Fresh Water, Low Chemicals: Your Guide to Naked System Chemistry
Fresh Water, Low Chemicals: Your Guide to Naked System Chemistry
Welcome to the poolcalculator.com.au blog! If you've recently installed a Naked Freshwater System or are considering one, you're likely aware that its water chemistry requirements are significantly different from traditional chlorine or salt pools.
The Naked system delivers safe, healthy, fresh water with minimal chemicals — and far less maintenance than traditional sanitisers. This post answers the most common questions about how the Naked system works, why it's different, and exactly how to keep your water crystal clear and healthy.
1. How Does the Naked System Differ from Traditional Pool Types?
The Naked Freshwater System is a hybrid sanitisation technology that uses:
- Copper and silver ionisation
- Low-level oxidation
This creates a natural, low-chemical alternative to chlorine-heavy pools.
Key Difference: Residual Sanitiser
| Pool Type | Primary Sanitiser | Residual Level |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional (Salt/Chlorine) | Chlorine | 1.0 – 3.0 ppm |
| Naked Freshwater | Copper + Silver Ions | Copper: 0.2 – 0.5 ppm |
The Naked system eliminates the need to swim in high chlorine.
A tiny amount of chlorine is produced via oxidation, but the target is 0 – 0.5 ppm — barely detectable.
Copper acts as a natural algaecide, silver kills bacteria, and oxidation handles organic matter. The result? Silky, fresh water with no chlorine smell, no red eyes, no itchy skin.
2. Naked System Water Chemistry: Critical FAQs
Q1: What are the required chemical ranges for a Naked Freshwater Pool?
Use the Naked Copper Test Kit for accurate copper readings. Here are the official target ranges:
| Parameter | Recommended Range | Critical Details |
|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.2 – 7.6 | Above 7.6 inhibits copper effectiveness |
| Total Chlorine | 0 – 0.5 ppm | Copper is the real sanitiser |
| Free Chlorine | 0 – 0.5 ppm | Should stay negligible |
| Copper* | 0.2 – 0.5 ppm | *Main algaecide — test with Naked kit |
| Total Alkalinity (TA) | 80 – 150 ppm | Stabilises pH |
| Calcium Hardness | 150 – 250 ppm | Monitor quarterly |
| Salt / Mineral Salt | 500 – 700 ppm | Aids conductivity (more in winter) |
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | 800 – 1200 ppm | Low = clearer water |
| Phosphates | 0 – 0.2 ppm | Algae food — keep near zero |
Pro Tip: High pH can mask copper readings — always balance pH first.
Q2: Why are TDS levels so low compared to traditional pools?
TDS = Total Dissolved Solids — everything dissolved in your water (salt, calcium, minerals, etc.).
| Pool Type | Typical TDS |
|---|---|
| Saltwater Pool | 3500 – 6000 ppm (salinity alone) |
| Naked Freshwater | 800 – 1200 ppm |
Lower TDS = clearer, lighter, fresher water.
But don't go too low:
- Below 600 ppm → poor conductivity → reduced sanitisation + potential cell damage
- Above 3000 ppm → overheating risk → warranty void
Q3: What chemicals should I absolutely NOT use with the Naked System?
Some chemicals damage the cell or disrupt ionisation. Never add:
| Banned Chemical | Why |
|---|---|
| Cyanuric Acid (Stabiliser) | Not needed — blocks copper |
| Copper Algaecides | Already in the system |
| Bromine Compounds | Incompatible |
| Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) | Harsh on cell |
| Granular Chlorine | Use liquid chlorine only if needed |
| Flocculants (Aluminium-based) | Clogs system |
| Zeolite / Zelbrite Media | Interferes with ionisation |
Allowed:
- Sodium Bicarbonate (Buffer) → raises TA/pH safely
- Liquid Hydrochloric Acid → lowers pH
- Calcium Chloride → raises hardness
Q4: How often should I test the water?
| Frequency | Test |
|---|---|
| Weekly | pH, Copper |
| Every 4–6 weeks | Total Alkalinity, Phosphates |
| Quarterly | Calcium Hardness |
Use our [Pool Calculator](/) to log results and get instant advice.
Q5: How do I adjust the primary parameters?
| Goal | Chemical | Dosage Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Lower pH | Liquid Hydrochloric Acid | Max 500ml at a time — never with swimmers |
| Raise TA/pH | Sodium Bicarbonate (Buffer) | 200g raises TA by 10 ppm per 10,000L |
| Raise Salt | Pool Salt or Mineral Mix | Add in winter if conductivity drops |
| Raise Calcium | Calcium Chloride | Consult pool shop |
3. Special Considerations for the Naked System
Algae Control & Phosphates
Copper kills algae — but only if phosphates are low.
- Phosphates > 0.2 ppm → algae feast
- Solution: Use phosphate remover (e.g., Pool Perfect, Starver)
Winter Mode & Pool Covers
- Pool blanket or indoor pool? → Chlorine lingers
- Fix:
1. Remove blanket weekly to let water breathe 2. Enable Winter Mode (Menu 13) → reduces output by 50%
Ready to Test Your Naked Pool?
Use our Free Pool Calculator to:
- Enter your test strip results
- Get instant "out of whack" alerts
- See exact dosing for your pool size
Disclaimer: This guide is based on Naked Pools manuals and general best practices. For troubleshooting or unusual readings, take a water sample to your local pool shop. *PoolCalculator.com.au is not affiliated with Naked Pools.*
*Have a question we didn't cover? Drop it in the comments below or tweet us @SlouchyPete!