More and more Perth pool owners are asking about mineral pools, and it is easy to see why. The promise of softer water, fewer chemicals, and a more natural swimming experience is appealing, especially for families with young children or anyone who finds traditional saltwater pools irritating to their skin or eyes.
But how different are mineral pools from salt pools really? Is the upgrade worth it? And what does it actually involve? Here is a straightforward comparison based on our experience maintaining both types of pools across Perth.
Understanding the Basics
Salt Pools
A salt pool uses a salt chlorinator to convert dissolved sodium chloride (regular pool salt) into chlorine through electrolysis. The salt concentration is typically 4,000 to 6,000 ppm, which is roughly one-tenth the salinity of seawater. The chlorine produced sanitises the pool water, and the process is continuous as long as the pump and chlorinator are running.
Salt pools have been the standard in Australian residential pools for decades. They eliminate the need to manually add liquid or granular chlorine, making day-to-day maintenance more convenient.
Mineral Pools
A mineral pool operates on a similar principle but uses a mineral blend instead of (or in addition to) regular pool salt. The most common mineral pool systems use a combination of magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium chloride. Some systems also include trace minerals like boron.
The minerals are added to the pool water, and a compatible chlorinator cell converts them into a mild sanitiser. The chlorine levels produced are typically lower than in a standard salt pool, and the mineral content provides additional benefits to the water quality.
Water Feel and Swimming Experience
This is where mineral pools genuinely stand out. The difference in water feel is noticeable from the first swim.
Salt Pool Water
Salt pool water feels smoother than traditionally chlorinated water, but it still has a slightly salty taste and can leave a residue on skin when it dries. Some people find salt water drying to skin and hair, particularly in Perth’s dry climate where your skin is already losing moisture to low humidity.
Mineral Pool Water
Mineral pool water feels noticeably softer and silkier. The magnesium content creates a smoother sensation on the skin, similar to bathing in mineral spring water. The water does not have the salty taste of a traditional salt pool, and swimmers often report that their skin feels moisturised after swimming rather than dried out.
Many Perth families with children who have sensitive skin or eczema report significant improvement when they switch to a mineral system. The lower chlorine levels and the presence of magnesium, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties, can make the swimming experience more comfortable.
Health and Wellness Benefits
Magnesium Benefits
Magnesium is the key mineral in most mineral pool systems. Research supports several health benefits of magnesium exposure:
- Muscle relaxation: Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant. Swimming in mineral-rich water can help reduce muscle tension and cramping.
- Skin health: Magnesium supports skin barrier function and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is used therapeutically for conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
- Stress reduction: Magnesium has calming properties and may help reduce anxiety and promote better sleep.
- Joint comfort: Many pool owners with arthritis or joint pain report that mineral pool water is more comfortable to swim in.
Chlorine Levels
Mineral pools typically maintain lower chlorine levels (0.5 to 1.5 ppm) compared to salt pools (1 to 3 ppm). The reduced chlorine means less eye irritation, less hair discolouration, and less fading of swimwear. The minerals themselves provide some supplementary sanitisation, allowing the lower chlorine levels to remain effective.
Maintenance Comparison
| Factor | Salt Pool | Mineral Pool |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical testing frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
| Chlorine levels | 1-3 ppm | 0.5-1.5 ppm |
| pH management | Regular adjustment needed | Tends to be more stable |
| Salt/mineral top-up | 1-2 times per year | 1-2 times per year |
| Chlorinator cell cleaning | Every 3-6 months | Every 3-6 months |
| Water balance complexity | Standard | Slightly different parameters |
| Chemical costs | $400-$700/year | $500-$800/year |
Maintenance Differences
The day-to-day maintenance of a mineral pool is very similar to a salt pool. You still need to test water chemistry regularly, maintain proper pH and alkalinity, run the pump for adequate hours, and clean the filter.
The main differences are:
- Mineral top-ups: Mineral blends are more expensive than pool salt. A bag of mineral blend costs $30 to $50 compared to $8 to $15 for a bag of pool salt.
- Chlorinator compatibility: Not all salt chlorinators are compatible with mineral systems. Some mineral blends require a specific cell type or a chlorinator designed for mineral operation.
- pH stability: Mineral pools often have more stable pH levels, which can reduce the amount of acid you need to add. This is a genuine maintenance benefit.
- Calcium management: Some mineral blends affect calcium levels differently. Your pool technician will need to adjust their approach to calcium hardness management.
Conversion Costs
Converting a Salt Pool to Mineral
If your existing salt chlorinator is compatible with mineral blends (many modern units are), conversion is straightforward:
- Mineral blend (initial fill): $200 to $400 depending on pool size
- Compatible chlorinator cell (if needed): $400 to $800
- Water testing and rebalancing: $100 to $200
- Total: $300 to $1,400
If your chlorinator is not compatible and needs to be replaced entirely, add $800 to $2,000 for a new mineral-compatible unit.
New Mineral Pool Installation
If you are building a new pool, specifying a mineral system from the start adds approximately $500 to $1,500 to the total cost compared to a standard salt system. This includes a mineral-compatible chlorinator and the initial mineral fill.
Running Costs Comparison
| Annual Cost | Salt Pool | Mineral Pool |
|---|---|---|
| Salt/mineral top-up | $30-$80 | $100-$250 |
| Chemicals (pH, alkalinity) | $100-$200 | $80-$150 |
| Chlorine supplements | $50-$100 | $30-$60 |
| Chlorinator cell (amortised) | $100-$150 | $100-$200 |
| Energy | Same | Same |
| Total | $280-$530 | $310-$660 |
Mineral pools cost slightly more to operate annually, primarily due to the higher cost of mineral blends compared to regular pool salt. However, the difference is modest, typically $50 to $150 per year.
Which Is Right for Your Perth Family?
Choose a Mineral Pool If:
- Anyone in your family has sensitive skin, eczema, or skin allergies
- You find salt pool water drying or irritating
- You value the softer, silkier water feel
- You are interested in the therapeutic benefits of magnesium
- You are willing to pay a modest premium for an enhanced swimming experience
- You are building a new pool or replacing your chlorinator anyway
Stick with a Salt Pool If:
- Your family is happy with the current water feel
- You are on a tight budget and do not want to invest in conversion
- Your existing chlorinator is working well and is not mineral-compatible
- You prefer the proven simplicity of a traditional salt system
The Practical Middle Ground
Some Perth pool owners add magnesium chloride to their existing salt pool without converting to a full mineral system. While this does not replicate the complete mineral pool experience, it does add some softness to the water and provides mild magnesium benefits. Discuss this option with your pool technician to ensure it is compatible with your existing equipment.
Pool Cleaning Perth services both salt and mineral pools across the Perth metropolitan area. Whether you are considering a mineral pool conversion, need advice on the best system for your family, or want ongoing maintenance for your mineral pool, our team has the expertise to help. Call us on 08 7943 6637 to discuss your options.
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