Mineral pools utilize a blend of naturally sourced minerals to disinfect pool water, offering an alternative to traditional chlorine systems. Here's a breakdown of how they work:
1. Mineral Composition:
- Mineral pools use a combination of minerals, typically including:
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Sodium Chloride (salt)
2. Dissolving the Minerals:
- These minerals are added to the pool water, where they dissolve. This creates a mildly saline environment enriched with the beneficial minerals.
3. Electrolysis and Chlorination:
- The mineral-rich water then passes through a chlorinator (also called a salt cell or electrolysis cell).
- The chlorinator uses electrolysis, an electrical process, to convert the sodium chloride (salt) in the water into chlorine. This process is similar to that used in saltwater pools.
- The chlorine produced disinfects the pool water, killing bacteria and algae.
4. Mineral Benefits:
- While the primary disinfectant is still chlorine (produced from the salt), the added minerals offer several benefits:
- Softer Water: Minerals like magnesium can contribute to softer feeling water, which is gentler on the skin and hair.
- Skin Health: Some users report that minerals like magnesium can provide therapeutic benefits for the skin.
- Reduced Irritation: The mineral balance can potentially reduce irritation compared to traditional chlorine pools.
5. Maintenance:
- Like any pool system, mineral pools require regular maintenance:
- Water Balance: Maintaining proper pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness is crucial.
- Chlorinator Cell Cleaning: The chlorinator cell needs periodic cleaning to remove calcium buildup, which can hinder chlorine production.
- Mineral Level Monitoring: Regular testing and adjustment of mineral levels are important to ensure proper disinfection and mineral benefits.
In summary, mineral pools disinfect using chlorine generated through electrolysis of sodium chloride (salt) from dissolved minerals, offering potential benefits like softer water and skin health.
