What is the difference between Chlorine pool, Saltwater or Mineral pool?
Understanding the difference between ‘traditional’ chlorine, saltwater and a mineral pool can be difficult. To give you a better understanding & to make the right decision for your pool, we explain the pros and cons of each pool type.

CHLORINE POOLS
A chlorine-based pool has traditionally been the popular choice for pool sanitisation because it is the simplest way to kill bacteria. Chlorine works through a series of chemical reactions which breaks down the cells in harmful bacteria to render them harmless. Typically, this is the cheapest upfront way of sanitising your pool, however, this can quickly change to an expensive option each season if the pool is left untreated and chlorine levels drop.
CHLORINE POOL PROS & CONS
The biggest pro to a traditional chlorine pool is the relatively inexpensive cost for the initial set-up.
The cons to this pool type are the smell, potential irritations to the skin and eyes due to the harshness as well as it not regulating well - it requires the most amount of manual labour compared to the other pool types.

SALTWATER POOLS
Contrastingly there are two, more natural, alternatives to a traditional chemical-based pool – salt and mineral water. First things first, no pool will be completely sanitised without chlorine. All pool systems need chlorine however there are several ways in which chlorine levels can be dramatically reduced by using salt or minerals as the sanitiser.
SALTWATER POOL PROS & CONS
Many of the negatives in a chlorine pool are not the case in saltwater pools such as skin irritation and strong smells,. The water is softer and more regulated. There will be far fewer peaks and troughs with a saltwater pool and sanitisation levels, but it is still advised to continue checking the chemical levels for the required adjustments. An important thing to note about salt water is that it still uses the same chemicals as a chlorine pool, instead of adding direct chlorine, salt is added which acts as a chlorine generator.
The biggest downside of this type of pool is that while it is beneficial to the swimmers using the pool, it is not necessarily the same for the pool itself. Saltwater is notorious for being corrosive, therefore the ladders, rails, furniture, and equipment may break down quicker. This is preventable so speak to your local pool shop and they will discuss options and devices that can be added to the pool to slow down the corrosion.

MINERAL POOLS
Lastly, there are mineral pools, more specifically we will discuss a Maytronics Mineral Swim pool. There are several ways that the Maytronics Mineral Swim system helps to reduce the need for harsh chemicals. The first is by using 100% natural Dead Sea minerals in conjunction with ozone water purification. Together they dramatically reduce the load on the chlorinator. In most instances, a chlorinator’s output will be halved. Secondly, the flocculation effect makes pool filters more effective. This pool type is the healthiest with the least amount of added chemicals, ultimately reducing the amount by up to 80%.
MINERAL POOL PROS & CONS
Other benefits include the overall water quality, removing all the negatives of a traditional chlorine pool and saltwater pool (the corrosive nature), and the health/therapeutic effects of the magnesium levels in the pool water.
In contrast, the downside to a mineral pool is the initial upfront cost. While this is the most expensive option initially, however further savings are often realised in things like reduced electricity usage and chemical costs.
Tip: A normal chlorinated pool has a range of 1.0 & 3.0 PPM where a mineral pool should have no more than approximately 0.5 PPM to reap the full benefits. Your local pool shop dealer will be able to provide the exact number for your pool during the initial consultation and recommendations through pool health checks.
Speak to your local dealer today!
FAQ
a.) What are pros and cons of saltwater pool?
Salt water is softer and less harmful for the human eyes and skin. There will be less troughs and peaks with a saltwater pool and sanitisation levels. Also, saltwater pools have an electrolytic chlorine generator that breaks down the salt in the pool to generate chlorine.
The main drawback of this kind of pool is that, while it is beneficial to the swimmers who use it, it is not necessarily a good thing to the pool its saltwater is corrosive so pool equipment will deteriorate quicker.
b.) What are pros and cons of chlorine pool?
A chlorine-based pool has traditionally been the most popular choice for pool sanitisation. Chlorine works by breaking down the cells of harmful bacteria. Typically, this is the least expensive way to sanitise your pool up front. The most significant advantage of a traditional chlorine pool is the low initial cost of installation.
The disadvantages of this pool type are the smell, the potential for skin and eye irritation due to the harshness, and the fact that it does not regulate well - it requires the most manual labour when compared to the other pool types.
c.) What are pros and cons of mineral pool?
A Maytronics Mineral Swim pool reduces the load on the chlorinator by using 100% natural Dead Sea minerals and ozone water purification. This pool type is the healthiest because it contains the fewest chemicals, which can be reduced by up to 80%. Other advantages include better water quality, elimination of all negative aspects of a traditional chlorine pool and saltwater pool and the health/therapeutic effects of magnesium levels in pool water.
The disadvantage of a mineral pool is the high initial investment. While this is the most expensive option at first, additional savings are frequently realised in areas such as reduced electricity usage and chemical costs.