How pool salt dosing works
Saltwater pools use a chlorine generator that needs the water to sit within a specific salt concentration range, typically around 2,700 to 3,400 parts per million (ppm) depending on the equipment manufacturer. Adding the right amount of salt raises the concentration to your target level without overshooting.
How this calculator works
The calculator uses the standard pool-industry formula: pounds of salt needed = (target ppm – current ppm) x pool volume in gallons x 8.34 (pounds per gallon of water), divided by 1,000,000 to convert the ppm ratio correctly. It also converts the result into an approximate number of standard 40-pound bags.
Always test your pool’s current salt level with a reliable test kit or your salt cell’s reading first, add salt gradually, and check your chlorinator manufacturer’s specific target range before finalizing your dose.