Softer, Clearer Pool Water with Mineral Salt Technology
Zodiac Element Mineral Salts are a magnesium-enriched mineral salt blend formulated to enhance salt chlorinator systems. Made with 30% magnesium chloride and 70% sodium chloride, they help create softer, silkier water with improved clarity and a more comfortable swimming experience than traditional pool salt alone.
Element is an easy way to introduce mineral-enriched water to existing pools without changing your filtration system. It can be used when converting from traditional saltwater chlorination or from manually dosed liquid or granular chlorine, making it a practical option for pool owners who want a smoother, more enjoyable water feel while keeping the benefits of chlorination.
How It Works
Element Mineral Salts work with salt chlorinator systems by combining the sanitising function of sodium chloride with the water-conditioning benefits of magnesium. Sodium chloride supports chlorine production through electrolysis, while magnesium helps soften the water, improve comfort, and acts as a natural flocculant to help bind fine particles for removal through filtration.
Magnesium Chloride (30%)
Helps soften and condition the water, while acting as a natural flocculant to support improved clarity.
Sodium Chloride (70%)
Supports chlorine generation through electrolysis, allowing the chlorinator to sanitise the pool water effectively.
Together, these mineral salts help maintain clear, comfortable pool water with a softer feel than traditional salt-only pools.
Features & Benefits
- 30% magnesium chloride and 70% sodium chloride blend
- Creates softer, silkier-feeling pool water
- Helps support improved water clarity
- Provides a more comfortable swimming experience than traditional pool salt alone
- Works with salt chlorinator systems
- Compatible with sand, glass, and cartridge filters
- No filtration change required
- Suitable for new pools and existing pools converting to a mineral salt blend
A Simpler Way to Enjoy Mineral-Enriched Water
Element Mineral Salts are ideal for pool owners who want the feel of mineral-enriched water while continuing to use a chlorinator-based system. The magnesium-rich blend helps create smoother, gentler-feeling water and supports the sparkling clarity many swimmers look for in a mineral pool experience.
Important Usage & Compatibility Information
- Pools with salinity below 3000ppm, or pools currently using manually dosed liquid or granular chlorine, can begin using Element Mineral Salts immediately.
- Pools with salinity above 3000ppm should use Zodiac Element Activate Mineral Salts first during the initial conditioning stage before switching to Element for ongoing use.
- Magnesium chloride is hygroscopic and does not dissolve in the same way as traditional pool salt, so for every 10kg bag added, approximately 9kg will register as salinity.
Always follow the salinity requirements specified in the chlorinator manufacturer’s manual, and allow the pump to run for a minimum of 8 hours after adding minerals to help ensure even distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Element Mineral Salts and Element Activate Mineral Salts?
Element Activate is used during the initial conversion stage when a pool already has salinity above 3000ppm. Its high magnesium content (95% magnesium chloride, 5% potassium chloride) helps condition and stabilise the water during the transition. Once the water has been conditioned, Element Mineral Salts (30% magnesium chloride, 70% sodium chloride) become the ongoing blend used for regular operation and top-ups.
Are Element Mineral Salts the same as MagnaPool Minerals?
No. Element Mineral Salts contain sodium chloride and are used with salt chlorinator systems. MagnaPool Minerals contain no sodium chloride at all — they use a patented blend of magnesium and potassium chloride only, and are used as part of the dedicated MagnaPool system with a Hydroxinator and glass media filtration. MagnaPool is the premium mineral system, while Element is a more accessible mineral upgrade for existing chlorinator pools.
Can Element Mineral Salts be used in pools with manually dosed chlorine?
Yes. If the pool currently uses manually dosed liquid or granular chlorine, Element Mineral Salts can be added immediately when converting to a mineral salt system. No Activate conditioning stage is required.
Do I need to change my filter to use Element Mineral Salts?
No. Element Mineral Salts are compatible with sand, glass, and cartridge filters, so there is no need to change your existing filtration system.
Why does my salinity reading not increase as expected after adding Element?
Magnesium chloride is hygroscopic and does not register in the same way as traditional pool salt. For every 10kg bag of Element Mineral Salts added, approximately 9kg will show as salinity. If you are reading TDS rather than salinity directly, multiply your TDS result by 0.68 to estimate actual salinity.
My hardness test result looks very high. Does that mean I have too much calcium?
Not necessarily. Many test kits measure total hardness, which includes magnesium, so a mineral salt pool will naturally show a higher total hardness reading. This does not automatically mean calcium hardness is too high. Use a true calcium hardness test for a more accurate reading. As a guide, calcium hardness in a balanced Element mineral pool is approximately 30% of total hardness. For example, if total hardness is 800ppm, calcium hardness is approximately 240ppm, which is within the normal range.
The minerals in the bag have clumped into a solid block. Can I still use them?
Yes. Clumping usually means the minerals have been exposed to air and moisture. They are still suitable for use, but may take longer to dissolve. Brush the minerals around the pool as they dissolve to avoid concentration in one area, and allow the pump to run for at least 8 hours after adding them.
There is white froth on the water surface after adding the minerals. What should I do?
This is normal during start-up as the minerals reach equilibrium with the water. The froth usually disappears within a few hours, or overnight with the pump running. It can sometimes leave a light residue along the waterline, which can usually be wiped away once the minerals have finished dissolving.
I noticed yellow discolouration on the pool floor after adding minerals. What should I do?
This is typically caused by minerals settling on the pool floor due to insufficient circulation after dosing. Run the pump for a minimum of 8 hours to help distribute the minerals evenly. If the discolouration remains after that, use an
All-In-One Stain Remover.
There is white residue at the waterline or in the pool. What should I do?
Check and maintain healthy water balance, including calcium hardness, pH, and total alkalinity within the recommended ranges. If frothing occurred while the minerals were dissolving, a light residue may remain on the waterline and can usually be wiped away.
