SALT: WHEN AND HOW TO ADD IT
When to add salt
Add salt when indicated by a low salt level reading (below 3200 ppm) on a salt test strip. Note
that the ‘check salt’ light on the control panel may switch on at any salt level between 3000 and
4000 ppm, depending upon the water temperature and mains voltage (see note below). This is
not a fault but a precaution to ensure that the salt level is never too low.
The salt concentration should normally be around 3200 - 4000 ppm, but should never be allowed
to fall below 3000 ppm, as this can reduce the life of the cell electrodes. Salt is not lost through
evaporation. Salt is lost with the water splashed out of the pool or during backwash. Adding fresh
water or rainfall to the pool dilutes the salt concentration. Adding salt may be needed from time to
time to maintain an optimum salt level.
NOTE:
Even if the salt concentration is around 4000ppm, the ‘check salt’ light may switch on if
the water temperature or mains supply voltage are too low. In this situation, it may not be possible
to set the chlorine output to maximum. There is no need to add salt if the level is already at 4000
ppm. When the water is below 18˚C (65˚F), there is very little algae growth and it is too cold for
swimming so the chlorine does not get used up as much as it would during normal operating
conditions. If this is the case, you may choose to leave the Zodiac EZ SALT Chlorine Generating
Device at a lower output setting until the temperature warms up.
How much to add
Use a salt test strip to determine salt level in pool water prior to adding any salt. Capture water
from elbows depth in a container, then use a test strip in this water sample. Previous usage of
sodium hypochlorite (liquid chlorine) creates residual salt within the pool and may bring your salt
level close to the required amount. Therefore it is very important to TEST THE
CONCENTRATION OF SALT BEFORE ADDING ANY.
Only 99.5% pure refined salt (sodium chloride) should be used. Do not use salt containing yellow
prussiate of soda (YPS) or iodine as it may stain the pool walls. Add enough salt to obtain
concentration of 3200 to 4000 ppm.
•
1 gram per litre raises the salt level by 1000 ppm.
•
In a NEW pool (where there is no salt residual) of approximately 80 000 litres, sixteen 20 kg
bags of salt are required to reach a 4000 ppm concentration.
•
Refer to ‘Salt Chart’.
IMPORTANT: To avoid damage to your salt system, never allow salt level to exceed 13,000 ppm.
Other components of your pool equipment may be damaged if the salt level is kept above 5000
ppm. Refer to the manufacturer’s operation manuals for warranty exclusions.
How to add salt
Evenly disperse the proper amount of salt around the perimeter of the pool. Do not pour salt into
the skimmer box. The pump may be turned on to circulate the water and help the salt dissolve.
Note: do not operate the salt system before the salt has dissolved as this will cause damage to
the unit. If the ‘check salt’ light is still on after 24 hours, re-test salt level and add necessary salt
to obtain a 3200-4000 ppm concentration.
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