Optium Water Balance for Saltwater Pools

Free Chlorine: 2.0 - 3.0 ppm. Above 4.0 ppm may cause corrosion of metal components

Combined Chlorine (Chloramines): None (super chlorinate to remove all chloramines)

pH: 7.2 - 7.8  

Cyanuric Acid: 30 - 50 ppm

Total Alkalinity: 80 - 120 ppm

Calcium Hardness: 200 - 400 ppm

TDS (includes salt): 3000 to 5700 to 6000 maximum ppm

Metals (Copper, Iron, Manganese): None

Nitrates: None

Phosphates: Less than 125 ppb

Saturation Index: -.3 to .3 (zero (0) best)

What is the ideal salt level?

• AutoPilot Salt Chlorine Generators is 4000 ppm. (2700ppm-5000ppm)

• Pentair Salt Chlorine Generators is 3500ppm +/- 300 ppm

Always check your salt level by using a Salt Tester or taking a water sample to our Retail Store.

How do I know my salt generator needs to be recalibrated?

Your salt chlorine generator needs to be recalibrated if the water temperature is at least 65°F, the pool is perfectly balanced, and the salt test strip and salt level on the pool pilot do not match. If the salt level on the test strip says the salt is low and the generator says it is between 2700 ppm – 3500 ppm, and the chlorine level is between 1-3 ppm or higher, DO NOT RECALIBRATE.

How do I recalibrate my salt generator? How do I recalibrate my salt generator? 

AutoPilot Pool Pilot Digital

You MUST use a reliable test kit to verify the salt level. Ensure the pump has been running for several minutes before calibrating the salt display. If the test result differs from the display, re-calibrate (in 100 ppm increments) until the unit matches your test result.

1) Press the MENU button

2) Press Arrow UP to MAINTENANCE MENU, then press SELECT

3) Press Arrow UP to CALIBRATE SALT, then press SELECT

4) Adjust the salt display to match the reading of your test by pressing the Arrow UP or DOWN

5) Press SELECT (the unit will take some time to recalibrate the salt display)

6) After calibration is done, “EXIT MENU”, press SELECT to return to the main display

AutoPilot ChlorSync Salt Generator

 To raise the salt value - Press the up button three (3) times, then the down arrow three (3) times to add 100 to the salt value. Repeat as needed.

To lower the salt value - Press the up arrow four (4) times, then the down arrow four (4) times to reduce the salt value by 100. Repeat as needed.

Always be aware of the following:

• Colder water will purify at a very low percentage; warmer water will purify at a higher rate.

• When having a party or a large bather load in the pool, you will need to chlorinate the pool afterward to prevent algae. Salt chlorine generators can only handle normal bather loads.

• When boosting the salt chlorine generator, it will only raise the chlorine by .5 ppm, so it will not kill algae already blooming. The pool will need to be shocked like a traditional chlorine pool.

• When water temperatures are below 65°F, the salt chlorine generator will not give off a proper salt level. Do not add salt until the water temperature is at least 65°F.

• Salt chlorine generators tend to cause the alkalinity and pH levels to increase. Monitor these readings and adjust chemicals when necessary.

• Covered pools and/or vinyl liner pools, less chlorine is needed. It is recommended to lower the chlorine output level while the pool is covered.