Tired of the harsh smell of chlorine stinging your eyes? Imagine swimming in water that feels softer, cleaner, and just plain better. That dream often leads pool owners straight to the topic of pool salt. But as soon as you start looking, a new problem pops up: which salt should you actually buy? It seems simple, right? Just add salt! Yet, the shelves are full of different types—solar salt, evaporated salt, even mined salt. Choosing the wrong one can lead to cloudy water, equipment damage, or just not getting that silky-smooth swimming experience you paid for.
Understanding the difference between these options is key to a happy, low-maintenance pool. You want clear water without constantly worrying about your heater or liner. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what each type of pool salt does, how it affects your system, and which one is the perfect fit for your backyard oasis. Get ready to stop guessing and start enjoying perfectly balanced pool chemistry.
Top Pool Salt Recommendations
- High purity
- Designed for use with salt water chlorinators
- Available in a 40lb size
- Power source type: Air Powered
- Pool and spa salt for chlorine generators supports clear water and easy maintenance
- Fast-dissolving formula works quickly for improved water balance and clarity
- Designed for pools and hot tubs using automatic chlorination systems
- Ideal for both new and existing water systems in spas or above ground pools
- Ample 40-pound bag raises salt level by 480 ppm per 10,000 gallons of pool water
- Salt Chlorination Cells Compatible with Hayward Salt Cell T-15, W3T-CELL-15, GLX-CELL-15-W;
- T-15 Salt Cell Replacement is for Pools up to 40000 Gallons;
- W3T-Cell-15 Salt Cell Compatible for Salt & Swim, for AquaRite, for AquaTrol Chlorination Systems;
- Save Up to 50% or More Compared to Conventional Chlorine;
- Reliable Performance.
- Quick-Dissolving Formula – Fine-grade pool salt dissolves in under 3 minutes, helping you enjoy clean, clear water more quickly.
- All-Natural Ingredients – High-purity, naturally sourced salt helps maintain crystal-clear water without the need for additional chemicals.
- Gentle on Swimmers & Swimwear – Kind to hair, skin, and eyes, while helping reduce fading and wear on swimwear.
- Chlorine-Free Experience – Reduces dependence on harsh chemicals and eliminates strong chlorine odors for a more enjoyable swim.
- User-Friendly Design – Sturdy 40 lb bag features a built-in hard handle and easy-tear spout for hassle-free lifting, opening, and pouring.
- Quick-Dissolving Formula – Fine-grade salt dissolves in under 3 minutes for faster, cleaner pool water
- All-Natural Ingredients – Naturally derived salt helps maintain sparkling clarity without added chemicals.
- Gentle on Swimmers & Gear – Softer on hair, skin, and eyes while helping protect swimwear from fading
- Chlorine-Free Experience – Reduces the need for harsh chemicals and avoids strong chlorine odors
- User-Friendly Design – Sturdy 40 lb. bag with a hard handle and easy-tear spout for effortless use
- Pool and spa salt for chlorine generators supports clear water and easy maintenance
- Fast-dissolving formula works quickly for improved water balance and clarity
- Designed for pools and hot tubs using automatic chlorination systems
- Ideal for both new and existing water systems in spas or above ground pools
- Ample 40-pound bag raises salt level by 480 ppm per 10,000 gallons of pool water
- 【2nd Gen 10,000-Hours Lifespan – Same Quality as Hayward Salt generator】 This Upgraded Blue Works salt cell matches Hayward’s 10,000-hours working standard – You’re not just buying a replacement; you’re getting a premium, long-lasting part at a fraction of the brand-name cost. Save money on frequent replacements AND get reliable performance that won’t let you down mid-swim season.
- 【Perfect Replacement for Hayward – Works with Firmware r1.5+!】 Our salt generator is fully compatible with Hayward Turbo Cell T-15 T-Cell-15 BLT15H BLW1T15H Goldline AquaRite, AquaRite Pro, SwimPure Plus, SwimPure Plus with control unit salt chlorination systems, as well as Hayward AquaPlus, ProLogic, and OmniLogic, OmniHub automation systems.No guesswork, no adaptation needed. Just install and enjoy smooth, seamless operation just like the original.
- 【Gentle on Skin & Eyes – Family-Friendly for Kids, Seniors & Sensitive Skin!】 Engineered to generate ultra-pure, mild chlorine from salt – Perfect for families with little ones, elderly loved ones, or anyone with sensitive skin. Keeps your 40000 gallon Inground pool crystal-clear and silky-soft, so every swim is comfortable and worry-free.
- 【15-Minute Easy Installation – No Pro Needed!】 Designed for hassle-free setup: follow the included manual, and you’ll have this salt cell installed in minutes (no professional plumbing skills required!). Built for inground pool with large-capacity performance – it works as hard as you need, so you can spend less time on maintenance and more time enjoying your pool.
- 【1-Year Warranty – Risk-Free for Your 40000 Gallon Pool!】 Crafted with corrosion-resistant titanium plates and a rugged housing to withstand sun, and the elements. Backed by a strong 1-year warranty and 90-day satisfaction guarantee. Our support team resolves issues fast and hassle-free – buy with total confidence for your 40000-gallon inground swimming pool.
