Easy Ways To Add Salt To A Pool: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Add Salt To Pool » Easy Ways To Add Salt To A Pool: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Add Salt to a Pool PDF download Download Article Learn how to salinate your pool with these simple steps Co-authored by Rob Litman

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Determining How Much Salt to Use
    • |
  • Adding the Salt
    • |
  • Balancing Your Pool's Salt Levels
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Rob Litman. Rob Litman is a Landscaper, General Contractor, and the CEO of Vitoli Inc., a landscaping, hardscaping, ecoscaping, and swimming pool design company in Los Angeles, California. With over 20 years of experience in construction, Rob specializes in energy-efficient and drought-tolerant landscaping. He holds General Building Contractor (Class B) and Registered Pool/Spa Contractor Licenses. In 2007, Rob won House of the Year in Gardena, California. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 114,811 times.

Salt water pools are gentler on the skin than chlorine and just as easy to maintain, provided you know how and when to add your salt. After checking the salinity of the water in your pool with a salt test strip and using a reference table to find out how much salt to use, go around your pool sprinkling in the salt little by little to make sure it gets distributed evenly. Once you've added the salt, sweep the bottom surface of the pool with a pool brush to prevent the salt from piling up and help it dissolve faster.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Determining How Much Salt to Use

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Read your chlorine generator's instructions to find its target salt level. 1 Read your chlorine generator's instructions to find its target salt level. Different systems require different amounts of salt in order to function properly. To find out exactly how much salt you need to add, consult the literature that came with your salt chlorine generator. This information is critical, so it should be one of the first items you come across.[1]
    • With some systems, important information like salt concentration and frequency of applications might be displayed directly on the generator itself for ease of reference.

    Tip: Most salt chlorine generators work best at a concentration of 2,500-4,500 parts per million (PPM). Your generator will likely fall somewhere between these two figures.

  2. Step 2 Purchase a few bags of salt intended for use in swimming pools. 2 Purchase a few bags of salt intended for use in swimming pools. You can buy swimming pool salt from your local pool and spa specialty retailer. Any type of food-quality, non-iodized salt will do. Ideally, however, you should shop around for a product with 99% purity or higher.[2]
    • Swimming pool salt is typically sold in 40–80 lb (18–36 kg) bags. You'll most likely need at least 2-3 bags for a single treatment. However, it's a good idea to go ahead and stock up, as you'll be treating your pool periodically.
    • High-purity salts dissolve faster and are easier for salt chlorine generators to process than lower-purity ones.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Test the salinity of your pool 3 Test the salinity of your pool using a salt test strip. Fill the small vial included with the test kit with water from your pool, then insert the test strip and let it sit for the length of time specified by the instructions. When the strip changes color, remove it from the water sample and compare it with the color chart displayed on the test kit's packaging to determine the salinity. The depth of the color will tell you approximately how much salt is currently in your pool.
    • Like your salt chlorine generator, the concentrations indicated by salt test strips are given in parts per million.
    • Get in the habit of checking the salinity in your pool at least 2-3 times a week to make sure your generator is operating at its targeted salt level.[3]

    Tip: Keep in mind that salt test strips often have a range of error between 200-300 PPM. For a more accurate reading, consider purchasing a digital water quality meter from your pool supply vendor.

  4. Step 4 Look up a salt table to find out exactly how much salt to add. 4 Look up a salt table to find out exactly how much salt to add. Your salt chlorine generator or packaged salt product may include some general guidelines for treatment. If not, you can pull up a useful reference chart online by running a quick search for “pool salt table.” One of these tables will tell you how much salt to use for a pool of a given size, shape, and volume.[4]
    • Most salt tables provide measurements in both pounds and PPM, which can make it easier for you to pour in just the right amount.
    • For a 12 ft (3.7 m) circular pool that holds 3,000 gallons (11,000 l) of water, you'd need to add 87 pounds (39 kg) of salt, or about 2 whole bags, in order to bring it up to the recommended concentration.
    • Never add salt to your swimming pool indiscriminately. Doing so could lead to deterioration of the walls, floor, and other surfaces over time.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Adding the Salt

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Turn off your pool's salt chlorine generator before adding the salt. 1 Turn off your pool's salt chlorine generator before adding the salt. Head down to your pool's control unit, locate the switch that corresponds to the generator, and flip it to the “Off” position. Adding the salt while the generator is operational can place excess strain on it, potentially resulting in damage and costly repairs.[5]
    • Some salt chlorine generators may need to continue running during treatment to process the salt. Refer to the literature included with your generator to find out whether to turn it off or leave it on.

