The reading on the strip will give you a number between 1 and 10. These numbers correlate with the numbers on the bottle of test strips that will tell you how much salt is in your pool. The recommended range is between 2,700 and 3,400 parts per million (PPM). The optimal salinity for a pool is 3,200 PPM. Lowering the salt levels in your pool can sound like a pain, but it’s important to keep them balanced. Too much salt can corrode your pool equipment, and since salt doesn’t evaporate, your salt levels won’t get lower on their own. However, swimming in a pool that’s too salty isn’t dangerous for you or your family.

For rectangular pools: width x length x depth x 7. 48 US gal (28. 3 l). For circular pools: π x radius² x depth x 7. 48 US gal (28. 3 l). For oval pools: π x ½ width x ½ length x depth x 7. 48 US gal (28. 3 l). For variable depth pools, find the unit’s average depth using the formula shallow end depth x deep end depth ÷ 2. When doing your calculations, use this number in place of depth. For irregularly shaped pools, use the previous formulas to find the measurements of each individual section, then add them together to calculate the pool’s volume.

For example, if your salt level is 4,500 PPM and ideally it should be 3,200 PPM, you would calculate 4500 - 3200 = 1300. Take that number and divide it by your current salt PPM to get 1300/4500 = 0. 2888. Finally, multiply that number by the number of gallons in your pool: 10,000 x 0. 29 = 2,900 gallons of water to remove.

Submersible pumps, which sit completely inside the water and are usually more affordable than above-ground pumps. Above-ground pumps, which sit next to a pool and are usually faster and more powerful than submersible pumps.

Your sewer clean-out is a small, circular hole covered by a miniature manhole cover. Look for it in the area immediately surrounding your house. Not sure where to drain your water? Check your local county or city’s website.

For instance, if you need to drain 2,900 gallons, you would divide 2,900 / 12 = 241 minutes or 4 hours.