Thinking a magnesium pool is a chlorine-free, health-boosting upgrade? Not quite. These “mineral” pools combine magnesium chloride with chlorine (and sometimes ozone) to sanitise and deter algae. It’s true magnesium can soften water and may feel gentler on skin, hair and eyes—but the actual levels in pool water are so low that you’d practically have to swim for a full day to match an Epsom-bath-effect.