How do I raise the salt level in my pool?

To raise the salt level in your pool, you'll need to add salt. The amount depends on your pool's volume and current salt level.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Determine your pool's current salt level: Use a salt test kit or take a water sample to your local pool supply store for testing.

2. Determine your pool's volume (in gallons): If you don't know the volume, you can usually find it in your pool's documentation. If not, you can estimate it using the following formulas:

   • Rectangular Pools: Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.5 = Gallons
   • Round Pools: π (3.14) x Radius² x Average Depth x 7.5 = Gallons (Radius is half the diameter)
   • Oval Pools: (Length x Width) x Average Depth x 6.7 = Gallons

3. Determine the desired salt level: Most salt chlorine generators require a salt level between 2500-4000 ppm (parts per million). Check your generator's manual for the recommended level. A common target is around 3200 ppm.

4. Calculate the amount of salt needed: A general guideline is that approximately 30 pounds of salt is needed for every 1,000 gallons of water to raise the salt level. Here's a simplified formula to determine how much salt to add:

   Salt Needed (lbs) = (Desired Salt Level - Current Salt Level) / 1000  x Pool Volume (Gallons) x 0.8345

   Or, using a more practical approach:

   Estimate: 30 lbs of salt will raise the level about 100 ppm in 10,000 gallons.

   Example:

   • You have a 20,000-gallon pool.

   • Your current salt level is 2000 ppm.

   • Your desired salt level is 3200 ppm.

   • Difference: 3200 ppm - 2000 ppm = 1200 ppm

   • Salt needed: (1200/1000) 20,000 0.008345 = 200.28 lbs (approximately)

     An alternative approach: You need to increase by 12 "hundreds" of ppm, and you have two "ten thousands" of gallons, so 12 2 = 24. Then multiply by 10 lbs per 1,000 gallons, or 24 10 = 240 lb. Close to 200.

     Using the 30/1,000 rule: (30/1,000) 20,000 1.2 = 720 lb. Too high because it's not adjusted for the starting salt level!

     The first equation seems to be the best. Let's try another:
     *You have 10,000 gallons. You need to add 1,000 ppm.

     • (1,000/1,000) 10,000 0.008345 = 83.45 lb. Let's round to 84. Does that sound right? If the 30lbs/1000 rule is right, we'd only need 30 10 (1,000 ppm) = 300 lb. No way, right? Let's adjust:
       If 30 lb raises the level by 100 ppm in 10,000 gallons, and we need to raise by 1000 ppm, that's 300lb. That sounds right.

5. Add the salt:

   • Turn off your salt chlorine generator.
   • Add the salt directly to the pool, preferably in a shallow area or around the perimeter.
   • Use pool-grade salt (sodium chloride) designed for salt chlorine generators. Avoid using rock salt or table salt, as they may contain impurities.
   • Brush the salt around to help it dissolve faster. Alternatively, add the salt to a bucket of water, dissolve it, then pour the saltwater mixture into the pool.
   • Run your pool pump for 24 hours to circulate the water and help the salt dissolve completely.

6. Re-test the salt level: After 24 hours, re-test the salt level to ensure it's within the desired range. If needed, add more salt in smaller increments until you reach the target level.

Important Considerations:

• Use the Correct Type of Salt: Pool-grade salt is essential for proper operation and prevents damage to your equipment.
• Gradual Increases: It's always better to add salt in smaller increments and retest rather than adding too much at once.
• Salt Chlorine Generator Settings: Once your salt level is correct, adjust the settings on your salt chlorine generator according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Regular Testing: Monitor your salt level regularly (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly) to maintain the proper chlorine production and water balance.

Raising the salt level in your pool requires careful calculation and monitoring to ensure optimal performance of your salt chlorine generator and a comfortable swimming experience.