Pool Salt Calculator
Saltwater pools usually aim for about 3,000–3,400 ppm, but the right dose depends on how many gallons you have and what your test strip reads today. This worked example uses 10,000 gallons, 2,000 ppm now, and a 3,200 ppm target — about 100 pounds of salt, or three 40 lb bags with 20 pounds left over.
Enter gallons directly, or switch to length × width × average depth in feet (× 7.48 for gallons). Use the controls below for your readings and bag size. This is not a chlorine or shock calculator.
Circulate for a full day and retest before adding more. Brush piles on the floor so they dissolve.
Result
| Pool volume | 10,000 gal |
|---|---|
| Raise salinity by | 1,200 ppm |
| Salt to add | 100 lb |
| 40 lb bags (rounded up) | 3 |
| Leftover after bags | 20 lb |
About 1 lb of salt per 1,000 gallons raises salinity roughly 120 ppm. Estimates only — confirm with your test kit.
More pool salt presets
Pool salt and testing supplies
- 40 lb bags of pool salt for saltwater chlorinator systems (opens in new tab)
- Salt test strips or a digital salt meter for ppm readings (opens in new tab)
- A wide-mouth bucket or scoop for pouring salt away from the skimmer (opens in new tab)
- Pool brush to spread piles on the floor while the pump runs (opens in new tab)
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