Halo Pure vs Freshwater Pool System: Why Automation and Comfort Matter

In recent years, pool owners have increasingly been looking for alternatives to traditional chlorine-based pool systems, aiming for gentler water that’s healthier for swimmers and the environment. Two popular approaches are freshwater pool systems and low-salinity chlorination solutions such as the Halo Pure system. Both methods significantly reduce chemical usage and promise softer, more comfortable swimming experiences, but they achieve this through a slightly different method. 

Freshwater pool systems primarily utilise copper and silver ionisation to maintain water quality with minimal chlorine levels, providing swimmers a more natural-feeling experience. Conversely, Halo Pure combines low-salinity chlorination with mineral ion sanitisation, blending the comfort of freshwater pools with the reliable disinfection of chlorination, along with advanced smart automation features.

We aim to clearly explain the differences between these two systems, helping you understand their strengths, limitations, and suitability for your own pool, so you can confidently choose the sanitisation method that best matches your preferences and pool maintenance needs.

What is a Freshwater Pool System?

Freshwater pool systems utilise mineral-based technology, predominantly copper and silver ionisation, to maintain a clean and sanitary pool environment with minimal chlorine. The control unit energises special electrodes (anodes) that release microscopic mineral ions (copper to combat algae and silver to kill bacteria) into the pool water, whilst also powering an electrolytic cell to generate chlorine. 

Common Myths about Freshwater Pool Systems

It’s important to clarify several misconceptions pool owners often encounter when considering freshwater pool systems:

Myth #1: Freshwater Pool Systems are Chlorine-Free

Many believe freshwater pool systems are completely chlorine-free. In reality, freshwater systems do produce chlorine, though in small quantities, using the same electrolysis process found in standard pool chlorinators. This low-level chlorine production is essential, providing a continuous sanitiser to maintain safe swimming conditions.

Myth #2: Freshwater Pool Systems are Truly “Freshwater”

The term "freshwater" might imply that these pools use water without additives or minerals, similar to natural bodies of water. However, no pool system can safely operate without added sanitisation methods. Most freshwater pool systems actually rely on adding minerals or salts to reach a sufficient Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level—typically around 800 ppm or more—to effectively generate chlorine through electrolysis.

Myth #3: Freshwater Pools Barely Require Chemicals

While freshwater systems are marketed on the promise of minimal chemical usage, they still require chemical adjustments, especially under heavy usage or warm conditions. Mineral ions in these systems naturally diminish over time and can become ineffective under demanding conditions, necessitating manual chlorine dosing to maintain water clarity and hygiene.

Myth #4: Freshwater Pools are Easier to Maintain

A common perception is that freshwater pools demand less maintenance compared to traditional chlorinated pools. However, because freshwater systems run at very low chlorine levels, they can be more susceptible to problems such as algae growth or bacterial contamination. This actually requires more frequent water monitoring and adjustments to maintain proper chemical balance and prevent water quality issues.

Myth #5: Freshwater Pools Won’t Stain Pool Surfaces

Freshwater pools are often believed to be gentler on pool surfaces. However, the mineral ionisation method used, particularly copper ions, can lead to staining issues, especially on fibreglass pools. Due to this risk, some fibreglass pool manufacturers explicitly exclude warranty coverage for pools sanitised with copper or silver ionisers.

What is Halo Pure?

Halo Pure is essentially a two-in-one system: a salt chlorinator and a mineral ioniser combined. Halo Pure comes bundled with Mineral Guard – a secondary sanitiser cartridge that releases silver and copper ions into the water. This hybrid approach (chlorine + mineral ions) provides an extra layer of protection and allows lower overall chlorine levels​. It operates at just 1,500 ppm salinity, which is about half the salinity of traditional saltwater pools to generate chlorine, giving the water a “pure and fresh” feel. 

It can optionally interface with Bluetooth pH and ORP sensors to monitor water chemistry and adjust dosing automatically​. This means Halo Pure not only produces chlorine, but can also help regulate pH (with an optional acid-dosing unit) for a complete water management solution.

Halo Pure vs Freshwater Pool System Comparison

Water Quality and Comfort

Both Halo Pure and freshwater pool systems are designed to enhance swimmer comfort compared to traditional chlorine pools. Freshwater pools are well-known for being gentle on the eyes and skin – no more red eyes, itching, or strong chlorine odour after a swim. This makes them appealing for families with young children or people with sensitive skin, asthma, or conditions like eczema. 

Halo Pure delivers the same benefits by keeping chlorine levels low and salt content minimal. With only a bag or two of salt in the whole pool, the water doesn’t feel salty– it’s nearly as fresh as tap water, leaves no sticky residue or taste on the skin. Swimmers don’t need to rinse off after swimming because there’s no harsh salt or heavy chlorine smell on the body.

