Adding Swimming Pool Salt

To Initially start a pool with the correct amount of salt,
Add Salt to the pool at the rate of:

6 grams (0.006 Kilograms) of salt for every 1 Litre of water
or
0.05 Pounds (0.22 ounces) of salt for every 1 US Gallon of water. 

On average per year, your pool will lose approximately 1/3 of its pool water each year. Therefore the pool will need replenishing with salt to maintain the level at approximately 6000ppm*, This is normally about 100Kg or 220 Pounds per year.

Salt is not lost through the process of chlorine manufacture (electrolysis), only through Splash-out, Backwashing, Draining or Excess Rain. (whenever water is lost from the pool) The average pool loses about one third of its pool water each year.

* 6000 PPM is the Ideal Salt Level for all Watermaid Chlorinators however for Watermaid Units that are less than 8 years old, lower or higher Salt levels may be used from 4000 - 35,000 PPM (Seawater). At less than 6000 PPM - Chlorine production may not be sufficient.

In Australia a 25Kg bag is commonly found.     In the USA a 40lb bag is commonly found.

How Do I know when my Salt Level is Low ?

1. The Amperage Reading on the Panel Meter will drop. A normal reading for an average size pool should be between 12 - 20 Amps. If the amperage reading drops below this, check the salt level, either by taking a sample to a pool shop and have them tell you the level in parts per million (ppm)or by simply tasting the water (should be pleasant to taste with a hint of salt in it.)

2. Chlorine Tests will show Low or Zero readings

3. The Pool may not be in its normal crystal clear condition.

The BEST TYPE of SALT to use ?

The best type of salt to use is Fine or Coarse Rock Sea Salt (NaCl) that is specifically recommended for use with salt water swimming pool chlorinators. This type of salt contains the least amount of impurities and is normally sold at Pool Shops, Hardware Stores, some Supermarkets or Farm Produce Merchants.

Some customers have asked if Potassium Chloride (KCl) can be used. YES it can but it is far more expensive, usually around five times the price of Sodium Chloride (NaCL)

The type of salt that you DO NOT want to add to the pool is Salt that contains a Free Flowing Agent (containing Sodium Meta-Silicate) The use of this agent will cloud and foul up your pool.