Start Your Mineral Pool Conversion with High-Magnesium Conditioning
Zodiac Element Activate Mineral Salts are a high-magnesium mineral blend formulated for the initial conversion stage when changing a pool to a mineral salt system. Made with 95% magnesium chloride and 5% potassium chloride, they help condition and stabilise the water while creating a softer, silkier feel and supporting improved clarity.
Element Activate is used when converting pools with salinity above 3000ppm to the Element mineral salt system. It helps prepare the water during the transition stage before Element Mineral Salts become the ongoing blend used for regular operation and top-ups.
How It Works
Element Activate Mineral Salts are used during the initial conditioning stage of a mineral pool conversion. Its high magnesium content helps condition the water quickly, while potassium supports a gentler, more premium mineral water feel. Once the water has been stabilised, Element Mineral Salts are then used as the ongoing blend for regular pool operation.
Magnesium Chloride (95%)
Helps condition and stabilise the water during the initial conversion stage, while contributing to a softer, silkier water feel.
Potassium Chloride (5%)
Supports a gentler mineral water feel during start-up, while complementing magnesium through the initial conversion stage.
Together, these mineral salts help prepare pool water for a smoother transition to the Element mineral salt system.
Features & Benefits
- 95% magnesium chloride and 5% potassium chloride blend
- Used for the initial conversion stage to a mineral salt system
- Helps condition and stabilise pool water during transition
- Creates softer, silkier-feeling water during start-up
- Helps support improved water clarity
- Suitable for pools using salt chlorinator systems
- Compatible with sand, glass, and cartridge filters
- No filtration change required
A Simpler Way to Enjoy Mineral-Enriched Water
Element Activate Mineral Salts are ideal for pool owners beginning the switch to a mineral salt system. The high-magnesium blend helps condition the water during conversion, creating a smoother, gentler-feeling swim and supporting the sparkling clarity many swimmers look for in a mineral pool.
Important Usage & Compatibility Information
- Pools with salinity above 3000ppm should use Zodiac Element Activate Mineral Salts first during the initial conditioning stage before switching to Element Mineral Salts for ongoing use.
- Pools with salinity below 3000ppm, or pools currently using manually dosed liquid or granular chlorine, can begin using the Zodiac Element Mineral Salts immediately without the Activate stage.
- Compatible with sand, glass, and cartridge filters.
- Magnesium chloride is hygroscopic and does not dissolve in the same way as traditional pool salt, so salinity readings may not increase in the same way as standard pool salt.
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 Activate Mineral Salts and Element 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 Activate Mineral Salts the same as MagnaPool Minerals?
No. Element Activate Mineral Salts are a high-magnesium conversion blend used during the transition to the Element mineral salt system. 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 Activate is used during the initial conversion stage before switching to Element Mineral Salts for ongoing use.
Can Element Activate Mineral Salts be used in pools with manually dosed chlorine?
Yes. If the pool currently uses manually dosed liquid or granular chlorine, Element Activate Mineral Salts can be used during conversion to help condition the water before ongoing use of Element Mineral Salts.
Do I need to change my filter to use Element Activate Mineral Salts?
No. Element Activate 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 Activate?
Magnesium chloride is hygroscopic and does not register in the same way as traditional pool salt. Salinity readings may not increase in the same way as they would with standard pool salt, so always follow the recommended dosage guidance and your chlorinator manufacturer’s salinity requirements.
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 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.
