If you're thinking about installing a pool - or maybe you already have one but you're curious about the alternatives out there, you might find yourself getting a little overwhelmed by the variety of options available. Pool water types can make a huge difference in how your pool feels, how much maintenance it requires and even how it affects your skin and eyes. So, what’s the difference between salt, chlorine, freshwater, mineral and ozone pools? And which one is the best choice for you?
In this guide, we’ll dive into the different types of pool systems, explaining the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision (by the end of this, we're confident you'll be ready to choose the pool that’s perfect for you and your lifestyle!)
Saltwater Pools: The Smooth, Low-Maintenance Option
Saltwater pools are the most common type of pool we see in Australia, and there's many good reasons for that!
What Are Saltwater Pools?
Despite the name, saltwater pools are still chlorine pools - but with a twist! Instead of having to manually add chlorine to the pool, a chlorinator turns pool salt into chlorine through an electrochemical process leaving you with softer, gentler water that feels more like a spa experience than a typical pool.
Why Choose Salt Water?
Gentle on Skin & Eyes: Saltwater pools are less harsh than traditional chlorine pools, meaning no more red, stinging eyes or dry, itchy skin.
Lower Maintenance: The saltwater generator automatically produces chlorine, meaning you don’t have to add chemicals as frequently. This makes upkeep easier and less time-consuming.
Long-Term Savings: Though they can be pricier to install, saltwater pools save money over time because you won’t need to constantly buy chlorine.
Potential Drawbacks:
Upfront Cost: Saltwater pools have a higher initial installation cost due to the chlorinator.
Chlorine Pools: The Classic Choice
Let’s get one thing straight: Chlorine pools will always be effective and affordable. However, they require you to monitor the pool regularly and if you miss a day of adding chlorine, the pool can turn green quick.
What Are Chlorine Pools?
In a chlorine pool, you add chlorine manually to sanitise the water, which kills off all bacteria and subsequently, prevents algae from growing in the pool. Chlorine pools are essentially the traditional, tried-and-true method for keeping pool water clean.
Why Choose Chlorine Pools?
Effective Sanitisation: Chlorine does a great job of keeping the water free from harmful bacteria and pathogens, which is why it’s the most widely used disinfectant.
Affordable: Chlorine pools have a relatively low upfront cost and won't require a chlorinator, a part that can be fairly pricey.
Potential Drawbacks:
Frequent Chemical Adjustments: Unfortunately, with hand-fed chlorine pools, you need to monitor chlorine levels very regularly, which can be extremely inconvenient. If you don't keep an eye on the pool regularly and consistently feed the pool chlorine, it will turn green quick, which can get pricey to turn back to blue.
Skin & Eye Irritation: Unless you're testing the water before jumping in (something we strongly recommend) it is likely that the pool may be quite high in chlorine if you're dosing it regularly. As a result, this can cause a lot of dryness, redness and irritation to your skin and eyes.
Freshwater Pools: Clean, Simple, and Classic
A freshwater pool is pretty much the simplest and most straightforward pool option available. It’s clean water, with no chlorine! Just a tiny bit of salt.
What Are Freshwater Pools?
These pools use traditional sanitisation methods, such as salt to keep water clean. The difference between freshwater and salt pools, is that there there is no chlorine, making it, for the most part, freshwater.
Why Choose Freshwater Pools?
Simplicity: Freshwater pools are easy to maintain and keep clean with basic chemicals.
Cost-Effective: Freshwater pools are typically more affordable to maintain compared to other options.
Potential Drawbacks:
Upfront Cost: The initial setup for a freshwater pool can be fairly expensive.
Mineral Pools: The Natural, Skin-Friendly Alternative
If you’re looking for a more natural pool experience, a mineral pool might be just what you need. These pools use mineral-based sanitisation systems instead of the typical chlorine.
What Are Mineral Pools?
Mineral pools use a blend of natural minerals like magnesium and potassium to keep the water clean and safe. The minerals create a softer, silkier feel that many pool owners love, and they’re often marketed as being gentler on the skin and eyes.
Why Choose Mineral Pools?
Softer Water: The minerals give the water a smooth, silky feel, which many find more comfortable than traditional chlorine or salt water.
Gentle on Skin, Eyes & Hair: If you’re sensitive to chlorine or other harsh chemicals, mineral pools can offer a more soothing experience for your skin, eyes and hair.
Potential Drawbacks:
Higher Installation Cost: Mineral pools can be more expensive to install (depending on your setup) than traditional pools.
Ongoing Mineral Additions: You’ll need to periodically replenish the minerals, adding to maintenance costs. Additionally, if you don't already have a mineral pool, you will need to transform it into one with the right chemicals, which can cost a bit!
Ozone Pools: Clean Water with Little Chemicals
Ozone pools use ozone (O3) gas to sanitise pool water, and they’ve been gaining popularity for their effectiveness and environmentally-friendly approach.
What Are Ozone Pools?
An ozone generator creates ozone from oxygen in the air and injects it into the pool water. The ozone breaks down organic matter, killing bacteria, viruses and algae without the need for chlorine. Some ozone pools still use small amounts of chlorine to keep the water balanced, but the majority of the sanitisation comes from ozone.
Why Choose Ozone Pools?
Chemical-Free (Mostly): Ozone is a powerful disinfectant, so you don’t need much chlorine at all. This is great if you’re looking for a more natural pool experience.
Cleaner, Clearer Water: Ozone pools often have incredibly clear water, and the system does an excellent job at removing organic contaminants.
No Chemical Smell: Because significantly less chlorine in the pool, you won’t get that strong chemical smell that’s you'll find it common with traditional pools.
Potential Drawbacks:
Initial Cost: Ozone pool systems can be more expensive to install than traditional salt water or chlorine pools.
Additional Chlorine: While ozone reduces the need for chemical, a small amount is still required to keep things correctly balanced.
So, Which Pool Type Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice really all comes down to your preferences, lifestyle and budget. The most common pool setup we see in Australia is a saltwater pool, as it's low maintenance and soft feeling. However, we'll give you a re-cap below to make it easier to choose!
Saltwater Pools: Best for those who want a low-maintenance, soft-feeling pool with fewer chemicals.
Chlorine Pools: Perfect for people who want a more affordable pool and who don't mind and have the time to regularly maintain pool chlorine levels.
Freshwater Pools: Ideal for those who want a cleaner pool experience with very little chemicals.
Mineral Pools: Great if you’re after smoother, gentler water which provides skin benefits.
Ozone Pools: Perfect if you’re looking for a cleaner, more eco-friendly pool with minimal chemical use.
