Magnesium in swimming pool systems is becoming increasingly popular across Australia as homeowners look for a more natural, comfortable, and premium alternative to traditional chlorine pools. From residential backyards to luxury resorts and wellness centres, magnesium pools are recognised for their softer water feel, reduced chemical use, and overall improved swimming experience.
This in-depth guide explains everything you need to know about magnesium in swimming pool water, including how it works, its benefits, safety, maintenance, costs in Australia, and whether it is the right choice for your pool.
What Is Magnesium in a Swimming Pool
A magnesium swimming pool is a mineral-based pool system that uses magnesium chloride as a core component of its water treatment process. Magnesium itself is not a disinfectant. Instead, it works in combination with a mineral chlorinator that generates low levels of chlorine through electrolysis.
Unlike traditional pools that depend on manually added chlorine, magnesium pool systems produce chlorine continuously and in controlled amounts. The magnesium minerals remain in the water, improving its feel, clarity, and overall balance.
The result is water that feels noticeably softer on the skin, is gentler on the eyes, and has far less chemical smell than standard chlorinated pools.
How Magnesium Swimming Pools Work
Magnesium in swimming pool systems operates through a mineral chlorination process. Magnesium chloride is dissolved into the pool water, and a mineral chlorinator applies a low electrical charge. This process generates chlorine naturally, which sanitises the pool by eliminating bacteria, algae, and other contaminants.
The key difference is that the chlorine is produced steadily rather than added in large doses. This allows the pool to maintain consistent sanitation while keeping chlorine levels much lower than those found in conventional pools.
Magnesium ions stay in the water and contribute to improved water clarity and a smoother swimming experience.
What are the benefits?
Softer and More Comfortable Water
One of the most immediate benefits of magnesium in swimming pool water is how it feels. Magnesium interacts with water molecules to create a smoother and more luxurious sensation. Many swimmers describe the water as silky and gentle, especially compared to traditional chlorine pools.
This softer water makes swimming more enjoyable, particularly for families, frequent swimmers, and people who spend long periods in the pool.
Gentler on Skin, Hair, and Eyes
Chlorine-heavy pools are known to dry out skin, irritate eyes, and strip natural oils from hair. Magnesium swimming pools significantly reduce these effects by lowering chlorine concentration and stabilising water chemistry.
People with sensitive skin conditions, children, and those prone to eye irritation often find magnesium pools far more comfortable. Hair typically feels softer after swimming, and there is little to no lingering chemical smell.
Relaxing and Wellness-Focused Experience
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in muscle relaxation and nerve function. While absorption through the skin is still being studied, many swimmers report that magnesium pools feel more relaxing and less physically draining.
This has made magnesium in swimming pool systems particularly popular in Australian resorts, spas, and rehabilitation facilities where relaxation and recovery are priorities.
Improved Water Clarity
Magnesium helps bind fine particles together so they can be removed more efficiently by the pool’s filtration system. This often results in clearer, brighter water with better light reflection.
Clear water not only improves visual appeal but also enhances swimmer confidence in the cleanliness and quality of the pool.
Reduced Chemical Smell
Because magnesium pools require less chlorine, they produce far less chemical odour. This creates a more pleasant swimming environment, especially for indoor pools or enclosed pool areas commonly found in Australian homes.
Magnesium Pools Compared to Traditional Chlorine Pools
When comparing magnesium in swimming pool systems with traditional chlorine pools, the main differences are comfort, chemical exposure, and overall swimming experience. Standard chlorine pools rely on higher chlorine levels to maintain sanitation, which can lead to dryness, irritation, and strong smells.
Magnesium pools still use chlorine, but at much lower and more consistent levels. This provides effective sanitation while delivering a noticeably gentler and more enjoyable swim.
Magnesium Pools Compared to Saltwater Pools
Magnesium pools are often confused with saltwater pools, but they are different systems. Saltwater pools use sodium chloride to generate chlorine, while magnesium pools use magnesium chloride and other mineral blends.
