How to Add a Mineral System to Your Pool (And Use 50%-100% Less Chlorine!)

When it comes to pool sanitation systems, the two options people tend to think of first are traditional chlorine systems or saltwater systems. (Read our comparison here.) But what they often do not realize is that these are both chlorine systems, and both rely on having a free chlorine level in the 2-5 PPM range. The only difference is that in a salt water pool, the chlorine is "automatically" generated through a reaction between your salt chlorinator cell and the salt in the water, instead of by directly adding chlorine to the pool.

How to add a mineral system to my swimming pool

For those looking for an alternative requiring less chlorine, a mineral system offers quite a few benefits, such as:

less "chlorine smell"
less wear and tear on components
less fading of liners and swimsuits
and water that is usually deemed as "a lot more comfortable"

Unlike traditional chlorine or saltwater systems, mineral systems rely on a combination of minerals and a low level of chlorine to keep the pool water free from bacterial or other growth. Because of these added minerals doing work for you, a pool with a mineral system requires a much lower amount of free chlorine - generally in the 0.5-1.0 PPM range ...that's less than half the levels you'll find in none mineral pools!

But how hard is it to add a mineral system? And how much will it cost?

The good news is mineral sanitation systems are both extremely easy to add, and relatively inexpensive (particularly compared to something like a salt water chlorine generator).

What's Required for a Pool Mineral System?

The main item you'll need to add a mineral system to your pool is the mineral system itself. This generally works as an in-line component you'll add to your filtration system, between the filter and the return jets in your pool.

Multiple options exist for mineral systems, but the one's we'll focus on here are the Pool Frog systems by King Technologies. Pool Frogs are available for both inground and above ground pools, with a few different options available. Each of these includes both a space for their mineral reservoir as well as their chlorine "Bac Pacs."

A mineral reservoir will last roughly six months or one full season between replacements, and the chlorine packs will last several weeks or possibly longer, depending on your pool's chlorine needs. What's great about these "bac pacs" is that as they are self-contained, you won't ever have to touch chlorine. Just pop a new one in when the old one is running low and you're good to go!

Note that you are not required to use the chlorine "bac pacs" and can add chlorine to your pool the usual way (such as through tablets or liquid) - though using the Frog's "set it and forget it" system is a much easier solution.

How Do I Use 50-100% Less Chlorine?

The Pool Frog Mineral Systems with the utilization of the Pool Frog BacPac provide the lower chlorine environment we're all searching for right now. Up to 50% lower to be more precise. But with the increasing cost and lower availability of traditional chlorine tablets, 50% less usage isn't solving the entire problem.

That's where E-Z Pool comes in. API, the manufacturer of EZ-POOL, EZ SPA, REVIVE and PEPPER has been the leader in nonchlorine solutions for over 25 years. It's only natural that many pool owners have turned to them during this time of chlorine shortage. By itself, E-Z Pool also cuts chlorine consumption by 50%- But here's the kicker! The other 50% of chlorine usage that E-Z Pool needs, is found... are you ready for it? In the Pool Frog BacPacs!

The Pool Frog BacPacs contain the mineral for your mineral system but also a small amount of prefilled chlorine as well. And that's all the chlorine E-Z Pool needs to be an all-in-one sanitation system. What does that mean?

100% no more chlorine tablets and on top of it, E-Z Pool is all your other chemicals traditionally needed in one easy scoopable bucket. The Pool Frog BacPac is the missing sanitizer. They complete one another.

EZ POOL or

How Do I Install My Mineral System?

Mineral systems come with multiple different installation options, though most of them are designed for "inline" use—meaning you connect it as an additional component directly "inline" with the rest of your equipment, generally after your filter (or heater). (If you would like to install one for "offline" you can check out the Pool Frog 5490.)

Unlike salt systems which require additional wiring, adding a mineral system is as simple as cutting into your existing plumbing and inserting the system between your filter (or heater/heat pump if you have one) and the pool. It should be the last item in your equipment that the water flows through before re-entering the pool.

Once you have it installed, levels are managed through a simple adjustable knob. No extra electricity is required!

You can also check out our step-by-step article here on how to install and use your Pool Frog Mineral system (complete with videos). For specific installation instructions for your system, follow the instructions included in your manual.

How Do I Start Up My Mineral System?

Just like with any change to your filtration or sanitation systems, the first step to starting up your mineral system is to test the water. The preferred levels for your specific system should be included with the instruction manual. Test your water and balance the levels to within the recommended parameters.

For example, on the Pool Frog System, the recommended parameters are:

pH: 7.2-7.8
Total Alkalinity: 80-120 PPM
Calcium Hardness: 200-400
Total Dissolved Solids: <1500
Stabilizer: 20-80 PPM
Free Chlorine: 0.5 - 1.0 PPM

After everything's all set, you'll need to shock your pool with a traditional chlorine shock to set a residual level of chlorine.

Then you just insert your mineral pack and set the system to the recommended setting, and your mineral system is up and running!

After your chlorine levels drop down to about 1 PPM (this may take a few days after your initial shock), add a chlorine pack to your cycler and adjust the chlorinator knob to the recommended number for your pool size and pump combination. Note that while this is optional and you can add chlorine in other ways, using this inline chlorinator option makes life much easier.

Pool Frog 5400 Series Mineral System for Inground Pools

If you’d rather spend your free time IN the pool than maintaining it, this system is for you. POOL FROG uses sanitizing minerals in conjunction with a very low level of chlorine to kill bacteria two ways. The result is Fresh Mineral Water®. It feels softer, looks clearer and takes far less time and effort to maintain. The bonus? It uses up to half the chlorine of standard water treatment systems—making it easier on skin, swimsuits and noses.

How Do I Maintain My Mineral System?

Like any pool system, they key to proper maintenance and crystal clear water requires keeping your pool chemical levels within the recommended parameters and keeping your filter and skimmer clean.

The mineral system itself will require little to no interaction each season. Just pop out the old cartridge when it's empty (about six months on a Frog system) and put in a new one.

If you're using the inline chlorinator "bac pacs" those should just be replaced as needed. As long as you set your chlorinator to the right setting, your chlorine levels should remain fairly constant and require very little maintenance. And if you need some extra help managing algae, just grab a bottle of Frog BAM and add it to the system!

You'll also still want to shock the pool every other week, or as needed. Ideally use a non-chlorine shock as the goal of your mineral system is to keep the chlorine levels low, though a chlorine shock is usually okay.

Clean, Comfortable Mineral Water Really Is That Easy!

To recap, adding a mineral system to your swimming pool is a fairly simple process. All it takes is the mineral system and the required mineral cartridges (and chlorine packs if you choose to use them). Then add it to your existing pool plumbing after your heater or filter, key it in to the appropriate setting, and you're set!

Soon you'll be enjoying some of the best-feeling pool water you've ever experienced, spending considerably less time maintaining your pool's chemicals, and free from the smells and itchiness that highly chlorinated pools can cause.

Pool Frog 6100 Series Mineral System for Above Ground Pools

POOL FROG is a hassle-free pool care system that doesn’t just kill bacteria but kills bacteria two ways – with FROG minerals and a small amount of chlorine. The result is Fresh Mineral Water® that is crystal clear and silky soft. There’s no daily dosing required, no heavy chlorine odors, and you get weeks of consistent, effective water care. You’ll never have to handle or measure pool chemicals, because everything you need comes in pre-filled cartridges.