Here are the optimal values to maintain a clean and safe Chlorine or Salt pool:
Basic Water Chemistry Values
| Chlorine (Bromine) Levels | for Chlorine Pools | for Salt Pools |
| 1 to 3 ppm | 2 to 5 ppm | |
| Total Alkalinity Levels | for Chlorine Pools | for Salt Pools |
| 75 to 125 ppm | 80 to 90 ppm | |
| pH Levels | for Chlorine Pools | for Salt Pools |
| 7.2 to 7.8 ppm (optimal is 7.4 ppm) | 7.2 to 7.4 ppm (adding salt will raise pH levels) | |
| Cyanuric Acid (CYA) Levels | for Chlorine Pools | for Salt Pools |
| 30 to 100 ppm | 40 to 80 ppm (biggest mistake is not enough CYA) | |
| Calcium Hardness (CH) Levels* | for Chlorine Pools | for Salt Pools |
| 200 to 400 ppm | 180 to 200 ppm | |
| Phosphate Levels** | for Chlorine Pools | for Salt Pools |
| 0 ppm | 0 ppm | |
| Salt Levels*** | for Chlorine Pools | for Salt Pools |
| 2,500 to 4,000 ppm (optimal is 3,400 ppm) |
* Calcium Hardness Levels: A high CH level will accelerate scale build-up of the salt cell. Too low of a CH level and the salt cell will stop working.
** Phosphate Levels: At 200 ppm phosphates begin to have a noticeable impact on water quality. At 500 ppm the ability to control algae in the water is mostly nullified.
*** Salt Levels: At salt levels below 2,600 ppm, the salt unit will turn off; salt levels above 4,500 ppm could cause corrosion. Note that each salt cell manufacturer has it’s own standard. Consult the Owners Manual for additional information.