Magnesium pools typically feel softer than saltwater pools and are less likely to cause dryness or irritation. They are also generally less corrosive to pool surfaces, metal components, and surrounding areas when properly maintained.
Is Magnesium Safe in Swimming Pools
Magnesium in swimming pool water is safe when the system is correctly installed and maintained. Magnesium chloride is non-toxic at recommended pool concentrations and is widely used in wellness and therapeutic environments.
As with any pool, regular water testing is essential to ensure proper balance, correct pH levels, and effective sanitation. When maintained correctly, magnesium pools meet Australian safety and health standards.
Maintaining a Magnesium Swimming Pool
Magnesium pools are not maintenance-free, but they are generally easy to manage. Routine care helps ensure consistent water quality and system performance.
Regular maintenance includes testing water chemistry, monitoring magnesium and chlorine levels, maintaining proper pH balance, cleaning filters, and inspecting the mineral chlorinator cell.
Many Australian pool owners find magnesium pools easier to keep stable compared to traditional chlorine pools due to the steady chlorine production and improved water balance.
Cost of Magnesium in Swimming Pool Systems in Australia
The initial cost of installing a magnesium pool system in Australia is typically higher than a standard chlorine pool but comparable to premium saltwater systems. Costs include the mineral chlorinator, magnesium minerals, and installation.
Ongoing costs are often lower due to reduced chemical usage, fewer corrective treatments, and potentially longer equipment lifespan. Over time, many pool owners consider magnesium pools a cost-effective investment.
Converting an Existing Pool to Magnesium
Most existing pools in Australia can be converted to a magnesium swimming pool system, including concrete, fibreglass, and vinyl liner pools. A professional assessment is recommended to ensure compatibility and optimal system setup.
Conversion allows pool owners to enjoy the benefits of magnesium water without needing to build a new pool.
Who Should Choose a Magnesium Swimming Pool
Magnesium pools are ideal for families with children, people with sensitive skin, frequent swimmers, luxury homes, and wellness-focused environments. They are particularly well suited to Australians who value comfort, low chemical exposure, and a premium swimming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Magnesium in Swimming Pools
What is a magnesium swimming pool
A magnesium swimming pool is a mineral-based pool system that uses magnesium chloride combined with a mineral chlorinator to produce low levels of chlorine. The chlorine sanitises the water, while magnesium improves water feel, clarity, and comfort.
Does a magnesium pool still use chlorine
Yes, magnesium in swimming pool systems still uses chlorine, but at much lower levels than traditional pools. The chlorine is generated naturally and consistently, reducing harsh chemical effects while maintaining safe sanitation.
Is magnesium safe in swimming pool water
Magnesium in swimming pool water is safe when maintained at recommended levels. Magnesium chloride is non-toxic and widely used in wellness applications. Proper water balance and regular testing ensure safety for all swimmers.
Is a magnesium pool better than a saltwater pool
Magnesium pools and saltwater pools both use mineral chlorination, but magnesium pools generally offer softer water, less skin dryness, and lower corrosion risk. Many swimmers find magnesium pools more comfortable than saltwater pools.
How long does magnesium last in a swimming pool
Magnesium typically lasts between three and six months in a swimming pool, depending on pool usage, backwashing, and water loss. Magnesium levels are topped up as part of regular pool maintenance.
Can an existing pool be converted to magnesium
Most existing pools in Australia can be converted to magnesium swimming pool systems, including concrete, fibreglass, and vinyl liner pools. A professional assessment is recommended before conversion.
Final Thoughts on Magnesium in Swimming Pool Systems
Magnesium in swimming pool systems provides a premium alternative to traditional chlorine pools. With softer water, reduced irritation, improved clarity, and a more enjoyable swimming experience, magnesium pools continue to grow in popularity across Australia.
For Australian pool owners seeking comfort, low chemical exposure, and long-term value, a magnesium swimming pool is a smart and future-focused choice.