Pool Salt Calculator

Calculate how many pounds of salt to add to reach your salt chlorinator's target level.

gal
ppm
ppm
Most chlorine generators want 2,700–3,400 ppm; check your cell's manual.

Salt to add

534 lb

  • 40 lb bags14
  • Kilograms242.1 kg

Estimates only. Round up when you order, and confirm structural details with your local building code.

How to use it

  1. Enter pool volume in gallons.
  2. Enter the current salt reading.
  3. Enter the target from your chlorinator manual.

The formula

Salt (lb) = gallons × (target ppm − current ppm) × 8.34 ÷ 1,000,000

Worked example

Pool volume20000 gal
Current salt level0 ppm
Target salt level3200 ppm

Result

Salt to add534 lb
40 lb bags14
Kilograms242.1 kg

Tips before you order

  • Add salt gradually, brush it to dissolve and re-test after 24 hours of circulation.
  • Use pool-grade salt that's at least 99% pure sodium chloride.

Questions

How much salt for a 20,000 gallon pool?

About 534 lb to go from 0 to 3,200 ppm — about 14 bags of 40 lb.