Pool chemistry levels chart
Levels checked 11/10/2026
Free chlorine 2–4 ppm (toward the top of that band with more stabilizer), pH 7.4–7.6, total alkalinity 80–120 ppm, calcium hardness 200–400 ppm for plaster pools (175–300 ppm for vinyl, fiberglass or painted), stabilizer 30–50 ppm, and salt at the level in your salt system's manual. These are the bands our calculators aim for, from the Licking County Health Department (Ohio), Multnomah County (Oregon) Environmental Health and Oregon Health Authority charts.
Each reading, drawn to scale
Each bar runs across its own scale. The darker band is where the calculator aims; the lighter band is the wider range: official where its key says so, otherwise the label, standard or maker it names. For salt, each maker's range has its own color.
Free chlorine (ppm)
- Where the calculator aims: 2–4 ppm (Licking County Health Department (Ohio) chart), toward the top with more stabilizer (about 7.5% of it, industry guidance from a pool chemical maker and a trade magazine), never above 4
- From the official minimum, 1 ppm (2 with stabilizer, CDC's model code), up to 4 ppm, the swimming level on most chlorine labels we checked Other source
pH
- Where the calculator aims: 7.4–7.6 (Licking County Health Department (Ohio) chart)
- Acceptable: 7.2–7.8 (CDC inspection guide; CDC's home pool page gives 7.0–7.8)
- Never below 7.2 when adding acid
Total alkalinity (ppm)
- Where the calculator aims: 80–120 ppm (Licking County Health Department (Ohio) chart)
- Acceptable: 60–180 ppm (CDC's model code for public pools)
Calcium hardness (ppm)
- Plaster pools aim for 200–400 ppm (Multnomah County (Oregon) Environmental Health)
- Vinyl, fiberglass or painted pools: 175–300 ppm (the two thin lines)
- The national standard's range: 150–1,000 ppm, as quoted in a trade magazine Other source
Stabilizer (CYA) (ppm)
- Where the calculator aims: 30–50 ppm (Oregon Health Authority)
- Above 70 ppm we send you to a pool professional
Salt (salt pools) (ppm)
- Hayward's manual: 2,700 to 3,400 ppm Other source
- Pentair's manual: 3,600 to 4,500 ppm Other source
- The calculator uses 3,200 ppm if you don't enter your manual's level
The levels in a table
| Reading | The calculator aims for | Wider limits |
|---|---|---|
| Free chlorine | 2–4 ppm, or about 7.5% of your stabilizer reading if that is higher (industry guidance from a pool chemical maker and a trade magazine), but never above 4 ppm (most labels we checked) | At least 1 ppm, or 2 ppm with stabilizer (CDC's model code for public pools) |
| Combined chlorine | At or below 0.4 ppm | Action above 0.4 ppm (CDC's model code for public pools) |
| pH | 7.4–7.6 | 7.2–7.8 (CDC inspection guide); 7.0–7.8 (CDC home pool page and model code) |
| Total alkalinity | 80–120 ppm | 60–180 ppm (CDC's model code for public pools) |
| Calcium hardness | Plaster: 200–400 ppm. Vinyl, fiberglass or painted: 175–300 ppm | 150–1,000 ppm (the national pool standard, as quoted in a trade magazine Other source) |
| Stabilizer (CYA) | 30–50 ppm | Up to 90 ppm (CDC's model code); we send readings above 70 ppm to a pool professional |
| Salt (salt pools only) | The level in your salt system's manual | Hayward: 2,700 to 3,400 ppm. Pentair: 3,600 to 4,500 ppm |
Where official ranges differ
- pH: CDC's inspection guide says
CDC recommends pH 7.2–7.8.
Its home pool page and model code allow 7.0–7.8:CDC recommends pH 7.0–7.8 and a chlorine concentration of at least 1 ppm in pools and at least 3 ppm in hot tubs.
- Free chlorine: Arkansas Department of Health gives 1–3 ppm and Maryland Department of Health 2–3 ppm, against the 2–4 ppm band in the Licking County Health Department (Ohio) chart.
- Stabilizer: Arkansas Department of Health says
Add CYA separately, only as needed, to maintain 25–40 ppm in outdoor pools.
Maryland Department of Health gives 40–50 ppm. The most allowed is 90 ppm in CDC's model code and in Arkansas Department of Health:The MAHC & ADH recommend that CYA not exceed 90 ppm for standard pools.
