaling, it is essential to test calcium hardness levels between 200 and 400 ppm, maintain optimal pH between 7.4 and 7.6, and use pH reducers if pH rises above the recommended range. Address scaling on the salt cell by cleaning it every 3-6 months or as needed, using a scale inhibitor, monitoring alkalinity, and brushing pool surfaces regularly. Regular testing and balancing can help prevent scaling and maintain the efficiency of your pool system.

Keeping a saltwater pool is easy when you follow a few key steps: test and add salt as needed, choose high-quality salt, and balance your water chemistry. You can enjoy a low-maintenance, refreshing pool experience by cleaning the salt cell and checking the pH levels on a regular basis. This will keep your pool clear and your equipment in good shape.