When it comes to maintaining a healthy, crystal-clear saltwater pool, one of the most common questions we get at M&M Pool & Spa Services is: What is the best salt for pools? The answer is more important than many pool owners realize.
Using the correct type of salt can enhance water quality, prolong equipment life, and improve swimmer comfort. In this article, we’ll walk you through the essentials of choosing the right salt, what makes it the purest and most effective, and what works best for swimming pools across South Florida, including Miami-Dade.
Before diving into the different types of salts, it’s essential to understand how saltwater pool systems work. These systems use a salt chlorine generator to convert salt into chlorine via electrolysis. This process keeps your pool sanitized without the need for harsh chemicals, offering a more comfortable swimming experience.
Learn more: Chlorine Vs Saltwater Pools: Which System to Choose?
The best salt for pools is one that is specifically formulated for saltwater pool systems. Pool-grade salt, often labeled as “evaporated”, “food-grade”, or “mined salt”, goes through a purification process to remove contaminants that can damage your pool equipment or disrupt chemical balances.
Some of the top-rated and most reliable options in the industry include:
Make sure that the salt you choose is explicitly designed for swimming pools and not water softeners, agricultural use, or de-icing, as these varieties can introduce harmful contaminants into your pool system.
When searching for the purest pool salt, remember that high purity leads to lower maintenance, fewer repairs, and better water quality. Unpurified salts often contain minerals such as calcium sulfates, iron, or even debris that can accumulate within your pool’s filtration system. Not only can these minerals clog your salt cell, but over time, they also decrease the efficiency of chlorine production and can stain the pool plaster.
South Florida’s unique climate and water conditions demand specific care when it comes to pool maintenance. At M&M Pool & Spa Services, our experience servicing pools across Miami-Dade and surrounding areas has taught us that local conditions such as high UV exposure, heavy rainfall, and humidity levels can alter the effectiveness of your pool’s salt system.
Here’s why selecting the best salt for pools is particularly critical in our region:
Our team understands the challenges specific to maintaining saltwater pools in South Florida. We offer tailored salt-pool maintenance services, including:
We don’t just maintain your pool; we optimize its performance year-round. Whether you’re looking to switch from a traditional chlorine pool or simply need advice on maintaining your existing saltwater system, we’re here to help.
Typically, saltwater pools require a salt level of 2,500–3,500 ppm (parts per million). This equates to about 40-50 pounds of salt for every 2,000 gallons of pool water, but it’s best to check with your salt chlorinator manufacturer’s specifications.
No. Table salt often contains iodine or anti-caking agents, and rock salt has added minerals that can damage your pool system. Always use salt designed for swimming pools.
High-quality pool salt has little to no effect on pH or alkalinity. However, regular testing is essential to keep overall water chemistry balanced.
Choosing the best salt for pools isn’t just about convenience: it’s about protecting your pool investment, ensuring swimmer safety, and maintaining optimal performance of your salt chlorine generator. At M&M Pool & Spa Services, we proudly help homeowners in Miami-Dade and all of South Florida find and maintain the purest pool salt for superior water clarity and system longevity.