- Total alkalinity: Multnomah County (Oregon) Environmental Health says
The desirable range for pools is 80-150 ppm
.
Chlorine in salt pools
A salt system makes chlorine, but free chlorine still has to be tested. The makers give their own ranges: Pentair's manual says 2.0 - 4.0 ppm.
and Hayward's chlorine tests will show the desired 1-3ppm free chlorine reading.
Questions people ask
What should the chlorine level be in a pool?
Free chlorine of at least 2 ppm, or about 7.5% of your stabilizer reading if that is higher, and no higher than your label's swimming level; most labels we checked say 4 ppm.
What should pool pH be?
The calculator aims for 7.4–7.6. CDC's inspection guide gives 7.2–7.8 as acceptable.
What should total alkalinity be in a pool?
The calculator aims for 80–120 ppm. CDC's model code for public pools allows 60–180 ppm.
What chlorine level should a saltwater pool have?
Use your salt system's manual: Pentair's says 2.0 - 4.0 ppm.
and Hayward's chlorine tests will show the desired 1-3ppm free chlorine reading.
What should stabilizer be?
30–50 ppm. Above that, chlorine has to be kept higher, and stabilizer can usually only be lowered by draining part of the water.
The charts behind this page
Show all 21 figures and where each one comes from
Each figure this page and its calculator use. Open one for the source's own words, the other sources we checked it against, and the checks it has been through.
Minimum free chlorine, pool with no stabilizer (CYA): 1 ppm Official
CDC Model Aquatic Health Code, 5th edition (2024), Code Official says:
AQUATIC VENUES not using CYA shall maintain a minimum DPD-FC concentration of 1.0 ppm (mg/L).
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: CDC: Home pool and hot tub water treatment and testing Official says:
CDC recommends pH 7.0–7.8 and a chlorine concentration of at least 1 ppm in pools and at least 3 ppm in hot tubs.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: CDC healthy swimming infographic: inspection Official says:
The free chlorine concentration should be at least 1 ppm in pools and at least 3 ppm in hot tubs/spas.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure. Looked up again on 11/10/2026 by a checker who couldn't see our figure: it came back with the same figure.
Minimum free chlorine, pool with stabilizer (CYA) or stabilized chlorine: 2 ppm Official
CDC Model Aquatic Health Code, 5th edition (2024), Code Official says:
AQUATIC VENUES using CYA shall maintain a minimum DPDFC concentration of 2.0 ppm (mg/L).
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: CDC: Home pool and hot tub water treatment and testing Official says:
If using cyanuric acid, a chlorine stabilizer, or chlorine products with cyanuric acid (for example, products commonly known as dichlor or trichlor [see product label]), CDC recommends pH 7.0–7.8 and a chlorine concentration of at least 2 ppm in pools.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Oregon Health Authority: Fact Sheet 6, Cyanuric Acid Official says:
pools using CYA must maintain a minimum chlorine concentration of 2 ppm.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure. Looked up again on 11/10/2026 by a checker who couldn't see our figure: it came back with the same figure.
Ideal free chlorine range (home pool target band): 2–4 ppm Official
Licking County Health Department (Ohio): Pool and Spa Water Chemistry Adjustment Guide Official says:
Free Chlorine (ppm) 1 2-4 N/A (recommended not higher than 5)
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Oregon Health Authority: Water Quality Standards, OAR 333-062-1000 (public pools) Official says:
Free Chlorine (w/CYA) 2.0ppm 2.0-4.0ppm 10.0ppm
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Pentair IntelliChlor IC15/20/40/60 Installation and User's Guide, P/N 520589 Rev R Other source says:
2.0 - 4.0 ppm.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: HTH 3" Chlorine Tabs Advanced product page Other source says:
Add one tablet per 10,000 gallons of pool water every week, or as often as needed, to maintain a free available chlorine level of 1–4 ppm.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Hayward AquaRite Owner's Manual 092538 RevD Other source says:
chlorine tests will show the desired 1-3ppm free chlorine reading.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Arkansas Department of Health Official says:
Pool* 1.0 1.0 – 3.0 5.0
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Maryland Department of Health Official says:
Free Chlorine 1.5 ppm 2.0 ppm – 3.0 ppm 10.0 ppm
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/10/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure.
