Swim healthier.
A mineral pool uses magnesium and other minerals instead of harsh chlorine — gentler on skin, eyes and hair, naturally easier on the water chemistry, and a more luxurious swim. John Brennan Pools converts traditional chlorine and saltwater pools into mineral systems across the Central Coast, with over 25 years of technical experience behind every conversion.
What is a mineral pool?
A mineral pool uses minerals — most commonly magnesium, sometimes with potassium and sodium — in the water to deliver a range of health and comfort benefits. Unlike traditional chlorine or saltwater pools, it's designed to be gentler on the skin, eyes and hair while offering a more luxurious, refreshing swim.
The key advantage is that mineral pools don't rely on harsh chemicals to stay clean. The minerals themselves help naturally sanitise the water, reducing the need for high levels of chlorine — which means no stinging eyes, no dry skin, and none of that strong chlorine smell.
For anyone with sensitive skin or allergies, a mineral pool is a far more comfortable alternative to a traditional system. John Brennan Pools uses high-quality systems and minerals so your pool delivers the full benefit.
Six reasons to make the switch.
A mineral conversion isn't just about comfort — it touches your health, your hair and skin, your maintenance routine, and even the environment.
Health & Relaxation
Magnesium improves skin hydration, reduces inflammation, relieves muscle tension and promotes better sleep and relaxation.
Softer Skin & Hair
Where chlorine strips natural oils, magnesium soothes and hydrates — leaving skin soft and hair silkier after a swim.
Fewer Harsh Chemicals
Minerals naturally sanitise the water, cutting reliance on chlorine and reducing the risk of respiratory irritation.
Easier Maintenance
Minerals stabilise the water chemistry, so fewer chemical adjustments are needed and the water stays clearer for longer.
Kinder to Equipment
Less reliance on corrosive chlorine means reduced wear on liners, pumps and filters — extending your pool's lifespan.
More Sustainable
Fewer synthetic chemicals, fewer chemical byproducts and less packaging waste make a mineral pool the eco-conscious choice. See our eco approach.
Mineral vs chlorine.
The biggest difference is how the water is sanitised. A traditional chlorine pool adds chemicals to kill bacteria and algae — effective, but harsh on the skin, eyes and hair, with that lingering chlorine smell after every swim.
A mineral pool uses naturally occurring minerals like magnesium instead. They keep the water clean and deliver health benefits, so there's far less need for high chlorine levels. The result is water that feels softer on the skin and doesn't leave you smelling of chlorine.
Because the minerals help stabilise the water chemistry, fewer chemical adjustments are needed — saving time and money over the long run. Pair it with our water testing service to keep levels dialled in.
A perfect choice for families.
Traditional chlorine pools can cause skin irritations, red eyes and lingering chemical smells — uncomfortable for children, especially those with sensitive skin or allergies. A mineral pool offers a gentler alternative with all the benefits of a clean, sanitised pool, minus the harsh effects of chlorine.
Parents concerned about their children's exposure to chemicals will appreciate the reduced reliance on chlorine, with naturally occurring minerals doing the work of keeping the water clean — a safer environment for kids who swim often.
And the magnesium itself adds something extra: its ability to promote relaxation and relieve stress makes the pool a space where the whole family can unwind, not just exercise. It's a common reason families on the Coast — from Gosford to Wamberal — make the switch after children experience post-swim skin dryness in a chlorine pool.
Converting your pool, step by step.
Switching a chlorine or saltwater pool to a mineral system is straightforward when it's handled properly. Here's how John Brennan Pools does it.
Assessment
We assess the condition of your existing pool and equipment to confirm everything is compatible with a mineral system before we begin.
Install
We install a mineral chlorinator — designed to work with magnesium and other minerals rather than traditional chlorine.
Treat
The water is treated with high-quality minerals to begin naturally sanitising the pool, the foundation of a mineral system.
Balance
We test and balance the water chemistry during the initial stages, making sure mineral levels are optimal for sanitation and comfort.
Support
Ongoing maintenance is similar to a traditional pool but with fewer adjustments — and we provide guidance and support throughout.
Most conversions are completed in just a few days. Keep your new system in top condition with our maintenance packages and equipment inspections.
Mineral pools offer a unique balance of luxury and health benefits. Not only do they provide a more comfortable swimming experience, but they also help to naturally sanitise the water and reduce the need for harsh chemicals. — John Brennan, Practice Lead
A mineral pool makes sense if…
Tick a few of these and a conversion is well worth a conversation. Each point reflects a benefit mineral owners on the Coast tell us they notice most.
