Why salt pools are different

Salt pools aren’t chlorine‑free. A salt chlorine generator (SCG or “salt cell”) converts dissolved salt into chlorine through electrolysis. The payoff is steadier sanitizer and a softer water feel—if you keep salt, pH, and stabilizer (CYA) in range.

• Target salt level: follow your brand’s manual; most run best around 2,700–3,400 ppm (many aim for ~3,200 ppm).

• Salt doesn’t evaporate: it’s lost to splash‑out, backwashing, and draining. Test monthly and after heavy rain or water replacement.

• pH drift: cells naturally push pH up. Plan for small, regular muriatic acid tweaks.

Local note: Chemicals deliver free next‑day in Hillsborough County (no minimum). Outside Hillsborough, chemicals are local‑only; equipment ships nationwide with a quote‑by‑address.

Your 20‑minute weekly loop

1. Test first — pH, total alkalinity (TA), free chlorine (FC), and salt if it’s been a month or you’ve had storms.

2. Adjust pH — Ideal 7.4–7.6. If high, dose muriatic acid in small split additions, pump running; wait 30–60 minutes and retest.

3. Check CYA — Aim 60–80 ppm for salt pools so your chlorine lasts in Tampa sun.

4. Cell output & runtime — Match production to the season. Hot weeks or parties? Bump output or run time.

5. Night shock (as needed) — Shock at dusk and circulate 8+ hours after storms, algae, or heavy use.

6. Quick brush & basket clean — Keep surfaces slick‑free and maintain flow so the cell can work.

Helpful links: Pool Salt • Muriatic Acid & Water Balancers • Stabilizer (CYA) • Chlorine & Shock • Test Kits • Salt Cells & Systems

How much salt to add (fast math + dosing table)

Rule of thumb: one 40 lb pool‑grade salt bag raises ~480 ppm in 10,000 gallons.
Bags needed ≈ ÷ 480.

Example: 15,000 gal from 2,000 → 3,400 ppm: Δ = 1,400 ppm. 1,400 ÷ 480 = 2.92, × 1.5 = 4.38 → 5 bags.
Add gradually, run pump for 24 hours, then retest before adding more.

Quick dosing table to reach ≈3,200 ppm

Current salt	10,000 gal	20,000 gal	30,000 gal
0 ppm	267 lbs	533 lbs	800 lbs
1,000 ppm	183 lbs	367 lbs	550 lbs
2,000 ppm	100 lbs	200 lbs	300 lbs
3,000 ppm	17 lbs	33 lbs	50 lbs

Always check your system’s exact target and consult the manual. Use only high‑purity pool salt (no additives/anti‑caking agents).

Managing pH with acid (the simple way)

• Expect a slow upward pH drift from the generator.

• Start with small doses; a practical heuristic is ~12 fl oz of 31.45% muriatic acid to lower ~0.2 pH in 10,000 gallons at moderate TA. Your pool may vary—dose in parts and retest.

• Keep TA roughly 70–90 ppm (many salt pools are happiest slightly lower). Lower TA gently if pH rises too quickly.

Safety: Wear protection, add acid to water (never the reverse), pour slowly in front of a return with pump running, and store away from chlorine.

Salt cell care (quick, preventative maintenance)

• Inspect every 2–3 months for white scale on the plates; scale reduces chlorine output.

• Clean only when needed using your brand’s instructions (often a mild acid bath with a cleaning stand). Over‑cleaning shortens life.

• Ensure good flow and clean filter media; poor circulation = poor production.

• If output drops: confirm salt ppm, CYA, water temperature, and look for scale or a dirty filter.

Tampa storm playbook for salt pools

• After heavy rain: test salt & pH, run pump longer, and empty baskets.

• If water turns dull/green: brush, shock at night, and run 8–24 hours depending on severity.

• Recheck salt and adjust only after circulation has mixed everything for a day.

FAQ

Do I need chlorine tablets in a salt pool?
Not routinely. Your generator makes chlorine. If you use tablets temporarily, remember they’re stabilized and will raise CYA.

How often should I test salt?
Monthly in normal weather, plus after storms, top‑offs, or backwashing.

Can I use water‑softener or rock salt?
Use pool‑grade salt (high purity, no additives). Other salts can stain or cloud the water.

How long after adding salt can I turn on the cell?
Let the pump run 24 hours to fully dissolve and mix. Then confirm ppm and enable the cell.

Why is my pH always climbing?
Electrolysis adds aeration at the cell, nudging pH up. Keep TA slightly lower, make small acid adjustments, and ensure good circulation.

Local delivery & shipping

• Hillsborough County: chemicals deliver free next‑day (no minimum).

• Outside Hillsborough: chemicals are local delivery only. Equipment & OEM parts ship nationwide via quote‑by‑address.

Want this post split into a short “How much salt do I need?” article and a separate “pH & acid for salt pools” quick guide? I can produce both, plus add internal links to your Pool Salt, Acid, CYA, and Test Kit collections.