When you picture your dream pool, you likely imagine crystal clear water that feels refreshing on a hot Gold Coast afternoon. You probably don’t picture red eyes, itchy skin, or the smell of harsh chemicals.
One of the most common questions we get at Lazy Day Pools is: “What is the difference between chlorine, saltwater, and mineral pools?”
There is a lot of confusion out there, specifically the myth that a “saltwater pool” is like swimming in the ocean.
To help you make the right choice for your family, we’ve broken down exactly how these three systems work, how they feel, and why the filtration technology makes all the difference.
The Big Myth: “Saltwater Pools Use Ocean Water”
Before we compare the systems, we need to clear up the biggest misconception in the pool industry.
A saltwater pool is NOT filled with ocean water.
If we filled your pool with ocean water, the salt levels (approx. 35,000 ppm) would be so corrosive that it would destroy your pump, heater, and concrete shell within months.
The Reality:
All three pool types – Chlorine, Saltwater, and Mineral – start with the exact same thing: Regular tap water.
The difference isn’t the water source; it is the Filtration System (the machine) we install to keep that water clean.
The Three Contenders Explained
1. Traditional Chlorine (The “Old School” Way)
This is the system most of us grew up with. It relies on you, the homeowner, acting as the chemist.
- How it works: You manually pour liquid chlorine or add chlorine tablets into the water to kill bacteria.
- The Downside: Because you are adding chemicals in bulk doses, chlorine levels spike. This creates that strong “bleach” smell and causes skin irritation and “red eye.”
- Our Verdict: We generally consider this outdated technology. It requires too much manual effort and offers the poorest swim experience.
2. Saltwater (The Lazy Day Standard)
This is the most popular system in Australia and is included in every Lazy Day Pools Standard Quote.
- How it works: We add bags of salt to your tap water (about 1/10th the saltiness of the ocean). As this slightly salty water passes through the Saltwater Chlorinator unit, electricity turns the salt into chlorine gas.
- The Reality: A saltwater pool IS a chlorine pool. The difference is that it generates its own chlorine automatically and consistently, so it is gentler than the “dump and pour” method.
- The Swim Feel: The water feels softer than traditional chlorine, but it will leave a salty taste on your lips and can leave a “sticky” residue on your skin when you dry off.
3. NKD-R Mineral (The “Freshwater” Upgrade)
This is the premium choice for health-conscious families, found in our “Looking For Something Extra?” range.
- How it works: Instead of relying on salt to create chlorine, this system uses natural mineral compounds, specifically Copper and Silver ions.
- Silver is a natural antibacterial agent.
- Copper is a natural algaecide.
- The Result: Because these minerals act as a “residual sanitiser” working in the background, the pool requires very little chlorine to stay safe.
- The Swim Feel: This is the game changer. The water produced by the NKD-R system closely resembles typical household tap water. It is tasteless, odourless, and leaves your skin feeling fresh, not sticky.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Traditional Chlorine | Saltwater (Standard) | Mineral (NKD-R) |
| Sanitisation Method | Manual Chemical Dosing | Salt converts to Chlorine | Copper & Silver Ions |
| Chlorine Levels | High (Spikes) | Medium (Consistent) | Very Low |
| Water Taste | Chemical | Salty | Fresh / Neutral |
| Skin After-Feel | Dry / Itchy | Sticky / Salty | Clean / Soft |
| Suitable for Eczema? | No | Sometimes | Yes |
| Maintenance | High (Daily/Weekly) | Low (Automated) | Low (Automated) |
Is the Mineral Upgrade Worth It?
At Lazy Day Pools, we believe every pool should be easy to maintain, which is why we include a high-quality Saltwater Chlorinator as our standard. It is a fantastic, reliable system that beats manual dosing every time.
However, if you are looking for a true “resort” experience at home, we recommend the NKD-R Freshwater System.
You should consider the upgrade if:
- You or your children have sensitive skin or eczema.
- You hate the smell of chlorine or the taste of salt.
- You want your pool water to feel silky and fresh, just like a shower.
- You want to protect your pool equipment (mineral water is less corrosive than salt water).
Ready to Choose Your Water?
Whether you stick with our reliable Saltwater standard or upgrade to the luxurious NKD-R Mineral system, Lazy Day Pools guarantees a system that is engineered for the Gold Coast climate.
Discuss your filtration options with our Director, Kevin, during your free on-site consultation.
Contact us today!
