How much salt to start with? -- 12,481 gallons

[Lovely Missive]

We purchased one of the only above ground pools we cound find online right now big enough for all our many minions, 12,481 gallons --
24ft X 52in Ultra XTR Frame Pool Set with Sand Filter Pump and then purchased a SWG as I am a busy mommy who doesn't want to mess with chlorine every day!
Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System for Above-Ground Pools up to 15,000 Gallons -- It will be about 2 weeks before the pool gets here, so I have time to learn a bit!

My first question is, how much pool salt do I need to get this beast started and can I buy it online? I think I read something about 400 lbs... Really???

Thank you for putting up with my noob question!

 

[ajw22]

It looks like Intex SWG needs 3000 ppm of salt. Each 40 lbs bag of salt will add 400 ppm to 12,000 gallons. So if your gallons are correct you need around eight 40lb bags of salt.

Better to pickup salt at a local store. HD, Lowes, Wal-Mart. Diamond Crystal or Mortons pool salt is good. Don;t use Clorox pool salt as it has been known to stain pools. You can also use water softener salt that is pure salt with no additives. Prices range from $6.50/bag - $10/bag and up.

You also need to have a way of measuring the salt level in your pool. Either the K-1766 Taylor Salt Test or a salt meter...

Amazon.com : eSeasonGear SALT-3000 Meter, Digital Salinity PPM Temperature Tester for Salt Water Pool and Koi Fish Pond : Industrial & Scientific

Amazon.com : eSeasonGear SALT-3000 Meter, Digital Salinity PPM Temperature Tester for Salt Water Pool and Koi Fish Pond : Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

Add 2/3 of the calculated amount of salt, let dissolve and run your pump for 24 hours and test the salt level. If you overshoot your salt level you can only reduce salt by draining the pool. Sneak up on the desired amount with a few doses.