When to add salt

[RenegadeT]

I'm reading as much as I can here, trying to make this pool care second nature to me. I encountered advice in this thread (http://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/74142-Help-with-my-test-results) and was surprised by the recommendation to add salt last. I didn't think the salt concentration affected the test results much, and i would've thought to add the salt right away, to make sure the SWG had ample supply to chlorinate, plus I hate when I see the 'low salt warning' flashing on the controller.
I didn't want to hijack that thread...why add the salt last?

 

[Richard320]

You add the salt last because you want to get everything else balanced first. It's one less variable to play with. Lots of people have to start the season doing a major cleanout. Why add salt only to lose it right away to backwashing?

 

[RenegadeT]

Back washing...good point, but that doesn't apply to cartridge filter systems. What other measurements does increasing the salt ppm affect? I was under the impression low salt level could be bad for the SWG. Not trying to be argumentative, just trying to get a better understanding of this. Thanks.

 

[woodyp]

Salt won't effect any other levels. The SWG just won't produce chlorine if it's too low.