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Calcimator

Salt System Sizing Calculator

Calculate the salt needed to reach target levels and determine the correct salt chlorinator cell size for your pool.

Inputs

gal
ppm
ppm

Results

Salt Needed

275 lbs

≈ 12 car tires

Cell Size

1 (1=15K, 2=25K, 3=40K, 4=40K+)

Chlorine Output0.5 lbs/day
Estimated Cell Life6.9 seasons
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter your pool volume in gallons — use the Pool Volume Calculator for precise measurements.
  2. Enter the current salt level in PPM from a salt test strip or digital meter reading.
  3. Set the target salt PPM — most systems run best at 2,700–3,400 PPM (check your chlorinator manual).
  4. Review Salt Needed in Lbs to bring the pool to the target level; add salt with the pump running.
  5. Check Cell Size Recommended and Chlorine Output per Day to match the right chlorinator to your pool.
  6. Use Estimated Cell Life to plan replacement costs — cells typically last 3–7 seasons.

How the result changes with Target Salt Level

Target Salt LevelSalt NeededCell Size
2,700213 lbs1 (1=15K, 2=25K, 3=40K, 4=40K+)
3,200275 lbs1 (1=15K, 2=25K, 3=40K, 4=40K+)
3,800350 lbs1 (1=15K, 2=25K, 3=40K, 4=40K+)
4,300413 lbs1 (1=15K, 2=25K, 3=40K, 4=40K+)

What each input means

Pool Volume
Total pool water volume in gallons.
Current Salt Level
Current salt concentration in the pool water.
Target Salt Level
Target salt level (most systems require 2800-3400 ppm).

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    Pool Volume = 15000, Current Salt Level = 1000, Target Salt Level = 3200 = 3 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Salt Needed
    Salt Needed
    275 = 275
  3. Calculate Cell Size
    Cell Size
    1 = 1
  4. Calculate Chlorine Output
    Chlorine Output
    0.5 = 0.5
  5. Calculate Estimated Cell Life
    Estimated Cell Life
    6.9 = 6.9

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