Magnesium swimming pools offer a modern alternative to traditional chlorinated pools, combining mineral benefits with reduced chemical reliance. Here's a detailed breakdown of their core features and comparisons:
What Are Magnesium Swimming Pools?
Magnesium pools, also called mineral pools, use magnesium chloride and trace amounts of chlorine to sanitize water. Unlike traditional chlorine pools, they rely on magnesium’s natural properties to soften water and reduce reliance on harsh chemicals.
The Science Behind Magnesium Pools
Magnesium pools operate through two key mechanisms:
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Electrolysis Conversion: A chlorinator cell uses electrolysis to convert magnesium chloride into small amounts of chlorine (0.5–1.0 ppm), sufficient to sanitize the water without strong odors or irritation.
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Flocculation: Magnesium binds to impurities, causing debris to clump and settle for easier filtration. This reduces the need for clarifiers and algaecides.
The mineral blend also softens water by:
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Neutralizing calcium hardness, reducing scale buildup.
Enhancing water’s "silky" feel through magnesium’s hydrating properties, which relax muscles and nourish skin.
Magnesium vs. Traditional Chlorine Pools
| Factor | Magnesium Pools | Traditional Chlorine Pools |
| Skin/Eye Irritation | Gentle on skin; reduces dryness and redness. Ideal for sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. | Chlorine strips natural oils, causing dryness, redness, and eye irritation. |
| Environmental Impact | - 50% less chlorine usage. - Backwash water is safe for plants due to magnesium’s soil benefits. | Chlorine byproducts can harm ecosystems and degrade pool materials over time. |
| Maintenance Ease | - Minimal chemical adjustments. - Prevents cell calcification, reducing equipment wear. | Requires frequent chlorine dosing, pH balancing, and algaecide treatments. |
Additional Advantages of Magnesium:
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Therapeutic benefits: Absorbed through the skin, magnesium aids muscle recovery, stress reduction, and sleep quality.
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Cost efficiency: Lower annual chemical expenses despite higher initial mineral cartridge costs.
For pool owners seeking a gentler, eco-friendly alternative with health perks, magnesium pools provide a compelling upgrade over traditional systems.
How to Build or Convert to a Magnesium Pool
The process requires a saltwater chlorinator compatible with magnesium minerals, such as the Water TechniX Salt and Mineral Chlorinators. These systems electrolytically convert magnesium chloride into low-level chlorine (0.5–1.0 ppm) for sanitation while retaining the mineral’s therapeutic benefits.
Option 1: Liquid Magnesium Pool Minerals
How They Work
Liquid magnesium solutions like Water TechniX Liquid Magnesium Minerals simplify mineral integration:
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Easy Dosing: Pre-diluted formula allows direct pouring into pool skimmers or filters.
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Compatibility: Works with existing saltwater systems, requiring only a magnesium-capable chlorinator.
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Concentration: A 2L bottle treats 10,000L of water initially, with monthly top-ups of 1L per 10,000L.
Product Spotlight: Water TechniX Liquid Magnesium Minerals
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Features:
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2L easy-pour bottle eliminates heavy lifting and messy handling.
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Cost-effective: Saves up to 50% compared to traditional salts.
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Skin Benefits: Magnesium hydrates skin, alleviates eczema, and reduces muscle tension.
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Why Aussies Love the Water TechniX Liquid Magnesium Minerals:
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Fast results: Noticeably softer water within hours.
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Eco-friendly: Reduces chlorine use by 50% and backwash water is plant-safe.
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Low maintenance: Stable magnesium levels (600–800 ppm) minimize chemical adjustments.
Option 2: Traditional Magnesium Salts
How They Work
Magnesium salts (e.g., branded magnesium mineral mixes) dissolve in water to release minerals:
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Dosage: Requires 25kg per 50,000L initially, with semi-annual replenishment.
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Flocculation: Binds impurities for easier filtration, reducing chlorine runtime.
Drawbacks:
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Bulk Handling: 10–25kg sacks are cumbersome to transport and store.
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Shipping Costs: Heavy weights increase delivery fees, especially to remote areas.
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Storage Issues: Prone to clumping in humid conditions, reducing efficacy.
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Application Effort: Requires manual brushing to dissolve fully, unlike liquid alternatives.
Key Decision Factors
| Aspect | Liquid Minerals | Traditional Salts |
| Ease of Use | Pour-and-go; no brushing needed. | Labor-intensive application. |
| Storage | Compact; moisture-resistant. | Bulky; humidity-sensitive. |
| Cost Over Time | Lower shipping and handling fees. | Higher long-term logistics. |
For most pool owners, liquid magnesium offers a modern, hassle-free solution, while traditional salts suit those prioritizing upfront cost savings despite logistical challenges.
Why Australian Pool Owners Are Switching to Magnesium
Climate Compatibility
Magnesium pools thrive in Australia’s harsh climate due to:
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Heat-Resistant Minerals: Magnesium chloride maintains stability in high temperatures (up to 45°C), unlike traditional chlorine, which degrades faster in heat.
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Reduced Evaporation: The mineral’s flocculation properties minimize water turbulence, lowering evaporation rates by 15–20% compared to saltwater pools.
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Scale Prevention: Magnesium neutralizes calcium, preventing limescale buildup in filters and pipes—a common issue in hard-water regions like Perth and Adelaide.
Health Trends
Aligned with Australia’s wellness boom, magnesium pools offer:
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Muscle Recovery: Transdermal magnesium absorption aids post-workout relaxation, popular among fitness enthusiasts.
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Skin Health: 78% of users report reduced eczema and psoriasis symptoms due to magnesium’s hydrating effects.
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Stress Reduction: Linked to lower cortisol levels, making pools a holistic retreat for urban professionals.
Cost Savings
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Chemical Costs: 50% less chlorine usage saves $300–$500 annually for average households.
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Equipment Longevity: Reduced corrosion extends pump/filter lifespan by 3–5 years, cutting replacement costs.
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Energy Efficiency: Magnesium chlorinators (e.g., Water TechniX) use 20% less power than traditional salt systems.
FAQs About Magnesium Pool Systems
Can I retrofit my existing pool with magnesium?
Yes—95% of Australian pools can convert using:
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A magnesium-compatible chlorinator (e.g., Water TechniX Atomic Salt/Mineral).
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Liquid magnesium minerals or salts (no structural changes required).
Are magnesium pools safe for kids and pets?
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Kids: Gentle on sensitive skin; no red eyes or chemical ingestion risks.
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Pets: Magnesium’s low chlorine levels (0.5 ppm) are non-toxic if ingested accidentally.
How does a magnesium pool differ from standard saltwater systems?”
| Feature | Magnesium Pool | Saltwater Pool |
| Output | Generates chlorine + magnesium ions | Produces chlorine only |
| Water Feel | Silky, pH-neutral | Slightly abrasive |
| Maintenance | No cell scaling | Frequent acid washing of chlorinator cell needed |
| Health Perks | Therapeutic minerals absorbed | None beyond basic sanitation |
Ready to Upgrade? Shop Australian-Made Magnesium Pool Solutions
Transform your pool today with locally engineered solutions:
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Liquid Magnesium Minerals: Water TechniX 2L Liquid Magnesium Bottle
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Hybrid Chlorinators: Water TechniX Atomic Salt and Magnesium Chlorinator – Free shipping Australia-wide.
New to magnesium? Explore our guides:
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Happy swimming :)