The Complete Guide to Pool Mineral Systems – AQUASTRONG Edition

Pool water chemistry is vital for maintaining a clean, clear, and safe swimming environment. While traditional pool sanitizers like chlorine and bromine are popular, many pool owners are now turning to mineral sanitizers as a more gentle and effective alternative. If you're considering making the switch, here's everything you need to know about pool mineral systems, their benefits, and how to use them effectively with AQUASTRONG products.

What is a Pool Mineral System?

A pool mineral system uses specific minerals—primarily silver and copper—to keep your pool water sanitized. These minerals are highly effective at preventing the growth of bacteria and algae in your pool. While copper is known for its algaecide properties, silver works as an antibacterial agent. Some mineral systems may also include zinc, which has antibacterial properties, as well as limestone to help maintain a stable and neutral pH level in the water.

Mineral sanitizers work as a complement to traditional sanitizers like chlorine or bromine, rather than replacing them entirely. While pool mineral systems are an excellent way to reduce chlorine usage and maintain cleaner water, they still require supplemental sanitizing chemicals to fully disinfect the pool.

Benefits of Pool Mineral Sanitizers

1. Softer Water One of the most noticeable benefits of using a pool mineral system is the softness of the water. Unlike chlorinated water, which can leave your skin feeling dry and irritated, water treated with minerals is smoother and gentler on your skin, hair, and swimwear. The water feels silky, and you won't have to apply as much lotion afterward to restore your skin’s moisture.

2. Reduced Wear on Pool Equipment Chlorine can be harsh not just on your skin, but also on your pool equipment. Pool systems using minerals are gentler on your pump, filter, and other pool components. This reduced wear and tear means your equipment is likely to last longer, saving you money in the long run.

3. Lower Chlorine Usage Pool mineral systems significantly reduce the amount of chlorine you need to use in your pool. With minerals handling much of the sanitization, you’ll find you can use half as much chlorine, which also reduces the formation of chloramines (those irritating “pool smells”). This results in cleaner, fresher pool water with fewer chemical odors.

Drawbacks of Pool Mineral Systems

While there are numerous advantages, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before switching to a mineral sanitizer:

1. Still Requires Chlorine or Bromine A mineral system cannot fully sanitize your pool on its own. You’ll still need to add chlorine or bromine to kill bacteria, viruses, and prevent algae blooms. However, because the mineral system reduces the demand for chlorine, you’ll need significantly less.

2. Potential Higher Initial Costs Mineral systems may seem like an affordable option, but keep in mind that you still need to buy additional chlorine or bromine. However, because you use less chlorine overall, this cost may be lower than if you relied entirely on chlorine or bromine.

3. Oxidation Stains Copper is a common component in many pool mineral systems, and over time, it can oxidize in the water, leading to unsightly green stains on your pool’s interior. If your water source contains high levels of copper, consider using a hose filter when filling your pool to prevent this issue. If stains do occur, metal sequestrants can help prevent further staining.

Pool Mineral System Options

There are a variety of pool mineral systems to choose from. Here are some popular options to consider with AQUASTRONG:

1. In-Skimmer Mineral Systems One of the simplest options, an in-skimmer mineral system involves placing a mineral dispenser in your pool’s skimmer basket. As water flows into the skimmer, it passes over the dispenser, which releases minerals into the pool. AQUASTRONG’s in-skimmer systems are easy to install and can handle pools up to 30,000 gallons. The system helps reduce chlorine demand by up to 50%, ensuring cleaner water and less chemical use.

2. Floating Mineral Dispensers Another easy-to-use option is a floating dispenser that releases minerals as it drifts around your pool. Simply load the dispenser with a mineral cartridge and let it float freely in the water. AQUASTRONG’s floating dispensers are designed to work with both mineral and chlorine cartridges to ensure your pool remains sanitized and fresh.

3. Inline Mineral Systems Inline mineral systems are installed directly into your pool’s plumbing system. While these require a bit more effort to install, they offer a more permanent solution for ongoing mineral distribution. AQUASTRONG’s inline systems ensure a steady release of minerals and chlorine into the water, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

How to Use a Pool Mineral System

Switching to a pool mineral system is relatively easy and doesn’t require major changes to your pool. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started with AQUASTRONG’s pool mineral systems:

1. Balance Your Water Begin by testing the basic chemical levels in your pool—alkalinity, pH, and calcium hardness. The ideal levels are:

   • Total Alkalinity: 100-150 ppm (125 ppm is optimal)
   • pH: 7.4-7.6 (7.5 is ideal)
   • Calcium Hardness: 175-225 ppm (for vinyl and fiberglass pools); 200-275 ppm (for concrete and plaster pools)

2. Test for Metals It’s essential to test for metals such as copper and iron before using a mineral system. If the levels of these metals are high, use a metal sequestrant to prevent staining or other issues. AQUASTRONG recommends using a hose filter when filling your pool to reduce the risk of introducing unwanted metals into the water.

3. Add the Mineral System Once your pool is balanced and free from high metal content, you can install your AQUASTRONG mineral system. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions to place the mineral dispenser in the skimmer, float it in the pool, or install it into the plumbing system.

4. Supplement with Chlorine or Bromine While the mineral system will do much of the heavy lifting, you’ll still need to add a small amount of chlorine or bromine to maintain proper sanitation. For chlorine pools, aim for a level of 0.5 ppm; for bromine pools, 1 ppm.

5. Shock the Pool After installing the mineral system, you may need to shock your pool to clear up any remaining bacteria or organic contaminants. AQUASTRONG recommends using a non-chlorine shock for regular maintenance, but you can still use chlorine shock as needed.

Is a Pool Mineral System Worth It?

Absolutely! Pool mineral systems provide an easy way to maintain cleaner, clearer, and softer pool water while reducing the amount of chlorine or bromine required. With AQUASTRONG’s pool mineral systems, you’ll enjoy easier maintenance, longer-lasting equipment, and a more enjoyable swimming experience.

By integrating AQUASTRONG’s mineral sanitizers into your pool care routine, you’ll get all the benefits of cleaner water with fewer chemicals, making your pool more enjoyable and eco-friendly.

Ready to make the switch to a pool mineral system? Shop AQUASTRONG’s range of mineral systems today and take the first step toward a cleaner, softer, and more sustainable pool!