What You Need to Know About Magnesium Pools

Thinking About Switching to a Magnesium Pool?
Here’s What You Need to Know

At Perfect Balance Pool Care, we often get asked about magnesium pool systems — and for good reason. Magnesium-based pools have become increasingly popular on the Gold Coast in recent years for their luxurious water feel and potential health benefits. But before you make the switch, it’s important to understand how these systems work, what’s required to convert your pool, and how to properly maintain them to avoid costly problems down the line.

The Benefits of a Magnesium Pool

Magnesium pools are a type of mineral pool system, using a blend of magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium chloride instead of traditional salt or chlorine alone.

Here’s why many pool owners love them:

1. Gentle on Skin and Eyes
   Magnesium is known for its soothing properties. Swimmers often report softer skin, shinier hair, and less irritation to eyes and sinuses compared to standard chlorine pools.

2. Relaxation and Health Benefits
   Magnesium can be absorbed through the skin, potentially helping with muscle recovery, stress relief, and improved sleep quality.

3. Sparkling, Clear Water
   Magnesium crystals help trap fine particles, meaning your pool water often appears clearer and more polished.

4. Reduced Chlorine Smell
   While magnesium pools still require chlorine for sanitation, the overall chlorine level is usually lower and less noticeable.

Converting to a Magnesium Pool

Switching your pool to magnesium isn’t as simple as just adding minerals. A few key changes may be required to ensure your system runs efficiently:

1. Salt/Mineral Chlorinator Upgrade
   You will need a compatible chlorinator designed to handle magnesium minerals, as not all salt systems can manage the specific chemistry and conductivity of magnesium blends, your chlorinator may already be compatible, we can provide advice here.

2. New Mineral Blend
   You’ll replace standard pool salt with a magnesium-rich mineral blend (such as PureMinerals® or similar systems). These are added to the water in measured quantities, depending on your pool’s volume.

3. System Flush and Water Balance
   If you’re converting from a traditional salt pool, it’s best to drain and refill at least 50–75% of the water to remove excess sodium. This helps ensure the magnesium minerals can work effectively.

4. Filtration System Check
   Because magnesium can help filter finer particles, make sure your filter media is in top condition. We recommend magnesium pool owners switch to glass media for superior clarity.

Potential Drawbacks and Risks

While magnesium systems have great benefits, there are also some considerations to keep in mind:

1. Higher Initial Cost
   The magnesium mineral blends are typically more expensive than standard salt, and the compatible chlorinator may require an upgrade.

2. Black or Brown Staining
   If your pool’s water chemistry isn’t balanced correctly, magnesium and other minerals can react with metals, causing black or brown stains on the pool surface. This is one of the most common issues with poorly maintained magnesium systems.

3. Ongoing Maintenance Still Required
   Even though magnesium pools feel “softer,” they still rely on chlorine for sanitation. Regular water testing, pH balancing, and chlorinator maintenance are essential.

4. Not Ideal for Every Pool Surface
   Certain pool surfaces (like older fibreglass or concrete with worn gelcoats) can be more prone to staining or scaling if magnesium levels are too high.

How to Care for Your Magnesium Pool

Proper care is key to keeping your pool clean, clear, and stain-free. Here’s what we recommend at Perfect Balance Pool Care:

1. Test Water Regularly
   Check pH (7.2–7.6), chlorine (1–3 ppm), alkalinity (80–120 ppm), and magnesium/mineral levels weekly. Keeping the pH balanced is particularly important — if it drifts too high, staining and cloudy water can result.

2. Control Metal Levels
   If you have metals like copper or iron in your water source, use a metal sequestrant regularly to prevent black or brown staining.

3. Run Your Chlorinator Consistently
   Even with magnesium, your pool still needs chlorine generation to stay sanitised. Ensure your chlorinator is working correctly and adjust output depending on usage and temperature.

4. Brush and Circulate
   Regular brushing helps prevent mineral build-up on surfaces. Make sure your pump and filtration are running for at least 8 hours a day during warmer months.

5. Professional Servicing
   Schedule regular maintenance with us at Perfect Balance Pool Care to ensure your system is operating efficiently and your mineral levels are balanced.

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The Bottom Line

Magnesium pools can be a nice upgrade for comfort, health, and water quality — but they do require knowledgeable care. With proper setup and regular maintenance, you’ll enjoy crystal-clear, gentle water that’s a pleasure to swim in.

At Perfect Balance Pool Care, we specialise in magnesium pool conversions, water balancing, and stain prevention for pools on the Gold Coast.

📞 Call Jamie on 0407 696 002 If you’re thinking about making the switch, or if your existing magnesium pool isn’t performing as it should — we’ll help you keep it perfectly balanced.

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