Red, stinging eyes. Dry, itchy skin. That strong chemical smell. If you’ve ever spent time in a chlorinated pool, you are familiar with these uncomfortable side effects all too well.

While chlorine has been the standard for pool sanitation, it has drawbacks that have many pool owners searching for alternatives. Mineral pools offer a solution that addresses these concerns while providing additional benefits you might not expect.

Read on to find out how the choice between mineral pools vs chlorine pools can significantly impact your swimming experience, health, and wallet.

 

What’s Actually in Your Swimming Pool?

Mineral pools vs chlorine pools differ fundamentally in keeping water safe and clean. Let’s break down what’s happening in each system.

 

Traditional Chlorine Pools: The Old Standard

In a chlorine pool, you’re swimming in a chemical solution. Chlorine sanitation works by:

• Attacking and killing bacteria, viruses, and algae
• Oxidising contaminants like body oils and sweat
• Creating a residual sanitiser that continues working between treatments

 

The downside? Chlorine interacts with these contaminants to form chloramines – the real culprits behind that “pool smell,” red eyes, and skin irritation. Maintaining a chlorine pool means regularly adding chemicals, testing water balance, and fighting a constant battle against pH shifts.

When summer temperatures rise, chlorine dissipates faster, and even more frequent monitoring and adjustments are required to keep water safe.

 

Mineral Pools: The Modern Approach

Mineral pools work differently, using a combination of naturally occurring minerals like magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride to create water that’s gentler on swimmers while still being effectively sanitised.

 

A mineral system:

• Reduces necessary chlorine by approximately 50%
• Creates water that feels softer and silkier on your skin
• Stabilises pH and reduces chemical fluctuations
• Delivers therapeutic benefits beyond just water sanitation

 

Is a mineral pool better than chlorine? For most pool owners, the answer becomes clear once they experience the difference. Mineral pools feel more like swimming in natural water – without sacrificing cleanliness or safety.

 

Why Choose a Mineral Pool? The Proven Benefits of Mineral Pools

When weighing up the benefits of mineral pools against traditional chlorine systems, health advantages make them increasingly popular among families, as children especially suffer from eye redness and stinging after swimming sessions in heavily chlorinated water. Your hair isn’t spared either – chlorine damage leads to brittleness and colour fading, a particular concern if you’ve invested in hair treatments. Even your swimwear suffers, with chlorine gradually breaking down fabric fibres and fading colours, significantly shortening the lifespan of expensive swimmers.

While many people assume these effects are just “part of swimming,” they don’t have to be.

 

Is a Mineral Pool Better Than Chlorine for Your Health?

Swim in a mineral pool, and you’ll notice the difference immediately:

 

Magnesium-rich water doesn’t just avoid irritating your skin – it actively helps moisturise it. Many swimmers report their skin feels better after a dip than before they got in. The minerals support your skin’s natural moisture barrier instead of stripping it away.

 

Research has shown that heavy chlorine use in indoor pools can contribute to respiratory issues, particularly in children who swim regularly. With mineral pools using half the chlorine, there’s significantly less chemical vapour in the air you breathe while swimming, making them a better option for those with asthma or respiratory sensitivities.

 

The therapeutic benefits extend beyond comfort – magnesium helps relieve muscle tension, potassium supports proper muscle function, and sodium aids natural buoyancy, reducing joint pressure. Swimming in mineral-enriched water feels more like a spa treatment than a cool-off.

 

Which System Leaves You More Time to Actually Swim?

Let’s be honest – pool maintenance can be a chore. The system you choose significantly impacts how much time you’ll spend maintaining water versus enjoying it.

 

Chlorine Pool Upkeep

Owning a traditional chlorine pool typically means:

• Weekly (sometimes more) water testing
• Regular addition of chlorine products
• Constant pH balancing acts
• Fighting algae blooms during hot weather
• Frequent backwashing and filter cleaning

 

Even a small imbalance can quickly spiral into cloudy water, algae problems, or skin irritation for swimmers. During summer heatwaves, maintenance often increases when you want to use your pool the most.

 

Mineral Pool Simplicity

Mineral pool owners enjoy a more hands-off approach:

• Less frequent testing and chemical adjustments
• More stable water chemistry even in changing weather
• Fewer additional products needed
• Reduced backwashing requirements
• Simple seasonal mineral cartridge replacement

 

Blue Haven’s Enviro Smart Mineral Pool Technology takes this simplicity further with automated pH control and self-operating filters, turning pool ownership into a truly plug-and-play experience. Call our Sales team at 02 9728 0444 for general pool inquiries or quotes. We are happy to assist you at any time.

