Pool Salt - What is it and why is it important?

What is Pool Salt?

Pool salt is used by a saltwater chlorine generator (aka SWG) to generate chlorine for sanitizing your pool (or spa). It is actually the same compound as table salt, sodium chloride (NaCl). The difference between the two is that pool salt is more coarse and comes in larger bulk consumer packaging.

What Form(s) Does Pool Salt Come In And How Do I Use It?

Pool salt is typically sold in 40 pound bags and is between 95% to 99% pure sodium chloride granules/crystals.

The salt is poured directly into the water with the pump running and it should be brushed to completely dissolve after adding.

Safety Information About Pool Salt

Pool salt is not a reactive chemical like others used to balance water chemistry and can be easily and safely added to your pool (or spa). Always read the manufacturer’s instructions for application and storage.

You should practice careful lifting techniques given that the bags are heavy, always lift with your legs and not your back.

Interesting Fact About Pool Salt

Salt was so valuable in ancient Rome that soldiers were sometimes paid with it. In fact, the word ‘salary’ comes from the Latin word sal, for salt. When a soldier was doing a lousy job, his pay cheque might be cut, which is how we got the expression “not worth his salt”.

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