You only need pool salt if you have a saltwater chlorinator system installed. Traditional chlorine pools don't use salt, while saltwater pools require 3,200-4,000 ppm of salt to operate properly.
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You only need pool salt if you have a saltwater chlorine generator (salt chlorinator) installed in your pool system. Traditional pools use liquid chlorine, tablets, or granular chlorine and don't require salt. If you have a saltwater system, you'll need to maintain 3,200-4,000 ppm of salt for proper operation.
The easiest way to know if you need salt is to look at your pool equipment. Walk to your pool's equipment pad and look for a salt chlorine generator - it's typically a rectangular or cylindrical unit connected to your plumbing with an electrical control panel. Popular brands include Pentair IntelliChlor, Hayward AquaRite, and Jandy AquaPure systems.
If you see one of these units, you have a saltwater pool and need to maintain proper salt levels. If you only see a traditional pump, filter, and heater without a salt generator, you have a conventional chlorine pool and don't need salt.
Saltwater pools don't actually swim in salt water like the ocean. Instead, they use salt to generate chlorine through a process called electrolysis. The salt chlorine generator passes pool water through an electrolytic cell that converts dissolved salt (sodium chloride) into hypochlorous acid - the same sanitizing agent found in liquid chlorine.
This system provides several advantages: steadier chlorine levels, softer-feeling water, and reduced need to handle chlorine chemicals. However, it requires maintaining proper salt levels, typically costs more upfront, and needs specific water chemistry parameters.
If you have a saltwater system, maintain salt levels between 3,200-4,000 ppm, with most manufacturers recommending 3,400 ppm as the sweet spot. Test salt levels monthly using a digital salt test meter - test strips are notoriously inaccurate for salt testing.
To calculate salt needed, use this formula: (Target ppm - Current ppm) × Pool gallons ÷ 1,000,000 × 8.35 = pounds of salt needed. For example, if your 20,000-gallon pool tests at 2,800 ppm and you want 3,400 ppm: (3,400 - 2,800) × 20,000 ÷ 1,000,000 × 8.35 = 100 pounds of salt needed.
When adding salt, use pure sodium chloride pool salt - never use table salt, rock salt, or salt with additives. Popular brands include Morton Pool Salt and Diamond Crystal Pool Salt. Add salt gradually over 2-3 days for large additions to prevent equipment damage.
Saltwater pools require specific chemistry parameters different from traditional pools. Maintain pH between 7.4-7.6, as salt systems tend to drive pH higher. Target total alkalinity between 60-80 ppm (lower than traditional pools) to help control pH drift.
Cyanuric acid (CYA) should be maintained at 70-80 ppm for saltwater pools - higher than traditional pools because the constant chlorine generation requires more stabilizer. Test and adjust these levels weekly, as proper chemistry extends cell life and ensures effective sanitization.
Traditional chlorine pools use liquid chlorine, tablets, or granular chlorine added manually or through automatic feeders. These pools typically have lower operating costs but require more frequent chemical additions and monitoring. They don't need salt but require regular chlorine purchases.
Saltwater pools have higher upfront costs ($1,500-$4,000 for equipment) but lower ongoing chemical costs. The salt cell typically lasts 3-7 years depending on usage and maintenance, costing $300-$800 to replace. Water feels softer and many people find it less irritating to skin and eyes.
Many pool owners add salt unnecessarily after being told by pool stores they "need more chemicals." Salt levels decrease very slowly - only through splash-out, backwashing, or draining. Don't add salt based on low chlorine readings; instead, check your generator's operation and cell condition.
Safety warning: Never add salt to a pool without a salt chlorine generator. This won't sanitize your water and can damage pool surfaces and equipment not designed for salt exposure.
Converting from traditional chlorine to saltwater requires installing a salt chlorine generator compatible with your pool size and plumbing. Professional installation typically costs $2,000-$5,000 including equipment. Consider factors like local electricity costs, as salt systems use more power than simple chlorine addition methods.
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