What is the Proper Pool Salt Level?

May has a way of flipping the switch to summer. Pool covers come off, patios come back to life, and that first swim is finally within reach. But before the water is ready, there’s one thing homeowners need to consider: the pool salt level. 

Using the proper salt level in your pool really matters. Read on to learn how a salt chlorinator works, how to keep levels consistent, and where to order the best pool salt. 

Salt Chlorinators, Explained 

Despite the name, a saltwater pool isn’t chlorine-free. It simply makes its own chlorine through a system called a salt chlorinator.

Basically, bags of salt for the pool dissolve to make saltwater. The saltwater passes through the chlorinator and into a salt cell with titanium plates. An electrical charge passes through titanium plates within the cell, converting the salt into sodium hypochlorite (liquid chlorine) and hypochlorous acid.

The result is the same sanitation, without manually adding chemicals to the water. 

The Ideal Pool Salt Level 

Generally, saltwater chlorinators operate best with a pool salt level between 2,700 and 3,400 ppm (parts per million). Staying within this window allows your salt chlorinator to produce chlorine efficiently, without stressing the equipment.

If the salt level in your pool changes drastically, your system will stop working effectively. Going too low increases the risk of algae and bacteria growth. Going too high increases the chance of scaling and corrosion. 

Remember: Recommendations vary by system. Even if you’re using the best pool salt on the market, always check your manufacturer's recommended range before making adjustments.

What Affects Salt Levels

If your salt levels have changed since your last check, it's due to one of three things. 

Water Loss

Water evaporates in hot, sunny weather — but salt doesn’t. As a result, heat waves gradually increase salt concentration in your pool. 

Dilution 

Heavy rain may dilute the amount of salt in your pool. If your pool wasn’t covered during a storm, your pool salt levels may get lower. 

Physical Removal

Cannonballs, splashing, and other activities take water and salt away from your pool. If enough has spilled over the edge, you may notice a lower salt level in your pool. 

How to Reach the Right Level 

Reaching the right levels requires small, measured adjustments with bags of salt for the pool. We recommend that homeowners take the following steps: 

Determine the pool’s volume.

Find the total gallons of water in your pool. If you’re unsure, you can estimate the volume with this formula: Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.5.

Test the water. 

Use test strips, digital meters or built-in system readings to determine your current salt level. 

Make adjustments. 

If your salt level is too low, calculate the requirements by hand or with a pool salt calculator. Add the required amount and let the pump run for 24 hours to dissolve. 

Remember: To raise 1,000 gallons of water by 1,000 ppm, you will need approximately 8.3 lbs of salt.

If your pool salt level is too high, dilute the water by draining the pool by a few inches and refilling it with fresh water. 

Gunther Salt’s Tips 

Even with the best pool salt, your system needs a little maintenance to run smoothly. The Gunther Salt team recommends the following steps: 

Test regularly. 

Test the salt level in your pool at least once a week throughout the summer. After heavy rain, excessive heat or heavy use, we recommend checking more frequently.

Follow manufacturer guidelines.

You should follow the guidelines provided by your manufacturer. Adhering to these guidelines helps you ensure proper sanitation, prevent costly repairs, and remain eligible for warranties.

Stabilize the pool salt level. 

After testing, add or remove salt from your pool as needed. Maintaining consistent salt levels ensures a clean, cost-effective swimming environment. 

Buy the best pool salt.

Gunther Salt offers some of the best pool salt in the Midwest. Our 40# bags of salt for the pool effectively prevent iron, calcium, and silica buildup that will damage salt chlorinators and stain pools.

Place Your Order 

Maintaining the salt level in your pool requires a reliable supplier. Gunther Salt helps you head into summer with confidence — providing high-quality pool salt and dependable guidance to get your levels right from the start. 

To place your order for swimming pool salt, give us a call at 314-241-7075 — or send us an email at orders@gunthersalt.com.