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Pools & WaterPool Salt Calculator — How Much Salt Do I Need?
Enter your pool’s volume in gallons, its current salt level, and your target (usually about 3,200 ppm) to get how much salt to add — in pounds and 40-lb bags.
How this calculator works
Pounds of salt = gallons × (target − current) ppm × 8.34 ÷ 1,000,000. For example, a 15,000-gallon pool going from 0 to 3,200 ppm needs about 400 lbs — ten 40-lb bags.
What changes how much you need
- Most saltwater systems target about 3,000–3,400 ppm — check your generator’s ideal range.
- Add salt gradually with the pump running, then retest before adding more; you can’t remove salt except by draining.
- Use pool-grade salt (99%+ pure) — not rock or water-softener salt with additives.
- A 40-lb bag raises about 15,000 gallons by roughly 320 ppm.
Frequently asked questions
How much salt does my pool need?
For a fresh fill to 3,200 ppm, roughly 27 lbs per 1,000 gallons. A 15,000-gallon pool needs about 400 lbs (ten 40-lb bags). Enter your numbers above for the exact amount.
What salt level should a saltwater pool be?
Usually about 3,000–3,400 ppm — check your salt chlorine generator’s recommended range and aim for the middle.
What if I add too much salt?
The only way to lower salinity is to drain and dilute with fresh water, so add gradually and retest between additions.