Adding salt

Dwiessner · 2025-05-10T12:46:01-0400

Me again. After the cya debacle, I'm super cautious about adding stuff to the pool that's hard to correct. And since I'm not sure how big my pool is, I can't reliably use pool math for chemical addition. I think it's in the neighborhood of 10-14k gal. Very freeform fiberglass.

That said, I'm adding salt slowly, especially since my fc is so high right now and don't need the swg immediately. How long between additions is the minimum I should wait for reliable tests with water temp of 80 and pump running about 2200 rpm?

Salt started at 1625. Swg calls for 3600 ideal. Pool math calls for a touch over 4 bags based on 10k pool. I just spread out one bag, and plan to add 1 bag at a time and test after each bag, but if i have to wait a full 24 hours, I might add a second bag now, since I'm pretty sure I will need at least 4. Thoughts?

Mdragger88 · 2025-05-10T12:51:06-0400

I would add 1/2 of what poolmath calls for then wait 48 hours & retest

Mdragger88 · 2025-05-10T12:54:37-0400

As you go forward you can use your acid additions & subsequent results to help dial in your volume in poolmath. Acid doesn’t degrade like liquid chlorine so it can be a little more accurate of a judge.
If you know the make & model of your pool the manufacturer should be able to provide you with a volume also.

Dwiessner · 2025-05-10T13:04:29-0400

I wish there was ANY identifying mark on the pool. When I bought the house, the solar heater receipt was in there and it said 10k, but that was added well after the pool. Leslies said 13k based on dimensions, but the same guy tried to explain how I could turn my swg off because it wastes salt and the salt is what keeps algae away, and that's how he keeps his own pool so clean, so yeah... I base calculations on the low end of 10k, to err on the side of caution, but it always seems low, so pretty sure it's bigger than 10k.

That said, good points above. I'll add the second bag now, test on Monday evening, and go from there. Thanks!

Mdragger88 · 2025-05-10T13:20:13-0400

Good call!

Bperry · 2025-05-10T13:56:35-0400

Dwiessner said:
I wish there was ANY identifying mark on the pool. When I bought the house, the solar heater receipt was in there and it said 10k, but that was added well after the pool. Leslies said 13k based on dimensions, but the same guy tried to explain how I could turn my swg off because it wastes salt and the salt is what keeps algae away, and that's how he keeps his own pool so clean, so yeah... I base calculations on the low end of 10k, to err on the side of caution, but it always seems low, so pretty sure it's bigger than 10k.

That said, good points above. I'll add the second bag now, test on Monday evening, and go from there. Thanks!

Whatever you do, don’t trust the salt reading on the SWG equipment. It’s often not matching real salt level. Use the real Taylor salt test and sneak up on your goal.

Dwiessner · 2025-05-10T15:42:36-0400

Rgr, and thanks. My swg only has low and high salt indicators anyway. Using taylor kit for actual measurements. With that said, though, when those lights are on, do swg's still generate chlorine?

Bperry · 2025-05-10T15:56:57-0400

Dwiessner said:
Rgr, and thanks. My swg only has low and high salt indicators anyway. Using taylor kit for actual measurements. With that said, though, when those lights are on, do swg's still generate chlorine?

I think it’ll generate when salt is a little high but not when it’s too low. If the machine is happy with the amount of salt, then you can leave it alone. If you go away for a while, maybe best to make sure it’s not too close to the minimum.

EmilyOTR · 2025-05-10T16:06:21-0400

I also don't know my pool volume, I think it's about 14,000. I guessed it was 15,000 based on something here I can't recall, (search what size is my pool or something) and when I add chemicals it's always a little over I think. I'd use 10,000 and see how your chemical additions do. if pool math is set to 10k, I think you are ok adding the salt, if you know it's not smaller? iif it's a little high no big deal.