One of the first questions we get from families planning a pool is a deceptively simple one: “What kind of water should it have?” Saltwater, mineral, traditional chlorine — they all keep your pool clean and safe, but they feel different, cost different amounts, and suit different households.
Here’s the quick answer: all three systems ultimately rely on chlorine to sanitise the water — the difference is how that chlorine is produced and what else is in the mix. Traditional pools have chlorine added by hand; saltwater pools make it automatically from salt; mineral pools add magnesium and potassium for a softer feel. Let’s break down each one.
Traditional chlorine pools
This is the classic setup: you add chlorine to the water yourself, usually as tablets, granules or liquid, and test regularly to keep the level right.
Pros:
- Lowest upfront cost — no chlorinator or mineral system to buy
- Powerful, well-understood sanitiser
- Easy to give the water a quick boost when needed
Cons:
- More hands-on — you’re buying, storing and handling chlorine regularly
- Can be harsher on eyes, skin and swimwear if levels drift high
- That familiar strong “chlorine smell” is usually a sign the water needs attention
Saltwater pools
Saltwater pools are the most popular choice in Australian backyards — and there’s a common myth worth clearing up. A saltwater pool is not chlorine-free. You add salt to the water, and a chlorinator uses electrolysis to turn that salt into chlorine automatically, on demand. The salt level is low — roughly a tenth of seawater — so it’s barely noticeable.
Pros:
- Gentler, softer-feeling water that’s easier on eyes and skin
- Far less handling of chemicals — the chlorinator does the work
- Lower day-to-day running effort and cost once it’s set up
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost for the chlorinator
- Salt can be corrosive to some materials over time, so equipment needs to be salt-rated
- The chlorinator cell needs occasional cleaning and eventual replacement
Mineral pools
Mineral pools are the newest option and the fastest-growing. They use a mineral system — typically magnesium chloride and potassium chloride — alongside a low level of chlorine. The result is water that many people describe as silky, with a spa-like feel.
Pros:
- The softest, most luxurious water feel of the three
- Often gentler on sensitive skin and eyes
- Magnesium is widely regarded as relaxing for muscles
- Uses less chlorine than a traditional pool
Cons:
- Highest running cost — minerals need topping up
- Premium upfront investment
- Still needs a small amount of chlorine to stay safe
At a glance: how they compare
| Chlorine | Saltwater | Mineral | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lowest | Moderate | Highest |
| Day-to-day effort | Highest | Low | Low |
| Water feel | Standard | Soft | Softest |
| Chemical handling | Frequent | Minimal | Minimal |
| Best for | Budget-conscious | Most families | Comfort seekers |
So which should you choose?
There’s no single “best” — it comes down to your priorities:
- Want the lowest upfront cost and don’t mind the maintenance? Traditional chlorine.
- Want the popular, low-fuss, gentler middle ground? Saltwater — the choice most Geelong families make.
- Want the softest, most spa-like water and don’t mind paying for it? Mineral.
The good news is you’re not locked in forever — most pools can be converted between systems down the track. If you’re building new, we’ll help you match the water system to how your family actually wants to use the pool.
Not sure which is right for you? Ask us for a free, honest recommendation, or explore our range of fibreglass pools and picture your ideal backyard.
Frequently asked questions
Is a saltwater pool chlorine-free?
No. A saltwater pool still sanitises with chlorine — a chlorinator simply makes that chlorine on-site from dissolved salt, instead of you adding it manually. The water feels gentler and there’s less handling of chemicals, but chlorine is still doing the cleaning.
Are mineral pools better for sensitive skin?
Many people find mineral pools (which use magnesium and potassium chloride) gentler on skin and eyes, with a softer feel to the water. They still use a low level of chlorine to keep the water safe, but typically less than a standard pool.
Which pool type is cheapest to run?
A traditional manually-chlorinated pool has the lowest upfront cost, but you buy chlorine regularly. Saltwater pools cost a little more to set up but are cheaper and easier to maintain day to day. Mineral systems sit at the premium end for both minerals and running cost, but many owners feel the water quality is worth it.
Can I convert my existing pool to saltwater or mineral?
In most cases, yes. Converting usually means adding a chlorinator or mineral system to your existing equipment. It’s a common upgrade — talk to a pool professional about what suits your setup.
What’s the best option for a family pool in Geelong?
There’s no single right answer, but most Geelong families we build for choose saltwater or mineral systems for the gentler feel and lower day-to-day maintenance. The best choice depends on your budget, how much hands-on maintenance you want, and how sensitive your family’s skin is.