Convert Your Pool to a Mineral System — Softer, Gentler Water

What Is a Mineral Pool?

A mineral pool uses magnesium chloride and potassium chloride — along with other beneficial natural minerals — instead of standard sodium chloride to create water that is noticeably softer, gentler, and more pleasant to swim in. The pool is still sanitised with chlorine, which is produced by the chlorinator from the mineral salts in the water, so the water remains safe and hygienic. The difference is in the quality of the swimming experience.

Swimmers in a mineral pool consistently report that the water feels silky and smooth on the skin, is significantly less irritating to the eyes, and does not leave that harsh, dry feeling that chlorinated or salt water can cause. Hair feels softer after swimming, and swimwear lasts longer because the mineral blend is less corrosive than standard salt.

Mineral pools have grown rapidly in popularity across Perth over the past decade, and with good reason. For homeowners who swim regularly or who have children with sensitive skin, the upgrade to a mineral system can transform how much enjoyment the pool delivers.

Benefits of a Mineral Pool

Softer Water That Is Gentle on Skin

Magnesium chloride — the primary mineral in most mineral pool systems — has natural moisturising properties. Rather than stripping oils from your skin like high-chlorine water can, magnesium-rich water supports skin hydration. Many people with eczema, psoriasis, or generally sensitive skin find mineral pool water far more comfortable than conventional salt or chlorine pools.

Reduced Eye Irritation

One of the most common complaints about traditional pools is red, stinging eyes after swimming. This is typically caused not by chlorine itself but by chloramines — the by-products formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter. Mineral pool systems tend to produce fewer chloramines because the water chemistry is more stable and the mineral blend includes oxidising agents that help break down organic contaminants.

Health and Wellness Benefits

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in muscle relaxation, stress reduction, and sleep quality. While the amount absorbed through the skin during a swim is modest, many mineral pool owners report that regular swimming in magnesium-rich water helps ease muscle soreness after exercise and promotes a general sense of relaxation. Some Perth physiotherapists and wellness practitioners actively recommend mineral pool swimming for their clients.

Less Chemical Smell

Mineral pools typically have less of the characteristic “pool smell” that comes from chloramines. The water smells fresher and more natural, which makes the pool area more pleasant for both swimmers and anyone relaxing nearby.

Gentler on Pool Surfaces and Equipment

The mineral blend used in mineral pools is less corrosive than standard sodium chloride. This means pool surfaces, fittings, copings, and surrounding stone or paving are less likely to suffer salt-related degradation over time. For Perth homes with limestone or sandstone pool surrounds — common in suburbs like Dalkeith, Nedlands, and Peppermint Grove — this reduced corrosion is a meaningful benefit.

The Conversion Process

Assessing Your Existing Setup

Not every pool requires a complete equipment overhaul to convert to a mineral system. Many existing salt chlorinators are compatible with mineral salts — they simply need to be reconfigured or have their settings adjusted. During our assessment, we check:

• Chlorinator compatibility: Whether your current chlorinator can process magnesium and potassium chloride blends
• Filter type: Glass media filters are recommended for mineral pools as they provide finer filtration than sand and are less prone to channelling. If you have a sand filter, we may recommend a glass media upgrade
• Pool volume: We calculate the exact mineral quantities needed for your pool size
• Current water chemistry: We test your water to plan the transition process

System Installation

For pools that need a new chlorinator, we install a mineral-compatible unit such as the Zodiac or Astral Pool mineral chlorinator. For pools with compatible existing chlorinators, the conversion may only require adding the mineral blend to the water and making adjustments to the chlorinator settings.

If a glass media filter upgrade is recommended, we drain the existing sand, inspect the filter internals, and refill with recycled glass media. This upgrade improves filtration quality and complements the mineral system beautifully.

Water Chemistry Transition

Converting the water from salt to mineral is a managed process. We may need to partially drain the pool to reduce the existing sodium chloride concentration before adding the mineral blend. The mineral salts are dissolved and distributed over several hours, and we monitor the water chemistry closely during the transition to ensure all parameters — pH, alkalinity, chlorine, mineral concentration — reach their optimal levels.

The transition typically takes three to five days from start to completion, during which you can continue to swim once the initial chemical adjustments have been made.

Ongoing Maintenance

Mineral pools require the same basic maintenance as salt pools — regular water testing, chemical adjustments, filter cleaning, and equipment checks. The key difference is that mineral top-ups are required periodically to replace minerals lost through backwashing, splash-out, and dilution from rainfall. We provide clear guidance on mineral top-up quantities and schedules, and this can be included in a regular servicing plan if you prefer a hands-off approach.

Popular Mineral Pool Systems

MagnaPool

The MagnaPool system is one of the most well-known mineral pool systems in Australia. It uses a proprietary blend of magnesium chloride and potassium chloride, combined with a Zodiac-compatible chlorinator and a glass media filter. MagnaPool is designed as a complete ecosystem — the minerals, filtration, and sanitisation work together for optimal water quality.

Theralux

Theralux is another popular mineral system that focuses on the therapeutic benefits of magnesium. It is compatible with a range of chlorinator brands and can be retrofitted to most existing pool setups.

Generic Mineral Blends

For pool owners who prefer a simpler approach, we can source high-quality magnesium chloride flakes and create a mineral blend tailored to your pool. This option provides the core benefits of mineral swimming at a lower cost than branded systems.

Pricing for Mineral Pool Conversion

Our mineral pool conversion service is priced from $1,500 to $4,000 depending on pool size, existing equipment, and the mineral system you choose.

• Basic conversion (compatible chlorinator, mineral addition only): From $1,500
• Conversion with glass media filter upgrade: From $2,500
• Full conversion with new mineral chlorinator and filter upgrade: From $3,500

All conversions include the mineral salts, installation, water chemistry transition management, and a maintenance handover.

Ready to Make the Switch?

If you are considering converting your Perth pool to a mineral system, contact us for a no-obligation assessment. We service pools across the Perth metropolitan area including Mount Claremont, Nedlands, Dalkeith, Claremont, Cottesloe, Subiaco, Scarborough, and all surrounding suburbs. We will inspect your current setup, explain your options clearly, and provide an accurate quote for the conversion.