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Pool Salt Calculator

Reviewed 2026-04

Enter your pool size and current salt level. Get the exact number of bags needed with staged dosing instructions and product links.

Built on CDC and ANSI pool-water standards

Don't know? Try:

Know your exact size? Use the Volume Calculator →

Check your SWG display or test kit

Model range: 2700–3400 ppm. Read the manual. CircuPool SJ ideal is 4,000–4,500 ppm; the preset uses its lower ideal endpoint.

Confirm your inputs

Examples remain unconfirmed until you check each value. Confirm fresh test results and your measured pool volume before using a dose. Editing a value clears its confirmation.

Popular pool salt brands

Enter your pool data above for personalized quantities

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Top Pick

Morton

Pool Salt · 40 lb bag

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How many bags of salt does your pool need?

Pre-calculated salt requirements for common pool sizes. Use the calculator above for your exact level.

Pool SizeTo Raise 500 ppmTo Raise 1,000 ppmTo Raise 2,000 ppmTo Reach 3,200 ppm (from 0)
5,000 gal21 lbs (1 bag)42 lbs (2 bags)83 lbs (3 bags)133 lbs (4 bags)
10,000 gal42 lbs (2 bags)83 lbs (3 bags)167 lbs (5 bags)267 lbs (7 bags)
15,000 gal63 lbs (2 bags)125 lbs (4 bags)250 lbs (7 bags)400 lbs (11 bags)
20,000 gal83 lbs (3 bags)167 lbs (5 bags)334 lbs (9 bags)534 lbs (14 bags)
25,000 gal104 lbs (3 bags)209 lbs (6 bags)417 lbs (11 bags)667 lbs (17 bags)

Formula: (ppm increase × gallons × 8.34) ÷ 1,000,000 → lbs → ÷ 40 bags. Source: ANSI pool-water standard.

Got your answer? Morton Pool & Spa Salt is the most widely stocked 40 lb bag.

Check price on Amazon →

Frequently asked questions

What salt target should I use?

Identify the generator model and use its current manual. The named presets are Hayward AquaRite 900 AQR925/AQR940: target 3,200 ppm, operating range 2,700–3,400; and CircuPool SJ15/20/40/55: selected target 4,000 ppm within its 4,000–4,500 ideal range, minimum 3,500 and upper operating value 5,000. Other models require their own verified custom limits.

How much salt should I add first?

The total estimate follows the salt mass balance for the entered volume and measured salt gap. The first addition is 60% of that estimate to limit overshoot when volume or testing is uncertain. Wait at least 48 hours or longer if the manual requires, retest independently and recalculate. Do not automatically add the original remainder.

Should I drain a pool that is above its salt target?

Above a chosen target does not necessarily mean above the cell’s operating range. Check the exact model and confirm the reading. If exchange is needed, concentration arithmetic is not a drain procedure: pool construction, liner support and groundwater require assessment before lowering water. Use a qualified professional’s exchange plan.

Can I turn the generator on immediately?

Follow both the pool finish builder and the generator manual. New/resurfaced plaster may need a curing delay; CircuPool SJ specifies at least 30 days or longer if the builder requires. Keep the cell off until salt is dissolved and independently verified within that model’s range. An existing-pool conversion is different from new plaster.

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How we calculate this
Our formulas follow ANSI pool-water standards and are validated against CDC pool-water health code guidelines. We show you the math so you can verify every result. Questions or corrections? Please contact us.