Softener vs pool salt

SC Pool owner

New member
Apr 20, 2024
1
Charleston. SC
What is the difference between softener salt and pool salt. From what I can tell the water softener is bigger crystals - does that mean it's harder to dissolve?

I have to put ~10 bags in. $90 for pool salt vs $70 for softener salt. If the pool salt will save me a few hours of brushing to get the salt to dissolve then I may pay extra.

Any insight/advice?

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From what I’ve been reading on other sites, the Softener Salt is better for pipes, and equipment, as well as hygiene of swimmers.
 
From what I’ve been reading on other sites,
Ask them how 100% sodium chloride is different from 100% sodium chloride, besides the size of the chunks.

Ironically, several water softener salts have additives harmful to pools. Pool salt may have accidental impurities, such as iron from mining the salt, but it wasn't put there on purpose.

I just use whichever one is cheaper. This year there was no pool salt yet because I opened early and the softener salt (the additive free one) was $8 a bag which is about the best I can ever find anyway.