Pool Salt Calculator
Enter your pool volume and current salt reading — we'll tell you how much salt to add (or how much water to swap out if you're over target).
Result
Safety first
- Never mix chemicals together.
- Always add the chemical to the water — never water to the chemical.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when handling pool/spa chemicals.
- Keep chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
- Always follow the product label — it overrides any guidance here.
Ideal salt range
Most salt chlorinators run best between 2,700 and 3,400 ppm, targeting around 3,200 ppm — always check your specific chlorinator's manual.
Frequently asked questions
What salt level does my salt water chlorinator need?
Most salt chlorinators target around 3,200 ppm, but the exact target varies by brand (2,700-3,400 ppm is typical). Check your chlorinator manual and adjust the target field above.
How do I add salt?
Use pool-grade salt (NaCl, no additives), broadcast it evenly across the pool surface with the pump running, and brush any that settles on the bottom. Let it dissolve fully (usually a few hours) before retesting.
My salt is too high — how do I lower it?
The only way to lower salt is to dilute with fresh water: drain some pool water and refill. We calculate what % of your water to replace.
Does rain or backwashing affect my salt level?
Yes — both dilute your pool slightly, which can lower salt over time. Retest after heavy rain or a round of backwashing.