Both systems avoid the chlorine highs and lows of manually-dosed pools – meaning the water always feels balanced and mild, rather than sometimes over-chlorinated and other times full of chloramine. It’s also worth noting that because Halo Pure maintains at least a modest chlorine residual, it continuously kills pathogens quickly, reducing the risk of recreational water illnesses while still being gentle. Freshwater pools rely on slower-acting copper and silver ions for sanitation, which are very effective against algae and many bacteria, but viruses and some bacteria may require longer contact time to be neutralised​. Also, after heavy use or extreme weather, these systems cannot rapidly boost chlorine to shock the pool (since high chlorine is precisely what they avoid). Pool owners might need to manually add a chlorine-based shock or run the system longer to compensate.

Smart Pool Automation and Connectivity

When it comes to automation and connectivity, there’s a clear distinction between systems that offer true control and those that simply provide basic guidance. Most freshwater pool systems focus primarily on water treatment and operate as standalone units, managing only the ioniser and, in some cases, offering a timer for the circulation pump.

While some brands offer a companion app, these are generally limited to passive features such as tips, maintenance reminders, or pool chemistry calculators. They don’t offer real-time control of the system or integration with other pool equipment. In short, these apps are informative rather than interactive—they don't connect to or actively manage the system itself.

Where Halo Pure truly differentiates itself is in smart automation. It is part of the Halo Connect System, an award-winning platform designed to “connect, analyse, monitor, and automate multiple devices seamlessly” in your pool environment​. The Halo Pure chlorinator has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. At poolside, you can connect via Bluetooth for quick adjustments. For anywhere-anytime access, the unit links to your home Wi-Fi, enabling cloud-based remote monitoring and control through the Halo ChlorGo smartphone app. This allows you to check and change settings from your palm, whether you’re on the couch or on vacation. 

Halo Pure can serve as an automation hub: it features integration ports and wireless links for controlling pumps, heaters, lights, valves and more. For example, it can directly interface with AstralPool’s XT variable-speed pump. In an “AI Mode,” Halo Pure will adjust the pump speed and chlorinator output in unison based on sensor readings, optimising energy use while keeping water chemistry balanced. The plug-and-play setup makes it easy to build a complete smart pool, meaning less time fiddling with multiple controllers and more time enjoying.

Ease of Maintenance & Reliability

Mineral-ion freshwater systems require regular monitoring of mineral levels and manual adjustments to prevent algae blooms and maintain sanitisation, particularly under heavy usage or hot weather conditions. Another maintenance aspect is monitoring the copper and silver levels. While the system continuously doses these ions, they can be depleted or, if overactive, build up. Too low, and algae might gain a foothold; too high, and you risk metal stains on the pool or greenish hair from copper. 

Freshwater pool owners are usually advised to test their pool water for copper levels monthly and ensure it stays in the recommended 0.2–0.5 ppm range. Over the long term, the copper/silver anodes will dissolve, so they require replacement every 3-5 years, similar to the lifespan of a salt chlorinator cell. Since freshwater systems are offered by smaller specialist manufacturers, pool owners should ensure there’s a local dealer who knows the system. In contrast, any pool technician will know their way around a salt chlorinator like Halo Pure.

One of Halo Pure’s promises is simplified maintenance. Traditional saltwater chlorinators already reduce maintenance compared to manual chlorination, and Halo Pure refines this further. The system automatically balances chlorine output and pH levels, greatly reducing hands-on management. The Mineral Guard cartridge is similarly low-maintenance: it requires no power or calibration and is guaranteed not to stain surfaces. You simply replace the mineral cartridge once every 6 months to replenish the silver and copper media​. There’s no need for frequent water testing of copper levels or fiddling with ioniser settings – the Mineral Guard’s controlled release technology takes care of that, maintaining safe levels well below staining thresholds. In practical terms, a Halo Pure owner might check their pool chemistry weekly (as with any pool) but find that the chlorine and pH stay quite steady thanks to the system’s adjustments. 

Reliability-wise, Halo Pure benefits from AstralPool’s long-standing reputation in pool equipment. The unit is backed by a 3-year warranty and built with quality components. The electronics are designed to handle Australian outdoor conditions, and the fact that it’s a unified system means fewer points of failure (one integrated system rather than several third-party devices cobbled together). Overall, Halo Pure is engineered to be a minimal maintenance solution for much of your pool care, needing only occasional oversight and consumable replacements.

In summary, a freshwater system can be low-maintenance in day-to-day operation (no constant chlorine dosing, etc.), but it introduces new maintenance considerations (metal levels, acid dosing) that require a dedicated pool owner. Halo Pure, by combining both salt and mineral ions in a controlled way, attempts to capture the best of both – simplifying care by automating tasks and using proven chlorination reliability alongside the benefits of mineral ions.

Bottom Line

Both freshwater pool systems and Halo Pure significantly improve swimming comfort and reduce chemical exposure compared to traditional chlorinated pools. Choosing the right system depends on your priorities for peace of mind, maintenance effort, and automation convenience. Understanding these distinctions will help you confidently select the best sanitisation approach to meet your pool’s unique needs, ensuring enjoyable swimming experiences for years to come.  Visit our dealer page to locate your nearest AstralPool authorised dealer and learn more about how Halo Pure can be part of your pool care solution.