Keeping your swimming pool water safe and healthy doesn’t just happen on its own. Regular water treatment is essential to kill bacteria, stop algae, and keep your water pleasant to swim in. But with so many systems available, how do you choose the right one? In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most popular pool water treatment systems—chlorine, saltwater, UV, and mineral systems—so you can find the best fit for your pool and lifestyle.
Chlorine Systems: widely used
How it works: Chlorine is added to the water (manually or via a dosing system) to disinfect and kill harmful organisms.
Best for: Pool owners looking for a proven, low-cost option.
Pros:
Very effective and reliable
Affordable and widely used
Easy to test and adjust
Cons:
Can cause strong smells or skin irritation if not balanced
Requires regular monitoring
Saltwater systems: for softer water
How it works: Salt is added to the pool and a salt chlorinator converts it into chlorine automatically.
Best for: Families wanting a more comfortable swimming experience with less hands-on maintenance.
Pros:
Gentler on skin and eyes, due to lower chloramine levels
Less chlorine odour
Lower day-to-day maintenance
Lower chemical usage
Cons:
Higher upfront cost
Salt can be corrosive to some pool parts (Norsup's low salt chlorinator works with very little salt to prevent this)
UV Systems: for lower chemical use
How it works: Water passes through a UV light system that kills bacteria and viruses without adding chemicals.
Best for: Pool owners who want the cleanest water possible with minimal chemical use.
Pros:
Reduces need for chemicals significantly
Very effective against germs and algae
No taste, odour, or irritation
Cons:
Still needs a small amount of chlorine or another sanitiser. Mostly used in combination with a salt chlorination system
Higher initial investment
Mineral systems: natural and gentle
How it works: Minerals like silver and copper are used to prevent algae and bacteria growth.
Best for: Eco-conscious users or those with sensitive skin, used alongside a basic chlorine or UV system.
Pros:
Soft, silky water feel
Fewer harsh chemicals
Natural and eco-friendly
Cons:
Often used as a supplement, not a full sanitiser
Slower to act than chlorine
Summarising...
Chlorine: Simple, affordable, and effective.
Saltwater: Great for comfort and less frequent maintenance.
UV: Ideal for health-focused, low-chemical pool care.
Mineral: A gentle add-on for cleaner water with fewer chemicals.
Still not sure which system fits your needs best? Check out our water treatment comparison guide or speak with a Norsup dealer near you to get personalised advice!
Read all about the Norsup water treatment equipment here.
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