Salt for 20,000 gallons
| Salt level | Pounds | 40 lb bags | Kilograms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 → 3,200 ppm | 537 lb | 13.4 | 244 kg |
| 2,000 → 3,200 ppm | 201 lb | 5 | 91 kg |
| 2,500 → 3,200 ppm | 118 lb | 2.9 | 53 kg |
| 2,800 → 3,200 ppm | 67 lb | 1.7 | 30 kg |
| 3,000 → 3,200 ppm | 34 lb | 0.8 | 15 kg |
How much salt for a 20,000 gallon pool
A 20,000 gallon pool needs 537 lb (244 kg) of pool salt to go from fresh water to 3,200 ppm, about 13.4 bags of 40 lb. Each 1,000 ppm takes 168 lb. Check your salt cell’s manual: most want 2,700 to 3,400 ppm.
Run it with your numbers
Add
537lb
of Pool salt (sodium chloride 99%)
8,597 oz244 kg
Raises salt from 0 ppm to 3,200 ppm in 20,000 gal. That is about 13.4 bags of 40 lb.
- Brush the salt around until it dissolves, and keep the salt cell off for 24 hours.
- If you are unsure of your volume, add about 80% first, circulate for 24 hours and retest.
Check the product label. Strengths vary by brand, so enter the % printed on yours. Add one chemical at a time, into the water, and never mix chemicals.
Save this test and get reminded when it is time to retest.
Pool Calc for iPhoneComing soon to the App StoreAbout salt
Use plain pool salt, at least 99% sodium chloride, with no anti-caking agents or iodine. Pour it in the shallow end, brush it around until it dissolves, and keep the salt cell off for 24 hours so undissolved salt doesn’t reach it.
Too much salt only comes down by replacing water, so add about 80% first if you are unsure of your volume, wait a day and retest with a salt test or your cell’s reading.
Dosing a 20,000 gallon pool
That is about the size of a 30 ft round × 52 in above-ground pool (about 20,270 gal), or a 16 × 32 ft in-ground pool averaging 5 ft deep (about 19,150 gal). 20,000 gallons is a typical backyard pool. Measure the volume once rather than trusting the builder’s brochure: an error of 20% in gallons makes every dose 20% off. The pool volume calculator takes a minute.
Questions
How much salt do I need for a 20,000 gallon pool?
From fresh water to 3,200 ppm: 537 lb, about 13.4 bags of 40 lb.
How long until I can turn the salt cell on?
Brush the salt until it dissolves and wait about 24 hours with the pump running before turning the cell back on.
Can I swim after adding salt?
Yes, once it has dissolved. Salt at pool levels is far below sea water.