So you have a salt water pool and use a chlorine generator. Now what? If you haven’t already figured out, you’re going to need to purchase salt. The pool operators require salt in order to create the salt water. Your pool is going to need a specific type of salt, not just any old rock salt. The salt that is used in salt water pool must be 99% pure. It cannot have additives like YPS or Iodine, which many salts contain. These can cause staining in your pool. Some pools will even require finely ground salt so it can be dissolved rapidly.
As salt water pool popularity has risen, so has salt’s availability. Many pool supply companies are now carrying the appropriate salt and even some large big-box stores are beginning to carry it. Sometimes you will have to get creative to locate the exact salt your pool will need. Here are a few places to look:
- Pool Supply Stores- the majority of pool supply stores are now carrying salt for chlorine generators such as Morton’s Pool Salt. These are specially designed for use in chlorine generators.
- Hardware Stores- Some hardware stores now carry pool supplies and that includes a supply of salt for salt water pools.
- Water Softener Supply Stores- People most often come to these stores to purchase salt for water softeners. Sometimes solar salt can be used as pool salt for chlorine generators.
- Bulk Good Stores- Bulk Good stores such as Costco and Sam’s club are good for storing up on more than just food. Many now carry large amounts of food grade salt. Some table salts can be used as long as the ingredients of the salt meets all the standards previously mentioned.
- Baking Supply Stores- Food grade salt can also be purchased in large quantities at baker supply stores.
Never use rock salt or salt used in animal feed. These salts typically contain impurities and are not suitable for pool usage. It could damage the chlorine generator or leave residue on the pool floor.
Also, consider the form of your salt before purchasing. It will affect the time needed in order to generate chlorine. Some salts come in pellets, some are ground, and some are fine. All will work as long as you introduce them properly into the water.
Please contact ask the pool guy with questions or concerns!