Jandy TruClear Salt Level Problems: Too High, Too Low, and Testing

Understanding Salt in the TruClear System

The TruClear converts dissolved sodium chloride (NaCl) in pool water into hypochlorous acid through electrolysis. The salt is not consumed in this process — it is recycled back into the water as the chlorine does its work. Salt levels drop primarily through splash-out, backwashing, leaks, and dilution from rain or fresh water additions.

Unlike some other salt chlorine generators, the TruClear does not display a numeric salinity reading. Instead, it monitors water conductivity and triggers a "Lo Temp/Lo Salt" warning when conductivity drops below a threshold. This warning can be caused by low salt, cold water temperatures, or a combination of both. You must test independently to determine the actual cause.

Salt Level Too Low

Symptoms

• Display shows "Lo Temp/Lo Salt"
• Low or no chlorine production despite the system appearing to run
• Independent salt test confirms below 3,000 ppm

Common Causes

• Not enough salt added initially: Use the salt table in the manual to calculate the correct amount based on pool volume and current salt level.
• Dilution: Heavy rain, adding fresh water, or excessive backwashing all lower salt concentration.
• Pool leak: A leak that requires frequent water additions continuously dilutes salt.
• Splash-out: Active swimming, water features, and slides all remove salted water.

How to Correct Low Salt

1. Turn on the pump to circulate pool water.
2. Turn the power pack off by pressing and holding the ON/OFF button for 6 seconds.
3. Test the water for current salinity level using strips, an electronic meter, or a pool store sample.
4. Use the salt addition table below to determine how much salt to add based on your pool size and current level.
5. Disperse salt directly into the pool. Do not add through the skimmer, main drain, or surge tank. Brush the salt around to help it dissolve.
6. Circulate the filter system for 24 hours to ensure even distribution.
7. After 48–72 hours, retest the salinity level.
8. When salinity is correct, turn the power pack back on and set the desired production rate.

Salt Addition Reference (Pounds to Reach 3,000 ppm)

Current Salt (ppm)	10,000 gal	15,000 gal	20,000 gal	25,000 gal	30,000 gal	35,000 gal
0	250 lbs	376 lbs	501 lbs	626 lbs	751 lbs	876 lbs
1,000	167 lbs	250 lbs	334 lbs	417 lbs	501 lbs	584 lbs
1,500	125 lbs	188 lbs	250 lbs	313 lbs	376 lbs	438 lbs
2,000	83 lbs	125 lbs	167 lbs	209 lbs	250 lbs	292 lbs
2,500	42 lbs	63 lbs	83 lbs	104 lbs	125 lbs	146 lbs
2,750	21 lbs	31 lbs	42 lbs	52 lbs	63 lbs	73 lbs

Salt Level Too High

Symptoms

• Independent salt test reads above 4,500 ppm
• Corrosion on pool fixtures, ladders, or light niches
• Salty taste in the water (above 5,000 ppm becomes noticeable)

Risks of High Salt

Salt above 6,000 ppm may cause corrosion damage to pool fixtures, metal fittings, and equipment. Salt above 4,500 ppm should be corrected. The TruClear manual warns that levels above 4,500 ppm may cause corrosion damage.

How to Correct High Salt

1. Verify the salt level by testing with the most reliable method available. Take a sample to a pool store before draining water.
2. Partially drain the pool and refill with fresh water. There is no chemical that removes salt — dilution is the only solution.
3. Alternatively, backwash the filter using salted pool water, then top off with fresh water.
4. Retest after circulation and repeat until salt is in the 3,000–3,500 ppm range.

Also inspect the cell for metal debris caught between the plates, which can cause false high-salt readings. If the plates are loose and touching each other, the cell needs replacement.

What Type of Salt to Use

• Required: At least 99.8% pure NaCl. Evaporated, granulated, food quality, non-iodized salt.
• Acceptable: Water conditioning salt pellets (compressed evaporated salt). These dissolve more slowly but work fine.
• Avoid: Salt with anti-caking agents (sodium ferrocyanide / yellow prussiate of soda) — these can discolor fittings and pool surfaces.
• Do not use: Rock salt (insoluble impurities shorten cell life).
• Do not use: Calcium chloride. The TruClear requires sodium chloride only.

Understanding the "Lo Temp/Lo Salt" Display

This is the most common salt-related display message on the TruClear. It is triggered by low water conductivity, not by a direct salt measurement. Important details from the manual:

• Salinity readings are taken every 5 minutes after the initial 5-minute startup period.
• The salt warning turns on when the salt level drops well below 2,500 ppm and remains on until salt is raised to 3,000 ppm or slightly above.
• A combination of low water temperature (35°–65°F / 2°–18°C) and moderately low salt levels (1,500–2,000 ppm) can trigger this warning even when neither factor alone would.
• If salt tests correctly at 3,000–3,500 ppm but the warning persists, check for a scaled cell (calcium buildup interferes with conductivity sensing) or a cell nearing end of life.
• When connected to a Jandy automation system via RS485, the target salinity of 3,000 ppm is displayed. "General Error" on the automation may indicate low salt, low temperature, or both.

How to Prevent Salt Level Problems

• Test salt monthly with an independent method. Do not rely on the TruClear display alone.
• After heavy rain or significant water additions, retest and adjust.
• Fix pool leaks promptly. Chronic water loss means chronic salt loss.
• Be conservative when adding salt. It is always easier to add a bit more than to partially drain and dilute.
• Keep a log of salt additions so you can anticipate seasonal patterns.