Free chlorine above which chlorine labels say do not swim (re-entry level): 4 ppm Other source
EPA-accepted label: B's Pool Supply Sodium Hypochlorite Solution 12.5% (EPA Reg. 55487-20001) Other source says:
SWIMMING POOL WATER DISINFECTION – Do not reenter pool with a chlorine level above 4 ppm for risk of bodily harm.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: EPA-accepted label: BioGuard Master Calcium Hypochlorite 67% (Bio-Lab, EPA Reg. 5185-238) Other source says:
Reentry into treated swimming pool is prohibited above levels of 4 ppm chlorine due to risk of bodily injury.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: EPA-accepted label: PDQ ChlorSan 8% Sodium Hypochlorite (EPA Reg. 58880-2) Other source says:
Reentry into treated pools is prohibited above levels of 4.0 ppm due to risk of bodily harm.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: HTH Pool Care Shock product page Other source says:
Do not enter the pool until free available chlorine levels return to 1–4 ppm.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: EPA-accepted label: Tarry trichlor 8 oz tablets/sticks (Qualco, EPA Reg. 3525-120) Other source says:
Re-entry into treated swimming pools/spas is prohibited above levels of 3.0 ppm.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: EPA-accepted label: Tarry trichlor 8 oz tablets/sticks (Qualco, EPA Reg. 3525-120) Other source says:
Do not enter pool until the chlorine residual drops to 2.0 ppm (parts per million).
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: CDC Model Aquatic Health Code, 5th edition (2024), Code Official says:
Maximum DPD-FC concentrations shall not exceed limits specified on the product label.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure. Looked up again on 11/10/2026 by a checker who couldn't see our figure: it came back with the same figure.
Free chlorine reading above which the test may bleach out (false low): 10 ppm Official
CDC: Home pool and hot tub water treatment and testing Official says:
If the chlorine concentration of the water sampled from the pool or hot tub is more than 10 ppm, the test might partially or totally bleach out, resulting in a false low or 0 ppm chlorine result.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure.
Free chlorine to keep, as a share of stabilizer (CYA): 7.5% of CYA Other source
Orenda Technologies: What is the ideal CYA level for a swimming pool? Other source says:
You could go higher, but you would also need to proportionally increase your free chlorine levels ... to maintain 7.5% of your CYA level in free chlorine.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: AQUA Magazine Other source says:
The free chlorine level should be 7.5 percent of CYA.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: AQUA Magazine Other source says:
As an example, you add 30 ppm of CYA and you will always need about 2 ppm of free chlorine (30 ppm × .075 = 2.25 ppm).
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: AQUA Magazine Other source says:
Or if you have 50 ppm of CYA, you will need about 4 ppm of free chlorine (50 × .075 = 3.75 ppm).
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Trouble Free Pool forum thread 'Chlorine/CYA chart vs 7.5% of CYA' Other source says:
7.5% is essentially the FC level where chlorine kills algae faster than it can reproduce
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Oregon Health Authority: Fact Sheet 6, Cyanuric Acid Official says:
Exceeding the CYA to free chlorine ratio of 45:1 means the chlorine is unable to kill pathogens in the water.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure.
Combined chlorine level that calls for action (shock / superchlorinate): 0.4 ppm Official
CDC Model Aquatic Health Code, 5th edition (2024), Code Official says:
reduce the concentration of COMBINED CHLORINE (chloramines) in the water when the concentration exceeds 0.4 ppm (mg/L).
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Oregon Health Authority: Water Quality Standards, OAR 333-062-1000 (public pools) Official says:
Combined Chlorine 0ppm 0ppm 0.4ppm
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Multnomah County (Oregon) Environmental Health: Water Treatment - Swimming Pools, EHS-0058 Official says:
Breakpoint chlorinate when combined chlorine exceeds 0.5 ppm, or when chloramines are first detected.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure. Looked up again on 11/10/2026 by a checker who couldn't see our figure: it came back with the same figure.