 

The Real Cost Comparison: Mineral Pool Cost vs Chlorine Pool Cost

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between mineral pool and chlorine pool costs.

 

Starting Costs

Chlorine pools typically have a lower start-up cost since they use simpler equipment. Mineral systems require an initial investment in mineral-generating equipment, which costs more upfront.

 

Long-Term Value

However, the ongoing expense story looks quite different:

 

Chlorine Pool Annual Expenses:

• Frequent chemical purchases – chlorine, algaecides, clarifiers, pH adjusters
• Higher water consumption from frequent backwashing
• Greater electricity use from pump operation
• More equipment wear due to chemical exposure

 

Mineral Pool Annual Savings:

• Annual mineral cartridge replacement – typically once per season
• Minimal chlorine additives – about 50% less than traditional pools
• Water savings – up to 12,000 litres annually compared to regular backwashing
• Electricity reduction – approximately $800 saved yearly with an Enviro Smart pump

 

These benefits of mineral pools add up significantly over time and make many pool owners turn to mineral systems despite the higher initial investment.

 

Blue Haven’s Enviro Smart Mineral Pool Technology

Blue Haven Pools has pioneered an exclusive technology that takes the benefits of mineral pools to new heights. Our Enviro Smart Mineral Pool Technology:

 

1. Energy-efficient Enviro Smart pump runs at variable speeds, cutting running costs by up to 80% compared to standard pumps
2. Advanced pre-filter system removes debris before it reaches your main filter
3. Extra-large cartridge filter with microban technology prevents germ and bacteria build-up
4. Automated pH controller eliminates manual water chemistry adjustments

 

The technology delivers clear, pure mineral water while saving approximately $800 yearly in operating costs compared to conventional sanitation systems. You’ll also save up to 12,000 litres of water annually compared to traditional sand filter backwashing.

The therapeutic mineral formula continues working long after swimming, leaving your skin clear, stress reduced, and body refreshed. No stinging eyes, no harsh chemicals – just clean, nourishing water that’s gentler on you and the environment.

 

The Side-by-Side Truth

Feature	Mineral Pools	Chlorine Pools
Water Feel	Soft, silky spa-quality	Chemical, often drying
Skin & Eye Impact	Nourishing, non-irritating	Can cause redness, dryness
Maintenance	Minimal, largely automated	Frequent, hands-on
Chlorine Usage	Reduced by ~50%	Full Chlorine dependency
Upfront Costs	Higher initial investment	Lower start-up cost
Running Costs	Lower long-term expenses	Higher chemical & energy costs
Environmental Impact	Reduced resource usage	Higher water & chemical usage
Equipment Lifespan	Extended due to gentler chemistry	Shortened by chemical exposure

 

 

Your Questions About Mineral Pools Answered

Is a mineral pool better than chlorine for swimmers with sensitivities?

Absolutely. The reduced chlorine levels and therapeutic mineral properties make mineral pools significantly gentler on sensitive skin, eczema, and respiratory conditions. Many swimmers who can’t tolerate chlorinated pools report comfortable, irritation-free swimming in mineral water.

 

Can I convert my existing chlorine pool to a mineral system?

Yes! Most pools can be converted without major renovation. Typically, the process involves installing a mineral system and balancing water chemistry. Blue Haven specialises in these conversions and can assess your specific pool to provide a tailored solution.

 

What ongoing maintenance does a mineral pool require?

Significantly less than chlorine pools. With our Enviro Smart Technology, many processes are automated, dramatically reducing the time you’ll spend testing and balancing. Most mineral pool owners replace their mineral cartridge once per season and perform occasional basic checks.

 

Do mineral pools eliminate chlorine?

No – they reduce chlorine by approximately 50% while maintaining sanitation effectiveness. The minerals work synergistically with chlorine, allowing lower levels to achieve the same sanitising power without the negative effects of high chlorine concentration.

 

Choose Mineral, Choose Better

When comparing mineral pools vs chlorine pools, the Enviro smart mineral pool system’s advantages shine through across all important aspects – better health benefits, easier maintenance, long-term cost savings, and environmental sustainability.

 

So, why settle for yesterday’s technology? Contact our team today at 02 9728 0444 to discuss transforming your swimming experience with a mineral pool that’s kinder to your skin, your time, and our planet.