When adding salt to the pool

tlevy · Jun 9, 2016

I am getting mixed messages about whether the SWG needs to be shut off when adding salt ro the pool. I am about to add 20 kg of salt to top up my salt levels. Some folks suggest turning of the generator for 24 hrs, running pump for 24 hrs, them turning SWG on, and continue to run pump for a further 24 hrs. My sense is this would make sense if I am adding 10 or so 20 kilo bags, but with a single bag this seems like overkill.

Thoughts? What am I missing?

68,000litre, IG vinyl, LorentzPS 600 Solar Pump & 1/2 HP Tristar, Sandfilter, Aquarite T-15 SWG

devroute · Jun 9, 2016

I think you'll be fine leaving it on for a single bag add. I do it.

pooldv · Jun 9, 2016

Especially if you brush a little to dissolve it quicker.

tlevy · Jun 9, 2016

I always do a good "manual mix" with the brush. Seems to be benign enough with just one bag. Thanks for the reassurance all!

68,000litre, IG vinyl, LorentzPS 600 Solar Pump & 1/2 HP Tristar, Sandfilter, Aquarite T-15 SWG

JamesW · Jun 10, 2016

If you have a main drain, I would suggest turning the cell off for about an hour because the salt is heavier than water and will sink to the lowest spot. The main drain will suck in the extra salty water and could overamp the system.

tlevy · Jun 10, 2016

I don't have a main drain. One skimmer, two returns.

68,000litre, IG vinyl, LorentzPS 600 Solar Pump & 1/2 HP Tristar, Sandfilter, Aquarite T-15 SWG

Ocgasman · Jun 10, 2016

I leave the SWG on when adding only one bag, but I always brush the salt I see settling on the floor. I turn off my main drain and use skimmer only.

mikemass · Jun 10, 2016

My process is I dump all the salt I need at the time on the top step of the shallow end. Its a free form pool with all curved edges. So I can now sweep the salt along the wall in the shallow end where it is easier to brush. As it is dissolving I will start to brush it down the slope toward the deep end. By the time I get it to the deep end it is all but gone. I will leave my main drain off just in case during this process. Full suction via the skimmers.

jblizzle · Jun 10, 2016

I agree the SWG off thing makes more sense when adding a LOT of salt.

I have added in a few bags with everything running. I just put them in the shallow end (for the kids to play with) away from the floor drain and the skimmer so the salt is well mixed before getting pulled into the pump.