One of the most common questions we hear is:
“What’s the best way to sanitise my swimming pool?”
The answer depends on what’s most important to you. Are you looking for the lowest running costs? The softest water? Or the simplest system to maintain?
The good news is that all three options—saltwater, mineral and liquid chlorine—are effective at keeping your pool clean and safe. The biggest differences come down to cost, maintenance and the swimming experience.
Saltwater Pools
A saltwater pool is by far the most popular choice for Compass Pools customers in Newcastle, and for good reason.
Despite the name, a saltwater pool isn’t chlorine-free. Instead, it uses a salt chlorinator to convert dissolved pool salt into chlorine through a process called electrolysis. Rather than manually adding chlorine each week, the system continually generates the sanitiser your pool needs.
For most families, saltwater offers the ideal balance of affordability, convenience and comfort.
One of its biggest advantages is the low ongoing operating cost. A 20kg bag of ultra-fine pool salt typically costs around $12, making it one of the most economical sanitisation systems available.
Saltwater pools also maintain more consistent chlorine levels because the chlorinator produces chlorine continuously. This generally results in softer-feeling water with fewer chemical fluctuations, making it gentler on the eyes and skin.
The only additional maintenance is that the chlorinator cell requires occasional cleaning, and because the process naturally raises the pool’s pH, you’ll need to periodically add acid to keep the water balanced- or opt for a pH upgrade to your saltwater chlorinator.
Mineral Pools
Mineral pools have become increasingly popular with homeowners looking for a more luxurious swimming experience.
Like a saltwater pool, a mineral pool still uses a chlorinator to generate chlorine. The difference is the type of minerals dissolved in the water. Instead of using only sodium chloride (pool salt), mineral systems use a specially formulated blend that typically contains magnesium, potassium and sodium.
These minerals create water that many swimmers describe as feeling noticeably softer and silkier.
Many people also enjoy the therapeutic benefits associated with magnesium, particularly after exercise, and mineral pools often produce fewer chloramines—the compounds responsible for the strong “chlorine smell.”
The trade-off is cost. Mineral salts typically cost three to four times more than standard pool salt, making them a more expensive option over the life of the pool.
Liquid Chlorine Pools
Liquid chlorine is the traditional method of sanitising a swimming pool.
Instead of generating chlorine automatically, liquid chlorine is manually added to the pool or dosed through an automatic chemical dosing system. It effectively destroys bacteria, viruses and algae, but because chlorine is added in larger doses rather than continuously, chlorine levels naturally rise and fall between treatments.
This means water chemistry generally requires more frequent testing and adjustment to maintain ideal sanitiser levels.
When not carefully managed, liquid chlorine pools can be more prone to stronger chemical odours, itchy skin and irritated eyes due to fluctuating chlorine levels and higher chloramine formation.
Which System Is Best?
Each sanitisation system has its place.
If you’re looking for the lowest running costs and the easiest day-to-day maintenance, a saltwater pool is difficult to beat.
If you value the softest, most luxurious swimming experience and don’t mind paying a little more for mineral salts, a mineral pool is an excellent upgrade.
If you already have chemical dosing equipment or prefer a traditional sanitisation system, liquid chlorine remains a reliable option, although it generally requires more regular attention.
Our Recommendation
For the vast majority of homeowners, we recommend a saltwater pool.
It provides the best combination of low operating costs, simple maintenance, reliable water quality and a comfortable swimming experience. That’s why it’s the sanitisation system installed in most Compass Pool Centre Newcastle projects.
For homeowners wanting an even more luxurious feel, a mineral pool can be a fantastic upgrade, offering all the convenience of a saltwater system with the added benefits of magnesium-rich water.
Frequently asked questions
Which is easiest on skin, eyes and hair?
Mineral pools are the gentlest — magnesium and potassium are actively skin-friendly, and many people with eczema or sensitive skin notice a real difference. Saltwater is next; the water is softer than chlorine and about a third as salty as sea water. Straight chlorine is the harshest, though modern systems have improved a lot.
What's the cheapest system to run over the year?
Straight chlorine is usually cheapest year-one but adds up over the pool’s life. Saltwater is moderate — the chlorinator does the work but you pay for electricity and cell replacement every 5–7 years. Mineral pools cost most in top-ups (a bag of mineral salts every 6–12 months) but reduce other chemical use. For most Newcastle families we build for, salt and mineral come out within $100–$200/year of each other.
Do mineral pools still contain chlorine?
Yes — mineral pools use a chlorinator to generate a low level of chlorine from the mineral salts. The chlorine keeps the water safe; the magnesium and potassium change how it feels. It’s not chlorine-free swimming; it’s a much milder, better-feeling version.
Is a mineral pool salty tasting?
Much less than a saltwater pool. A mineral pool sits at about half the salinity of saltwater (around 3,000 ppm vs 4,000–6,000 ppm), and the magnesium changes the taste — it reads as slightly earthy rather than salty. Most people who’ve tried both prefer the mineral feel.
We're on tank water in the Hunter — does that change what system suits us?
Not directly, but tank water tends to be softer than town water, which slightly reduces the load on any pool system. Rural clients across Cessnock, Kurri Kurri and the wider Hunter Valley find mineral pools particularly enjoyable because the water quality is already good — the minerals just make it better.
Will saltwater corrode my pool equipment or coping stones?
Modern pool equipment is designed for salt use — pumps, filters and heaters are all specified salt-compatible. Coping stones and surrounding hardscape can weather faster near the waterline, particularly natural stone. For coastal installs in Merewether or Nelson Bay we recommend sealed stone or porcelain paving that handles the salt exposure without staining.
Which system is best if I have young kids?
Mineral for feel and safety — soft water is easier on kids’ eyes, and there’s no risk of the “burning chlorine” experience that puts children off swimming. Saltwater is a close second. Straight chlorine is fine but you’ll spend more time managing chemical balance.
Can I change my mind after the pool is built?
Yes. All three systems use the same underlying pool plumbing and filtration. Switching from salt to mineral is a simple add-on (see our upgrade article). Going from chlorine to salt requires adding a salt cell. Going back from mineral to salt just means letting the mineral wash out over time — no equipment change needed.