Why Australian Pool Owners Are Making the Switch
Mineral pools have moved well past being a trend. Across Australia, pool owners are switching from traditional chlorine systems to mineral water, and once you’ve experienced the difference, it’s hard to go back.
The appeal is straightforward: softer, silkier water that’s gentler on your skin and eyes, less chemical smell, and a more pleasant overall swim. For families with sensitive skin, the benefits are even more noticeable.
If you’ve been considering a mineral pool conversion, this guide walks you through exactly how it works, what to expect, and why the right product makes all the difference. For a broader look at how mineral pools work, see our guide to what a mineral pool is and how it compares to other pool types.
What Is a Mineral Pool?
A mineral pool uses dissolved minerals, most commonly magnesium, to improve water quality and enhance the swimming experience. The minerals work alongside your existing sanitiser rather than replacing it, so you still need chlorine or another sanitiser to keep the water safe. What changes is how the water feels and how your body responds to it.
Magnesium-enriched water has a noticeably different texture. It feels softer and less abrasive than heavily chlorinated water. Many swimmers describe it as more natural, closer to swimming in the sea (without the salt). It also reduces harsh chemical odours and is gentler on pool equipment and surfaces.
Magnesium acts as a natural flocculant, which helps maintain water clarity, and it creates more stable water chemistry overall, meaning fewer chemical adjustments over time. Research published in the National Library of Medicine supports magnesium’s role in supporting the skin’s moisture barrier, which is why many people with sensitive skin find mineral water noticeably more comfortable.
Liquid vs. Salt-Based Mineral Systems: What’s the Difference?
Most mineral pool systems on the market are powder or salt-based, added in large quantities through a dedicated feeder or directly into the water. These systems can increase the salinity of your pool, which affects your sanitiser system, your pool surfaces, and anything metal nearby.
PoolFlow Pure takes a different approach. It’s a liquid magnesium concentrate, which means it dissolves instantly, requires no mixing, and does not increase salinity. There’s no separate equipment to install and no calibration required. You simply add the correct dose to your existing pool or spa, and the mineral benefits begin immediately.
This makes PoolFlow Pure compatible with virtually all pool types, including fibreglass, concrete, tiled, and vinyl liner pools, as well as spas, hot tubs, and swim spas. If you’ve been hesitant about mineral conversion because of the complexity or the cost of system upgrades, the liquid approach removes those barriers. The Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia (SPASA) notes that compatibility with existing equipment is one of the key considerations when choosing a mineral system, and a liquid formulation sidesteps this issue entirely.
Step-by-Step: How to Convert Your Pool to a Mineral Pool
Step 1: Test Your Water First
Before adding anything, test your pool water. You want to know your current pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels. Most pool stockists can test a water sample for you, or you can use a home test kit. Getting your water balanced before conversion makes the process smoother and the results more consistent.
Ideal levels before adding PoolFlow Pure:
- pH: 7.2 to 7.6
- Total Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm (if your alkalinity is low, AlkaBoost is a 100% sodium bicarbonate solution that raises it safely without affecting pH)
- Free Chlorine: 1 to 3 ppm
Step 2: Calculate Your Dose
PoolFlow Pure comes in 1L, 5L, and 15L sizes. Dosage is based on your pool volume, which you can calculate by multiplying length x width x average depth (in metres) to get your volume in cubic metres, then multiply by 1,000 to get litres.
Your PoolFlow stockist can advise on the correct dose for your pool size. The initial dose is higher than the maintenance dose, so it’s worth getting this right from the start. Find your nearest stockist at poolflow.au/find-a-stockist.
Step 3: Add PoolFlow Pure to Your Pool
With your pump running, pour the correct dose of PoolFlow Pure directly into the pool water, distributing it around the perimeter or near the return jets. No mixing is required. The liquid concentrate disperses quickly and begins working immediately.
There’s no need to wait before swimming. Because PoolFlow Pure is a non-dangerous good, it’s safe to handle and easy to use.
Step 4: Retest and Adjust
After 24 to 48 hours, retest your water. Mineral additions can sometimes affect pH slightly, so it’s worth checking and adjusting if needed. Once your water is balanced, you’ll find it stabilises more readily than a standard chlorine pool.
Step 5: Maintain Regularly
A top-up dose of PoolFlow Pure every eight to twelve weeks is generally sufficient to maintain mineral levels, depending on bather load, rainfall, and splash-out. Your chlorine routine stays the same. You’re simply adding a layer of mineral benefit on top of your existing water care programme.
What About Spas and Hot Tubs?
PoolFlow Pure is equally suited to spas, hot tubs, and swim spas. In a smaller volume of water, the effects are even more noticeable. A spa with PoolFlow Pure has a distinctly different water quality, softer, more comfortable, and with less of the harsh chemical odour that many people associate with spa use.
For spas that are used regularly, particularly if you want to get the most out of your water care routine, pairing Pure Minerals with Lithium Pro as your sanitiser is worth considering. Lithium Pro is specifically designed to perform in high-temperature water and is the recommended sanitiser for commercial spas by NSW Health.
Is a Mineral Pool Conversion Right for Your Pool?
Mineral conversion suits almost any Australian pool. The benefits are most noticeable for:
- Families with young children or people with sensitive skin
- Pool owners who want to reduce chemical odours
- Anyone who swims regularly and wants a more comfortable experience
- Spa and hot tub owners looking for a higher-quality soak
- People who want to support environmentally preferable water care
| PoolFlow Pure: Australian Made, Ethically Sourced PoolFlow Pure is made in Australia and uses ethically sourced magnesium chloride hexahydrate at 64% concentration. It does not increase pool salinity, requires no extra equipment, and is compatible with all pool and sanitiser types. View the full product details. |
A Note on Therapeutic Claims
Many people with sensitive skin, eczema, or psoriasis report that they prefer bathing in mineral water. We’re not in a position to make therapeutic or medical claims about magnesium water, but the experience of many Australian pool owners speaks for itself. If you or your family has found traditional pool chemicals harsh on your skin, a mineral conversion is worth trying.
Where to Buy PoolFlow Pure
PoolFlow Pure is available through authorised stockists. Find your nearest stockist or browse the full PoolFlow product range at poolflow.au.
It’s available in 1L, 5L, and 15L sizes, making it practical for everything from a small spa to a large residential pool.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Converting to a mineral pool doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. With the right liquid formulation, it’s a simple addition to your existing pool care routine, and the results are immediate.
PoolFlow Pure is the smart way to bring mineral water quality to your pool or spa, without the fuss of powder systems, salt feeders, or equipment upgrades.
Find your nearest stockist at www.poolflow.au/find-a-stockist.
