Pentair Pool Equipment Error Code 23: How to Fix It

Q: How much salt do I need to add to clear Pentair error code 23?

The exact amount depends on your current salt reading and pool volume. Test your water first to get an accurate ppm reading. As a general guideline, you need roughly 6 lbs of pool-grade salt per 1,000 gallons to raise salinity by 50 ppm. Pentair systems target 3,200 ppm, so if your pool reads 2,800 ppm and holds 20,000 gallons, you would need approximately 48 lbs of salt to raise levels by 200 ppm. Always recalculate based on your actual readings to avoid over-salting.

Q: Will Pentair error code 23 clear automatically once I add salt?

Yes, in most cases error code 23 will clear automatically once the salt level returns to the acceptable range (typically 3,000–3,500 ppm) and the system completes a normal circulation cycle. However, some Pentair controller models may require you to manually acknowledge and clear the error through the display menu. Allow at least 24 hours after adding salt for it to fully dissolve and circulate, then retest before expecting the error to disappear.

Q: What kind of salt should I use for my Pentair salt pool?

Always use high-purity (99% or higher) sodium chloride specifically labeled as pool salt or food-grade salt. Avoid rock salt, iodized table salt, water softener salt with additives, or any salt blended with anti-caking agents — these can damage your salt cell, discolor your pool, and cause equipment corrosion. Pool-grade salt is widely available at pool supply stores and home improvement centers in 40 lb bags.

Q: Why does my Pentair keep showing error code 23 even after I added salt?

If error code 23 persists after correctly adding salt, the most likely causes are: (1) the salt hasn't fully dissolved and circulated yet — wait a full 24 hours and retest; (2) heavy calcium scale buildup on the cell plates is interfering with accurate salt sensing — clean the cell with a diluted acid solution; (3) the flow sensor is dirty, stuck, or defective, causing false readings; or (4) the salt cell itself is reaching the end of its lifespan and the internal sensors are degraded. If all troubleshooting steps fail, professional diagnosis is recommended.

Q: How often should I check salt levels to prevent Pentair error code 23?

Test your pool's salt level at least once a month during the swimming season, and after any significant event that could dilute salt concentration — such as heavy rainfall, adding large volumes of fresh water to top off the pool, or after backwashing. Salt naturally depletes over time through splash-out, backwashing, and dilution from rain or fresh water additions. Keeping a routine testing schedule helps you catch dropping salt levels before they trigger error code 23 or reduce chlorine output.

Abstract

Pentair Error Code 23 indicates that your salt chlorine generator has detected a low salt concentration in your pool water, typically below the minimum threshold needed for effective chlorine production. When salt levels drop too low, the cell cannot generate enough chlorine to keep your pool sanitized, and the system will reduce or stop chlorine output to protect the cell from damage. Resolving this error involves testing your water, adding the correct amount of pool-grade salt, and confirming the cell and sensors are clean and functioning properly.