Salt Water Pools Still Contain Chlorine. Here Is the Real Alternative.
A salt water pool uses electrolysis to generate chlorine on-site at 1–3ppm , identical to a conventional chlorine pool. The salt doesn't replace chlorine. It makes it. Origin Aqua Mineral+Biome® is the only system that eliminates chlorine entirely. Over 100 UK pools installed since 2010. One-day retrofit.
Why Salt Water Pools Are Not Chlorine-Free
A salt water pool uses a salt chlorine generator (SCG) , an electrolysis cell plumbed into the filtration circuit. As salt water passes through, the cell splits sodium chloride into chlorine, which dissolves into the pool at 1–3ppm: the same concentration as a manually dosed chlorine pool.
The chlorine reacts with sweat, sunscreen, and body oils to form chloramines , the disinfection byproducts responsible for red eyes, skin irritation, and the sharp smell at busy pools. Salt water pools still produce chloramines. They are not chemical-free. They are a different delivery mechanism for chlorine.
Thinking of Converting to a Salt Water Swimming Pool? Read This First.
If you are thinking of converting your pool to salt water, it is worth understanding the chemistry before you commit. A salt water swimming pool generates chlorine on-site via electrolysis at 1-3ppm. The salt does not replace chlorine. It makes it. When people compare chlorine vs salt water pool options, both still leave you with a chlorine pool. If you want a genuinely chemical free pool as an alternative to chlorine, salt water is not the answer.
The Hidden Costs of Salt Water Pool Systems
- Salt chlorine generator cells corrode and must be replaced every 3–5 years (£300–£800 each)
- Salt accelerates corrosion of ladders, fittings, and pool equipment
- pH management is still required , typically more alkalinity correction than a chlorine pool
- Chloramines still form under bather load , same red eyes, same skin irritation
- If you are looking to convert pool to salt water to escape chlorine, you will still have chlorine
How Mineral+Biome® Is Different
Instead of killing pathogens with chemicals, Mineral+Biome® starves them of nutrients. Beneficial bacteria in the mineral substrate remove phosphate, nitrogen, and carbon , the nutrients pathogens need to survive. No nutrients, no pathogens, no disinfectants.
- No chlorine, no salt, no UV, no ozone , genuinely chemical-free
- No chloramines , no red eyes, no skin irritation, no pool smell
- Crystal-clear, soft water , mineral spring quality
- One-day retrofit , works on any existing salt water or chlorine pool
- Peer-reviewed , 99.9% pathogen elimination confirmed in Nature Water
How It Works , 3 Steps to a Chemical-Free Pool
Free survey
Tell us about your pool , size, current system, what you are considering. We review it and give you an honest written specification.
One-day installation
Mineral+Biome® fits into your existing filtration circuit. No rebuild, no replumbing. Your pool is swimmable the same day.
Annual service
Two technical visits per year, handled by Origin Aqua. No chemicals to buy, no call-outs, no surprises.
Frequently Asked
Do salt water pools have chlorine?
Yes. A salt water pool generates chlorine on-site via electrolysis at 1–3ppm , the same level as a conventionally dosed chlorine pool. Salt water pools are not chlorine-free.
Are salt water pools chlorine free?
No. The salt chlorine generator produces chlorine continuously. The source changes (salt instead of tablets) but the chemistry in the water is identical. For a genuinely chlorine-free pool, Mineral+Biome® is the only option in the UK.
What is the healthiest type of swimming pool?
A pool with no chemical disinfectants. Mineral+Biome® achieves this by starving pathogens of nutrients rather than killing them with chemicals , no chlorine, no chloramines, no trihalomethanes. Peer-reviewed in Nature Water (2022).
Can I convert my salt water pool to Mineral+Biome®?
Yes. One-day retrofit , the salt chlorine generator is removed and Mineral+Biome® is integrated into your existing filtration circuit. No rebuild, no replumbing.
What are the disadvantages of a salt water pool?
Salt water pools still contain chlorine and produce chloramines. The salt chlorine generator cell corrodes and must be replaced every 3–5 years (£300–£800). Salt accelerates corrosion of pool equipment and stonework.
“We switched from a saltwater pool last year. The difference is immediate , no chemical smell, no red eyes on the children.”
, Pool owner, Surrey
Get a Free Specification — Salt Water Pool to Chemical-Free
Ready to Remove Chlorine From Your Pool , For Good?
Whether you have a salt water pool already or are considering installing one, Mineral+Biome® gives you what salt water promises but can't deliver: a genuinely chemical-free pool with crystal-clear water and no disinfection byproducts.
We'll review your current setup and send a free written specification within 48 hours. Prefer to talk? Call 0330 128 9885.