Eczema, psoriasis or general dryness flaring after a chlorine swim.
Red eyes, irritation or chemical smell bothering the children.
Asthma or irritation aggravated by high chlorine levels.
Constant balancing and frequent chemical purchases wearing thin.
Dry, brittle hair after time in a chlorine or saltwater pool.
Keen to cut synthetic chemicals and packaging waste.
Happy to invest up front for easier, cheaper upkeep over time.
Softer water and a genuinely more relaxing experience.
Mineral conversions, answered.
What is involved in converting a chlorine or saltwater pool to a mineral pool?
A mineral pool conversion by John Brennan Pools is a four-stage process completed in just a few days for most pools. First, the practice assesses your existing pool and equipment for compatibility. Next, it installs a mineral chlorinator designed to work with magnesium and other minerals. The water is then treated with high-quality minerals to begin naturally sanitising the pool, and finally the water chemistry is tested and balanced for optimal sanitation and comfort.
Is a mineral pool more expensive than a chlorine pool on the Central Coast?
A mineral pool costs more to set up than a chlorine pool but is cheaper to run over the long term. John Brennan Pools finds the higher upfront conversion cost is offset by fewer chemical adjustments and gentler treatment of pool surfaces and equipment. This extends the lifespan of your pool's infrastructure and reduces spend on repairs and replacements over time.
Is a mineral pool harder to maintain than a chlorine pool?
No — a mineral pool is generally easier to maintain than a chlorine pool. The minerals help stabilise the water chemistry, so fewer chemical corrections are needed and the water stays clearer for longer. That means less frequent cleaning and fewer chemical shocks to restore clarity. Ongoing maintenance is similar to a traditional pool, just with less fuss.
Does a mineral pool still contain any chlorine?
Yes — a mineral pool does still produce a small amount of chlorine, as required by Australian health regulations. However, a John Brennan Pools mineral system relies far less on harsh chemicals: the minerals help naturally sanitise the water, greatly reducing the chlorine required. The result is softer water that doesn't sting the eyes, dry the skin, or leave a strong chlorine smell after a swim.
Is a mineral pool good for sensitive skin and children?
Yes — mineral pools are well suited to sensitive skin and children. Magnesium is hydrating and soothing, which makes magnesium mineral pools especially beneficial for sensitive skin and conditions like eczema. With reduced reliance on synthetic chemicals, a John Brennan Pools mineral system is also a gentler, safer environment for children who swim frequently, with less risk of irritation, red eyes and respiratory discomfort.
Related guides.
Uncompromising StandardsReady to swim healthier?
There's never been a better time to switch. Speak with John Brennan Pools directly — no call centres, no upselling, just considered advice. From choosing the right system to ongoing maintenance, every conversion is delivered with the same Master-Level Care, because your pool is an investment, not just a backyard feature.
Written by John Brennan
John Brennan is the Practice Lead and Principal Technician of John Brennan Pools, a specialist pool and spa practice serving the NSW Central Coast since 2019. As Principal Technician, John brings over 25 years of hands-on technical experience — across QLD, the NT, and NSW — in diagnostics, clinical water chemistry and asset preservation. As Practice Lead, he sets the clinical standards every technician on the team is trained to meet, so every engagement is delivered with the same Master-Level Care.
John Brennan Pools specialises in converting traditional chlorine and saltwater pools into magnesium mineral systems, managing every stage from assessment and chlorinator installation through to water balancing and ongoing maintenance. No call centres, no upselling — just considered advice and meticulous care, held to John's standard.
Fully Licensed & Insured · ABN 11 202 829 652 · Contact John
A Note on Health Claims
The comfort and wellbeing benefits described on this page — including the soothing, hydrating and relaxing properties commonly associated with magnesium-mineral water — reflect the experiences our clients report and general industry understanding of mineral pools.
This information is general in nature and is not medical advice. If you have a specific skin, respiratory or other health condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions based on potential health benefits.
For technical guidance, the work of John Brennan Pools follows manufacturer specifications for mineral chlorinator systems and standard Australian pool water-balancing practice.
Across the Central Coast.
Mineral pool conversions and full pool servicing across 90+ suburbs — from Umina to Lake Munmorah and everywhere between.