    Tip: Make sure you leave the pump on. The gentle circulation of the water will help the salt dissolve faster.[6]

  2. Step 2 Walk around the pool pouring in the salt a little at a time. 2 Walk around the pool pouring in the salt a little at a time. Snip the corner off of a bag of salt and begin shaking it in while you slowly circle the pool. This will help distribute it more evenly throughout the water. Try to sprinkle the salt 1–2 feet (0.30–0.61 m) away from the edge of the pool to keep it from piling up around the walls or simply drifting into the skimmers.[7]
    • In order to ensure that it dissolves properly and prevent surface deterioration, it's better to let the salt infuse gradually than to dump it in all at once.
    • Some experts recommend adding a greater proportion of salt to the deep end around the main drain. The reasoning behind this is that the more water there is, the faster the salt will break down as it sinks.[8]
  3. Step 3 Use a brush to disperse salt that's settled at the bottom of the pool. 3 Use a brush to disperse salt that's settled at the bottom of the pool. If you happen to notice any places where the salt has piled up, make a few passes with a long-handled pool brush to spread it out. Focus on low-lying spots, such as the area around the main drain. The motion of the brush will also encourage the salt to dissolve more rapidly.[9]
    • If you have an above-ground pool that doesn't have a main drain, it can also help to plug a vacuum into the thru-wall skimmer input and turn the vacuum head upside down to pull water up from the bottom of the pool and keep it moving.[10]
  4. Step 4 Continue running your pool's filter until the salt dissolves completely. 4 Continue running your pool's filter until the salt dissolves completely. For most standard-sized home swimming pools, this will take 18-24 hours, depending on the water temperature and strength of circulation. Be prepared to wait up to 48 hours for the salt to break down fully in an especially large pool.[11]
    • Hold off on taking a dip until after the salt has had time to dissolve entirely. It isn't dangerous, but it may taste or feel unpleasant.
    5. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Balancing Your Pool's Salt Levels

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Check your salt levels again to see if they're within the targeted range. 1 Check your salt levels again to see if they're within the targeted range. The morning after you add the salt, collect another sample and drop in a fresh salt test strip. After a few minutes, note the difference in color. The shade on the test strip should match that of the ideal salinity for your pool as indicated on the product packaging.
    • If the salinity still looks a little low, simply add more salt to bring it up to the recommended level. Once it's there, allow up to 48 hours for all of the salt to dissolve entirely.
    • Remember that in most pools, the salt concentration needs to fall within the 2,500-4,500 PPM range to ensure proper sanitation.
  2. Step 2 Dilute your pool with fresh water to correct over-salination. 2 Dilute your pool with fresh water to correct over-salination. Don't worry if you accidentally add too much salt. You can correct your mistake easily by simply replacing some of the water. Set your pool to drain from the main control unit, then refill the missing water with fresh water from a nearby hose. A good rule of thumb is to drain and replace about 1/8th of your pool's water at a time until it reaches the recommended concentration.
    • To find out how much 1/8th of your pool's total volume is, calculate the average depth in either inches or centimeters, then divide that number by 8. For a pool that's 10 feet (3.0 m) deep, for example, 1/8th would be 15 inches (38 cm) of water.
    • When you're done, test the water again to make sure it's at the optimum targeted level and wait another 18-48 hours before switching on your generator.
  3. Step 3 Turn your generator back on when you're finished making adjustments. 3 Turn your generator back on when you're finished making adjustments. After you've achieved the optimum salt concentration for your pool, head back down to the control unit and flip the generator switch over to the "On" position to restore power. It will then go to work converting the fresh salt into chlorine to sanitize the water in your pool. Happy swimming![12]
    • You're free to dive in as soon as you get your salt chlorine generator up and running again.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • If you're worried about damaging your salt chlorine generator, it's better to add slightly too little salt than slightly too much. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Backwashing, partial draining, and excess splashing or rainfall can all cause the salt levels in your pool to drop at a faster rate. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • If the water in your pool has a strong salty taste, you've probably used too much salt. The human tongue can't detect salt until it reaches levels around 5,000 PPM, which is higher than the amount recommended by most saltwater pool systems. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Avoid using salts that contain anti-caking agents. These can cause discoloration or oxidization of the metal fittings around your pool, or even the surface of the pool itself. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Food-quality granulated non-iodized swimming pool salt (99% purity or higher)
  • Salt test strip or digital water quality meter
  • Long-handled pool brush
  • Pool vacuum (optional)
  • Online salt reference table (optional)