Acceptable pH range: 7.2–7.8 pH Official
CDC healthy swimming infographic: inspection Official says:
CDC recommends pH 7.2–7.8.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Licking County Health Department (Ohio): Pool and Spa Water Chemistry Adjustment Guide Official says:
pH 7.2 7.4-7.6 7.8
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: AQUA Magazine Other source says:
The pH shall be maintained between 7.2 and 7.8.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: CDC Model Aquatic Health Code, 5th edition (2024), Code Official says:
The pH of the water shall be maintained at 7.0 - 7.8.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: CDC: Home pool and hot tub water treatment and testing Official says:
CDC recommends pH 7.0–7.8 and a chlorine concentration of at least 1 ppm in pools and at least 3 ppm in hot tubs.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Indiana Department of Health: Adjusting Chemical Levels in a Swimming Pool / Water Chemistry Adjustment Guide Official says:
Make sure the pH is within the acceptable range of 7.2-7.8.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Maryland Department of Health Official says:
Ph 7.2 7.4 – 7.6 7.8
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Arkansas Department of Health Official says:
Pool water should be maintained between 7.0 and 7.8, with an ideal range of 7.4 to 7.6 (per AR Appendix B).
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/10/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure.
Ideal pH (calculator target band): 7.4–7.6 pH Official
Licking County Health Department (Ohio): Pool and Spa Water Chemistry Adjustment Guide Official says:
pH 7.2 7.4-7.6 7.8
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Multnomah County (Oregon) Environmental Health: Water Treatment - Swimming Pools, EHS-0058 Official says:
Desirable range for pH in pools is 7.2 - 7.6.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: EPA-accepted label: Tarry trichlor 8 oz tablets/sticks (Qualco, EPA Reg. 3525-120) Other source says:
Maintain a pH level of 7.2 to 7.6 for best results.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Oregon Health Authority: Water Quality Standards, OAR 333-062-1000 (public pools) Official says:
pH 7.0 7.2-7.6 7.8
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure. Looked up again on 11/10/2026 by a checker who couldn't see our figure: it came back with the same figure.
pH range a standard phenol red test reads: 6.8–8.2 pH Other source
Taylor Technologies: Midget Comparator, pH, Phenol Red, 6.8-8.2 Other source says:
Midget Comparator, pH, Phenol Red, 6.8-8.2
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure.
Acceptable total alkalinity range: 60–180 ppm Official
CDC Model Aquatic Health Code, 5th edition (2024), Code Official says:
Total alkalinity shall be maintained in the range of 60 to 180 ppm (mg/L).
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: AQUA Magazine Other source says:
Total Alkalinity shall be maintained between a minimum of 60 and a maximum of 180 ppm.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Oregon Health Authority: Water Quality Standards, OAR 333-062-1000 (public pools) Official says:
Total Alkalinity 60ppm 60-180ppm 180ppm
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure. Looked up again on 11/10/2026 by a checker who couldn't see our figure: it came back with the same figure.
Ideal total alkalinity (calculator target band): 80–120 ppm Official
Licking County Health Department (Ohio): Pool and Spa Water Chemistry Adjustment Guide Official says:
Total Alkalinity (ppm) 60 80-120 Should not impair ability to meet other
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Pentair IntelliChlor IC15/20/40/60 Installation and User's Guide, P/N 520589 Rev R Other source says:
80 - 120 ppm
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Leslie's: Alkalinity Up Other source says:
The ideal ranges for any swimming pool should be between 80 and 120 ppm for Total Alkalinity.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Multnomah County (Oregon) Environmental Health: Water Treatment - Swimming Pools, EHS-0058 Official says:
The desirable range for pools is 80-150 ppm
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Alliance Trading 'pH DOWN' label, sodium bisulfate 93.2% Other source says:
Balance total alkalinity in pool water to 80-125 ppm for plaster finishes and 125-150 for vinyl, fiberglass and other non-masonry finishes.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure. Looked up again on 11/10/2026 by a checker who couldn't see our figure: it came back with the same figure.
Acceptable calcium hardness range (pools): 150–1,000 ppm Other source
AQUA Magazine Other source says:
Pool water calcium hardness shall be maintained between a minimum of 150 and a maximum of 1,000 ppm as CaCO3.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Oregon Health Authority: Water Quality Standards, OAR 333-062-1000 (public pools) Official says:
Calcium Hardness 200ppm 200-400ppm 2500ppm
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure.
Ideal calcium hardness, plaster or concrete pool: 200–400 ppm Official
Multnomah County (Oregon) Environmental Health: Water Treatment - Swimming Pools, EHS-0058 Official says:
The desirable range for a plaster pool is 200-400 ppm.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Oregon Health Authority: Water Quality Standards, OAR 333-062-1000 (public pools) Official says:
Calcium Hardness 200ppm 200-400ppm 2500ppm
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Pentair IntelliChlor IC15/20/40/60 Installation and User's Guide, P/N 520589 Rev R Other source says:
200 - 400 ppm
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Leslie's: Hardness Plus Other source says:
The ideal range for calcium hardness in pool water is 200 to 400 ppm,
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure. Looked up again on 11/10/2026 by a checker who couldn't see our figure: it came back with the same figure.
