Frequently Asked Questions #
Pool Equipment – Sanitiser FAQs #
What is the main difference between chlorine, saltwater, mineral and freshwater pool systems?
• Chlorine pools use manually added chlorine or automated dosing.
• Saltwater pools create chlorine from dissolved salt using a chlorinator.
• Mineral pools use magnesium/potassium blends with low levels of chlorine.
• Freshwater systems sanitise using UV, ozone and ionisation with minimal chemicals.
How does a chlorine pool work?
Chlorine is added manually or via an automatic doser. It forms hypochlorous acid, which kills bacteria and keeps the pool safe.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of chlorine pools?
Pros:
• Lowest upfront cost
• Highly effective sanitisation
• Supplies widely available
• Works in all climates
Cons:
• Can irritate eyes and skin
• Noticeable chemical smell
• Requires regular manual testing and dosing
• Imbalances can cause corrosion or “shocking”
Who is a chlorine pool best suited for?
Budget-conscious families who don’t mind weekly water balancing and chemical handling.
How does a saltwater pool work?
A salt chlorinator converts dissolved pool salt into chlorine through electrolysis, providing steady sanitisation without manual chemical dosing.
What are the pros and cons of saltwater pools?
Pros:
• Softer, gentler water feel
• Minimal chlorine smell
• Automatically maintains chlorine levels
• More stable water chemistry
Cons:
• Higher upfront setup cost
• Salt can affect nearby metal and natural stone
• Salt cells require cleaning and periodic replacement
Is a saltwater pool still a chlorine pool?
Yes — salt chlorinators produce chlorine. The difference is the water feels softer and the system requires less hands-on chemical handling.
Who is a saltwater system best for?
Families wanting easy maintenance, soft-feeling water, and fewer chemicals to handle manually.
What is a mineral pool and how does it work?
Mineral pools use blends of magnesium and potassium salts combined with low levels of chlorine. The system still sanitises via chlorine but delivers a softer, “luxury” water feel.
What are the pros and cons of mineral pools?
Pros:
• Very gentle on skin and hair
• Therapeutic, spa-like water
• Reduced chemical use
• Premium water clarity
Cons:
• Higher upfront cost than standard salt
• Minerals can be more expensive to top up
• Still reliant on small amounts of chlorine
Who should choose a mineral pool?
Homeowners wanting premium water comfort, especially those with sensitive skin or who enjoy a high-end swim experience.
How does a freshwater system work?
Freshwater systems use a combination of UV, ozone and ionisation to sanitise water. They use minimal chemicals and only trace chlorine when required.
What are the pros and cons of freshwater pools?
Pros:
• No chlorine smell
• Extremely gentle on skin, hair and eyes
• Very low chemical usage
• Eco-friendly
Cons:
• Highest upfront cost
• Requires attentive monitoring
• Less common than other systems
• May require a small backup sanitiser in some conditions
Who is a freshwater pool best suited to?
Eco-conscious families, swimmers with sensitivities, or anyone wanting the most natural swimming experience possible.
Which pool sanitisation system is the cheapest to install?
Traditional chlorine systems have the lowest upfront cost.
Which system is the easiest to maintain?
Saltwater and mineral pools offer the most stable chemical levels and lowest weekly maintenance.
Which system provides the most comfortable water?
• Freshwater: highest comfort
• Mineral: very high
• Saltwater: high
• Chlorine: moderate comfort
Which system is best for sensitive skin or allergies?
Freshwater is the gentlest, followed by mineral systems.
Are chemical smells reduced with alternative systems?
Yes. Saltwater and mineral systems have minimal smell, while freshwater has no chlorine smell at all.
Which system is the most eco-friendly?
Freshwater systems use the least chemicals and offer the strongest eco credentials.
Do mineral or freshwater systems still need chlorine?
• Mineral pools: Yes, but far less than traditional systems.
• Freshwater systems: Often use trace levels or a small backup, depending on the system.
Which sanitiser has the lowest long-term running cost?
Saltwater and mineral systems generally have the most predictable and stable long-term costs. Chlorine is cheap upfront but can cost more over time due to chemical use.
How do I choose the best system for my family?
• Chlorine: Cost-effective and simple
• Saltwater: Best balance of cost, comfort and maintenance
• Mineral: Wellness-focused, premium comfort
• Freshwater: Ultimate softness and eco performance, but higher upfront cost