You Might Also Like

Chlorinate a PoolHow toChlorinate a Pool Lower Chlorine in a Salt Water PoolHow toLower Chlorine in a Salt Water Pool Convert a Salt Water Pool to ChlorineHow toConvert a Salt Water Pool to Chlorine Mix Saltwater for an AquariumHow toMix Saltwater for an Aquarium Add Baking Soda to a PoolHow toAdd Baking Soda to a Pool Properly Maintain Swimming Pool Water ChemistryHow toProperly Maintain Swimming Pool Water Chemistry Lower Calcium Hardness in a PoolReducing Calcium Hardness in a Swimming Pool Raise pH in PoolHow toRaise pH in Pool Reduce Salinity in SoilHow toReduce Salinity in Soil Raise Cyanuric Acid Levels in a PoolHow toRaise Cyanuric Acid Levels in a Pool Dissolve Salt in WaterHow toDissolve Salt in Water Maintain Your Water Softening SystemHow toMaintain Your Water Softening System Clean a Salt CellHow toClean a Salt Cell Measure SalinityHow to Test Water Salinity Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tkv1n7IJY0&feature=youtu.be&t=27
  2. ↑ https://blog.thepoolfactory.com/how-much-salt-to-add-to-your-pool
  3. ↑ http://tmiaquatics.com/adding-salt-to-a-pool-how-where-and-when/
  4. ↑ https://blog.thepoolfactory.com/how-much-salt-to-add-to-your-pool
  5. ↑ http://tmiaquatics.com/adding-salt-to-a-pool-how-where-and-when/
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tkv1n7IJY0&feature=youtu.be&t=143
  7. ↑ https://blog.thepoolfactory.com/how-much-salt-to-add-to-your-pool
  8. ↑ http://tmiaquatics.com/adding-salt-to-a-pool-how-where-and-when/
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tkv1n7IJY0&feature=youtu.be&t=169
More References (3)
  1. ↑ https://blog.thepoolfactory.com/how-much-salt-to-add-to-your-pool
  2. ↑ https://blog.thepoolfactory.com/how-much-salt-to-add-to-your-pool
  3. ↑ https://aquamagazine.com/features/how-salt-chlorine-generators-work.html

About This Article

Rob Litman Co-authored by: Rob Litman Pool Design Expert This article was co-authored by Rob Litman. Rob Litman is a Landscaper, General Contractor, and the CEO of Vitoli Inc., a landscaping, hardscaping, ecoscaping, and swimming pool design company in Los Angeles, California. With over 20 years of experience in construction, Rob specializes in energy-efficient and drought-tolerant landscaping. He holds General Building Contractor (Class B) and Registered Pool/Spa Contractor Licenses. In 2007, Rob won House of the Year in Gardena, California. This article has been viewed 114,811 times. 10 votes - 100% Co-authors: 7 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 114,811 Categories: Swimming Pool Water Treatment Article SummaryX

You can add salt to a pool by pouring it in the pool in increments and making sure it’s evenly dispersed. Start by turning off your pool’s salt chlorine generator so it won’t be damaged. Read your chlorine generator’s manual to find out how much salt you need to add. Then, open a corner of a bag of pool salt and walk around the pool pouring it in a little bit at a time. Sprinkle the salt about 1-2 feet away from the edge of the pool so it can dissolve into the water and won’t drift into the skimmers. Take a long-handled pool brush and spread out the salt that settles on the bottom so it dissolves. It’s also important that you continue running your pool’s filter for about 18-24 hours so the salt can fully break down. To learn how to test the salinity of your pool with a salt test strip, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 114,811 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Rob Litman Co-authored by: Rob Litman Pool Design Expert Co-authors: 7 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 114,811 100% of readers found this article helpful. 10 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote

Quizzes & Games

Do I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizDaily Water Intake CalculatorDaily Water Intake CalculatorCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizTake QuizAm I Sweet or Salty QuizAm I Sweet or Salty QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizPizza CalculatorPizza Calculator

You Might Also Like

Chlorinate a PoolHow toChlorinate a PoolLower Chlorine in a Salt Water PoolHow toLower Chlorine in a Salt Water PoolConvert a Salt Water Pool to ChlorineHow toConvert a Salt Water Pool to ChlorineMix Saltwater for an AquariumHow toMix Saltwater for an Aquarium

Featured Articles

13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness TestEnjoy the HolidaysHow toEnjoy the Holidays Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly QuizAm I Girly Quiz

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Make OutHow toMake Out

Featured Articles

200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like Lies170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me QuizIs He Interested In Me Quiz

Featured Articles

15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It) Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)When Will I Get My First Kiss QuizWhen Will I Get My First Kiss Quiz17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Have I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizAm I a Furry QuizAm I a Furry QuizAm I Annoying QuizAm I Annoying QuizHow Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Quizzes & Games

Am I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizMemory TestMemory TestTake QuizAm I Smarter than a 5th Grader QuizAm I Smarter than a 5th Grader QuizTake QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Swimming Pools
  • Swimming Pool Water Treatment
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --557

Tag » How To Add Salt To Pool