Salt Water Pool & Stabilizer Calculator

How this is calculated

• Most salt chlorine generators target 2,700 to 3,400 ppm salinity; 3,200 ppm is a common set point. Check the cell manufacturer's range before dosing.
• 8.35 lb of pool salt per 1,000 gallons raises salinity about 1,000 ppm.
• Cyanuric acid targets 30 to 50 ppm on a chlorine pool and 60 to 80 ppm on a salt pool, where the cell benefits from extra UV protection.
• About 13 oz of stabilizer per 10,000 gallons raises CYA roughly 10 ppm.
• CYA cannot be chemically removed. To reduce it, replace water: draining X% of the volume lowers CYA by X%.
• Broadcast salt over the deep end with the pump running and brush it until dissolved; do not run the cell for 24 hours after a large addition.

Figures follow commonly published residential pool references and are guidance, not a substitute for testing your own water. Always follow the product label and add one chemical at a time.

Frequently asked

How much salt does a 15,000 gallon pool need?

Starting from zero at a 3,200 ppm target, about 400 lb, or eight 50 lb bags. From a reading of 2,400 ppm, the same pool needs roughly 100 lb to close the 800 ppm gap.

Can salinity be too high?

Yes. Above the cell's rated range the generator may fault out, and persistently high salinity accelerates corrosion of ladders, rails and stone coping. The only fix is dilution with fresh water.

Why is my salt cell producing no chlorine?

Common causes in order: salinity below range, water temperature under about 60F, calcium scale on the plates, low stabilizer letting output burn off in sunlight, or a cell at the end of its 3-to-7-year life. Test salinity and inspect the plates before replacing anything.

How do I lower cyanuric acid?

Drain and refill. To go from 100 ppm to 50 ppm, replace about half the water. Do it in stages in high-water-table areas, and never fully drain a plaster pool without professional guidance.