- 100% pure, certified USP-Grade salt produced specifically for swimming pool and spa chlorine generators
- Distribute over the widest water surface area possible for fastest dissolve rate
- Avoid piling salt on the pool surface and brush as necessary until fully dissolved
- 40 pound bag size
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Pool Salt: Keeping Your Water Sparkling
Adding salt to your pool might sound strange, but it’s the secret to easy, clean swimming! Saltwater pools use a special system called a salt chlorine generator. This system turns the salt in the water into chlorine, which keeps your pool sanitized and safe. Choosing the right pool salt matters for your pool’s health and your wallet. Here is what you need to know before buying your next bag.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for pool salt, you want a product that works well with your equipment and keeps your water clear. Look closely at these features:
- Purity Level: This is the most important feature. High-purity salt means fewer unwanted minerals floating in your pool. Aim for salt that is 99.6% pure or higher. Cleaner salt protects your pool equipment.
- Grain Size (Granulation): Pool salt comes in different sizes. Fine grain dissolves faster, which is great if you need to raise your salt level quickly. Medium or large crystals dissolve slower, offering a steady release. Check your salt system manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Anti-Caking Agents: Salt can clump up in humid storage. Some brands add agents to prevent this. This makes pouring and measuring easier for you.
Important Materials: What Makes Good Pool Salt
Pool salt is almost always Sodium Chloride (NaCl). However, the quality of that Sodium Chloride changes everything.
Sodium Chloride Purity
The best pool salt uses high-quality, evaporated salt. This process removes most of the natural impurities found in mined salt. Impurities like calcium, magnesium, or iron can cause scale buildup on your pool surfaces and cloud your water.
Additives (or Lack Thereof)
Avoid using water softening salt or regular table salt in your pool. Table salt often has iodine and anti-caking agents that can stain your pool liner or plaster. Good pool salt should have very few additives.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The materials used directly impact how well the salt works and how long your equipment lasts.
Quality Improvers:
- Solar or Vacuum Evaporated Salt: These methods create the purest salt, which dissolves easily and leaves behind less residue. This purity protects your salt cell.
- Proper Storage: Buying salt that has been kept dry ensures it won’t be caked solid when you buy it.
Quality Reducers:
- High Impurity Levels: If the salt has too many extra minerals, these minerals build up on your salt cell. This buildup makes the cell work harder and shortens its lifespan.
- Moisture Content: Wet salt clumps together. You might struggle to pour the correct amount into the pool.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using the right pool salt makes pool maintenance much simpler. Saltwater pools offer a softer water feel compared to traditionally chlorinated pools.
Easy Maintenance
Once you add the initial dose of salt, you only add more salt when you add fresh water (like after heavy rain or backwashing). You are not constantly buying and measuring liquid chlorine. This saves time and trips to the pool store.
Compatibility
Always check your salt chlorine generator manual. Some older or budget systems might require a specific type of salt or a slightly different salt level. Most modern systems work perfectly with high-purity evaporated salt.
Pool Salt Buying Guide: 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between pool salt and table salt?
A: Pool salt is almost pure Sodium Chloride. Table salt has added iodine and anti-caking agents that can stain your pool liner or plaster.
Q: How much salt do I need to add to my pool?
A: This depends on your pool size and the required salt level for your generator. Most pools need between 3,000 to 4,000 pounds of salt for the initial fill. Always check your generator’s manual for the exact parts per million (PPM) target.
Q: Does pool salt ever “wear out” or need to be replaced?
A: No. The salt itself stays in the pool. It is converted into chlorine, which then breaks down. You only add more salt when water is lost through splashing, draining, or backwashing.
Q: Will the salt ruin my pool liner or equipment?
A: High-purity salt will not damage standard vinyl, fiberglass, or plaster pools when used at the correct levels. Impure salt, however, can cause scale buildup on surfaces.
Q: How long does it take for the salt to dissolve completely?
A: Fine grain salt dissolves quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours. Larger crystals might take a few days. Running your pump helps speed up the process.
Q: Can I use water softener salt instead of pool salt?
A: It is best not to. Water softener salt often contains high amounts of calcium, which can lead to scale buildup on your salt cell and pool surfaces.
Q: What is the ideal salinity level for a saltwater pool?
A: Most salt chlorine generators work best between 3,000 and 3,500 PPM. This is much lower than ocean water, so your pool will not taste very salty.
Q: How do I test the salt level in my pool?
A: You can use a digital salt tester, a specific salt test strip, or take a water sample to your local pool store for a comprehensive test.
Q: What happens if I add too much salt?
A: If the salt level is too high, your salt cell might produce too much chlorine, potentially damaging the cell or fading your pool liner. You must dilute the pool by adding fresh water.
Q: Where should I store extra bags of pool salt?
A: Store bags in a cool, dry place, like a shed or garage. Keeping them dry prevents them from clumping together before you need to use them.