Ideal calcium hardness, vinyl, painted or fiberglass pool: 175–300 ppm Official
Multnomah County (Oregon) Environmental Health: Water Treatment - Swimming Pools, EHS-0058 Official says:
For a vinyl, painted, or fiberglass pool, 175 -300 ppm.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure.
Ideal stabilizer (cyanuric acid, CYA): 30–50 ppm Official
Oregon Health Authority: Fact Sheet 6, Cyanuric Acid Official says:
The ideal range for CYA is typically between 30-50 ppm.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Licking County Health Department (Ohio): Pool and Spa Water Chemistry Adjustment Guide Official says:
Cyanuric Acid (ppm) 0 30-50 70
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Orenda Technologies: What is the ideal CYA level for a swimming pool? Other source says:
We recommend 30-50 ppm CYA for residential pools.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: the PHTA pool industry committee Other source says:
A certain amount of cyanuric acid (usually within the range of 30 – 50 ppm) is necessary to protect outdoor pools from degradation by sunlight.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Pentair IntelliChlor IC15/20/40/60 Installation and User's Guide, P/N 520589 Rev R Other source says:
30 - 50 ppm
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Arkansas Department of Health Official says:
Add CYA separately, only as needed, to maintain 25–40 ppm in outdoor pools.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Arkansas Department of Health Official says:
Anything above 50ppm CYA is considered high and can interfere with other pool chemicals' effects and equipment.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Maryland Department of Health Official says:
Cyanuric Acid (if used) 30 ppm 40 ppm- 50 ppm 100 ppm
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/10/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure.
Stabilizer (CYA) level above which the tool says 'ask a pool professional': 70 ppm Official
Licking County Health Department (Ohio): Pool and Spa Water Chemistry Adjustment Guide Official says:
Cyanuric Acid (ppm) 0 30-50 70
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: CDC Model Aquatic Health Code, 5th edition (2024), Code Official says:
The CYA concentration at all AQUATIC VENUES shall remain at or below 90 ppm (mg/L).
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Oregon Health Authority: Fact Sheet 6, Cyanuric Acid Official says:
The CYA level at all AQUATIC VENUES shall remain at or below 90 ppm (mg/L).
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: the PHTA pool industry committee Other source says:
If the cyanuric acid level exceeds the APSP maximum of 100 ppm, a partial drain and refi ll is recommended.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Arkansas Department of Health Official says:
The MAHC & ADH recommend that CYA not exceed 90 ppm for standard pools.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Maryland Department of Health Official says:
Cyanuric Acid (if used) 30 ppm 40 ppm- 50 ppm 100 ppm
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/10/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure.
Salt level for Hayward AquaRite salt chlorine generators: 2,700–3,400 (best 3,200) ppm Other source
Hayward AquaRite Owner's Manual 092538 RevD Other source says:
The ideal salt level is between 2700-3400 ppm (parts per million) with 3200 ppm being optimal.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure.
Salt level for Pentair IntelliChlor salt chlorine generators: 3,600–4,500 (best 3,600) ppm Other source
Pentair IntelliChlor IC15/20/40/60 Installation and User's Guide, P/N 520589 Rev R Other source says:
3600 - 4500 ppm (ideal 3600 ppm)
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure.
Default salt target in the calculator (user can change it to their generator's figure): 3,200 ppm Other source
Hayward AquaRite Owner's Manual 092538 RevD Other source says:
The ideal salt level is between 2700-3400 ppm (parts per million) with 3200 ppm being optimal.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Also checked: Pentair IntelliChlor IC15/20/40/60 Installation and User's Guide, P/N 520589 Rev R Other source says:
3600 - 4500 ppm (ideal 3600 ppm)
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Do not let pH fall below this when adding acid: 7.2 pH Official
Multnomah County (Oregon) Environmental Health: Water Treatment - Swimming Pools, EHS-0058 Official says:
Do not allow pH to go below 7.2.
Source page (opens in a new browser tab)Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure. Looked up again on 11/10/2026 by a checker who couldn't see our figure: it came back with the same figure.